Articles ~ The Rest of Your Life

As alluded to in an earlier column, I have been reflecting on practical elements of life as opposed to the theories I shared for years as a motivational speaker. The advantage is that I am looking back to a known past, not untested thoughts of a tomorrow.

One of the retirement facilities I visited, as a featured speaker for their annual event with more than 250 attendees, had a humbling perspective. Before a new residewnt is admitted, he or she is asked, “What do you plan to do with the rest of your life?”

That question would be considered rhetorical, especially given that many of those being admitted were in the 4th quarter of their lives. Even those more than 95 years old had to state what they planned to do with the rest of their lives.

This last winter was hard on my arthritis, prompting me to head south to Arizona, for a few weeks, where I have several friends in different communities. I visited Bullhead City, Brenda/Desert Gold area, and Sun City among others. Sun City was the first community in the USA for those at least 55 years and older and has more golf courses and exercise facilities than most mid-size cities in America. No schools.

I would be ignoring a truth I have known for years, that being involved in one’s community is a good thing. In those communities I met people approaching 100 years, yet still serving their fellow human beings with commitment I am unable to describe.

There was Arlene, 97, still driving around as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, using an old map, not GPS to navigate through city streets. She was among the first young people to respond to President Kennedy’s call to serve in the Peace Corps. Time stopped as we visited about the many places and people she has served in Africa over the years.

My friend, Hugh Duncan, who served as Episcopal priest in Boise in the 1990s is a walking testimony on the power of serving others. Not only being a pioneer in founding a non-profit that aids retirees with financial constraints but also assisting senior citizens with their tax returns needs. Don’t mind he was a nuclear engineer, interviewed and hired by Admiral Hyman Rickover. Hugh has never seen a human need that cannot be addressed by others!

The point is those involved in their communities or in the welfare of their fellow human beings have something to look forward to each morning.

And while at it, having a hobby, exercise routine and social support system are some aspects that I have observed in people who have a plan on how to live the rest of their life. A reason to rise every morning seems to be an imp piece of aging well.

We are currently undergoing a restructuring�which take my job to Houston. I have a teenage daughter�and don't feel I can uproot her from her birthplace and family support. Your presentation provided excellent counsel for both situations. I have also visited your web site and enjoyed several of your stories which lessons I will surely use in my life. Thanks for being a person willing to share your gifts with others. May God bless you and your family.

Shelley Balistreri, Salt Lake City, Utah