Finance with Don Fraser Fraser Farm Finance

As an old fart and nearing 75, I seem to be surrounded by people who are having a failing or frail existence and all they seem to be doing is existing and just ‘keeping ahead of the undertaker’.

While I am no expert on the elderly, (no I am not one, yet!) it seems these ‘existers’ have a few things in common.

Loss of confidence

This comes in many forms but may follow an event or a series of events, which may include: a fall, a fall off a bike, a car accident or a health issue. Or it may be what they are telling themselves.

Predisposed medical conditions

It seems that several of the drugs that really slow us down are there to prolong our lives. It is looking like a trade-off between living a bit longer and not feeling so great, and as a result, not being able to do as much. In other words, our quality of life is compromised.

Loss of connection

Loneliness is another tough issue. Many people go days, if not weeks without a visit, talking to or having human contact. It must be miserable.

Also, Relationship issues seem fairly common as we age. We are often pushed up against a partner in a modest home with maybe not a lot in common, then we need to make a lot more effort.

Beating limitations

I have listed a few ideas of what limits us as we get older, but we really need to be more proactive to ensure we are keeping well ahead of you know who.

These might include joining a club or community-based activity, joining a group that has exercise as its base such as cycling, walking, or tramping – all low impact of course, forming a coffee group that meets on a regular basis and opening up, building a bridge and getting over our expectation of how we think our family should be and maybe get more involved (an apology might be all that is required).

You can also consider getting some help from a professional to assist us to get a more balance view of our world. Many years ago, I had to get professional help and it made a huge difference to my life. Get a check-up from the neck-up.

Going to see your medical professional and voicing your concerns so you again get a more balanced view of your health issues is also a good idea. Take a list.  If you do not connect with your doctor, find someone with whom you do.

Putting in the effort

And finally, do a realistic calculation of how many ‘decent’ years you have left and start living them like you will be losing one every year. Around 86 most people slow dramatically.

Realise as we get older, we need to make more effort in every way, as a warm chair is probably more inviting than being out and about, particularly if it is cold.

Also think about your diet. Eat adequate meals, and no, a sandwich and a beer does not cut the mustard.

In summary, to keep well ahead of the undertaker we need to do some of our own research on ourselves. We need to get and keep more involved in our community.  We need to get a more balanced view on ourselves. We need to live every day like it is our last because it may well be true!

Disclaimer – These are the opinions of Don Fraser (an old fart). Any decisions made should not be based on this article alone and appropriate professional assistance should be sought.

Don Fraser is the retired Principal of Fraser Farm Finance and was a consultant to the farming industry.  You can still contact him on 021 777 675.