Unlike younger people, the over 50s should know by now that the way to avoid disaster is to monitor what’s going on – with yourself, your surroundings, your possessions, and your relationships – and if you sense that something doesn’t seem right, sort it out!
Burying your head in the sand may be a more comfortable option in the short term but in the long run, it can lead to disaster. And why should it? Because despite what you think may be wrong, in reality – although it may be unsettling, inconvenient, and perhaps, expensive – whatever it is, it is rarely as bad as you imagine.
Whether it’s something as crucial as your health, or as important as your finances, home or car – if you are alerted to the fact that all may not be well, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Many people don’t, simply through fear – particularly when it comes to health.
Yet time and time again doctors tell us that in respect of just about all major diseases and disabilities, early detection is the key to effective treatment. If you’re still not convinced, remember the old saying: ‘Death is nature’s way of telling us to slow down’.
Similarly with relationships – don’t wait until you hear the dreaded words ‘I’m leaving’, before you address issues and underlying unhappiness, no matter how long it has been going on. It takes courage and resolve to tackle such matters, whatever they are, and if the warning signs do signal bad news it may take courage to sort things out.
On a more practical level you should keep a checklist of things around you that require regular maintenance and make sure that you take action. Perhaps fortunately we are required by law to have our motor vehicles checked regularly in order to pass their MOT. Adopt the same mindset for your central heating boiler, your roof, or any other items that are going to require significant and painful amounts of inconvenience and expenditure if they go wrong.
One of the joys of being older is having peace of mind and the feeling that you have a reasonable amount of control over the future. Of course, you can’t control and prevent everything, but it’s surprising how much you can control – and all with comparatively little expenditure and effort.
Click here to read more helpful advice for the over 50s
