10 Tips for Retirees…Who Have Become Carers

Is retirement not quite turning out as you expected? Have your retirement dreams, been replaced by caring for a loved one?

10 Tips for Retirees…Who Have Become Carers

Original article sourced from the Australian Carers Guide Magazine. For your free digital magazine copy click HERE.  

Is retirement not quite turning out as you expected? Have those dreams of sitting on a tropical island, sipping martinis, been replaced by caring for a loved one? Make the most of retirement years with these words of advice:

 Keep an optimistic attitude

Having an optimistic attitude and a good sense of humour can only increase your enjoyment of the world. Life often throws us nasty surprises and curve balls but staying upbeat will sustain you through difficult times. If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed with feelings of sadness, hopelessness or depression, seek professional help.

Becoming a carer might have not been in your planned future, but it is a transition that is often part of the aging process and is now your new normal. Accepting and embracing this change will better allow you to make the most of each day.

Take care of your health
Create and maintain a regimen to take care of your health. With others counting on you, staying active, alert and healthy can make all the difference. Part of being healthy means not over-eating or drinking and taking the time for your own medical and dental check-ups and appointments.

Being physically active is key. Try walking the block, taking a Zumba class or even regularly following an exercise video at home to keep supple and fit.

Stay connected and embrace life-long learning

When you offer a ride to an appointment you have the opportunity to provide a social connection, practical help and respite (a break) for the primary carer.

Participate more, share more and do what you can to spend time with others.

Here are just a few ideas…
•If you have always enjoyed your book club, an evening class or simply having coffee with a friend, keep doing them. If necessary, ask friends or family for help so that you can take time for yourself on a regular basis.
•Seek out local support groups to help you deal with your loved one’s health issues. Most health-related organisations (e.g., Dementia Australia, the Stroke Foundation) offer such groups for families with common issues, needs and realities to come together.
•Do things with grandchildren or young adults—their energy and joy for life can be contagious. In addition, young people offer a wonderful connection to new ideas and technologies that will open doors for you.
•Explore cultural activities. Enjoy a free concert in the park, visit a museum or check out the animals at the local zoo. If mobility is an issue, look online to make sure your chosen place is accessible.
•Get involved in politics. Learn more about your neighbours and their issues and concerns. Offer to lend a hand with campaigns and support the next candidate running in your local council.
•Technology is a great, often inexpensive way to stay connected. Try a computer class, learn to Skype or take an online course. The internet will expand your world, increase your links to the outside and sustain your spirits, even during coronavirus-related distancing or lockdowns.

Embracing life-long learning is all about consciously keeping a sharp mind. Challenging yourself to try something new—such as playing the piano, taking an art class or simply trying a new recipe—will make sure your brain stays active.

Consider your financial stability
Managing your finances so that you can deal with any nasty surprises will make you feel more comfortable and secure. As a carer, there might well be extra costs that you hadn’t thought about. Will you need to pay for homecare services, medical supplies or prescriptions?

Perhaps this is the time to “right size” your home. That might mean moving into a smaller place, such as a bungalow, or upgrading your existing house so that it has a safer bathroom, wider doorways and less challenging entrances and exits. The decisions you make about where you live should take into account potential future health needs, ease of maintenance and proximity to medical services.

If it is possible in your situation that you might also consider going back to work on a part-time basis, both to bring extra cash and as a way to stay socially engaged.

Do the maths. Look at your current and expected expenses and compare them with the money you have. A financial planner can often identify areas where you can change your spending to allow you to maintain your lifestyle. Of course, all financial planners will tell you to live within your means and make (often difficult) adjustments
to keep your head above water.

Think about spirituality
Spirituality is not the same as religion. It is about you—knowing who you are, how you handle challenges and what your place is in this world. How you see yourself and your world is drawn from your purpose in life and your ongoing values. Knowing who you are, will keep you strong, and able to tackle and conquer each day.

Get your legal affairs in order
It is never too early and sometimes too late to get your legal affairs in order. Work with a lawyer to draft a power of attorney document and will, and make sure the person you are caring for also has his or her affairs in order. Working with a lawyer to write these documents will ensure that your wishes, values and beliefs are respected, and will also bring greater peace of mind in your retirement to you and your family.

Give back and volunteer
Ask retirees why they volunteer and they will probably say that they like to support a project or cause they believe in, and that allows them to use their skills and knowledge to make a worthwhile contribution. There are many volunteering opportunities out there, such as mentoring or helping at the local food bank.

Staying active and involved has clear health benefits, such as reducing the likelihood of loneliness, depression and isolation, and keeping the body and mind sharp and engaged.

It is usually easy to find volunteering opportunities, especially if you use the internet. Most organisations have websites and many community services groups post placements. Find something that interests you and give back. You will achieve great satisfaction by helping others.

Explore new hobbies
Take time for yourself and activities that make you feel happy and fulfilled. Going back to an old favourite or trying a new hobby that you’ve never had time for in the past can be good for your mind, body and soul. Ok, so skydiving might be a bit risky, but lots of us still decide it’s now or never and jump on our 60th, 70th or 80th birthdays!

Think of things you enjoy doing and be sure to write them into your schedule. Don’t feel that you have to go for the big adventure. Simple things, such as knitting a scarf, reading the latest book from your favourite author, planting bright flowers in the garden or taking photographs of birds in the park, can be just as fulfilling. These activities don’t cost much money, yet will bring a wealth of joy into your world.

Create goals for your hobbies and plan special things to look forward to—improve your golf score, join friends for a mid-week game of cards or try a new recipe each week. Be bold and creative, and your days will become more fun and rewarding.

Make life plans
In contrast to our younger working or childbearing years, our time as older adults can be less well-structured and lack a specific roadmap. For some, having short-, medium- and long-term plans can be comforting.

Think about today. What is on your plate, and how can you make the most of living in the moment? Where can you expect your life to be in five, 10 and 20 years? Having an idea of these time frames will allow you to design a plan that might have different activities or responsibilities for each time period. For example, you might be living in a large house today and want to downsize in a few years; or plan to reduce your working hours. Creating a life plan will not only help you to stay positive but will also keep you on track to reach your personal goals.

Foster relationships
Close relationships give our lives purpose and shape who we are. As we get older, we can decide who we want to associate with, and we can let friends, family and acquaintances either stay with us or drift away. Try to stay close to people who are dear, regardless of the miles that separate you. If your marital status changes then you might wish to think about exploring new romantic relationships. Seek out community and hobby groups that will introduce you to interesting potential friends.

I hope you find some of these tips helpful. Being a carer reshapes our worlds, dreams and plans. However, both caring and retirement offer new opportunities and challenges. Success in negotiating these will be achieved by maintaining a positive attitude, adapting to change and taking care of yourself. Fulfillment will come through cherishing the good days, planning for better days and dreaming of great days. ACG

Original article sourced from the Australian Carers Guide Magazine, Australia’s first and only publication created for informal-unpaid primary carers. Visit their website and download a free magazine copy HERE.