August 25, 1999
FAMILY MATTERS:
Keep your retirement options wide open
___I am not yet retirement age, but close to it. When I think about retirement, I want it to be active. Are the living options that are available for retirees just for sick people?
MARY STEPHENS
Vice President, Buckner
Retirement Services, Dallas
___Active, vital adults do not suddenly become inactive and frail when they turn 65. They become active senior adults.
___But as people age, they often experience physical challenges, such as health problems; emotional challenges, such as dealing with the loss of a loved one; or spiritual challenges, such as issues related to their salvation.
___Retirement communities that offer continuum of care can help senior adults learn to deal with these challenges. Services also can provide a sense of continuing with one's lifestyle but with some services or devices that accommodate certain limitations.
___Trends will impact the way senior adulthood is viewed. The U.S. population is aging, and more of our elders will be over 75.
___Future-trend analysts indicate our society will have a growing focus on quality as a dominant value. The expectations of those looking at retirement options will become more quality-driven.
___A population of retirees who are more technologically capable will utilize communication via an electronic network and the Internet.
___Interest in "giving back" to society has emerged as a true desire for senior adults. Volunteerism and social activism are seen as a way to meet that desire. Part-time work or consulting in the work world is more and more prevalent.
___Senior adults are individual in their interests and tastes, and they expect these individual differences will be accommodated. They have no interest in spending their time doing "what everyone else is doing."
___People who work in the retirement industry are aware of these trends. They have begun to prepare for a more active, engaged group of senior adults.
___You should continue to be involved in the activities that bring you happiness. Involvement with family and friends, community and church volunteerism, reading and, yes, even "surfing the 'net" can keep you in touch with what is going on in the world.
___If you are an active, engaged senior adult, you can expect to remain active and engaged when you retire. And if you suffer some health setbacks, know that there are professionals working in the retirement field who are preparing for you and the other retirees who will be utilizing their services.
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