Today I want to chat about a moment in life that transforms our view of life forever—the moment in which a serious diagnosis crosses the threshold of our home and lands squarely in the middle of the den. Whether we are the patient or a concerned family member—after the diagnosis, life will never be the same.

Today, let’s explore what for many is a tough topic. I want to explore how we can be proactive about our wishes for end-of-life care. WAIT! Don’t delete this podcast!! Give me just a few moments to explain why this discussion is SO important….for you AND YOUR FAMILY!

In the years to come, have you ever wondered who will require care from you? And, who will care for you? Well, if you are like most people, you may have given these questions cursory consideration. And then, you went back to your daily routine. I am Not judging. Merely highlighting the fact that most of us don’t want to contemplate the eventually that we’ll be called to care and that we will need care at some point in time.

The real estate mantra of “Location, Location, Location” is certainly apropos for our discussion of where we choose to age. The environment in which we live has a direct bearing on how well we age. Everything from the climate to available services impacts the quality of life. The environment we enjoyed in our youth may prove problematic or undesirable as we age. Better to realize this sooner rather than later…and thus make the needed decisions to end up in a location that serves us well.

Today, we’ll highlight the importance of housing as we age. What worked well when we were in our 20’s may not serve us well later in life. You may be at a point in your life that you are DONE with home maintenance. Or, depending on your situation, you may NEED or WANT to explore housing alternatives.

Let’s consider how we can be proactive about our physical and cognitive health. As I’ll highlight shortly, the longer we can keep disease or injury at bay, the longer we’ll experience a high quality of life. A good thing indeed!

What if you or a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness or compromised by an accident. WHEN, not IF, this happens…are you prepared to confront the challenge? Are you prepared to care? Have you reflected on your preferences for medical care? Do you know what your family and friends would want WHEN something happens?

Today, I want to chat about the risks of resistance. Resistance to asking for and receiving help. Whether a caregiver or care receiver, resistance to assistance is alive and well. However, this common reaction typically does not serve us well.

Today, I want to chat about how we understand the journey of caregiving - the meaning of illness and aging. As caregivers and care receivers, it’s important to recognize the meaning we attribute to illness and aging and how meaning informs and influences the decisions we make about options of care.

Today, let’s chat about our willingness or unwillingness to be vulnerable with family, friends, colleagues, and/or strangers. When we allow others to see us and to hear us, amazing things happen. Community is created. Support is offered. Connections are made and reinforced. And we are freed to live with our hearts, minds, and arms wide open.....vulnerable and alive!