How people live prior to retiring will determine whether later adulthood will be a nightmare or a dream. Give some suggestions on how to prepare for later adulthood

What will be an ideal response?


Growing old is a lifelong process. For people of modest means who have prepared thoughtfully, later adulthood can be a period if not of luxury, then at least of reasonable comfort and pleasure. There are a number of areas people should attend to in their younger years:
Being physically and mentally active: Active Theory asserts that the more physically and mentally active people are, the more successfully they will age. There is considerable evidence that being physically and mentally active helps to maintain the physiological, psychological, and intellectual functions of older people.
Health: A sound exercise plan and periodic health examinations are crucial to the prevention of chronic health problems. Also critically important in maintaining health is learning and using techniques to reduce psychological stress.
Finances: Saving money for later years is important, as is learning to manage or budget money wisely.
Interests and hobbies: Psychologically, people who are traumatized most by retirement are those whose self-image and life interests center around their work. Individuals who have meaningful hobbies and interests look forward to retirement so they can devote more of their time to these enjoyable activities.
Self-identity: People who are comfortable and realistic about who they are and what they want out of life are better prepared, including in later years, to deal with stresses and crises that arise.
A view toward the future: A person who dwells on the past or rests on past laurels is likely to find the later years depressing. On the other hand, a person who looks to the future is able to find new challenges and new satisfactions in later years. Looking toward the future involves planning for retirement, including deciding where you want to live and what you want to do with your free time.
Effective problem solving: If a person learns to cope effectively with crises in younger years, these coping skills will remain when the person is older. Effective coping involves learning to approach problems realistically and constructively.?

Social Work & Human Services

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