There is no doubt. Changes occurring in the senior years of our lives; both desired and planned as well as the undesirable and unplanned, significantly alter our normal style of living. Sometimes gradual changes evolve over time, other times they maybe sudden, difficult and dramatic.
Great freedoms and wonderful adventures are experienced by some people as they venture into their change years while others struggle to maintain control and keep their hands on the steering wheel of their life.
What does it take to have a level of control? To stay on track? Who provides us with the check points?
Researching the internet we find information about finances, funerals and retirement homes with little information that helps us to navigate through; our thoughts, needs, emotions, wants, desires, fears, employment issues, optimizing our health, making decisions, moving to another area, changing relationships and so on. Suddenly so many issues require prioritizing and can become very overwhelming.
Let’s be completely honest. Commonly baby boomers may not be ready to acknowledge that lifestyle changes are about to occur. As loyal, skilled and hardworking employees or business owners many baby boomers may be tired, trying to box on and do their best to stay under the radar. Struggling with shift work, full-time work, keeping up with demands and the ever present workplace pressures. If they had enough energy to be honest with themselves they might admit that they just haven’t been able to prioritize the time, energy, courage and support to give their inevitable changes the time it deserves.
2019 may be a great opportunity to consider the following check points. Here are 5 C’s to consider.

1. Confidence – The one personal attribute we all need to maintain is our confidence in respect of all aspects of our life. It will be our doubts and fears that inform what we need to address and strengthen. Use this information.
2. Connections – During our life we have made many connections; close supports, acquaintances and groups that we associate with. Those connections may require evaluating to establish what relationships we need and want. To determine what connections, including professionals with expert information would be helpful and desirable. Remember, you matter! You are important.
3. Conversations – To avoid unwanted outcomes such as loneliness, ill-health, financial difficulties or misinformed decisions, we need to step towards other people and be open to having conversations with others. Information is power.
4. Contributions – Baby Boomers have given to a variety of personal and professional relationships, they have a lifetime of skills talent and wisdom. Retirement, gradual or total should not mean that suddenly people are left without purpose or being able to make a significant contribution to their families and society. Yes there maybe a need to get creative in order to ensure this occurs, however personal contributions are vital for the ongoing well-being of each person renovating their lifestyle.
5. Community – Who is involved in your community? Who is in your inner circle? Who do you socialize with? Who are you active with? Who are your advisers? Who are important people in your community and with whom do you feel you belong? What would it take for your community to be complete?

Finally – as it is a new year, you might like to consider identifying a focus word for 2019. A word that is a value, an attitude or intention. Something that you want, need or desire to permeate throughout the entire year to serve YOU.
 
Our Facebook page maybe worth a look with 2019 Silver Years A to Z cards. Our workshops, random café gatherings, Facebook page or interest group may assist you with your Lifestyle Renovations so do explore the website … and HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019!

How wonderful to witness Shane Gould at the age of 61 become the sole survivor of the Australian Survivor! Determined, stoic, clever, personable, she knew her strengths and was able to articulate them; mental, emotional, skill base and physical. She also knew her vulnerabilities and was able to strategically link with others to strengthen her position whilst being loyal, holding her integrity and being real to both herself and others. She retained a twinkle in her eye and consciously chose to see the positives in her (very often compromised) situations. She showed others up with her pragmatic skills that she possibly learned from her own generation such as lighting fires, gathering wood, cooking and set about with the practicalities of life while others watched and benefited from her hard graft.
Even when a young woman of the jury asked if Shane had been really listening to her story, or if she was simply out to win at all costs Shane was able to recall key information about her and also demonstrated that she had the young woman’s best interests at heart. Of those who she strategically contributed to their exit, she did so with humour but also respect so that even those whom she may have slighted could see she was genuine and to be respected. She undoubtedly survived considerably more than survivors but was by no means a physically weaker competitor giving it her all and overpowering younger members several times during the show.

Since dedicating time to support the interests of fellow Baby Boomers in Nelson Bays NZ in June 2018 each person I have met has demonstrated many of Shane’s characteristics.
Perhaps Shane’s example encourages us to continue to self-evaluate ourselves and our situations, to maintain a healthy attitude towards even difficult things that we need to do to survive and thrive in life and to be proud of, rely on and continue to build on our own personal strengths. To revel in the adventure and excitement of life. After all we are all the sole survivors of our own life – lets celebrate it!