No matter how much you prepare for retirement, there’s always a possibility that life will challenge you with unexpected changes. A major medical diagnosis, the passing of a loved one, or a divorce later in life can upend the life you planned for. These types of sudden change can bring on a wave of emotions—from anger to sadness to frustration—and how you respond in the face of adversity can directly impact your future well-being. In this article, we’ll share some tips to help you adapt to and overcome unexpected changes and prepare a new plan for the road ahead.
Take Care of Yourself
You need to treat yourself with grace when change happens. Before jumping into action, take some time to pause and reflect on the change and how you are feeling in the moment. Recognize your emotions and any immediate needs you might have. For some people, this step may require reaching out to a professional for guidance. You shouldn’t ever feel like you have to navigate a major life event alone. Depending on the situation you may find a need to consult a financial advisor, healthcare professional, therapist, and/or legal expert for assistance. Addressing your immediate needs will make re-evaluating your goals and planning for the future easier.
If the change you are experiencing also involves or impacts a loved one, taking care of yourself will allow you to take better care of them and address their needs as time moves on.
Assess Your Current Situation
You don’t always have to completely change your retirement plan after an unexpected life event, but you should set aside time to re-evaluate your goals and determine what is attainable. Start by assessing your current situation and how it impacts the goals you may have already set.
Some areas you’ll want to check in on initially include:
- Your financial situation. Sudden change in life may result in unexpected expenses. During this time you should review your finances and consider talking things through with a financial advisor. They can help you assess your situation and determine next steps.
- Your emotional needs. The sudden loss of a loved one or an unexpected medical diagnosis may require a visit to a therapist or other licensed professional who can help you sort through and process your emotions. At the very least, take some time to process your emotions and consider reaching out to close friends and family, if possible.
- Your physical needs. Navigating change is often physically exhausting, which means it may be harder to find motivation to get outdoors and stay active. Give yourself time to rest and recharge, but also try to find ways to work some movement into your day.
After you’ve worked through these areas, you can start thinking about long-term plans.
Adapting and Planning for the Future
Once you’ve assessed your situation, you can think about larger goals and how recent events may have impacted things. Is your current home the right setting for you or your loved one? What larger health and lifestyle adjustments might you need to make to support your well-being?
A Case for Downsizing
For some people, a sudden change in life can make them realize that they are no longer comfortable in their current home. Taking stock of your possessions and downsizing to a smaller residence at a senior living community or elsewhere can create new opportunities you might not have had before in terms of meeting new people and exploring hobbies and interests. Priority access to on-site health services could also be a huge benefit for yourself or a loved one.
Health and Lifestyle Adjustments
Maintaining your physical and mental health will help you better adapt to your current situation. Your wellness routine doesn’t have to be overly intense either. Getting outside for a walk or two each day and incorporating stretching into your routine is a great way to start. You may also want to consider implementing mindfulness exercises and meditation into your daily routine. Note that a licensed therapist or support group are also excellent ways to work through heavy situations.
Strengthening Social Bonds
Maintaining social connections with friends and loved ones can help you navigate change. You may also want to place yourself in a setting where you can make new connections, as well. That’s where community living can be a huge benefit to your overall health and well-being. In the right community setting, you’ll discover a wide variety of ways to meet new people, such as enrolling in group activities or fitness classes, attending events, or simply walking around campus.
Embrace Support and Community at GreenFields of Geneva
Having a strong support system is essential for navigating life’s unexpected challenges. At GreenFields of Geneva, a senior living community in Geneva, Illinois, you’ll discover compassionate on-site care available whenever you need it, alongside a vibrant community where you can connect with fellow residents who share your experiences and foster meaningful relationships.
As a Life Care community, GreenFields offers peace of mind with clear future care options and predictable costs, adding an extra layer of security and well-being. Here, you can embrace a fulfilling lifestyle with the confidence that support is always at hand.
To learn more about life at GreenFields of Geneva, contact us, or complete the form below.
