Changes may include:

1. You don’t move as quickly as you used to, and I agree you need to guard against falls
2. You may lose some hearing
3. You will need to protect your teeth and the dentist can help
4. You are more susceptible to eye diseases and challenges with sight
5. You may start to shrink; start strength training immediately
6. You may have “senior moments” -minor forgetfulness
7. You may look different; hair loss or thinning, greying of hair, skin changes such as sagging, skin tags, changes in nails, belly fat and many others
8. You may smell different, and this may be due to multiple factors
9. Urine may leak more than you would like- sometimes even when we cough, sneeze or laugh.

Many of us fret to leave a fortune (money) but I realize focusing on money or assets such as land, buildings and businesses may not be enough. These are extremely necessary though since they tend to make life much more comfortable for you.

When the dust settles however, having your memory intact (within reasonable limits) and having good social support may be the foundation that can’t be ignored. If your memory fails you or you do not have people who truly care about your wellbeing and will go the extra mile for you over the long haul, then no matter what your financial muscle you may never get anything close to what you would love for yourself.

Taking advantage of the various assets that you may have built over the years means you will be able to even earn money well into your golden years.

ASSETS TO TAP INTO.

At least three assets, Financial, Intellectual and Human Assets may be tapped into.

• FINANCIAL
  • Different forms of investments including money, land etc. Quite often this is the focus of most of us while 2 other forms of assets are neglected. DEFINITELY grow your financial assets but DO NOT exclude the others
  • If you are already enjoying “retirement” of a sort and your finances keep you awake at night, do not despair, take another look at your intellectual and human assets that you may have ignored. They may be solid gold!
• INTELLECTUAL
  • Knowledge and skills you have developed over years can continue to be useful and earn an income after you retire from your previous job
  • Experiences over the years may serve as a guide to the younger generation and could be an avenue for speaking at events or coaching or mentoring others
  • Unique abilities are always a plus and we all know things that come easily to us when others struggle with same
  • Ideas? these may be golden, and you may be able to share for an income or to enhance your social capital
• HUMAN
  • Values – we often don’t put much emphasis on this, but it definitely opens doors for you or for your descendants
  • Kindness – this is a powerful tool in life that will yield benefits at all costs directly or indirectly. Be Kind!
  • Social Contacts /Capital – DO NOT be an island. Expand your network and live a longer more fulfilling life.

As we work on all three forms of ASSETS lets us remember to protect our brain/ memory as much as possible and also spend time with our network of family and friends. In all things ensure you have FRIENDS (including your children) who are much younger than you. This is PRICELESS, I guarantee that.

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel

Health Essentials Ltd (HE&W Group)

(dressel@healthessentialsgh.com)

*Dr. Essel is a Medical Doctor with a keen interest in Lifestyle Medicine, He holds an MBA and is an ISSA Specialist in Exercise Therapy, Fitness Nutrition and Corrective Exercise. He is the author of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The Essentials of Health & Wealth.’

Thought for the week (1) – “The aging you want tomorrow begins with the choices you make today.” What choices are you making? Time to reflect.

(2) – “Mammograms are key to early detection of breast cancer, and they can also provide clues to heart health. Women who have calcium buildup within the arteries of the breast are at a 51% higher risk for heart disease and stroke than women who do not.”