The act of investing isn’t a new concept. People think long-term all the time when it comes to finances….even if you’re not in the greatest position to stock hundreds of dollars away each month.
It’s still something that most likely sits in the back of your mind, regardless of your situation. Unfortunately, our system isn’t set up to take care of all your needs as you age unless, in the ideal world, you’ve got millions invested and you’re able to a hang out on your yacht or pay for a major surgery out of pocket.
But what if you had to worry about that AND your failing health? That’s definitely not a good combo.
Consider this for a moment. Just imagine.
Going in for open heart surgery: Time away from your job, lost wages. Healing for weeks on end. Not able to get around without help. Depending on medications every day. Not able to form good memories with your kids due to missed time. Mounting medical costs if not fully covered. That deductible really puts a wedge in your savings.
Being morbidly obese: Too tired to do anything fun. Watching life happen by the sidelines. Achy joints, flare-ups and chronic pain. Increase in sick-leave from work. Clothes don’t feel comfortable. Can’t get out of chair, off the toilet or off the floor without having to strategize the entire thing. Monthly medication costs and doctor visits. Daily blood sugar pokes.
Early onset Alzheimer’s or dementia: Well…this just cuts life waaaay short. What’s worse? Losing your marbles or losing your physical capacity to do anything? It’s a difficult toss-up. But this one emotionally affects not only you…but everyone around you. It puts life on hold. It stops “living” right in its tracks, especially for caretakers. We now know that Alzheimer’s is considered Type 3 Diabetes…something that is preventable.
Hopefully, you’re preventing this from happening to yourself!
Let me give you a real life example.
My dad just got diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. It has spread to his spine and lymph system, as well. Six months to a year, they say,…which leaves any variability open in what to expect and how to plan.
So here’s the hard truth. A long life of sedentarism, smoking (although, good for him, he quit 8 years ago), processed food, no interest in health really or proactive approaches to wellness…
And it caught up.
The prognosis is “keep it at bay as long as possible.” No surgery, but rather chemo and immuno-therapy to hopefully keep the tumors from growing.
Now, (without lack of trying all these years) my sister, brother and I are teaching him how to make positive steps in nutrition and exercise – things he didn’t actually act upon until this “come to Jesus situation.”
For example, what olive oil to buy, how to make homemade salad dressings (not the awful ones from the store filled with sugar, soy oil and other mystery ingredients). What to do with frozen vegetables, what to eat for breakfast that’s an alternative to pastries….you get the point.
But, how about having even deeper knowledge? Like, how sugar feeds cancer cells and that fasting is a tremendously helpful tactic for fighting this disease, or that ketogenic nutrition is beneficial for these types of situations?
NOT taking an active interest in filling your health bank account and your knowledge base (ie, investing in your health) can have dramatic consequences.
How are you creating that buffer today?
Do you listen to health podcasts (or others that absolutely inspire and educate you) instead of the radio while on your commute? Do you exercise or do some form of movement each day? Do you grocery shop 2-3 times per week because you’re investing in fresh foods that actually spoil if you don’t eat them?
Ditching screen time before bed? Reading a good ol’ fashioned book instead. Staying away from depressing news and headlines you can’t control and have no consequence to your life (ie, is it really a big deal that someone in Hollywood is wearing a gown or is having a baby?)
Because none of us are helpful to others or to our communities when we are sick, incapacitated and dealing with conditions that we could have prevented in the first place.
So, the moral of the story, especially during this month of giving….is to give to yourself in order to give to others.
Give yourself good sleep.
Give yourself good whole food.
Give yourself movement that inspires you and makes you happy.
Give yourself some sunshine.
Give yourself to productive time and energy on the things that really matter.
…and have a great Thanksgiving!