Procrastination is Not the Answer!

Procrastination as defined by Webster is "To put off doing something until later". That definition by itself seems harmless, but what are the negative ramifications of procrastination? One example would be postponing education, past our high school degree, while we do other less important things with our life. Obtaining a college or technical degree allows us the opportunities of higher pay, working in an occupation we would most enjoy or just having more time with our family. The flip side is working full time, going to school and trying to raise a family all at the same time. Many times school is postponed indefinitely.

Another example of the negative effects of procrastination is the fact that many seniors put off the exchange of their older, less functional homes for a new one level home where the yard and snow removal are done for them. This new home removes many of the worries and frustrations of growing old and gives seniors the opportunity to enjoy the later years of their lives.

I want to tell you a story about a woman we will call Annie(not her real name). Annie has had knee problems for many years now and is progressively getting worse. She lives in an older home with many steps and a functionless floor plan that doesn't fit her needs. Annie had been looking at a new one level home which had no steps even from the garage, a large open area kitchen and family room and where the outside lawn care and snow removal were done by someone else. Her husband would not even consider such a move and told Annie he would do all of her work along with his own. Her husband had good intentions however, not at all practical, so Annie continued to be in pain as she took care of her daily responsibilities. Annie's husband recently passed away and now Annie is left with a home she must sell, the mourning process she is going through, the financial obligations her husband generally took care of and the pain in her knees and joints that is worse than before. If only her husband would have been more sensitive to Annie's needs she would have been in a much better position to cope with her current situation.

After many years of work and trials our seniors ought to have the last years of their lives filled with fewer responsibilities and the ability to come and go as their needs require. As a senior myself, I watch those who make the transition to a new one level home and see the comfort and peace it brings to their lives. I hope more seniors can take advantage of this opportunity to live their final years in the comfort of a one level home designed to their own specifications.

-Norm Frost