When I’m managing my health and wellness in later stages of life, help me to find accessible healthcare services and resources for healthy aging, so that I can maintain my well-being and quality of life.
Let’s delve into the journey of Margaret, a 75-year-old retired teacher, as she navigates her health and wellness in the later stages of life, utilizing deliberate decision-making tools to enhance her well-being:
Margaret has always been active, regularly engaging in walks and light exercises. However, she starts feeling a decline in her energy levels and experiences a moment of struggle where the prefrontal cortex, involved in decision-making and problem-solving, becomes active. Initially, Margaret feels frustrated and uncertain about how to address her changing health needs.
In Step 1, Margaret becomes aware of the limitations in her current health routine. She questions the relevance of her habits to her overall health and quality of life. Through introspection, Margaret acknowledges the need for change and improvement in her health management approach.
Step 2 leads Margaret to research accessible healthcare services and resources for healthy aging. She links these resources to rewards like improved vitality, mental clarity, and enhanced quality of life. With deliberate decision-making, Margaret gains clarity on the importance of accessing tailored resources for her health needs.
Moving on to Step 3, Margaret develops outcome statements. Within the next six months, she aims to establish a comprehensive health plan, including regular check-ups and tailored exercise programs. By setting clear goals, Margaret overcomes cognitive rigidity and focuses on the steps needed to improve her well-being.
Step 4 requires Margaret to assess various health services and resources. She weighs the importance of personalized exercise programs against regular health check-ups, recognizing the need for both to maintain her well-being. With increased focus and capacity, Margaret objectively evaluates the factors influencing her health decisions.
In Step 5, Margaret commits to joining a local wellness program and scheduling regular health check-ups. She discusses these commitments with her adult children, emphasizing the importance of their support in her health journey. With improved decision-making skills, Margaret engages her family in the process, leveraging their perspectives to make informed choices.
Step 6 involves organizing her health plan into a calendar. She schedules exercise classes, health check-ups, and prepares a diet plan. Through systematic planning, Margaret ensures a structured approach to her health management, enhancing her capacity to adhere to her new routine.
Taking action in Step 7, Margaret actively engages in the wellness program, adopts a healthier diet, and attends her health check-ups. With increased focus and capacity, Margaret confidently implements her health plan, knowing it aligns with her desired outcome of improved well-being.
As she moves to Step 8, Margaret evaluates her progress. She notes improvements in her energy levels and overall well-being due to the exercises but feels uncertain about certain dietary changes recommended. Through reflection, Margaret acknowledges the positive impact of her efforts while recognizing areas for further improvement.
Step 9 leads Margaret to modify her approach. She revisits her diet plan and seeks advice from a nutritionist to ensure it aligns with her health goals. By remaining flexible and open to adaptation, Margaret ensures her health plan evolves to meet her changing needs.
Finally, in Step 10, Margaret shares her experience with her adult children, advocating for the importance of proactive health management in later stages of life. She encourages them to be proactive about their health too, emphasizing the role of deliberate decision-making in achieving optimal well-being.
Through this journey, Margaret’s outcome statement serves as a compass, guiding her decisions and measuring her progress towards maintaining her well-being and quality of life. It becomes the benchmark for the choices she makes in managing her health in the later stages of life.