So where is your potential?

I have suggested that we all have potential at any stage of life and that means we do not have to fade away, quietly, without fuss, especially after retirement, and later when the time comes. We can and should all have our ‘blaze of glory’ and leave life knowing we will not be forgotten. So what potential do you still have? Let me ask you a few questions:

? Have you written your memoirs? Have you explained your origins; who came before you, where you were born, raised, educated; what you have learned through the experiences of life; what mistakes you made; what advice do you want to give to later generations; and so on. All lives are worthy of recall, especially by those who follow us. Having written your life story, get it checked for accuracy by a good friend, turn it into a book (this is surprisingly quite cheap), illustrate it, send it to friends and relatives, ask for comments. Encourage others to do the same. Start a memoir writing group.

? Have you stepped outside your ‘comfort circle’ recently? As you will know, it is easy when retired and older, to keep carrying out the same activities, day after day, week after week, month after month. We become fearful of change; we can’t be bothered to venture into something new. Maybe it will be stressful or worrisome. Change in routine takes effort and it may not be worthwhile you think, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. So the question is: what could you do now that is different from your routine? Make a list, given your state of health and finances. What new activity would make your friends/relatives take notice? What could you learn? Who could you meet? Where could you go? What could you make? Who could you help?

? Have you given up keeping fit? Does exercise seem a waste of time, given your age? This question could apply to both body and mind. Keeping fit helps prevent the chronic illnesses of old age and there are plenty of routines that are suitable for older bodies: Swim or walk in your local indoor pool, walk places when it would be easier to take a car or bus, join a yoga or dance class, use weights, walk the dog. As for your brain, keep doing the crosswords, playing card games, completing jigsaws, painting landscapes, cooking, helping youngsters with their homework, and so on.