Who are the happiest and healthiest seniors? Here are eleven keys to "looking forward to a great tomorrow!"
by BEVERLY A. GOLDSTEIN, PH. D.

1. GOOD VISION-Do I have the best correction possible so that I can see effectively?
(Are my glasses cleaned every morning?)

2. GOOD HEARING-Do I have the best correction possible so that I can communicate effectively?
(Are my hearing aid batteries checked every morning?)

3. MAXIMALLY AMBULATORY-Do I have the best possible durable medical device(s)
to achieve my potential ability to move about in my living environment?
(Is my walker and/or wheelchair checked for safe operation?)

4. MAXIMALLY MOBILE-Can I reach my maximum potential to come and go from my
living environment to satisfy my desire to run errands?
(Are there clear-cut travel arrangements, and do I know about them?)

5. APPROPRIATE LIVING ENVIRONMENT-Am I living safely?
(Can I get around successfully in the space in which I live?)

6. HEALTHY AND SATISFACTORY MEALS-Do I like eating what I get to eat?
(Can I have successful input on the selection of meals that I eat?)

7. SUCCESSFUL STRESS REDUCTION-Can I find acceptable or reasonable
solutions to what worries me?
(Are there people available to help me accomplish this?)

8. SUCCESSFUL DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT OF ILLNESS-Am I taking care of my medical problems promptly and thoroughly?
(Are my family members helping me to get healthier?)

9. MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES-What do I like to do, and do I get to do what it is
that makes me happy?
(Are there people available to help me accomplish this?)

10. REASONABLE DEMANDS-Are my demands on my family reasonable; are my family's demands on me also reasonable?
(Are we working to meet each other half way?)

11. TRUSTWORTHY ASSISTANT-Have I selected, and am I successfully interacting
with, an individual who can help me make decisions and manage my finances?
(Who is the best person(s) to select for this role?)