7 things everyone should do when they turn 50.
What is different about turning 50? Why do I need to prepare for this time of life? Is is really different?
Have you ever thought about, “What if my spouse died?” This is not really something we think about everyday is it?
Are you prepared in a financial way, do you even know where all the things you may need are? Do you really know what you need?
Have you thought about your health and what is different after 50?
Let’s talk about this BEFORE the day comes. Preparation is the key to decreasing anxiety and transitioning into this stage of life. Being ready and prepared is really the key to everyday.
Get A Colonoscopy
I think I just heard someone laugh. You may even ask why I put this as #1. Well, I will tell you why. If you do not take care of this important preventative measure you may not have to worry about anything else.
Colon Cancer Is Preventable
Colon cancer is 100% preventable. There are not many cancers you can say that about. ” Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers — and one of the most preventable, if precancerous polyps are found early. Like other forms of cancer, colon cancer can be deadly if it isn’t detected until the later stages. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.”
A Colonoscopy is Worth Saving Your Life
Colon rectal cancer screening, by colonoscopy is the best way to diagnose and treat colon cancer. The colonoscopy gives a physician the ability to visually inspect your colon for polyps, or any precancerous lesions. When polyps are found in the early stages they can be removed and prevent the growth. Polyps can change over time to cancerous lesions. Polyps that are removed are sent off for evaluation.
I wish that I could say the colonoscopy is a One and Done procedure, but it usually is not. They are often done 5-10 years apart to be sure there are not growths in the future. Someone may try to convince you that there are other methods of colon rectal screening out there, but none are as efficient as a colonoscopy.
The reason 50 years old is the magic age, colon rectal cancer is more prevalent as we age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 60 percent of colon cancer deaths could be prevented if everyone 50 years old or above underwent colonoscopies. That is a pretty staggering statistic and a colonoscopy is a fairly safe procedure.
Put All Of Your Important Papers In One Place
No one wants to think about dying. Most people are wired to live, but death will happen eventually. When my father in law died we spent a lot of time going through papers. They were everywhere. It was exhaustive. There were notepads all over their home with numbers written on them. Numbers for accounts that were closed, open, and nonexistent. My mother in law had NEVER handled their financial accounts or concerned herself with those matters.
Now, you may think that in this day and age that would not happen to us, but it can! Everyone should take the time to put important papers in order, in one location. I work, my husband works, we have many separate types of accounts. So now is the time to sit down and talk about where our accounts are, what type of insurances we have together and separately.
I have a friend that recently lost her husband. No one just jumped up and offered to send her any insurance money that was due to her. He died expectantly and the great search was on for just the very things we are talking about. Know where your important papers are. One file with all of the information you need at this time of life.
Get A Living Will
The Federal Government actually requires all patients be asked, “Do you have a living will or healthcare power of attorney?” Well, what is a “Living Will”? A Living Will is ” a written statement detailing a person’s desires regarding their medical treatment in circumstances in which they are no longer able to express informed consent, especially an advance directive.”
Everyone needs to have a Living Will, or Advance Directive.If you are unable to communicate your desires, medical caregivers need to know what you want. Discuss this with your spouse, children and other loved ones. Put your Living Will with your other important papers.
Get A Health Care Power Of Attorney
Name a person to be in charge of your health care if you are unable to communicate. It is a REALLY good idea to check with the person you name. This person will be your voice when you can not speak for your care.
Get A Durable Power Of Attorney
A Durable Power Of Attorney is someone you actually name to take care of your affairs. A DPOA would allow someone you named resolve any legal issues if you were out of the country or detained.
Wills or Trust
People sometimes think they have nothing of value, but that is just not true. Everyone has something and where you want it to go after death is important. The worst thing you can do to your family after death is to not leave any idea what you want done with your estate. Our probate judge here told me that people come to court to fight over little things, not big things, like, grandma’s rose bush. Seems silly but so true.
Leaving a will helps others to carry on without stress and anxiety. It helps others to carry on with your wishes.
A trust can actually start before your death. A trust does not go through probate. Someone actually holds these funds and distributes them as required. Who they are given to and when is determined by you.
It does not matter which you choose, it does matter if you do one. So a will or trust is on my list of things you should do when you turn 50.
Enjoy Being 50
You know it’s not everyday you turn 50. Maybe you finally have everyone out of college. You have grandchildren. For most people there is a little more expendable income. I made a list of things to do after you turn 50, 7 Things Everyone Should Do When They Turn 50.
Take care of yourself, give yourself some self love. Maybe you never had the time before or money. See your grandchildren more often. We don’t have to raise them!! I love that. I just get to have pleasure in them. Walk more often. Take in the sunshine, with sunscreen on. Go to the movies. The list of things to do are limitless and you deserve to try some of them.
So in closing: 7 Things Everyone Should Do At 50
- Get a colonoscopy
- Gather all your important papers in one place
- Get a Living Will
- Get a Health Care Power Of Attorney
- Get a Durable Power Of Attorney
- Do a Will
- Enjoy Being 50
It sneaks up on you. Don’t get caught off guard. Prepare and reduce anxiety for yourself and your loved ones. Honestly, Janet
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