Old age is certainly catching up to me these days. I’m closing in on 50, and feeling like my “best days” physically are behind me. From back problems to other issues, it’s no fun getting older. Worse, my father-in-law keeps telling me it keeps getting more entertaining. I’m not looking forward to it.
But then there’s a problem: prepping isn’t easy. When our conveniences falter (water, food, electricity, etc.) that slack has to be taken up somehow, or you learn to do without. Clearly, growing and gathering food is labor intensive, but so is collecting and treating water … something that we rarely had to think about. And, of course, there are plenty of other labor-intensive tasks, like laundry and dishes, that will take a toll on an aging body when times get tough.
You have to ask yourself: are you going to roll over and die or do something about it? The following videos discusses solutions for the latter keeping in mind that, as we age or contend with disabilities, we need to do things differently and, like it or not, ask for help. Watch the following, then let’s talk about it…
The first major solution he offers is that, as a person ages, their roles change. Elderly folks may no longer do as much as their children or grandchildren, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a purpose. Babysitting, like he says, is still useful. They can cook, do laundry, and other tasks that may not be easy, still need done. Around our house, my father-in-law still gets out in the garden, mows, and does other chores even in his late seventies. Does he need to do it? No, but it keeps him young.
He also mentions more than once that the elderly can pass on knowledge. After all, there’s a lot that people may know (and know how to do) that younger generations don’t, especially when they no longer have access to technology and other amenities we’ve grown accustomed to.
Of course, he also talks about the importance of stockpiling supplies, which is something everyone should be doing regardless of age or abilities. (FYI, I wrote an entire book about the topic of what I believe are the most important items to gather for SHTF if you’d like to know my thoughts.)
Finally, he talks about the need to become more physically fit, if possible, and get more spiritually ready, too … whatever that means for you. And I’d say that’s good advice no matter your age!
Ultimately, the point is to realize that, even if you’re elderly, disabled, lacking money, or whatever your so-called shortcoming might be, you’re still valuable. You can absolutely still contribute. You have knowledge, probably skills that others don’t have, and a wisdom that younger folks simply lack. Get out there are figure out how you can contribute to your community, your tribe, your family and you’ll have a new outlook on life. I promise!
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