The Oregon Coast must be experienced in person to fully realize its beauty.  It is dotted with city after city from Brookings Harbor all the way up to Astoria.  Accommodations abound with super view of the Pacific and always, there are plenty of things for seniors to see and do . Buckle up your seat belts and take in 180 miles along the coast in four minutes. Seniors, the coast is one of the Top Ten Scenic Drives in America.

More than a place…

The Oregon Coast is more than a place, it’s a state of mind. No place on the map of Oregon is marked as the Oregon Coast, but everybody knows that the 363 miles of coastline where the Pacific Ocean washes up on the state’s western beaches is unlike any place else. Highway 101 winds down the entire Oregon Coast from the Columbia River to the California border. Along the way, it passes through the old growth forests of Oswald West State Park, named for the Oregon governor who began the process of securing Oregon’s beaches for public use. All but one of the famous McCullough bridges on Highway 101 are still in operation.

I once did a teacher workshop for a national convention at Otter Crest.  What a neat site and the Inn at Otter Crest must be experienced. There’s no place like it… 35 pristine acres of oceanfront lodging, striking ocean views, huge trees, nature trails, tide pools teeming with life and Otter Crest Beach with its ever-present Harbor Seals.

Seniors Take in the 363 Miles On 101

Oregon’s public coastline is made up of diverse terrain that changes from rugged cliffs to evergreen forests to Sahara-like dunes and boundless sandy beaches. From Astoria in the north to Brookings in the southern tip, follow the shoreline past a smorgasbord of one-of-a-kind attractions including scores of quaint towns with a penchant for serving up legendary seafood, historic lighthouses, breathtaking viewpoints, stunning state parks, a cornucopia of galleries and museums and a world class aquarium. Mild temperatures, dramatic scenery and a wide range of recreational activities make the coast one of the state’s most popular regions.

Because of the Oregon Coast’s physical complexity, many different species of plant and animal can be found in the region, both terrestrial and marine in nature. Due to several factors, including climate, weather, and terrain, there is a great variety of plants within the coastal region. In some areas, large trees are uncommon.

The largest city along the Oregon Coast is Coos Bay—population 16,000— on the South Coast. U.S. Route 101,  the primary highway from Astoria to Brookings, is known for its scenic overlooks of the Pacific Ocean. There are over 80 state parks and recreation areas along the Oregon Coast. You will want to check out the Oregon Coast Aquarium that is a world-class marine educational attraction and is one of Oregon’s top tourist attractions.  Do not miss Crater Lake National Park.   It is a majestic wonder with its blue blue water.   And it is deep deep, the 7th deepest lake in the world.

A Mileage Chart

This chart will provide seniors with some aid for driving from one area to another. You will find mileage from Portland, Salem and Eugene to Oregon coast towns, as well as between coastal towns. Find the best routes to the Oregon coast from the valley. National Recreations Areas and Forests are well worth a visit as well.

While you are there, explore Oregon. Why Oregon? Because Oregonians are wild, adventurous and inquisitive. Oregon is a place where people often find themselves roaming endlessly with no other goal than the next great meal, powdery slope, lighthouse view or salmon run.  Oregon (The Beaver State) is a dramatic land of many changes. From the rugged Oregon seacoast, to the high mountain passes of the Oregon Cascades, in the lush greenery and magnificent waterfalls, and in the stony lava beds and Ponderosa pines of the high desert, Oregon’s natural beauty is here for senior citizens to enjoy. jeb

Some senior friends recently engaged in a lively discussion about who family members ‘really’ are in this age of multiple divorces, family dis-unity and international living with boundaries being more and more blurred.  At the end of the day, there was no agreement about what constitutes a family, who is ‘really’ a family member and who are interlopers. There was agreement about the level of concern this issue raises for many seniors; they agreed step-family relationships is one of their top 10 concerns.

For purposes of illustration, let me tell you about my family.  Jerry and I have been married 37 years plus.  Were we members of each others biological families before we were married?  And then Jerry’s son from his first marriage lived with us following our marriage, so technically he is my step-son.  Is a step-child a member of the step-parent’s biological family? Jerry and I raised him.  Does that make any difference?  My daughter, relinquished at birth to adoptive parents, is technically Jerry’s step-daughter.  Is she a member of his biological family?  We didn’t reunite until she was 35 years old.  I signed a paper that gave up all ‘rights’ to her.  Is she still my daughter?

And then it gets really complicated when we move out to extended family members.  A nephew and his wife have adopted two African children, one from Nairobi and the other African-American from Utah.  Are they members of our family?  Can people from different races be members of each others families? Another nephew married a woman with two children, then they divorced.  Are those two children (now adults) members of our extended family?  Should they be invited to family events?

Our daughter is in her second marriage, with two step-daughters from her husband’s first marriage entering the picture.  Are they our granddaughters?  Should they be included with birthday and Christmas gifts?  Or do we limit our gifts to our biological children and grandchildren?

After my mother died, my father remarried a woman who had two adult children and a host of grandchildren and greats.  Are they members of our extended family? What role, if any, do they play in our family?

Some Suggestions for Handling the Definition of Family

This discussion could, obviously, go on for a long time.  The picture seems to be very clear: There are a lot of questions that don’t seem to have any answers.

What are the guidelines for determining who is family and who is not when it comes to the myriad of non-biological family members in a family picture? These are our suggestions:

• The moral and right thing to do is to treat step-children no differently from biological children.  Period, end of discussion.
• Well, almost… Beyond what is morally right are issues of reality.  We think parents and grandparents need to be very careful about including non-biological children in their lives, as an integral part of the family constellation.  Those children have feelings, and if left out, they will feel unloved.  They will grow up.  They will not forget how they were treated as children.  They will be adults much longer than they were children.  If you want a connected family in your senior years, treat your step-offspring just as you treat the biological ones.
• If a family member or group chooses to exclude themselves from your family events, respect their choice.  Do not try to coerce people to become members of your family if they don’t want the relationship.  Respect their choices even if they are biologically related, by the way.
• If family members make choices to include non-biological people (children) in their family constellation, honor those choices with love and respect. Doesn’t mean you give them the family farm; but treat them just as you treat their biological counterparts.  It does mean that you make no judgements, that you love unconditionally.

We are all better human beings when we practice compassion.  When in doubt, be compassionate.  And when you have all the answers, be compassionate.

Contributed by Dr Sharon Shaw Elrod

I have only been up to the boundary waters of Minnesota once on a fishing trip.  It is an awesome area with a myriad of beautiful pine trees and hundreds of lakes of all sizes.  The Boundary Waters, known for fishing, canoeing, camping and good northern Minnesota clean air, are between Duluth, Minnesota and Thunder Bay, Ontario; three parks make up the area: Superior National Forest, Voyageurs National Park and Quetico Provincial Park. Right in the middle of all three is the city of Ely.  Virginia lies just to the south of the parks.  Grand Marais (Big Marsh) is also very close. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) lies between each of the parks. It is a wilderness straddling between the USA and Canada.

Bogs, marshes and lakes…everywhere

The Boundary Waters region is characterized by a vast network of waterways and bogs within a gacially-carved landscape of Precambrian bedrock covered in thin soils and boreal forests. The Boundary Waters is a popular destination for senior recreationalists pursuing fishing, canoeing and camping, as well as for those simply looking for natural scenery and relaxation.

A Million Acres

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) has a ~million acres of wilderness, with over 1,000 pristine lakes and streams, and over 1500 miles of canoe routes. I’ve been there and I know myself why it is considered by some as the most beautiful wilderness seniors have ever seen. National Geographic named it one of 50 Destinations of a Lifetime.  In other words, a vacation you do not want to miss and should be on your “bucket list.” The wilderness here is without motors, no electricity, no telephone lines, and no roads to the inner lakes. Each season has its own unique characteristics, making them wonderful times to visit the Boundary Waters and its surrounding award winning resort communities. Take a virtual canoe trip from your desktop.  It is an award-winning video. And how about this award winning photo? If you liked the winner  here, take in more of these to whet your appetite for an adventure in NE Minnesota.

Just made for senior outdoorsmen

Hundreds of lakes and acres of unspoiled forest are home to abundant wildlife including eagles, loons, ospreys, moose, beavers and deer.  Challenge yourself mentally and physically  as you canoe to isolated campsites, traverse portages, cook fish over an open fire, sleep in a tent and share camp chores on a three-day adventure next to open waters. In addition you will want to lace up your hiking boots and explore glacier-sculpted trails that wind between lakes. Maybe even stop to pick a few wild blueberries. So are you up to it?  If so, grab a good map and head to the Boundary Waters for a fun and unforgettable time.  jeb

Recalling fond memories of experiences with loved ones helps keep them close when we are separated by distance, or by death.  My dad died five weeks ago.  We are now separated by death.  But the memories of good times together help keep him close to me.

I haven’t seen my amazing granddaughter for several weeks… rather unusual for us, since we like to hang out together whenever possible.  We text a lot, and comment on each others FaceBook page often.  And the memories of incredibly sweet times with her help keep her close to me.

I had experiences with each of these loved ones that bear sharing with the world.  In the last few days of Dad’s life, a hospice attendant asked him, “What did you do before you retired?” She was filling out a form and needed the information about his previous employment.  We all expected him to say he was a banker.  He didn’t.  Dad said, “I did the best I could.”  Dad chose to reference his life efforts and the quality of living he experienced… the best. We were all pretty amazed he came up with that through the horrific clouds of his dementia.

Several years ago, my granddaughter was with me while visiting some friends.  They hadn’t met previously, so a lot of questions were going back and forth trying to get acquainted.  One of my friends asked her, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  Without missing a beat, Ani replied, “Happy!”  Ani chose to reference the quality of living she wanted to have rather than a profession she would choose.

A Window into the Soul

Separated by three generations, each of these precious beings were totally tuned in to the spiritual part of their lives rather than the common/tangible day-to-day ordinary when they responded to these questions. They could easily have replied with the response that most people would expect.

Instead, they opened a window into their soul.  They gently replied with a comment that said, Here… let me give you a small picture of who I really am.  What I did or am going to do is not as important as who I am as a human being.

Separated by three generations, and connected by genetics and life experiences that they commonly share.  What wonderful lifelong memories they have given me!

Contributed by Dr Sharon Shaw Elrod

Ever heard of Eagle River? Well if you are not from Wisconsin, maybe not, but folks who live in that state all know of this fascinating region.  I had read years ago about all the intertwining lakes that make up one of the largest lake chains in the world. I have always wanted to check it out for myself, but now I will leave it up to you, seniors, to see for yourself what the big attractions are.

With more than 1,300 lakes, the glaciated landscape of Villas county has much to offer senior water enthusiasts, especially if you are into canoeing. Hunting and hiking are also popular for the outdoors adventurer.  Learn for yourself about the history and culture of the Wisconsin Northwoods and experience its stunning beauty in the 20,000 acre Sylvanian Wilderness. The Northwoods Wildlife Center is also an attraction that draws folks from all over the world. The Center is a not-for-profit hospital for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals with the goal of treating them and subsequently releasing them into their natural habitat for a second chance at life in the wild.

Welcome to the Snowmobile Capital of the World®, and home of “The Eagle River 500.” With an abundance of snowfall annually it seems as if the snowmobiles out-number the cars. Eagle River boasts some of the best snowmobiling in the world. The numerous area snowmobile clubs, groom and maintain a 500 mile trail network that is known as the “Eagle River 500”. These trails take seniors winding through beautiful forests and across frozen lakes. Bring your appetite along with your snowmobile as Eagle River is known for its fine array of restaurants.

Seniors Looking for World Class

I seem to gravitate towards anything that is classed as world class including museums, tourist attractions and national monuments.  Eagle River is the heart of Northwoods fishing. Lakes are known for their trophy-sized musky, but you’re also bound to catch walleye and bass. When the leaves begin to turn and the fall foliage is brilliant, it is an excellent time to catch musky. No matter when you visit, whether you boat out onto one of the beautiful lakes, panfish with the grandkids, or fly fish for trout in the streams, Eagle River is a world class fishing destination. I owned a cabin in northern Minnesota for a number of years and I was attracted to the many stories I had read about Eagle River.  It is a unique area and well worthy of a visit.

Prior to your arrival you may wish to check out the listing of attractions.  Wikipedia is always helpful for finding out all kinds of things about almost any topic you can imagine, including Eagle River. Also check out the city specs and mayor Jeffrey Hyslop’s welcome as he writes, “Eagle River has a rich history and a bright future because it is home to so many.”  And home always has and always will have a special place in people’s hearts. Dorothy, toward the end of her adventures in Oz, came to the conclusion, “There’s no place like home.”  Those acquainted with Eagle River would heartily agree! jeb

Turning over the authority of your body and mind, post 70, to the enemies who invade us, amounts to waging a very intentional battle. There is no way to escape the full complement of weaknesses to which we may be prone.  There is a way to hold some of them at bay.

Let’s investigate the latter:  Aging is a very predictable process which will find its subtle and not so subtle ways of reducing our abilities and discouraging our strength and stamina.  The first lesson is not to give in. Often, following on a major surgery or other illness, our bodies seem to want to “give up.”  The easy chair becomes more and more desirable.  Exercise is less and less appealing.  Both of these enemies are certain to prevail, if we let them.

Cancer, because of its insidious nature and invasive treatments, is a big time enemy, armed with all kinds of means for limiting life for us. When met with the need for radical prostate surgery, I was soon to discover just how debilitating such an experience can be.  I expected to be up and out in short order.  No such luck.  Four years later, I am cancer free, but still combatting the loss of energy that I had known prior to surgery.

Serious consideration and evaluation needs to come into play when faced with the prospect of surgery.  If it is to be elective, evaluate it very carefully.  Your pre condition, i.e. before surgery, may be better than a post condition which may rob you of some of your abilities.  Be sure, no surgeon can promise you lack of side or after affects.  Deciding if you want to live with things the way they are or risking some improvement will be the struggle as you entertain your options.

Proactive Life Care

Taking care of ourselves is a major priority.  Even with that some debilitations will occur.  Diet, consistent medical evaluations, vitamins, exercise, all are contributors to keeping yourself in the best shape possible. Depending upon your DNA, there still may be issues over which you have little to no control.  For example, I have been diagnosed with two conditions for which there is no cure or effective treatment:  lymphacytic colitis and macular degeneration.  Living with such conditions, within the framework of what encouragement and reinforcement your physician can provide, will likely be the best one can do.

Finding reasons to maintain good health is another way to reinforce your own ability to head off the invasion of body and mind enemies. For example:  plan a trip, an extended cruise, within your means financially and physically, that gives you something to anticipate.  Or, plan a reunion with your children or grandchildren.  Or, invite old and dear friends to spend some time with you.  In other words, get your mind off yourself and your negative condition.

Decide that aging will work for you and not against you.  I have known many, in their 90′s, who have maintained good mind and body control and subsequent enjoyment of their day to day routines.  These persons have made practical, workable, sensible and deliberate choices which help them engage themselves toward having a fruitful and productive life. I know one woman in a nursing home, well into her 90′s, who gets great joy and satisfaction from playing the piano and entertaining her neighbors.

Holding off as many medications as possible is also a good practice.  Medications also come with side effects which may create difficulty in your staying in control of your self. As always, your primary care physician needs to be your partner in these issues and choices.

Distractions contribute largely to feeling good about how you feel and how you get along from day to day.  If possible, consider having a pet.  Identify ways to redirect your time and energy from unsatisfying experiences to those that give you a reason to be.

I invite seniors to explore the Lewis and Clark Trail for an exciting journey filled with history, natural beauty and an opportunity to meet interesting people along the way. Explore the Lewis and Clark Trail by following the tracks of the Corps of Discovery as they discovered a continent very much inhabited.  Congress established the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in 1978, and communities along the route have planned activities to honor the expedition.

President Jefferson – Find a water route to the Pacific
In 1803 Thomas Jefferson dispatched Lewis and Clark to find a water route across North America, explore the uncharted 800,000 square mile West and to find the elusive Northwest Passage.  What they discovered was mind-boggling: some 300 species unknown to science, nearly 50 Indian tribes, and the Rockies. Take this National Geographic journey and discover along with these explorers what they encountered. The Lewis and Clark expedition, aptly named the Corps of Discovery, included Sacagawea, a 16-year old Shoshone woman carrying her infant boy, who served as an interpreter and guide on their journey. Even Lewis’’ pet dog, Seaman, went along.

The Corps of Discovery began making its way up the Missouri aboard a 55-foot-long (17-meter-long) keelboat and two smaller pirogues. As they traveled, Clark spent most of his time on the keelboat, charting the course and making maps, while Lewis was often ashore, studying the rock formations, soil, animals, and plants along the way.

The Lewis and Clark Trail is a cultural destination that covers over 4,600 miles, crosses three time zones, and showcases some of the most beautiful and rugged areas of America. The expedition traveled over 8,000 total miles back and forth over a period of 2 years, 4 months and 10 days. When the expedition reached the Pacific, Clark estimated they had traveled 4,162 miles from the mouth of the Missouri to the Pacific. His guess was within 40 miles of the actual distance. In seeking an all-water route to the Pacific Ocean, the Corps of Discovery navigated the Missouri River upstream through the Dakotas and across present-day Montana. They proceeded to cross the Rocky Mountains and then continued down to the Columbia River, reaching the Pacific Coast a year and a half after setting out.

Seniors, Meet The Explorers

Meriwether Lewis was born August 18, 1774, near Charlottesville, VA, and was a boyhood neighbor of Thomas Jefferson. Meriwether’s father died when Meriwether was only five years old. He then went to Georgia for a few years only to return to Virginia to run the family farm and to continue his education. A native Virginian, Clark, born August 1, 1770, was 4 years older than Lewis. In capability and background, he and Lewis shared much in common. They were relatively young, intelligent, adventurous, resourceful, and courageous. Born leaders, experienced woodsmen-frontiersmen, and seasoned Army officers, they were cool in crisis and quick to make decisions. Clark joined the military at age 19, eventually attaining the rank of Captain. Ensign Meriwether Lewis was among men assigned to Clark. The two struck up a lasting friendship that would lead to their co-commanding the Corps of Discovery. These journal entries are samplings of some of the entries made by the men.

From Missouri to Oregon

So start off in Missouri and end up in Oregon.    Idaho and Montana invite seniors to come and hike, bike and canoe the river and walk the same path that Lewis and Clark walked. You’ll enjoy planning your Corps of Discovery travel with the resources included here, and learning more about the Lewis and Clark Expedition.  Drive along the same trail and stop and enjoy the many centers (80) that focus on that memorable journey. If you start off driving from the east coast you have complete information on miles including maps of precisely where you are and where you are going.  Because they traveled by river, and rivers have shifted their courses and been altered by dams, the “trail” is not exact.

Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery have been referred to as “the writingest” group of explorers to undertake a major overland expedition. The same thing can be said for their mapmaking. They prepared about 140 maps on the trail and collected some 30 maps from Indians, fur trappers, and traders. Most of the maps were drawn or compiled by William Clark. While Meriwether Lewis was not a cartographer, he carried out much of the celestial observation. He was tutored in this activity by some of America’s leading scientists, mathematicians and surveyors.

This route was created to celebrate the anniversary of the Corps of Discovery’s 1804-1806 historic journey and offers cyclists the opportunity to follow the path of the intrepid explorers.  It includes seven map sections detailing the 1804-1805 westbound trip, roughly following the Missouri and Columbia rivers, and one map section showing Clark’s 1806 eastbound return along the Yellowstone River.  This is a preview of a DVD of 1,200 photographs of the Lewis and Clark Trail as it appears today.  So set the stage now for a journey through time and space and enjoy the history associated with it. jeb

The other day I introduced an older gentleman and his lovely wife, who were just one table over from us in a local restaurant, to Senior Citizen Journal.  His appropriate question was:  “Well, what approach do you take?”

While I might have been taken aback, I was quickly aware I was dealing with a very astute contemporary senior observer.  Everybody is somewhat suspicious these days.  And everybody is met so often with some self serving agenda, that such a question is quite appropriate and well deserved.

A Commitment to Productive Aging

Because SCJ has become more and more well received, I am quite happy to have an answer, which I think serves well.  We are not in the business of provoking, but Senior Citizen Journal (SCJ) is invested in evoking the wide spectrum of issues which are common to those of us who are seniors. On occasion we may address some issue which may have the potential for disagreement, but the overwhelming majority of our articles are designed to help us as we age and to do so productively.

Readers will likely find the SCJ ‘approach’ familiar to those who dedicated their lives to helping people.  Our editors are retired clergy, social workers and educators–all professions oriented toward helping people live the best they can, including seniors trying to find the productive aging route.

The gentleman very kindly took my proffered card and we bade farewell very respectfully.  Whether he has visited us or not, I have no idea.  Perhaps so.  And when he has or does, I trust he will find something worthwhile here to stir his endorphins and to identify ways to continue making his own life rich and fulfilling.

Have you been to South America yet?  I have had the good fortune of visiting in several countries, but not Colombia. Ecuador was close, but I never got to cross the border to visit Bogotá. There is much diversity in South America… each country has its own history, cultural sites and reasons for seniors to come and see for themselves. How many countries of South America can you name? I’ll give you five minutes to try with this interactive map.  Good luck! So you left a few out…that’s ok. Let’s focus in on Colombia now and Bogotá in particular. Note the little accent on the á.  Hit it a little harder when you say.. Bo Go TAH!

Bogotá is on the move. Once considered a place to avoid, the capital has cleaned up its act and is fast becoming one of Latin America’s urban highlights. Improved security, infrastructure projects and a clean-up campaign have helped bring a new face to the metropolis.  Graceful churches, excellent museums, cultural events and a thriving nightlife can keep you busy for several days. Bogotá is also the political, financial and service center for the country, and its geographic heart, making it a useful base from which to explore the country.

Despite its massive sprawl, Bogotá is a dotted with parks and leisure spots. Cool air and almost daily rain sweep away residual pollution, and there are several high peaks to the east of town that help you to keep your perspective on the ground.

The country has a diverse population that reflects its colorful history and the peoples that have populated it from ancient times to the present.  The historic amalgam of three main groups are the basics of Colombia’s current demographics.  Indigenous Amerindians, European immigrants, and African slaves, have intermingled without limitation in its history.

South America can neither be explained in one sentence nor portrayed in one photograph. Its landscapes are excitedly striking and the flora and fauna are amazingly varied. So South America is more than just a natural destination. There is cultural variety, peculiarity, and culinary multiplicity.  South America is a continent that changes you, your state of mind, and your outlook on life. As soon as you step foot on South American soil, the transformation begins.

Seniors Ask Why Bogota?

If you bring up Google and ask for the most popular cities in South America, up comes Bogotá.  Nestled high in the Andes at 2620 m. (8646 ft), Santafé de Bogotá is a city of contrasts… modern shopping malls and open-air markets, high-rise apartments and makeshift shanties, futuristic glass towers and colonial churches; a city of universities, theaters and shantytowns. It is a mixture of influences, Spanish and English and Indian; a city of great wealth and material well being and abject poverty. It is a city of wild traffic and calm oases reflecting a bygone day. It is a modern city with futuristic architecture, graffiti and congestion; restaurants, bookstores and street vendors peddling emeralds, thieves, beggars, street people and drug dealers wrapped around the inner core of the old city.

Home to more than seven million people, Colombians still flock to Bogotá in search of opportunities. Many find that the streets are not exactly paved with gold and end up eking out an existence in one of the vast shantytowns that line the southern portion of the city.

In addition to being the capital, Bogotá is Colombia’s largest economic center.  It is home to most foreign companies doing business in Colombia as well as Colombia’s main stock market. The emerald trade is a huge business in Bogotá. In downtown Bogotá, millions of dollars in domestically produced rough and cut emeralds are bought and sold daily. And all those old busses… one would think oneself to be in London.  They are everywhere.

TripAdvisor finds 61 activities to keep seniors busy starting off with a Gold Museum.  That sounds pretty interesting to me. Climb up Monserrate Hill as it provides exceptional panoramic views of Bogatá and beyond. Old Bogotá is a lively neighborhood section of the city that features small shops and ancient churches. The neighborhood includes a number of attractions including The Plaza de Bolivar, The Bogota Cathedral. The Gold Museum, The Fundacion Botero, The Religious Art Museum, The Coin House, The Library Luis Angel Arango. For seniors interested in art, Museo Botero has to be very top of the list of things to do in Bogotá. The magnificent 208-piece collection was donated by the famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero whose series of ‘fat people’ shows skill, humor, kindness, cruelty and critical satire. As per usual, I leave you with Frommers and Fodor’s Excellent Travel Guides to help you discover the best restaurants, attractions, nightlife, events and all with great maps. Buen viaje. jeb

Before all your resources are spent, you may want to identify a means for evaluating what intentional desires you have for your estate upon your death. Making decisions about your estate is an early on decision which prevents heartache and disappointment later.

For those who have structured their lives to take into account the consequences of choices, this will be less a challenge than for those who have lived day to day.  Resources must be tended to, like a garden.  If those resources are to provide sufficient income for yourself and, if you desire to be in a position to gift others, then intentionality will be a major influence.

Upon retirement, there are several practical and flexible issues that need to be taken into account. Having made out an estate plan in the early stages of retirement does not conclusively care for the issue in perpetuity.  Periodic review will be necessary.

Identifying a competent and trustworthy person or firm to do business with in your estate planning will, of course, be step one.  Likely, that has long since been determined and is in place.  However, circumstances may change that and will need to be revisited accordingly.

Depending upon age, number of heirs, condition and worth of your estate, health factors and other considerations, an estate plan needs to be comprehensive. All your assets and everything of value needs to be identified, and a plan created for where/to whom they go.  A trustee or trustees needs to be named.  A depository for necessary documents identified.

Critical Financial Issues to Review

The most difficult task may be deciding how your estate will be distributed.  Equal distribution, in those cases where there are multiple heirs to be considered, will need to be taken into account.  There may be extenuating circumstances which may influence that choice.  The primary issue here is not the meticulous distribution of minor items, but rather the bulk of the estate, which is normally held in cash, stocks, bonds, real estate and other such investments. Mineral rights, if any, will also need to be taken into account.  There may be persons who are to receive some inheritance, who will need assistance with the management of their share.  That needs to be spelled out and determined.

Once these decisions are made and formally executed, you will need to review your plan regularly (probably annually).  Placing restrictions on an estate plan is common.  Being sure the estate and those who share in it will benefit from your intentions demonstrates good management and healthy regard for both the largesse of the estate and those who receive it.