Q: For the past two years I have been slowing down a bit. My wife says that at 60 years of age I should turn over the farm to my boys and just help them occasionally. That is going to be hard for me to do. The farm has been my whole life for a long time and helping out would seem demeaning to me. The problem is that I know I cannot keep up with the pace I am going now. Are there any alternatives?
A: The number of alternatives you have depends on the attitude you take into your senior years. If you see aging as an opportunity for personal growth, you will have a lot of different options. If, on the other hand, you see aging as a personal crisis, one in which you are going to grieve the loss of youthful abilities, you will have few, if any, alternatives.
Read Also
AgriStability updates offer stronger support for farmers
One of the most significant updates to the AgriStability program for the 2025 program year is the increase in the compensation rate.
I have three suggestions to help turn aging into an opportunity for personal growth.
The first is that you need to talk about what aging means to you. Note I said talking, not complaining.
You are obviously not going to be able to do some activities you enjoyed when you were younger.
However, you are going to have more time to finish or explore those good intentions you had years ago, but did not have the time to do.
Even if you can no longer do everything you once intended, you will probably still find a lengthy agenda to keep yourself fulfilled should you leave farming.
My second suggestion is that you learn about aging. Talk to your doctor, check the internet, or just browse through your local newspaper. A lot of good information is out there that can be reassuring as you look toward new horizons. Did you know, for example, that only 10 to 20 percent of the elderly ever spend time in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities? That means many seniors are living independently, still in their own homes, and enjoying the freedom to choose their own lifestyles.
Suggestion No. 3 is to take control of that which you can. Do not be afraid of losing your hearing. Have your ears checked regularly and get hearing aids if you need them. Keep the prescription for your glasses up to date. Eat well balanced meals and keep yourself active.
Most of all, make sure that you are in the company of people with whom you enjoy. And don’t forget to keep your marriage fun and exciting.
Your boys will probably appreciate whatever help on the farm you can give them during their busy seasons, but if you take advantage of the opportunities that come with aging, you will find that you have only limited time to share with them.
Jacklin Andrews is a family counsellor from Saskatchewan who has taught social work at two universities. Mail correspondence in care of Western Producer, Box 2500, Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 2C4 or e-mail jandrews@producer.com.
