“We live, we die, and the wheels of the bus go round and round.” Those are the famous words of Edward Cole, which was the role played by Jack Nicholson in the 2007 film The Bucket List. The moving film was about writing a “wish list” containing a list of things he and his friend wanted to do before they died. The main characters in the film who were fulfilling their dreams have inspired young and old to think about their dreams and find a way to fulfill them. Many seniors are starting to think of their own wish lists early on so they can fulfill them while still relatively active. Many assisted living homes and senior marketing companies are channeling their efforts into encouraging seniors to make their wish lists so that they view old age as a new way of life.
The term “senior” covers a wide range of age groups. Distinguishing between baby boomers, who in 2010 are 46-64 years old, 70 years old, 75 years old, and someone 80 and older is critical to providing relevant and meaningful information in areas such as daily living, health care, education, and even merchandising. Regardless of what age one decides the time is right to make her wish list, many are getting help to do just that. Assisted living homes, senior marketing services, and hospice centers are contacting nonprofit organizations that help seniors and those on their deathbeds fulfill their final wishes. .
Several companies have also sprung up based on the idea of helping seniors create their wish lists. 10 years ago, Bob Haverstick founded a company called Never Too Late, which specializes in fulfilling the aspirations of seniors and terminally ill adults. The company has granted more than 2,000 wishes in a decade, racking up unusual and hilarious stories along the way. “We want to continue to make the wishes of seniors and terminally ill adults come true and create more spin-offs of our organization,” Haverstick says.
“Once people hear about the mission or read about a wish in the newspaper or see a wish on TV, they want to volunteer or send funds to help support the cause.” Haverstick’s Indianapolis-based company aims to help people live each day filled with energetic compassion and translate that mindset into the world of “wish making.” The company offers programs in which elementary school-age children visit seniors in assisted living and long-term care facilities and make pen pals with residents who have no one to visit or write to them.
Some seniors across the country are using their computers to share their personalized wish lists on social media. They’re blogging their way to fulfillment with dream lists that include activities like skydiving, scuba diving, parasailing, riding a “Harley,” getting a tattoo, bungee jumping, and yes, seeing Paris. It may be a little more practical for some seniors to think “outside the bucket” and imagine some aspirations that are better suited to physical limitations, not to mention budgets. “Good” bucket list fulfillments for some seniors should leave imprints in their memories and not compromise their pockets or brittle bones!
Some seniors may prefer simpler bucket list suggestions, such as learning to draw or paint, playing an instrument, reading that novel they never got around to reading, or learning how to use the computer. Many physically fit and active older adults return to school and continue their education as their wish list desires. Activity directors at assisted living homes have also created online “travelogues” or Power Point presentations that would allow residents to take virtual tours of anywhere in the world. This could make seeing Paris or even climbing Mount Everest a reality within the facilities of your assisted living facility. Most people in their later years still have important items left on their wish lists and all they need to do is pursue their passion, one step, one day, one wish at a time. By the year 2030, the total number of people in the US age 65 and older will skyrocket to 71.5 million, one in five Americans. Live your life to the fullest by fulfilling your dreams!
