Optimists tend to be resilient. In difficult times they focus their energies on constructive efforts, using their time to enhance their lives despite adversity. Although they may feel victimized by crises at times, they can overcome those feelings by concentrating, instead, on the positive aspects of their lives.
Realistic optimism strengthens one’s resolve by identifying those things that are controllable, but, unfortunately, the pandemic is unpredictable and, in large part, heedless of social countermeasures to control it. So, how do we stay optimistic when the news is grim, and the future is uncertain?
While personal fortitude is an admirable trait, it is the spirit of a community that fosters true resilience, and that is one way to remain optimistic. Many public service announcements on television and radio featuring celebrities pronounce that “we are all in this together.” That encourages us to believe that there is hope. The strength of a community to deal with shared adversity is built on a fundamental premise: trust in your neighbor. In our neighborhood comprising retirees, we have a social event every Tuesday evening at the end of our cul-de-sac. Neighbors get together (using social distancing protocol) to check on each other, drink, and, most importantly, encourage and rally the “hood.” This is our effort as a small community to show our resilience and get through yet another week.
We all get discouraged at times by challenging situations. It is the response to those challenges that can strengthen the individual and the community. If we, individually or collectively, fail in any one attempt to overcome a problem, we will have gained more knowledge and awareness for the next attempt.
It is not currently foreseeable whether life will return to the norms of the past when this crisis passes. However, communities and countries will reconnect in some way, and our resilience will persevere.
Being resilient is a learning process that occurs over a lifetime. Older adults are well equipped to cope with adversity because they have had the time and experience of “rolling with the punches” during numerous life obstacles. The more experience one has in being resilient, the more one is prepared for the next onset of “punches.”
– Joe from Arizona, a FAR customer who is finding purpose in this new stage of his life.
* The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the Finance of America Reverse (LLC)
This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only, and should not be construed as financial or tax advice. For more information about whether a reverse mortgage may be right for you, you should consult an independent financial advisor. For tax advice, please consult a tax professional.
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