Times are tough all over! All 50 states are facing severe budget shortfalls. The dot.com bubble burst, the stock market collapsed and we are on the verge of war. Yikes! Yet, how wonderful was it when one little girl, Elizabeth Smart, was found alive and well and returned to her family? Our hearts leapt. We really needed that piece of good news and the renewed hope it brought almost as much as we need the cherry blossoms that will explode on the scene in only a few short weeks!

The media brings it all into our homes 24/7 in rapid fire sound bites but the stress all this information adds to our already overwhelmed lives is enormous. We must be very careful that this information overload and all the “emotional interference” it causes do not distract us and lead to injuries. Most accidents are preventable. Just like the rest of us, today’s seniors are very busy and can become overwhelmed. Seniors must be especially diligent about staying safe. A bad accident can permanently sideline an otherwise healthy and active senior.

Do you worry and “multi task,” at the same time? Are you running all day fighting for every five minutes of time? Rushing, worrying and lack of attention are dangerous habits. Get back to basics. Avoid distractions while undertaking inherently dangerous tasks. You know what they are—Activities involving automobiles, stairways, bad weather, fire, electricity, knives, and virtually any activity done carelessly. Women are particularly prone to dangerous injuries inside the home and, gentlemen, pay due attention when climbing ladders and working with power tools, especially when you’re alone. Patience is not only a virtue, it is a safety imperative.

During hectic times or times of intense pressure and stress, it is important to make a conscious effort to stay safe. The world around you may be spinning very fast, but do one thing at a time and focus on what you are doing. At the threshold of any task, stop and take 15 seconds to tell yourself you’re going to concentrate on what you’re doing and figure out how to do it safely. Remember, you can’t help anyone from a hospital bed! Our Country and our Commonwealth are strong and our future bright. We want our seniors to be healthy and ready to ride the next wave. In the 21st Century, there is no such thing as too old to enjoy life—You’re only as old as you think you are!