Imagine sitting by the river in Sedona, Arizona, sharing your deepest dreams, visioning the perfect plan for your journey forward. The sun is shining on Cathedral Ledge, puffy clouds wafting over the hills, and the water is soothing away distractions and stresses. And here I am, ensconced in camping chairs with a vision mapping client from the east coast, drinking coffee, listening to delightful visions from a professional writer who will be turning 70 very soon.

“Amortality…Why acting your age is a thing of the past,” a recent article by Catherine Mayer in Time magazine, explains why some of my clients are not only in their 30’s, but stretching into their 70’s and beyond. Mayer states that “amortality” is a term she used to categorize our current trend of living agelessly. Of course, we are not immortal; however, positive lifestyle changes, better medical care and an upbeat philosophy all contribute to our lengthening lives.

By 2050, men and women of 60+ will constitute 27% of the entire U.S. population. You may look at 2050 as being forever, but i’ll let you in on a little secret from my decades of wisdom: Life is what happens when you’re busy making plans, and the time can slip away faster than you imagine. In fact, you may already be collecting Social Security income…or perhaps you’re a young one transitioning careers.

Do we need a strategic plan of action as we age? Well, yes and no! It depends on your financial situation, energy, whether or not you are fully retired…and lots of other personal ingredients. Generally, regardless of age, there are lots of questions to ask. What is the dream that you hold in your heart and mind right now? How much time can you devote to making the vision manifest? Do you have adequate finances to materialize the dream? Who else might be involved with your goal? Do you need to make a plan of action to embark on this next journey?

The questions might be shifted a bit for septuagenarians or octogenarians, but the wanted results are the same. And the inquiries generally remain sorta’ the same for all ages. People of a certain age certainly have gained huge wisdom, and they also want a different lifestyle than a 45 year old. Asking the above questions can help determine directions and eventual ‘how-to’s,’ whether you choose immortality, amortality or just a plain old integrated happy life plan. Most importantly, be true to yourself and allow the childlike wonder within to be your guiding light. Visions never end because we turn a year, or a decade, older. Grace is always with you. Discovery is a daily happening. Please write and share your dreams with me, and if you need a little support, my pleasure is helping others create the perfect “how to do it.”