SETTING GOALS

By Dr. Marion Somers, Ph. D., Ask Dr. Marion

QUESTION: Doctor Marion,

My aunt just seems to let her days and nights flow into each other. I'm not sure how to help. Maybe I should just stay out of her life and let things go their own way. I'm bewildered. CK in California

ANSWER: Hi CK,

Please don't give up on your aunt. Consider setting a goal or two with her. Setting goals helps a person at any age stay organized and focused. It can even give your aunt a good reason to get out of bed in the morning. The goal may be to clean one kitchen cabinet a week or to further an education or to climb the Appalachian Trail. I've seen a 100-recipe cookbook created in the final few months of someone's life. Everyone in the family was thrilled with the finished product, and my client went out with a smile on her face. It's important to set goals so your aunt has something to look forward to. With a little encouragement along the way, you'll be surprised by what can be accomplished.