When we look at aging loved ones as a blessing versus a burden, an opportunity versus an obligation, a choice and not a chore we are moving toward happiness. Doing the right things, making sacrifices, keeping our head and heart clear of negative, then we get closer to happiness.

Aging in place is the buzz word. My parents are doing it. Some of the new senior technology will be helpful however being connected to family and friends is the true hot spot. It doesn't receive much press however, it’s critical that it be addressed. The option of bringing Mom or Dad into the family home is fraught with fear.

Although my child is amazing and polite, he is a teenager and is prone to do "teenage" type stuff. Computer games, friends, arguments, I don't really want the judgment of my parents determining how I interact with my child. But maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

A few statistics:

• 78 million baby boomers are preparing for their senior years.

• 22.4 million U.S. households-nearly one in four-now are providing care to a relative or friend aged 50 or older. (AARP)

• 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 each day.

If we can allow our senior loved ones security, privacy and personal control while maintaining our own privacy and personal control it can improve the quality of life for them and for us. Planning ahead and evaluating home clutter, heart clutter and head clutter and then doing the reading and the work to make adjustments move us toward happiness.

I went to hear the happiest man in the world speak. It was not as obnoxious as it sounds. He developed “some small recreational projects”, Vail, etc and then decided that despite his wealth, he hadn’t found happiness. Thus, project cure, currently a huge organization that ships medical equipment and supplies literally across the world entirely volunteer and non-profit.

I don't know why I don't fly the kite differently...

The long term benefits include a deeper sense of family, an enduring connection between multigenerations and a return to the “family values” of loving, respecting and honoring our elders in their remaining years.

Growing up we learned fear or trust, love or hate, happiness or anger, joy or pain. The hope is that if we didn't learn things that served us, we have learned differently.