Baby Boomers have a reputation of “pushing the envelope.” As they age and the oldest of the Boomers are now in their 60s, they’re pushing the healthcare system to put a more serious focus on getting better care, as well as wellness and prevention. In fact, by 2029, the 65 and older population will nearly triple. Additionally, projections are that six out of ten Boomers will have more than one chronic health condition that requires medical intervention.

With that in mind, for most Boomers the question is not how to prepare if the need for surgery or some other medical procedure arises, but rather, how to prepare when the need is eminent. Realize, too, that medical care goes way beyond doctor recommended procedures. Even healthy Boomers will face surgery as more and more go in for elective and cosmetic procedures. And research shows that the more prepared these health care consumers are, the better their outcome.

Many people mistakenly believe when it comes to health care, especially surgery, few things are in the patient’s control. In reality, you can do plenty to make sure your operation and recovery go as smoothly as possible. Further, given the challenges getting care in our current health care system, the more people become wise consumers of health care, the better care they can get from health providers.

Studies done over the last twenty years have shown that surgical patients who have been prepared so that they are calmer before the procedure experience less pain, heal quicker, have fewer complications, and leave the hospital earlier. Realize, though, that preparation can go beyond the simple pre-op checklist of instructions your physician may give you. Depending on the nature of the procedure you need, your anxiety level regarding the surgery, and your individual personality style, you may benefit from support and guidance from someone who specializes in a trauma education and healing practice, like Somatic Experiencing, which works to calm your nervous system, strengthen your resources, and align with the healing nature of the procedure. Some people can prepare alone by following the recommendations outlined below.

Since any type of surgery or medical procedure involves stepping out of your comfort zone, the important thing is to move beyond the shock, fear, or frustration of the impending surgery and into a healing vortex or balanced state. The following steps will enable you to achieve precisely that.

1. Relax your nervous system

Whenever people receive a diagnosis and learn they need a medical procedure, their nervous system typically goes through a stress response. For example, some people start rushing around trying to take care of all the details. Others get numb at the news and freeze on making decisions. Some get angry and lash out at everyone. Regardless of the outer expression of the stress, when people are in such an emotional state they have a difficult time making intelligent decisions. The key is to get the nervous system back to a more balanced state.

First, allow yourself time to settle down in order to help your nervous system create a more helpful way of functioning. Shifting from a stress response to a more relaxed state will enable you to make better decisions. Think of it as the difference between having a narrow point of view versus a broad point of view. Some people get so stuck on the diagnosis that they become the disease. But if you relax and step back, your perspective changes from “I am this disease” to “I have this disease.”

To make the shift possible, you can relax by doing deep breathing, meditating, laughing, being in nature, taking a walk, reading, taking a nap, talking to a comforting friend, or playing with your kids or pets. Basically, do anything that makes you feel relaxed and neutral, and more like your old self. You may need to do two or more relaxation techniques before your nervous system truly settles. Additionally, practice letting concerns that are overwhelming go, and then come back to them after a few minutes of settling down.

2. Take control of the things you can control

Once you’re relaxed, make a list of your questions and concerns. Nothing is too small. If you feel you may be overlooking something important, go online and look for websites that address the disease you have or the procedure you’re getting done. There you’ll likely find lists of common questions to ask your physician.

Find someone (or several people) who can be your ally, support person, and/or advocate. Bring this person to your doctor appointments to record answers, ask questions, and to listen. Most people are nervous before procedures and can’t hear facts without their feelings interfering. Advocates and support people can listen clearly and be more objective when they ask questions.

Additionally, meet with your anesthesiologist, visit the recovery room (if possible), and talk to any other doctors who would be a part of your procedure. Knowing who will be in the operating or procedure room with you and where you will be post-procedure is helpful and grounding for many people.

Also find people who have gone through the procedure and talk to them. Ask your doctor’s office or local health center (such as a cancer center) for the names and phone numbers of people with similar conditions who have agreed to be a resource for others. You can also go online to find support groups and virtual communities. When you talk to these people, find out everything you can about the recuperation and common needs or after-effects.

Be sure to make any necessary preparations for your recovery period. Who will be with you, both at the hospital and at home? Who will cook your meals or take care of your pets while you’re laid up? Make a list of your post-op needs and share it with others. That way when friends and family ask how they can help, they’ll have some specifics. This prevents you from having more casseroles than you could possibly eat when what you really need is someone to walk your dog. Also, don’t forget about services like visiting nurses, local churches, and social service agencies that can do home visits to help you.

3. Align with the healing nature of the procedure

With your nerves relaxed and your due diligence done, it’s time to focus on the power of your mind and how it can help your recovery. To begin, think about the meaning of the procedure you’re having. Often, surgery is an opportunity to feel better. For example, if your knee has been hurting for years and you’re finally getting the problem corrected, not only are you going to feel better and have less knee pain, but you’re also going to be able to resume doing all the activities you have avoided because of your achy knee. So focus on your reclaimed ability to dance, or run, or climb stairs pain-free. Focusing on the positive outcome will put your mind into a healing state.

Doing guided visualization sessions with a trained professional (or listening to some guided visualization tapes) is another great way to mentally prepare for procedures. During these visualizations you can see the procedure going smoothly, you can picture yourself progressing through your recovery without complications, and you can envision what it will feel and look like to be well again or to be fully healed after cosmetic procedures.

Some people also benefit from gathering items that symbolize health and healing to them. These could be a scarf with a special print, a stone known for its healing properties like quartz, or even a favorite picture. Bring whatever item with you to the hospital, as it will help you anchor on healing.

Also, make a tape of affirmations. Some possible ones are “I am strong and healthy,” “My healing is happening now,” and “I have a strong immune system.” Say your affirmations every day. If your surgeon is willing, have him or her say the affirmations to you (in the “you” tense rather than “I” tense) during the procedure.

Finally, remember that you will probably be disoriented for a bit after a procedure. You can gradually bring yourself back to the present by looking at an object for a few seconds, drinking water, or moving slowly and exploring the environment around you. Don’t rush yourself during this time. You will recover at your own pace. So don’t be overly concerned about “hurrying up to get better.” If anything else, the undo stress you will place on yourself will only make your healing go slower.

Embrace the Healing Mindset

Boomers are determined to live longer, healthier, and more active lives than any generation before. Because of this attitude, they have already reshaped what it means to grow older and what’s expected of healthcare providers. By applying these positive attitudes toward reshaping the concept of prepping for medical procedures, Boomers will certainly reach their goal of living life to its fullest and enjoying the best of what’s yet to come.