The journey through the stages of life is a long, rich experience, and naturally in each life there will be ups and downs, gains and losses, victories and failures, and so forth. But ultimately, the way in which we respond to the opportunities and setbacks in life will help to shape our destinies and outcomes. Humorously enough, it seems that the only thing in life that never changes is that there will always be changes. And as we age into our twilight years, it is natural to find that our priorities shift, our capabilities and situations change, and we will all face new and important decisions about how best to navigate forward through life.
Just as with every other phase of life, planning well in advance for the future is important as we age, so that we can maintain as much control as we possibly can over the quality and circumstances of our lives. For the category of older adults who are aging on their own, there is a unique set of circumstances for them to consider as they prepare themselves for the road ahead in making their way through life as well as deciding what truly matters to them in their old age.
Whether one finds themselves aging alone due to choice, or to outside circumstances such as divorce, loss of their partner, or other changes, over a quarter of adults age 60 or older live alone in the United States. For women who are age 65 or older, the percentage jumps up to shockingly almost half. And for those within this category, the challenge of not having children or close relatives upon whom they can call upon and depend on to make critical legal, medical, and financial decisions if they themselves are unable to do so, sets them apart from other older adults.
Statistically, the number of older adults who will find themselves aging on their own is forecasted to grow significantly. Baby boomers, the generation born between the years 1946 and 1964, are the second largest population of adults behind millennials. All boomers will be at least 65 years old by 2030, and the rate of childlessness among them is close to 20%.
Answering and thinking about the following questions can help you develop your safety net.
- Have you taken the time to seriously consider what matters most to you? Think about what constitutes a good day for you, and where you want to focus your passion and energy as you live your life.
- Where do you want to live? What kind of environment and amenities will you need to live your best life?
- Do you have someone you trust to act as a health care proxy who can make sure your wishes for medical care are followed in the event that you are for any reason unable to make your own decisions?
- Do you have a financial plan in place should you need additional resources, for instance to pay for an in-home caregiver or a personal assistant?