Aging Isn't for The Timid!

Wednesday November 30, 2022 - Jennifer Prell
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Aging can be a tumultuous ride. We expect that our bodies may not be as strong as they used to, or that our brains may not be as quick. We need to prepare for our futures and all that it entails.

Your family is your strongest support system. They are there for you no matter what. Have conversations about your finances, legal documents, your legacy, and your health with your adult children early on so that should anything happen they are prepared to help you. If you don’t have adult children you may want to ask your best friend, attorney, or Trustee to help with this process.

Document all your financial accounts, online passwords, and location of important papers. Keep everything in a safe place and direct your “person” as to where to locate these items when needed. Create an heirloom list showcasing items you want for each family member. It would also be helpful to give provenance to those items: where they came from, who owned them, why their important, etc.

Let your loved ones know what you want to happen should you not be able to make decisions for yourself. Do you want to stay home with a caregiver, if possible? If you are to move to a new senior living option, do you want to live in the suburbs or the city? Do you want a building with lots of activities or a quieter one? What activities are important to you? Setting your loved ones up for success is important. They can’t help you with your future unless you talk about yourself.