4 Tips for Aging Better

The other day, a good friend of mine said something that stuck with me. After spending time assisting—and arguing—with his fiercely independent (but not-so-agile) 90-year-old father, he had a revelation. His father never thought he’d live into his nineties, so he hadn’t exactly planned for it. Of course, that meant for this particular gentleman, aging hadn’t been a graceful glissade from middle age to senior citizenship.

For most Boomers, living into your 80s and 90s is a probability, not an exception. Per USA Facts, the average life expectancy for men is 75.8 years; for women, 81.1 years. It’s not at all that surprising when you think about it! Nowadays, we have access to better healthcare and know what we need to avoid to stay healthy. This, in turn, can help us live even longer. Most financial advisors will tell you to plan your finances to age 100, reducing the chances that you will outlive your money.

Putting some things in place now will make sure your life is the way you want it to be later.
Here are four tips on aging better.

1.  Talk to your family.

Boy, do we hate talking with our family members about fundamental things like money, health, and—gasp!—death. But here’s the deal: if you’re going to count on them to help you later in life, then you owe it to them to tell them now what you have in mind. Let them know what resources you have (or don’t have). Tell them where important legal documents are located. Decide who gets to make important health decisions for you if you are no longer able. One resource to get you started is a document called “5 Wishes.” It’ll help you identify your preferences regarding medical, personal, and emotional needs when you can no longer speak for yourself.

“It’s easier to talk about issues like advance directives or moving from your own home into a retirement community, assisted living, or a nursing home when you’re not in the middle of a crisis,” Johns Hopkins geriatric medicine expert Alicia Arbaje said in a recent article. “It’s not easy to talk about topics like aging and illness and even dying, but having these conversations can give everyone peace of mind.” So, start early! While nobody likes to have those tough, uncomfortable conversations, you don’t want to scramble last minute to have them. Plan for the worst and hope for the best!

2.  Get your legal documents in order. 

Here are some of the legal documents that’ll make it easier for your family:

1. A financial power of attorney: According to the CDC Foundation, a financial power of attorney is exactly what it sounds like: a legal document that allows an individual to make financial decisions on your behalf. They can also manage your bank accounts, make payments for you, file your taxes, and pay your bills.
2. A medical power of attorney: Like the financial power of attorney, this legal document allows someone to make medical decisions for you if you’re ever incapacitated. A medical power of attorney can also allow them to access your medical records and even choose healthcare providers for you.
3. Advance directives: Advance directives are written, legal instructions that spell out your wishes, such as the kind of medical care you’d want if you ever lost your ability to speak due to terminal illness, dementia, a coma, or another medical condition. While most of us probably don’t want to think about such a fate befalling us, we should always have documents lined up just in case. Not only can this make things easier for you, but it can also take the guesswork out of tricky situations for your relatives, too!
4. A will: Most of us know what a will is, but not all of us have one. If you fall into the latter category, you might want to change that sooner rather than later. Dying without a will can be a long, messy, complicated process that can add to your loved ones’ stress during an already difficult time. Plus, your assets might end up in probate court!

You can download a free copy of your state’s advance directive HERE or contact your state’s attorney general.  If you have a financial planner or insurance agent, introduce them to your children or future caretakers. Also, consider buying a Nokbox. This estate-planning tool can help you gather important documents and store them in one easy-to-access place!

3.  Consider long-term care insurance. 

Medicare does not pay for long-term care, except under very limited circumstances following a hospital stay.  Long-term care insurance helps pay for non-medical care when you can no longer care for yourself.  This type of care can range from medication management to personal grooming assistance to assisted living and nursing home care. Most plans include home care and may even help pay for modifications to your home so you can age in place. Speak with a specialist in long-term care insurance who can help you determine if it fits your needs.  It’s smart to buy it when you are in your 50s or early 60s.  The younger and healthier you are, the more affordable the policy will be—and the more likely you’ll be to qualify.

4. Think about where you’ll live in your “slow-go” years. 

The early years of retirement are often called the “go-go years.” You’re doing all those things you couldn’t do when you were working. Great travel experiences. Making new friends. Maybe even moving to a new state for a fresh start.  But if you live into your 80s and 90s, that location may no longer be right for your “going slow or no-go” years. At some point, you need to admit you will no longer be able to drive. That’s when it is time to consider transportation alternatives in the community. Think about the best place to live when you hit that stage of life. Then, do your family a huge favor and make the move before you have to. You can also downsize while you’re still in your “go-go years” to make the transition into your “slow-go” years easier and less stressful!

It’s hard to think about a time when you can’t take care of yourself, as you have for years. But if you do, the rewards are plenty.

You’ll feel more independent and happier living in a place and way that you choose for yourself. Also, your family won’t have to worry so much about you.  Now, that’s what I call “aging better.”

Laura Rossman has over 20 years of experience in health and senior care services. She currently heads up marketing and communications for iQuote by Longevity Alliance, an independent national insurance broker that helps seniors compare Medicare insurance and long-term care insurance from multiple providers.

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