Three Questions to Lead You to a Quality Retirement
1 Who will change
my light bulbs?
This sounds mundane and simple enough—but is it?
If your father is 85—even if he is in good shape—do you want him on a ladder changing light bulbs? How about your mom living alone and maintaining her home well into her eighth and ninth decade? Given that the baby boomers had fewer children and have the highest divorce rates in history, help at home may be in short supply. Now think about your own retirement years. Changing light bulbs is more than an issue of long-term home maintenance. It is a question that asks, “Do I have a plan of how to maintain my home?” When younger, most of us take for granted our ability to do daily house cleaning, maintenance and basic repairs—even home modifications. However, identifying the costs as well as the trusted service providers necessary to maintain our home may be as critical to aging independently as the health of our retirement savings.
2 How will I get an
ice cream cone?
Imagine it is a hot summer night—a perfect night for getting an ice cream cone…
preferably chocolate. Quality of life is about being able to easily and routinely access those little experiences that bring a smile.
While getting an ice cream cone when you want it is not a financial strain for most, the capacity to have that cone on demand does raise questions such as, “Do I have adequate transportation to go where I want when I want?”
If driving is no longer possible, “Are there seamless alternatives that enable me to make the trips that I want—not just those I need?” Moreover, “Will I age in a community where there are ample activities and people to keep me engaged, active, and having fun?”
3 Who will I have
lunch with?
Lunch is more than a meal—it’s an occasion.
Who you have lunch with may be a good
indicator of your social network. This is not
the social network of “friends” you have
online, but friends you see on a regular
basis—people who help reinforce a healthy
and active lifestyle, and who you and your
significant other can depend upon.
Even with adequate finances, living alone
without a robust circle of social support can
threaten healthy aging. Today, more than
40% of women over 65 years old live alone
in the United States. Consequently, planning
where, and with whom to retire may be as
important as how much it will cost. For
example, a home in the mountains may
be alluring as you approach retirement,
but it may lead to an inadequate network
of friends, or complete isolation during
old age.
The baby boomers are facing a different
retirement than their parents. They’re more
likely to live alone, to have fewer children,
and to live in suburban and rural locations
that may not provide easy access to active
and livable communities.
“Retirement planning must go beyond money alone…”
Effective planning must be about more than financial security. The new face of retirement planning must
go beyond money, and adopt an integrated and holistic approach to helping people like you prepare to
live longer and well.
Contact Us
Book an Appointment
- 1-508-747-5249
Sign up for our newsletter!
(We do not share your data with anybody, and only use it for its intended purpose)
Leave A Comment