What do you need to consider to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle?
There are a lot of big decisions to be made when it comes to aging in place – decisions that greatly impact your lifestyle. Like any significant decision, nothing should be decided in haste. This takes a lot of research, professional advice and self-reflection before anything is done. As you consider your future housing situation, ask yourself some of these very important questions.
Does your current home meet all your future needs?
This, of course, is the big question. The concept of aging in place concerns how well your living situation is equipped for your future needs. It could be that your home is in fact an ideal place in which to age. But that answer needs to come with facts to back it up and not just your desire to stay in your current home. If your home is not acceptable, then bigger questions need to be asked.
What needs to change?
Once you’ve determined that your home cannot meet your future needs as it stands, it’s then time to consider the necessary changes. What is it about your current home that makes aging in place problematic? Consider some of the factors we looked at previously. Mobility, community, comfort are just a few of the things you’ll need to consider.
What are your biggest concerns?
This can be a very unpleasant situation — there’s no getting around that. And while this is something necessary to confront, don’t think your personal feelings don’t factor into any of this. Think about what concerns you most about this situation. Financial needs? Moving to a new house? Losing independence? These are valid concerns to have and by addressing them you can hopefully find a healthy resolution.
What are your retirement plans?
Retirement is certainly something that factors into aging in place. How long you are planning on working and how much you have saved for retirement can certainly impact decisions. There are still many boomers who are far from ready to retire, but that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be planning for it. Think about how you see your retirement, what preparations have been made and what preparations need to be made.
How will your financial situation impact this situation?
Obviously, one major concern with aging in place is the money factor. If you’re considering moving, what fits in your price range? If you want to renovate and make your home more effective for aging in place, is that something you can afford? How will your lifestyle change when you’re no longer working full time? Consider how money effects your decisions.
These are just a few of the questions worth asking yourself when thinking about aging in place. With life-changing decisions like this, it can often be very stressful. But preparing and educating yourself is how you ensure the decisions are in your best interest.