What’s the secret to successful aging? Well, it depends who you ask: From close friendships and engaging hobbies to wine, chocolate and ice cream, everyone’s response is a little bit different. Here at The Glenridge, we believe that there’s not only one answer – but there is one question you should be asking instead:
Do you have a plan?
Not just a financial plan … but a practical, logistical plan. A plan for what happens “if.” Most people don’t – despite the fact that throughout their lives, they have carefully planned for their careers, their children’s education, and their own pre-retirement.
Uncertainty about the future can be a deterrent, experts say. “Without a crystal ball, it’s tricky to plan for the future – and it’s easy to convince yourself that you or a partner won’t need long-term care,” says Dr. Mary Pickett with Harvard Health. “But the statistics suggest you should start planning now, even if your plan isn’t perfect.”
In other words, failing to plan is a gamble against the odds. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 7 in 10 adults over 65 will need some form of long-term care at some point – and when that happens, you’ll want to have all the options you need to make the best choices for yourself and your loved ones.
Taking action can also relieve a lot of anxiety about the future, says life care planner Jennifer Crowley in an interview with AARP: “There’s a peace of mind that comes from getting your affairs in order. There’s never a wrong time to get started, but there’s always a right time. We can’t avoid certain adversities such as illness or injury, but we can prepare for them.”
That’s why our new blog series – Are You Prepared? – is designed to help those navigating the process of long-term care planning. In upcoming articles, we’ll dive deep into the transformational change facing America’s healthcare industry … the most common mistakes and misconceptions about long-term care … and strategies that will empower you make the best choices for yourself and those you love.
Planning, it’s said, is about “bringing the future into the present, so you can do something about it now.” And the sooner you get started, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to decide on your terms – with more options, more flexibility, and a degree of freedom that you may not have down the road.
At The Glenridge, we want you to be armed with the facts as you face the future. Our award-winning Life Plan Community is designed to provide surety and freedom for the years ahead – with everything you need to be decisive … take charge … and optimize health, happiness and personal well-being.
Find out how you can flourish in a community that’s different by design. Send us a message or give our Life Planning Team a call at 941-552-5369 to schedule your personal tour.
For more information about what life is like at The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch – once again named the best senior living community in Sarasota – visit our other blog posts or find us on Facebook.