Answered Conundrum Next Conundrum

Do you worry about what will happen to you when you grow old?

I think about it sometimes. My husband would take care of me because he is that kind of guy, but he is older than me. What are the odds that he will still be around and physically able to look after us both? I do have four children who all have busy lives. The possibility of being shipped off to an old folks home is pretty certain.
Interesting Question? Yes (0) No (0)
RSS

Best Answer Chosen by Asker

Marked as Best! December 14, 2009 08:39 PM
I think it's normal for us to ponder the what-ifs of our life as we age. You don't give your age range but perhaps these tips will help. (I am completing my Master's in Family Studies, dealing with family crisis and life changes.)
1. Consider creating a fund for your golden years (with today's economy that may be tough right now but if you give up a cup of store bought coffee/ bottle of cola daily put the money in a jar)
2. Write the pros & cons of being in a nursing home
3. Type up a "what my family needs to know" statement giving details of how you wish for your finances to be handled, living will etc. (UPDATE REGULARLY and have it NOTARIZED)
4. Talk over your concerns with your children, (if they are old enough to understand and converse with you on this topic.)
5. Talk to your spouse about how each of you will manage if health problems arise
6. Continue to look for ways to add to your nest egg, (401K's, IRA's, Life Insurance that pays premiums)
7. Seek spiritual guidance (Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Tarot Cards) whatever your belief

Start optimizing your health; exercise, develop good health standards. Perhaps you need to develop a hobby or become active in your community to help take your mind off this topic occasionally.

But on the other hand living in the "Old Folks Home" won't be all that bad...
1. 3 meals a day prepared and brought to you on a tray (and snacks!)
2. Neighbors who love to have you visit (and often)
3. All the TV you care to watch
4. Doctors make "house" calls
5. No more dirty dishes
6. No more laundry
Asker's Rating:
Helpful Answer? (0)   (0)
Permalink | Report
Reply

Other Answers (2)
Sort By

December 15, 2009 05:03 AM
Yes, I do. I lost all my retirement money due to the stock market crash and illness. I still had my house, then the market collapsed, I lost my job, and now I'm going to lose that. I'm almost 60, and I do worry about it. All I can do now is strive to rebuild as much of my life as I can. I don't want to be a burden on my children, and as I said in another question, I'll end my life before that happens.

We surely can't depend on our government to take care of us. I'm thankful I'm intelligent and know how to write, because maybe I can maintain some sort of residual income online when I get older. I'll be typing my fingers to the bone for as long as I can, living as cheaply as possible, and stashing away as much money as I can until Social Security kicks in in a few years, if it even exists by then.
Helpful Answer? (0)   (0)
Permalink | Report
Reply
December 15, 2009 08:43 AM
I feel sure that one of my children will return the favor of letting them live with me and allow me to live with them until I am a medical problem that needs to go to a nursing home. I am afraid I will not be able to retire and that is my one concern about getting older.
Helpful Answer? (0)   (0)
Permalink | Report
Reply

Answer this Question


View All Belief and Thought Questions

Ask a Conundrum


140 characters left

Categories

Large Glass of Conundrum Wine

Welcome to ConundrumLand

Please enter your zip code.