Brickmont Explains Solo Agers

Have you ever heard the term of “Solo Agers”? The term was coined by Sara Zeff Geber, Ph.D. and is discussed in her book, Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers: A Retirement and Aging Roadmap for Single and Childless Adults. We soon came to realize we have residents at Brickmont who fit into this category! So, what exactly is a Solo Ager, and are you one of them?

A Solo Ager is an individual from the Baby Boomer generation that chose to lead a childfree life, whether they were married or single. This number has been constantly rising. According to UrbanLand, in 2012 the percent of households in America that are solo living individuals was nearly 30%, compare to less that 10% in 1950.

Guide to Aging Alone

Whether you live with a spouse, family member or in senior living, being a senior without adult children to handle aspects of your life might seem challenging. At Brickmont, we want you to know the steps needed to be prepared for graceful aging. For this, you need to have someone assigned to make legal decisions, think about your future, different levels of care you may need, and seriously contemplate all the what-ifs.

Important Decisions

The first thing to consider is if you have a recent living will. If you do have a living will it can help with any legal or financial decisions that may happen if you ever become incapacitated. If you do have an updated will, the next thing to consider would be, who will make all the important decisions in your life if you were in a position where you could not voice your opinion. If you have a family member, spouse, or well-trusted friend, there are two documents that need to be prepared in case of emergencies, in addition to the mention of them in your will. 

• Power of Attorney – this form legally appoints an “agent” to make legal, medical and financial decisions for you.
• HIPAA Authorization Form – this form allows your loved one or trusted friend to access your personal records in order to make an educated decision on behalf of your well-being. 

If there is no individual that you want or trust being in charge of your life, you can always hire an attorney to make important decisions for you.

Future Care Needs

If you are a senior, it is essential to think about your future. Will you want or need to move into a senior living community? At Brickmont, we offer assisted living for those who are capable of performing most daily tasks but do need some assistance. We also offer Memory Care and other short-term assistance services here at Brickmont.

The other part of the “future equation” is to imagine what type of care you may need if your health deteriorates due to sickness or just age. You may want to have your power of attorney know what levels of care and what sources you want them from. The good news about living a child-free life is that all of your savings can go towards caring for yourself instead of heritage.

What-Ifs

It is crucial to plan for anything that may happen so you or your loved ones can be prepared for whatever life may throw your way. Some what-ifs you need to consider and plan for are:

• What if you fall and break a bone?
• What if you become very ill?
• What if you can no longer pay for your home?
• What if your “roommate” passes away?
• What if you cannot manage daily tasks on your own?
  • Who will speak for you?
  • Where do you want to reside?
  • How will you pay for it?

It is extremely important to ask yourself all of these what-if questions to be prepared for aging. You need to plan for your future living and care needs and also plan for who will have the power to make decisions on your behalf. Aging without children can be scary, but it does not have to be. Brickmont wants all seniors, just like you, to know their options and make a plan for aging gracefully. 

If you would like to talk to someone to discuss aging plans, contact us today!