Summary of this article
Build legal and financial security, a contingency fund, a Will, and a clear medical decision-making arrangements.
Choose a smaller, senior-friendly home that supports social interaction and reduces isolation.
Set up reliable help for daily chores and healthcare before retirement begins.
In most of the families today, children live in a different city from their parents’ retirement place due to their jobs. When both husband and wife are there, they can look after each other, but if one is not there, it can be challenging. In the case of a single elderly person having no close family around, it can become even more challenging after retirement. However, with proper planning, one can live a happy life even if living alone in one’s golden years. Here are three important things single elderly people should do for a happy retirement life.
Legal And Financial Security Readiness
You may need more money and greater financial security when you have to live alone after your retirement. So, build a bigger contingency fund than usual and have a little more than the adequately sized retirement corpus. In the absence of a close family member or friend around, you need a clearly defined legal document to make decisions for your health when there is a medical emergency, and you are not in a position to make a decision, and take care of your assets. So, write a Will and keep it updated so that your medical conditions can be dealt with as per your desire, and after you, your wealth can be bequeathed to your intended heirs without any legal dispute.
Realign Your Housing Requirement
Try to avoid living in a big property when you live alone because it may make you feel lonelier. Prefer downsizing and living in a smaller home. You may choose a property where you can easily find other senior citizens to socialise. For example, you may choose a house in a society, especially constructed for senior living purposes. You may start spending a few days or weeks in your retirement home before you are actually retired. It will help you get familiar with the social environment.
Arrange A Supporting Team For Routine Work And Health
Before you retire, try to hire reliable and regular support staff for your routine work, like preparing food, cleaning the home, etc. If you have health issues, you must look for and ensure medical support close to your place, or you may hire regular nursing staff for day-to-day medical support.
Nuclear families have given rise to the number of people living alone, especially in old age. It’s crucial for any older adult living alone to realise that they may not be able to do everything by themselves as they age. Golden years may come with their own challenges, and you need someone around to look after your needs. So, plan ahead. Planning can help you avoid loneliness and live alone with confidence and dignity.
The author is an independent financial journalist
