Finances, Family, and the Future: Planning for Older Age

Planning for older age is about more than preparing for what might change. It is about creating a future that feels secure, supported, enjoyable and meaningful. For many older adults and their families, this stage of life brings important questions about health, finances, housing, and long-term wishes.

Planning for older age involves preparing for health changes, adjusting finances, choosing the right living environment, updating legal documents, and building strong support systems so you and your family can feel confident about the future.

At Someren Glen, a Continuing Care Community (CCC) in Centennial, Colorado, we believe aging should be honored and celebrated. With thoughtful planning and the right resources, older age can be a time of growth, connection, and purpose. 

Not sure where to start? Consider making a list of what is most important to you as you age, such as social connection, proximity to family, physical well-being, financial stability, learning, or security. This clarity will allow you to create a plan that aligns with your priorities. 

Health and Wellness: Building a Foundation for Aging Well

Preparing for health changes means taking proactive steps today to support physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being while also planning for future medical needs.

Key areas to focus on include:

• Establishing a trusted team of healthcare providers
• Scheduling routine screenings and annual wellness visits
• Staying physically active through walking, fitness classes, or gentle strength training
• Supporting brain health with social interaction, learning, and mentally stimulating activities
• Prioritizing balanced nutrition and hydration

Healthy habits help maintain independence and support the lifestyle you envision for your future. An equally important component of developing practices that prioritize your health for the long term is advance care planning. Jump to the Legal and Estate Planning Essentials section for more information on documents such as a living will and healthcare power of attorney.

Staying Socially and Mentally Engaged As You Age

Strong social ties are linked to better physical health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being.

Ways to stay engaged include:

• Participating in group activities and clubs
• Volunteering or mentoring
• Exploring creative hobbies
• Attending educational programs
• Building daily routines that include interaction

Senior living communities often provide a range of resident-driven activities designed to support connection, learning, and enjoyment. At Someren Glen, we see every day how vibrant programming encourages residents to remain curious, active, and connected.

Housing and Environment: Choosing Where You Will Thrive In Retirement

The right living environment can make a significant difference in safety, comfort, and quality of life. As people think about the years ahead, a common question becomes: What housing options support aging well?

Evaluating your home for safety

Many older adults begin by considering whether their current home will continue to meet their needs. Some choose to modify their homes with features such as:

• Walk-in showers or tubs
• Grab bars and handrails
• Improved lighting
• Fewer steps or single-level living

Evaluating your home for social well-being and connectedness

However, the safety of one’s home isn’t the only important consideration. Equally as important is evaluating how your home and community support your social well-being. For some older adults, their home may also be the source of a close-knit neighborhood, social circle, and nearby family, making for a social life that is vibrant, connected, and multigenerational. For others, remaining in their home may lead to loneliness and isolation, which can have real health consequences.

Exploring senior living communities

Those who are concerned about their social well-being at home may choose to explore senior living options that offer low-maintenance lifestyles, built-in support, and opportunities for social connection. 

Some senior living communities are designed to support people through different stages of aging. Continuing Care Communities, like Someren Glen, offer multiple levels of care on one campus, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation.

For many people, this type of community offers peace of mind. It means having options available while staying in a familiar place, surrounded by neighbors, routines, and relationships that already feel like home.

Financial Planning for Older Age

Financial planning for older age focuses on enjoying the retirement you’ve worked so hard for while also protecting savings and preparing for future healthcare and potential long-term care costs.

Helpful steps include:

• Create a realistic retirement spending plan that accounts for your lifestyle priorities
• Review investments annually and adjust for a more conservative approach if appropriate
• Budget for rising healthcare and prescription costs
• Explore long-term care insurance options
• Meet regularly with a trusted financial professional

The National Council on Aging provides practical money management tips for older adults, including budgeting guidance and benefit resources. Thoughtful financial planning can ease stress and provide freedom to focus on what matters most.

Legal and Estate Planning Essentials

As you plan for this next stage of your journey, you may wonder what documents should be in place.  More resources on estate planning.  

Keeping legal and estate plans up to date – and discussing them periodically with your loved ones – helps ensure your wishes are honored and reduces stress for family members.

Important documents include:

• A current will or trust
• Healthcare power of attorney
• Financial power of attorney
• Living will or advance directive

Review these documents periodically and after major life changes. According to the National Institute on Aging, advance care planning helps ensure your medical preferences are known, respected, and followed if you are unable to communicate them yourself.

End-of-Life Planning

While many adults of all ages may find it uncomfortable to start considering end-of-life planning, it is a profound act of love for one’s family members and friends. Kelly O’Connor, a longevity industry insider who has supported nearly 2,000 families through elder care transitions, puts it this way: “End-of-life planning doesn’t have to be grim. It’s loving, thoughtful, and deeply human.”

Having a plan in place gives your family clarity in the midst of their grief, allowing them to follow your wishes while offering comfort to one another.  

In addition to preparing the legal and estate planning documents listed above, end-of-life planning also includes your quality-of-life wishes, should you require medical or specialized care, and your funeral and memorial wishes. 

Talking with Your Family About Your Plans for Older Age

Open communication is essential throughout this journey. Talking with loved ones about your preferences, concerns, and plans helps everyone feel more prepared and aligned.

In his book Right Place, Right Time, author Ryan Frederick suggests that older adults and their adult children sit down annually to discuss how they are doing in their current home. This conversation provides opportunities for parents to openly share their wishes with their children. In turn, adult children can express to their parents how they feel they are doing. 

Making these conversations routine can help make future decisions collaborative while preventing the need to have difficult conversations in moments of stress or crisis.

Next Steps for Planning Ahead In Older Age

Taking small steps today can make the road ahead feel more manageable and bring greater peace of mind for tomorrow.

1. Schedule preventive health screenings
2. Review finances and long-term care options
3. Update legal and healthcare documents
4. Discuss wishes with family members
5. Explore senior living communities early

Planning for older age is not about giving up independence. It is about protecting it. With thoughtful preparation, you can shape a future that reflects your values, supports your well-being, and offers reassurance to the people who matter most.

At Someren Glen, we walk alongside older adults and families every day as they think through these important decisions. If you are beginning to explore senior living or simply want to learn more about what a continuing care community can offer, we are here to help.

We invite you to connect with us and schedule a personalized tour of Someren Glen. We would be honored to show you how our welcoming community, continuum of care, and engaging lifestyle can support your journey forward.