In a world obsessed with accomplishment, it shouldn’t surprise us that “experts” feel compelled to define the best possible approach to the aging process as a “success.” To those of us who are walking that road, the term is almost laughable. Although we may be relatively healthy and enjoying a pretty good retirement, the golden years and success as we once knew it can seem miles apart.
The word success is just a bit heady, don’t you think? How about a more down-to-earth term, like maybe “achieved equilibrium?”
While we are “younger older,” perhaps between the ages of 50 and 65, we would do well to realistically consider what may lie ahead and study our options for the future.
An important first step is to consult an expert. While we are dancing through middle age or just beginning our golden years, it makes great sense to talk with a certified professional financial advisor. If you stopped working after 65, either by choice or by circumstance, what kind of retirement income would be possible? How much is Social Security likely to provide? Are there investments that might provide a return? How are the savings accounts, pensions and 401(k)s looking?
Regardless of how frightening this review might be — and for many of us it is downright terrifying — at least we know what we have to work with.
For many, aging in place is the most desirable and affordable option. If our home or condo is paid off, this can seem like a no-brainer. Of course we want to stay in our home, surrounded by familiar things, trusted neighbors and nearby friends and family.
But hold on. Not so fast. How well will this home serve us as things become a little more difficult? In 10 or 20 years, can we expect to safely navigate that flight of stairs to our bedroom or down to the basement where the washing machine is? Are the hallways and doorways wide enough to accommodate a walker or wheelchair if necessary?
Let’s say the home is a one-story ranch style with wider doorways and halls. Modifying it to be more senior-friendly can be a less expensive option than moving to other accommodations.
Maybe remodel a bathroom to include a zero-entry shower rather than that hard-to-climb-over bathtub. Change out the toilet for one raised to comfort height, putting less strain on knees and hips. Install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet. Consider adding a wheelchair ramp at an easily accessible entrance to minimize steps.
To avoid contortions when reaching for something at the back of a cabinet, think about replacing traditional shelving with pull-out shelves.
And declutter as much as possible. Open paths around the home are crucial for preventing falls. Strategically rearrange furniture to create wider walkways. The sooner you begin, the more you can spread the work and expense over time so it doesn’t all hit at once.
Now here’s another important consideration: What happens if we become disabled in some way? What if we can no longer do everything for ourselves? Do we — or will we — have the resources to hire help?
Medicare will cover only so much. Can we supplement that cost? When we were younger, did we purchase and continue paying for long-term care or disability insurance? If we did not, purchasing that kind of coverage later in life may be difficult or expensive.
When thinking about what may be coming, some of us who live near our grown children can also have a false sense of security.
“Surely, little Johnny will help me!” But what if little Johnny isn’t in a position to help? Little Johnny is now a grown man with a full-time job, children and bills of his own.
And, of course, when we reach that stage, many of us discover that the last person we want to burden is our adult child. So we tell them everything is just dandy and suffer in silence.
Before becoming completely defeated, though, remember there are alternatives.
We’ll explore some of those in the next edition of Senior Sense, scheduled for publication the week of Oct. 18, 2026.
Sonia Hedrick is interested in YOU! Like to share your unusual story with our neighbors? Or do you have an interesting topic you would like to explore in Senior Sense? Send Sonia an email at: [email protected]
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