According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 70% of older adults 65 and better will likely need long-term care. While most older adults rely on younger family members to provide some level of assistance or care, for solo agers (those without children or a spouse), having a plan for the future is vital.
In 2021, the U.S. Census Bureau found 19.6% of Americans between 55 and 64 reported being childless, along with 15.9% of those 65–74 and 10.9% of those over 75. In addition, 27% of adults 60 and older lived alone, as do about half of women over 65. That’s why thousands of single seniors are considering the benefits of independent living communities like Friendship Village of Tempe.
Planning for the Future
Appoint a power of attorney.
If you suddenly have a medical crisis or memory loss, naming a medical power of attorney and financial power of attorney (POA) ensures you have someone who can act in your interests and make important decisions. If you don’t name someone, then the courts can appoint a guardian for you.
Consider long-term care insurance.
Long-term care insurance (LTCI) can be an important part of solo aging because it can help you cover the costs of certain health care types not covered by Medicare. Like life insurance, the younger you are when you purchase LTCI, the less it costs. Consulting with a financial planner will help you determine whether you should make this investment.
Build up your social connections.
If you’re aging alone, consider how you can develop a social network that can not only support you but make it easier to get connected, develop a new hobby or interest and stay active.
How Do You Want to Age?
If you’re healthy and active today, it’s important to start thinking about tomorrow. The best way to plan for the future is to think about what you want. To help, here are some questions to consider:
- Where do you want to live? In an area that’s walkable or do you want access to mass transportation?
- What sort of services and amenities do you want to live close to?
- What kind of climate do you prefer?
- Do you want to find a place where you can age in place or have care nearby?
Benefits of Moving to a Retirement Community like Friendship Village
For those aging alone, moving to a senior living community can provide you with a range of benefits you might not be able to get staying in your own home. Some benefits include:
- Social opportunities: Senior living communities have calendars filled with social activities, classes, outings, educational lectures, overnight trips and more. They also have a welcoming committee to help new residents meet people. So, you’re sure to find others who share your interests.
- Maintenance-free lifestyle: If you’re no longer interested in keeping up with household chores, maintenance, lawn care, housekeeping and even cooking is becoming difficult, moving to a Life Plan Community can give you the freedom to follow your interests.
- Higher levels of care available on-site: Should you ever need care, some retirement communities — like Friendship Village — offer access to higher levels of care including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation right on their campus.
The Benefits of Choosing Friendship Village
As a Life Care Community, Friendship Village is ideal for solo aging with higher levels of care offered at predictable monthly rates. Plus, our philosophy of wellness is based on 8 Dimensions of Wellness including physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational, social, environmental and health services. Our maintenance-free community also features a variety of helpful services and thoughtful amenities including:
- Housekeeping and flat laundry service
- Indoor and outdoor maintenance
- Guarded community with 24/7 security
- Scheduled transportation
- Outings to community, social, cultural and sporting events
- Multiple dining options, including an elegant restaurant-style dining room, buffet, casual bistro and our social hotspot, the Embers bar
- Kelly Family Fitness Center — fully staffed with a swimming pool and hot tub
- A Recreation Center complete with studios for pottery, ceramics, weaving, lapidary arts and a dance floor
- Woodworking shop
You can get a feel for our beautiful community and see some of our services and amenities by checking out our gallery.
You’ve Got a Friend at Friendship Village
Is solo aging truly solo aging if you’re part of an engaging and friendly community? To learn more about our inclusive community, contact us here.