Who says you need to have children and be married in order to find happiness? Studies have shown that more and more older adults are becoming single and childless. While there’s no definite reason to explain this trend, we can safely assume that it’s due to the high cost of living these days and the fact that there are more opportunities for people to find satisfaction in life aside from being tied down. In fact, according to research by the AARP Public Policy Institute, the number of women aged 80 and above who are unmarried and have no biological children is expected to rise from 12% in 2010 to 16% in 2030 and 19% in 2050. This means that more people are spending their retirement years without many family members and a significant other. If you’re currently single and retired, here are some tips to achieve a happy retirement.
Think About Finances
This rings true for everyone, but especially so for people who are heading towards retirement. As being retired means that you no longer have a full-time career, you may not have a steady source of income each month. As such, it’s incredibly important for you to sort out your finances in order to ensure that you’re financially strong for the years ahead. There are many factors to consider when it comes to planning your finances, such as insurance, taxes, and expenses, to name a few. What’s more, all these factors are not the same as they can depend on certain states and requirements. For example, some states have no income taxes on older adults. However, if you’re overwhelmed and unsure of how to plan your finances, you can always seek help from financial advisors.
Set Your Mind on a Trusted Person
Since you do not have a significant other and children, you have to consider which person is to be trusted to make important decisions for you when you’re no longer capable to do so. Most of the time, this person is a long-time friend, sibling, or relative. If you become incapacitated, the power of attorney is a legal document that grants the particular person the power to carry out and decide on financial and health matters for you. As such, he or she would communicate with doctors, lawyers, and other professionals in place of you.
Explore Different Retirement Plans
While living alone can seem daunting, you can make it less stressful and lonely by selecting a retirement plan that allows you to make friends along the way. One of the best options is an independent living community like Aston Gardens At Sun City Center. Here, residents are constantly surrounded by neighbors and other older adults who are looking to form new connections. This is especially important as there are more and more elderly people becoming socially isolated, which is alarming due to the negative effects on their physical and mental health. Therefore, a suitable retirement plan provides you with ample opportunities to be and stay engaged in a community.
