Are you turning 60 next year? Then, it’s time to make vital decisions on certain aspects of your life. Your choices today will help determine how you will spend the rest of your sunset years.
The question is, with the many things to consider, which should be your primary concerns? Here are a few of them:
Should You Consider Going into Assisted Living?
If you are dealing with significant limited mobility, are likely to live alone, or suffer from a health decline, one of the most important decisions you will make is whether to move into assisted-living homes that can offer 24-hour care.
They also provide various services, such as meal preparation and management of medication. In addition, most facilities have on-call nurses for medical assistance.
The living conditions in these facilities are generally safe and comfortable, often more so than those provided by family members or loved ones. You no longer have to fear infections and diseases since such facilities provide a controlled environment ideal for the elderly.
What Screening Tests Should You Take?
Age is one of the leading risk factors for most chronic diseases. For this reason, reaching 60 means becoming more vigilant with your health starting with knowing the kinds of screening tests to do. These include:
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Mammogram
The American Cancer Society recommends that women over 55 consider getting a mammogram at least every two years.
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Bone Density Test
It is necessary to know if you have osteoporosis, a condition linked to bone loss.
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Colonoscopy
The US Preventive Services Task Force suggests getting a colonoscopy at 45 years old. If the test comes back normal or you are not part of the high-risk group, you can repeat it after every ten years.
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Vision or Eye Test
Doctors recommend having your eyes checked every one to three years if you are between 55 and 64 years old.
Do You Need a Will?
There’s no better time to make a will than when you’re in your sixties, mainly if you already have acquired a significant asset. A will is a legal document that directs how your assets will be distributed after you die.
A will doesn’t stop your loved ones and estate from going into probate, but it can avoid complications that might arise from the process, such as dissatisfied heirs or creditors that might not be aware of your death. It also speeds up the probate.
The rules that govern the contents and process of making a will can vary between states. Call a local lawyer to make it easier for you.
What Is Your Exit Strategy for Your Business?
Do you own a business? If yes, should you consider taking it to the next level or scaling back your work to enjoy your remaining years?
Consider talking to your family members about your exit plan so that they know what to expect after you are gone. Options can include:
- Passing your position to someone in the company, who is usually the business partner (if you have one) or a family member.
- Selling your business to another company, a situation that requires you to prepare the proper documentation and procedures
- Choosing a merger
- Dissolving the company altogether
What Are Your Major Goals at This Age?
Usually, life satisfaction is more important than the numbers on the scale for aging well. With that said, do you plan to retire or slow down with work this year? Would you like to start a business or travel the world? Are you thinking of pursuing a hobby you put on the back burner all these years?
The answers will then determine your primary objectives today and the coming years and the steps you have to take to meet them. For example, if you plan to retire, you need to consider whether you have sufficient household income. Probably, you might need to downsize to reduce your expenses.
How Do You Define Health?
People’s concept of health can change over time. If you’re in your sixties, packing abs might no longer be on your wishlist. Instead, you define health as having a good resting heart rate, strong bones, and excellent mental health. If you are suffering from a chronic illness, your idea of good health is free from symptoms on most days or no progression of the disease.
Your definition of health will serve as your guide on many things, such as what to watch out for, the doctors or specialists you will need, the tests and medications you have to take, and lifestyle changes.
As you age, it is important to know yourself well, particularly your needs and wants. This way, you can prepare for the transition into your sixties without regrets.
