Planning: An Aging Collaborative (Part 3 of 3)
By Jane A. Malkoff MSN RN NP
Aging, at its best, is a collaborative. When it is done well it is a shared experience filled with valuable relationships and connections. When the going gets a bit tough it will pay to have collaborations in place so important goals can be achieved. Welcome to part three of a three part series on aging as a collaborative. In part one, we looked at the importance of Belonging in the aging process and how to draw attention and practice to the principle features of Belonging. Part two examined the importance of Awareness in the aging process. This final piece in the series will address the importance of planning.
Planning is an essential aspect in responsible aging. It focuses not only the energy, resources, and time of everyone involved but it is the single best way to face the obligations aging requires of each one of us. Imagine planning for rainy weather. It’s not much different. The chance of rain is very close to 100% in a person’s lifetime and planning to stay dry seems like a no-brainer. In the United States alone 33 million umbrellas are sold annually.
Here are the basic components of an umbrella plan for aging so your goals become more than simple wishes:
- Don’t wait for the rain to fall before you get an umbrella
- Make a plan as soon as adult work life begins (mid 20s) or start now
- Recognize the high chance of a serious health crisis
- Face the fact mortality is a real thing
- Talk to your family routinely and naturally about wishes for if/when health issues arise including the possibility of dementia or other debilitating diseases
- Talk to an expert Care Consultant and Elder Law Attorney to be certain the right umbrella for the job is at hand
- Have legal documents in place (Power of Attorney, Health Care Declarations, Will) and update regularly
- Know your rights in the health care system
- Make a plan to include outside support beyond only a family member. A person can only hold an umbrella for another person for just so long before they are drenched themselves.
Planning is an aging collaborative. Such plans leave little doubt about how to proceed day to day or during a crisis. It relieves loved ones of time consuming and difficult decisions. It may seem a bit overwhelming to orchestrate a plan for aging but it is an amazing opportunity not only to show our love for those we walk through life with but to set a trend for future generations.