Question 

Is it normal for people to plan on leaving their home years before they will need to look for an alternate living situation? Lately, so many of my friends talk about selling their homes, that I wonder if I have my head firmly stuck in the ground. 

I am in my late 60s and in my early years of retirement. My wife and I are enjoying life and are very active. We do not give much thought to moving. I believe that we are realistic and know that at some point we will not be able to manage what we have, but right now we simply do not talk about it too much. 

I do wonder if there is something to plan for the future that I am not thinking about or understanding. I just don’t want to rush the idea. I kind of want to live in the moment. Am I missing something here? 

Answer 

Planning for our future needs is not unusual, and retirees often have living arrangements on their minds. 

Whenever our bodies show their inevitable signs of aging, our thoughts naturally go to the "what ifs." What if this gets worse, then what. What happens when I cannot mow the grass, climb the stairs, walk the dog, or do a host of other daily tasks you took for granted as a younger adult. What if I cannot manage my house anymore? 

Most of us spent years planning and saving for retirement. According to financial planners the smart begin saving when they graduate and enter retirement prepared. Planning is a good thing when it comes to living in a worry-free retirement. 

Now transfer that concept of planning to your health. Thinking about how you will live in 10, 20, or 30 years is not a bad idea. Frankly, it is prudent. With every household purchase you make in your 60s, it would be wise to consider how you will use the item in the future, particularly if remodeling. Managing your property and your mobility will become more difficult over time. Figuring out how you will live, get services, and move about in your environment is prudent. 

I believe that your friends are just verbalizing what is on their minds. Usually, we do this to have a conversation. They likely want to hear your thoughts on the subject. Indulge them if you can; it will not lessen your enjoyment of their company, unless it is all they can talk about. 

Now about how you are living. Do some planning, prepare as best you can, and then go out there and do everything your heart desires. Do not let their planning stop you, scare you, or lessen your desire to live life to the fullest. Just remember, future planning for your aging body is just like retirement planning for your finances. Preparing for the future is wise. You may not want to talk about it, but some individuals just like to share what is on their mind with friends. Indulge them as best you can. That’s what friends are for.