As we all age and make plans for our second half, one of the most important things we can do for ourselves is to connect with a community of people who can provide support, camaraderie and inspiration. Approaching our Grand Planning with reliable, dedicated teammates changes the game and gives us the edge we need to design winning strategies for our shared senior experience.
It’s also crucial to identify your Most Valuable Players, your “person” or people – the individuals who will serve in such vital and legally binding roles as your Power of Attorney, Successor Trustee and Executor. By making these decisions and selecting these individuals, we are taking charge of our future and ensuring that we have the support we need to be Grand Planning Champions! This step is not just important, it’s empowering and reassuring.
So, where do we start when it comes to building a network of loving friends and family? The good news is that it’s as easy as opening the door and getting better acquainted with the people, businesses, and organizations around us.
The National Council on Aging also has some suggestions of ways to flex your social engagement muscle:
• Reaching out to old friends or colleagues on social media or through an alumni association
• Volunteering in your community
• Joining a club focused on an activity or hobby you enjoy
• Taking a class for older adults at a local community college
• Setting aside time each week to spend with loved ones, whether in person, on the phone, or via video chat
These connections are meaningful because one day, you will depend on them. The bottom line is these connections bring more people into your world that you can rely on when times get tough, or who will notice when you haven’t been seen in a while and may need extra assistance.
But nothing is more critical than choosing your inner circle, your special players who have the credentials they need to get things done on your behalf. This elite squad includes your Durable Power of Attorney, your Successor Trustee, your Medical Power of Attorney and your Executor, as well as other advocacy positions like a fiduciary or trusted advisor. Designating these teammates requires a visit to an elder or estate law attorney who can direct you on the proper documentation.
Real-talk conversation is essential to this process. Be open and honest about the expectations in this relationship. Your person or people also should feel free to share their limits. Ensure the person you trust and have chosen feels confident they are well equipped to manage your life in a way that feels right for both of you.
