Choosing Your Fiduciaries Part 1: A Critical First Step in Planning for Your Future
Perhaps the most crucial step for seniors planning on aging alone is choosing fiduciaries. A fiduciary is someone you trust to act on your behalf and make decisions when you can't. It is important to understand that a fiduciary won’t be your caregiver, but they will decide what care you should receive and manage your […]
Tips for Fighting Loneliness
Did you know that Dr. Ruth Westheimer was recently appointed by the Governor of New York as the State's Loneliness Ambassador? At 93 years old, Dr. Westheimer, a Holocaust survivor, is taking on the important task of helping to combat loneliness. Loneliness can have serious impacts on both mental and physical health, and it's a […]
Now What? When You Never Expected To Be Alone
Life has a way of throwing curveballs. Perhaps you are married, but your spouse has dementia or a serious illness. You are still independent and healthy and taking care of your spouse. But, if you ever need help, who will be there for you? Maybe your children moved away or, for reasons beyond your control, […]
Choosing Your Fiduciaries Part 3: The Power of Attorney
For seniors who are planning on aging alone, choosing a fiduciary to act as your Power of Attorney is a critical decision. A Power of Attorney document allows you to designate someone to act as your fiduciary to handle your financial affairs, during your life. This will be critical if you are ever in a […]
Choosing Your Fiduciaries Part 5: Should Distance Be A DealBreaker?
One of the most important decisions solo seniors face when planning for the future is choosing a fiduciary. This person will have the authority to make critical decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so. But what if your top choice for a fiduciary is a family member who lives far away? Here are […]
Embracing Solo Aging: A Step-by-Step Plan for Seniors
As we age, planning for the future becomes increasingly important. This is especially true for solo seniors, those of us who are planning on aging alone. Here's a step-by-step game plan to help you confidently prepare for your future. 1. Identify Your Fiduciaries First, it's crucial to identify trusted individuals who can make decisions for […]
Choosing Your Fiduciaries Part 4: The Manager of Your Estate and Legacy
One of the critical fiduciary decisions that you will make is to decide who to appoint as the personal representative (also called Executor) of your estate. After you die, the personal representative of your estate is responsible for collecting your assets and ensuring that after your debts, taxes, and obligations are met, your assets are […]
Choosing Your Fiduciaries Part 2: The Health Care Proxy
In the second part of our series on Fiduciaries, we will explore the important role of the health care decision maker. This person may be called a Health Care Proxy, Health Care Directive, or Health Care Power of Attorney. In this post, I will refer to this person as a Health Care Proxy. What is […]
Choosing Your Fiduciaires Part 6: Staying in Touch with Your Fiduciary
In this final part of our blog series, "Choosing Your Fiduciaries," we'll discuss the importance of updating your fiduciary by having an annual review meeting. Meeting at least once a year is crucial to ensure that your fiduciaries are up to date with your life and current needs. This meeting allows you to make sure […]
The Many Faces of Solo Seniors
The terms "Solo Senior", "Solo Ager", "Orphan Elder", and "Aging Alone" are all used to describe individuals who plan on aging without the support of family to rely upon. Personally, I prefer the term "Solo Senior". It conveys a sense of independence that is at the heart of being a solo senior. At first glance, […]