I remember when..................

I remember when I was young, I couldn’t wait to turn 16 years old so my mother would allow me to wear lipstick and then turn 18 to get my license to drive.  But, I never heard people say, “I can’t wait until I’m old”.  I do hear people say, “I can’t wait until I retire” but they do not prepare themselves that it is an ending and they like myself have to learn to reinvent yourself.  I was not prepared and I have many friends that were not prepared either.

Planning for all the what-ifs of senior life is especially important if you are living alone. And let's face it, even if you have a partner and/or kids, there's no guarantee any of them will still be around when you need them. Do you know who is going to be there to step in with comfort, guidance and rational medical advice when you are old? 

More people are single for a variety of reasons, some have delayed getting married and eventually let go of the idea and others are single because of divorce or entered widowhood unexpectantly, an experience that can be especially difficult economically for women. What's more, those marrying later may choose (or be forced to choose) not to have children.

The choices we make as young adults have ripple effects through life. No one prepared me for the lessons when I was young to enter old age and no one advised me of the many resources needed.

So many adults live alone and are learning new and often richer ways of living by going solo. Still, it is difficult to grow old alone.

Your life maybe different if you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth and/or received an inheritance which made your financial life better.  It is hard for a woman to struggle alone and raise your children by yourself.  I’ve been on both sides of the track and understand completely.

I hope the younger generation learn to prepare for their retirement now, as it is crucial.