4 Things to Consider Once Your Parents Turn 70

Turning 70 is a significant milestone in anyone's life, but it can also be a time of change for both the individual and their loved ones. If your parents are approaching or have recently turned 70, there are several important factors to consider to ensure their health, safety, and overall well-being. This blog post will discuss 4 key things to keep in mind once your parents reach this age. 

Health and Wellness

As your parents age, it becomes increasingly important to consider their health and wellness needs. Once they hit the age of 70, certain factors should be taken into account to ensure they can continue to live a happy and healthy life.

One of the most important things to prioritize when your parents turn 70 is regular check-ups and screenings. As people age, they become more susceptible to various health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. By ensuring that your parents have regular visits with their healthcare provider and undergo necessary screenings, you can help catch any potential issues early on and provide them with the best care possible.

Another crucial aspect of maintaining good health in older adults is proper nutrition and hydration. As people age, their nutritional needs may change, so it's important to ensure that your parents are eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Additionally, staying hydrated is key for overall health, especially as dehydration can lead to serious complications in older adults.

Staying active becomes even more important as you age, as regular exercise can help maintain muscle strength, improve balance and coordination, boost mood, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Encouraging your parents to engage in physical activity that is appropriate for their fitness level can have numerous benefits for their overall health and well-being. This could include activities such as walking, swimming, yoga, or tai chi.

Maintaining social connections is also essential for the health and wellness of older adults. Loneliness and isolation can have negative effects on both physical and mental health. Encourage your parents to stay connected with friends and family members through phone calls, video chats, or in-person visits if possible. You could also look into community programs or senior centers where they can participate in social activities or group outings.

Lastly, don't forget about the importance of mental well-being when considering your parents' health at 70. Aging can bring about changes in cognitive function or memory loss for some individuals. Encourage activities that stimulate the mind such as puzzles or games, reading books or articles on topics they enjoy, or engaging in hobbies that challenge them mentally. It's also important to address any signs of depression or anxiety promptly by seeking professional help if needed.

There are several key things to consider when it comes to the health and wellness of your parents once they turn 70. By prioritizing regular check-ups and screenings, proper nutrition and hydration, physical activity, social connections, and mental well-being you can help ensure that your loved ones remain healthy and happy as they age gracefully. Remember that each individual is unique so it's important to tailor these considerations based on your parent's specific needs and preferences. 

Estate Planning

One of the most important aspects of estate planning is communication. It's crucial to have open and honest conversations with your parents about their wishes and intentions for their estate. Starting this conversation early can help avoid misunderstandings or disagreements down the line. Encourage your parents to share their thoughts on how they would like their assets distributed, who they would like to appoint as executor of their estate, and any specific funeral or burial preferences they may have.

Estate planning is not a one-time task - it's an ongoing process that should be reviewed and updated regularly. Life circumstances can change quickly, so your parents need to revisit their estate plan periodically to ensure it still reflects their wishes and current situation. Changes such as marriages, divorces, births, deaths, or significant financial changes should prompt a review of the estate plan.

Another crucial aspect of estate planning is minimizing taxes on the estate. Various strategies can help reduce the tax burden on your parents' assets when they pass away. This may include making gifts during their lifetime to reduce the size of the taxable estate or setting up trusts that offer tax advantages. Consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney, like those at Bishop, Cunningham & Andrews, can help identify opportunities for tax savings.

Estate planning can be complex, especially when dealing with larger estates or unique family situations. It's highly recommended that your parents work with an experienced estate planning attorney who can provide guidance tailored to their specific needs and goals. A professional can ensure that all legal requirements are met and that the estate plan is comprehensive and legally enforceable.

Legal Matters

It is important to consider the legal matters that may arise and how you can best support your parents. One crucial aspect to address is ensuring that your parents have the necessary legal documents in place, such as living wills.

A living will, also known as an advance directive, is a legal document that outlines an individual's wishes regarding medical treatment if they become unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves. For elderly parents in their 70s, having a living will in place ensures that their preferences are respected and followed during times of medical crisis. This document typically covers issues such as life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation preferences, and organ donation wishes.

Broaching the topic of creating a living will with your parents can be challenging but essential. It is important to approach these conversations with sensitivity and empathy, acknowledging the emotional nature of discussing end-of-life decisions. Encourage open communication and assure your parents that creating a living will is a proactive step towards ensuring their wishes are honored.

While it is possible to create a basic living will using online templates or forms, seeking legal advice from an attorney specializing in elder law can provide added assurance and clarity. An attorney can help ensure that the document complies with state regulations and addresses all necessary components. Additionally, they can offer guidance on appointing a healthcare proxy or power of attorney to make medical decisions on behalf of your parent if needed.

Once a living will has been created, it is important to review and update it regularly to reflect any changes in your parent's wishes or circumstances. Life events such as new diagnoses, changes in health status, or shifts in personal beliefs may necessitate revisions to the document. Encourage your parents to revisit their living will annually or whenever there are significant changes in their health or preferences. 

Senior Citizen Assisted Living

As your parents enter their golden years, it's natural to start thinking about their well-being and how you can best support them. One option that many families are turning to is senior citizen assisted living facilities. These communities offer a range of services and amenities designed to enhance the quality of life for older adults while assisting with daily tasks.

One of the primary reasons why senior citizen assisted living is a great option for your parents in their 70s is the enhanced safety and security that these facilities provide. Many seniors face challenges related to mobility, balance, and cognitive decline as they age, making everyday tasks more difficult and increasing the risk of accidents. Assisted living communities are equipped with safety features such as grab bars, emergency call systems, and staff available around the clock to ensure that residents are safe and secure at all times.

Another key benefit of senior citizen assisted living is the socialization opportunities that these communities offer. Many older adults experience feelings of loneliness and isolation as they age, particularly if they live alone or have limited social connections. Assisted living facilities provide a built-in community of peers with shared interests and experiences, as well as organized activities and events designed to promote social engagement and connection.

For many seniors in their 70s, completing daily tasks such as cooking meals, cleaning, managing medications, and personal care can become increasingly challenging. Assisted living facilities offer varying levels of support based on individual needs, ranging from help with meal preparation and housekeeping to assistance with bathing, dressing, and medication management. This personalized care allows older adults to maintain their independence while receiving the help they need to remain healthy and comfortable.

As your parents age into their 70s, it's important to consider their healthcare needs and access to medical services. Senior citizen assisted living facilities often have partnerships with local healthcare providers or on-site medical professionals who can assist residents with routine health screenings, medication management, physical therapy, or other specialized care needs. This integrated approach helps ensure that your parents receive timely medical attention and support for any health concerns that may arise.

Choosing senior citizen assisted living for your parents in their 70s can also provide you with peace of mind knowing that they are well cared for in a supportive environment. By entrusting their daily needs to trained professionals who prioritize their safety, comfort, and well-being, you can focus on enjoying quality time together without the stress or worry of managing complex caregiving responsibilities on your own.

As your parents enter their golden years, it is essential to plan and address various aspects of their health, finances, legal affairs, and potential assisted living needs once they turn 70. By taking proactive steps now to ensure their well-being in the future, you can help support them through this new phase of life with love and compassion. Remember that open communication is key when discussing these sensitive topics with your aging parents so that everyone is on the same page regarding their preferences and wishes moving forward.