It is common for those in their golden years to feel inadequate if they think that they are no longer supporting their family in the ways they used to earlier in life. While it may be true that you do not have the same abilities that you did when you were younger, you are still a valuable member of your family who contributes just as much as you used to – only, perhaps, in different ways. If you’ve been looking for ways to support family members around you, here are some things that you can do.
Wisdom and Emotional Support
The adage that age brings wisdom is often true. While growing old may have some drawbacks, having lived a mature life means that you have a treasure chest of experiences. Whether good or bad, everything that you’ve lived through has become a part of you. Whether it’s the experience of having lived through different time periods, or life lessons you’ve picked up on the road, this mental landscape is immensely valuable to your children, grandchildren, and other descendants.
If your adult children are going through difficulties in their personal lives or career, you can be there to listen to their struggles. Even if you cannot directly solve their problems, you can serve as a listening ear and a reminder that life does go on. Even now that your children are adults, a reminder that they have someone looking out for them can be immensely comforting.
If you have grandchildren, you can take the time to sit down with them and tell them stories from your past. Perhaps you and your best friend used to go for adventures in the woods, or you have an old recipe from your mother to pass down. You can pass all of these stories on to those you love, keeping them alive for another lifetime to come. If you have photos or heirlooms, you can spend a rainy afternoon going through them with your grandchildren. Another way to impress the value of the past on your grandchildren is to bring them on a museum trip.
Take Charge of Your Future
While retirement means that your working days are behind you, you can continue to financially support your family by taking charge of your finances. If your children or grandchildren are still financially dependent on you, a suitable life insurance policy can guarantee their stability in the future. You can also look into final expense insurance. Although this can be a sensitive matter to consider, ensuring that your medical bills and funeral expenses are covered can help remove any uncertainties about these affairs in the future.
Decide on Your Living Situation
Something to consider regarding your living situation is the amount of care that you will need. Many retired adults will opt to live either on their own or with their families. Both of these are wonderful options if you are capable of completely independent living or live in close proximity to your family. However, it is also wise to know that other options are available should you need them. Assisted living, for instance, provides daily assistance while allowing you to maintain your independence.
