Spring 2015

Association & Community News
Talking to Your
Kids about a
Retirement Move
By Stewart Ingram
Executive Director for Sagewood
Seniors have ample options when it comes to
retirement and embarking on their next life
journey. Many adults do not want to burden
their children with talk about retirement,
but are also worried about the financial tolls
retirement may take. There are also many
adults that are in denial about their health conditions and often don’t
think about what it takes to retire happily. Speaking to adult children
before a retirement move is important for seniors and their children.
Question: What can parents do to help their adult children
understand the retirement move process?
Answer: The first step in speaking with family members about
retirement is to be honest and realistic about physical as well as
financial health. Seniors need to visualize their life for the next ten
years in the aspects of health, finances and most importantly, hobbies
The Desert Ridge Boys & Girls Club Vestar Branch
was recognized and named as the overall Best Club by
Boys & Girls Clubs of America, an honor bestowed
to one out of 4,000 Clubs worldwide, and
continues to be one of the most highly attended
Branches at the Boys and Girls Clubs
of Greater Scottsdale.
and family. Planning ahead makes it easier for the retirees to be the
ones who initiate the change instead of leaving it up to others, when
they can no longer make the decision for themselves.
In retirement, seniors have an abundance of time to spend exploring
new activities and visiting grandchildren. Innovative senior living
communities that offer a continuum of care allow adults to still enjoy
the things that they love, while providing piece of mind that if there
are unforeseen health issues, they will be taken care of.
Q: How can parents help adult children cope with change?
A: When mom and dad retire, even adult children may feel as if they
are losing their family home. Whenever possible, try to anticipate
change and allow time for the family to prepare. Seniors can express to
loved ones that taking the leap to retirement is a positive and exciting
move. Feeling burdened with healthcare costs and a mortgage is not
the way to enjoy retirement. It is understandable that change can also
lead to feeling stressed. Look for healthy ways to manage stress and
feelings of anxiety through exercise, meditation and prayer.
Q: What is the best way to speak with children who are in denial
about parents entering retirement?
A: Seniors are not the only ones who have denial about physical
and financial health. Children can be in denial about their parent’s
physical state. Those who can be realistic and make choices for
their retirement years are the ones that will be happiest and feel
the most in control. Sit down with family and thoroughly examine
the numbers and medical conditions that could arise. Professionals
are available at senior living communities to present the financial
responsibilities and healthcare costs that seniors face in retirement.
The Desert Ridge Community Association and
Vestar Branch have a longstanding and valued
relationship which has been very beneficial
to the community we mutually serve.
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| Desert Ridge Lifestyles | Spring 2015
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