Discussing aging issues, such as living arrangements, finances, dating, end-of-life decisions and driving, early and often can save families years of heartache, tension and even legal battles. Yet, research indicates that about two-thirds of American families put off these conversations, either because they are uncomfortable with the topics or they just don’t know where to start. 1
Statistics show that 34 percent of adults surveyed are conversation avoiders. 2 That is, they haven’t talked about any important end-of-life issues with their parents or children, or they have talked about just one issue.
To help, the local Home Instead Senior Care office is sponsoring the “40-70 Rule®” program, which includes an Action Plan for Successful AgingSM and other resources to help ease these conversations between adult children and their parents.
The idea behind the “40-70 Rule” is that by the time adult children are age 40 and their parents are age 70, they should have these critical conversations that will impact the parents’ future. The resources included with the program can help patients and their families ensure the proper arrangements are made.
According to recently conducted research, 70 percent of family conversations about aging issues don’t occur until they are prompted by a health crisis or other emergency.1 This can increase the likelihood of family disputes.
Local Home Instead Senior Care offices hope this program can change that for area families.
Quite often, when it comes to certain topics, there is a noticeable gap between the wishes of the senior parents and their children. Families should establish plans in advance so that a parent’s expressed wishes are met.
For more information about the “40-70 Rule” program or to obtain a copy of the Action Plan for Successful Aging, please visit 4070talk.com.
CAREGivers from Home Instead Senior Care can help patients and their families transition back to home and reduce readmissions by providing companionship, light housekeeping, transportation, personal care and more. For more information about Home Instead Senior Care visit www.homeinstead.com/greaterpittsburgh or call 1-866-996-1087.
1 Home Instead, Inc. completed 645 surveys with senior care professionals in North America.
2 Gauging Americans’ Overall Life Satisfaction; survey of 1,224 adults 18 and older by the Marist Poll.
Full research executive summary available at 4070Talk.com.
