Life is short, despite how drawn out and stressful it may seem. Five years can go by in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, you will reach a point when your career is over. Retirement can happen so quickly. You thought you prepared for it well during your career. Pension, insurance policies, and emergency savings might be present. However, there are still many things and responsibilities to consider amid the last chapter of your life. Death is inevitable, but you must ensure that everything goes accordingly before you leave your loved ones.
Fortunately, it is not too late to make preparations. Here are a few things to do when you reach the final stages of your life.
Review and Reflect
People mostly greet retirement with mixed feelings. They might feel excited to reach the end of their careers, allowing them to focus on their personal lives. However, they no longer have the physical shape to perform things they want during their working days. It can be depressing to realize that you are already at the last stages of life. There is nothing else you can do other than accept that you are past your prime. However, it does not have to be a negative thing.
When you retire, it means you lived a relatively long life. Only you can experience the road you took. However, it does not mean you won’t have a few regrets. It would be a great exercise to review and reflect on your life as you approach the final years. You can recount your best memories and think of what-if situations. In the end, you will have the satisfaction that you lived a happy and complete life. The activity could help you move on with your life, even if the upcoming route involves preparing for death.
Take the Responsibility Off of Your Family
Reaching the retirement age can be terrifying for the average person. Your body will no longer be as physically capable, exposing you to numerous illnesses and diseases.
Unfortunately, you might reach a point where you can no longer care for yourself. Your loved ones might have to assist, even in the simplest of tasks. You might need someone to help you get to the bathroom or remind you to take your medicine. When the responsibilities stack up, you might start to feel like a burden to your family. Despite knowing they are willing to take care of you, your loved ones might feel overwhelmed with the responsibilities in their respective lives.
If you want to avoid turning into a burden, you can take the duty off of them. Seeking home care services might be ideal when every family member has to go out every day. Hospice care is also an option, ensuring your loved ones do not even have to worry about providing for you. It might feel challenging to let go of your family, but it might be the better option to help them live their lives without worries.
Transfer Assets Legally
The worst will happen. You will reach a point where you can no longer remember names or get up from the bed. It might feel like the end of days, but you have an opportunity to help out. You collected decades’ worth of wealth and assets over your life, which might end up becoming significantly helpful to your family.
Your children might not be directly benefiting from it because they already own it. However, it feels more confident if you can take care of the legalities of it. Fortunately, hiring a will and trust lawyer can help you accomplish it with ease. Transferring wealth and assets will provide a significant boost to your loved ones, and they will be thankful for it.
Designate a Power of Attorney
Retirement does not have to be a depressing situation. There are still a lot more years left in your life, and you can do everything you want to do. Living the last chapter of your life in the best way possible will ensure you have no regrets, even when you are already on your last legs.
However, your life might be at a point where you no longer have control over your mind and body. It can be challenging to make decisions for yourself, making it necessary to organize power of attorney. They will be responsible for your decisions when you no longer have sufficient mental capacity. A loved one can handle all your legal and financial affairs, ensuring you pass without dealing with any more problems.
Planning for the last stage of life can be grim. However, the legal complications make it a necessity. Fortunately, these preparatory steps ensure you don’t have to worry about legal aspects becoming an obstacle in living a satisfying retirement life.
