Growing older means embracing change.
Growing older brings many changes, often impacting areas of life such as living choices, driving, relationships and dating, financial choices, health and end of life.
What if you could no longer remain at home without help? How do you tell your adult children you’re dating? What will you do if you can’t drive or you have to tell someone you love that he or she shouldn’t? Making decisions, identifying choices and conveying wishes are an important part of the road ahead. That doesn’t always happen.
Research conducted by the Home Instead® network reveals 70% of family conversations about aging are prompted by an event such as a health crisis or other emergency (1). Why aren’t families talking? For one, it’s difficult. Research conducted by the Home Instead network indicates that nearly half of adult children (45%) surveyed described their critical conversations with parents as uncomfortable at times, difficult but necessary, emotional with yelling and tears, or difficult and unsuccessful (2).
The 40-70 Rule
Beginning these conversations is so important and doesn’t need to be daunting. Experts have said that by the time you’re approaching 40 and a loved one is around 70, you should have had the “talk” about issues so many families want to avoid. The Home Instead network refers to that as the 40-70 Rule® , a program launched in 2008 to address the importance of starting difficult conversations early. Home Instead, Inc., now wants to take these conversations further and encourage individuals and families to document their wishes. This resource provides a plan that allows your to begin having these important conversations. Using the ACT method of Assess, Consider, and Talk, readers can begin to develop a plan and start taking steps towards their goals.
References:
1 Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead® network, completed 645 surveys with senior care professionals in North America.
2 Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead® network, completed 400 telephone interviews with individuals age 65 and older and 400 telephone interviews with adult children who have parents age 65 and older in CanadaRead the document in full below (PDF).
