There's always a chance one may live a good while longer and one can be healthy until one isn't and it can be VERY sudden. No matter how healthy, it's VERY difficult to rehab from a fall or broken bones once past the low 80s. I workout 3 times a week, lift weights and it took me nearly a year to rehab from my badly broken shoulder. A friend fell and had a bad break in his hip more than a year ago and he still can't really walk all that well.
To give a different perspective I am always amazed at people here in high 70s or low 80s contemplating life changes due to potential future cognitive decline or health issues. Obviously planning is good, but there is a chance you may live a good while longer and will want to live it on your terms. I’m here visiting my 90+ year old parents who are still in relatively good health. This may present a problem for us down the road if/when they become less able to take care of themselves but they’ve held out thus far pretty well.
So ultimately the primary driver right now IMO is what do you want to do? Don’t let tax issues or hypothetical future health issues “tails” wag the dog.
It's super important if one wants to "live life on [their] terms" to have geographically close supportive family that understands the challenges of aging and the difficulties that come with having to make quick decisions.
Statistics: Posted by nonnie — Sat May 25, 2024 12:12 am — Replies 62 — Views 5772