As relatives and peers care for the elderly in their families, they find themselves thinking about and preparing for their own later life chapters. What matters in this regard?
Everyone will have a somewhat different ideal when it comes to later life chapters, and everyone will face different circumstances too. This doesn't mean one way is better than another, but it does mean that later life chapters are not a one-size-fits-all proposition. There will be variation.
For me, the following criteria are most important.
Simplicity
I've watched so many of my older relatives embark on later life chapters, and what imp,resses me is the power of living a simple life. When you have few things, it is easier to move and there's more time to partake in enjoyable activities. I want a simple life.
Relationships
More than anything else, nurturing good relationships old and new is a vital ingredient to a good life for me. I want to make sure that I live in places where I can enjoy good relationships with relatives and friends.
Natural beauty
I want to have access to places of natural beauty.
Health living
Having access to activities and places that promote healthy living is important to me too.
Doable
I don't want to put myself in a position where I can't keep up. One of my aunts lives in a perfect place--it's easy to manage, there's social opportunities, and she can sustain her beloved relationships. Her location allows her access to beautiful natural places too. She's a model for me.
While we can't totally predict what our later life chapters will be like, we can live now in ways that set the stage for the kind of life we hope to live. Onward.