Our message this week is that our latter years will be better than the former, which takes a lot of planning to achieve. To ensure that we enjoy life to the fullest in our later years it is imperative that we plan a transition process from mid life to latter years in a strategic manner.

 

A well laid out plan is usually achieved through support from employers, shared experiences from parents, support groups and associations like NARP50PLUS, acquired knowledge and divine wisdom.

 

Adequate finances, good enough health, social connections and meaning in later years will not happen on its own. We are living longer and the challenges of longevity are being felt in families, communities and governments. It is therefore imperative that planning for the latter years is top on mind especially in our mid life years.

 

“For most of us, having adequate finances, good health, and a strong network of social connections will not happen by accident. We have got to think about the future and do it early enough that we can put ourselves on course for a good later life”.

According to a study on Mid-life support by the Centre for Ageing Better, employers, both private and public, have an integral part to play in the well being of people in their latter years.  Employers should do more for workers in their 40s and 50s to help them plan for their latter years, plan for what they will need in retirement and think ahead about their future needs.

 

“A good life in later life doesn’t just mean having adequate financial resources. Employers can support those in mid- to later life to plan what works for them both financially and, importantly, for their wider well-being.” Andrew Barnett

 

It is estimated that a high percentage of people are likely to have insufficient retirement income and haven’t thought about hopes and aspirations for life after 60. Many people will have unmet care needs in future, and the number of people living alone is rising.

Many people face emotional, practical or social barriers to planning, such as low income or negative perceptions about ageing. Ways people can be enabled and encouraged to prepare for their future, including saving for retirement, making a will and taking steps to help maintain good health and manage any health conditions which do arise.

 

Equally important is building up emotional and psychological preparedness for ageing and the life transitions that occur in later life.

 

Reference: Mid-life support, insight for employers. Centre for Ageing better Aug 2019.