Part I: Preparing for the future. Child-free: pioneers of a generation

The role of adult children in the life of an elder. Emotional support ; Residential decisions, real estate transactions, and help with moving ; Investments and other financial decisions ; Legal representation ; Bill paying and handling money ; Medication management and help with the activities of daily living ; The social network

Part II: Enjoying the second half of life. Happiness and satisfaction

Financial security

Good health and physical well-being

Self-awareness, meaning, and purpose. Values clarification worksheets ; Consider your legacy ; Leaving a legacy worksheet

Adaptability and flexibility

A strong social network. Relationship evaluation worksheet ; Thinking about relationships NOW

A belief system larger than yourself. Six keys to a fulfilling older LifeRating worksheet

Making an income in later life

Part III: Deciding how and where to live. Avoiding loneliness and isolation

Privacy, autonomy, and independence

Defining your most important criteria

The early options. Retirement communities ; Active adult communities ; Cohousing communities ; Home sharing ; Intentional communities ; Continuous care retirement communities (CCRCs) ; Cultural specialty communities

Stranger in a strange land: moving to a different country. Evaluating criteria for living outside the US

Aging in place. The village movement ; NORCs (naturally occurring retirement communities)

Part IV: Ensuring comfort and care in your oldest age. The trajectory of aging

What will we need?

Financing the care you need. Long-term care insurance ; Personal assets ; Medicaid

Options for receiving care. Continuous care retirement community (CCRC) ; Assisted living communities ; Board and care homes ; Nursing homes

Documenting your preferences for care. Advance health care directive ; Power of attorney for finances ; Last will and testament ; Revocable trust ; Long-term care plan ; Ensuring a secure future ; Finding a younger support system ; Hiring a professional ; Creating a planning kit ; Avoiding "elder abuse"

End-of-life choices

Conclusion. A final checklist and guide for your planning.