Fortunately, we were able to convince my 72 y/o mother to move to a senior retirement community after Dad died so her bills are minimal since they cover utilities and maintenance. She has her own apartment and independence, but has 24 hour nursing care and assisted living services available when she needs it and an emergency pull cord in every room. We were scared to death she was going to fall down the steps to the basement in the old house, she’s not real steady on her feet. She also has a financial advisor that she trusts who budgets her fixed income and he has done well by her. Now the only thing we worry about is her driving...yikes!
My mom is 97 and still is able to do her own finances. She also drives. She just gave up her home to move in with us and she has already gotten active in our community. We just had our 50 wedding anniversary and my mom was here to celebrate with us. (People are shocked when I tell them her age.)
I haven’t begun to think about growing old. It just isn’t in our vocabulary yet. We have thought about over 50 housing, but need the room for our extended family to come for family gatherings, vacations, holidays, etc.
I realize that God has blessed us with good health and joie de vivre. I am aware that it could all change in a second.