How To Keep Your Independence Financially As Your Get Older

PennyGem’s Elizabeth Keatinge tells us what the experts say about keeping your independence as you age.

Transcript

00:00You may savor your independence and dread the idea of ending up in a retirement home.

00:09What are some things you can do to keep your independence as you age?

00:13As CNN suggests, you'll want to be financially independent, with income from your investments enough to cover your expenses.

00:21Prioritize your health, as Next Avenue says, and prevent falls.

00:25The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports one-quarter of Americans 65 and over fall every year.

00:31See an expert for primary care.

00:34A geriatrician is, quote, trained to manage the complexity of multiple complicated health concerns, unquote,

00:39says Dr. Nirmala Gopalan, medical director of the Geriatrics Clinic at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center.

00:46She also suggests strength and balance exercises, like Tai Chi.

00:50Your brain is a muscle, too. Keep it healthy with brain games and a healthy diet of fruit and vegetables.

00:56If you do end up headed to an assisted living facility, consider options before choosing a location.

01:02According to The Street, there are non-profit religious-based facilities versus for-profit.

01:07There are also options to prepay for all-inclusive care, modified contracts, fee-for-service, or rental, which is a pay-as-you-go price model.