Why it’s time to talk about the future today

As a nation, we’re known for our small talk. More often than not, it revolves around the weather. But whilst commenting on the sunshine (or the lack of it!) can bring together friends and acquaintances, when it comes to family there are times when this gentle chit chat needs to lead to something more serious.

We’re referring to ‘the talk’. The one we all need to sit down and have with our parents at some point whether we want to or not – an open and frank discussion about the future.

Read on as we explain why ‘the talk’ shouldn’t be something to shy away from and why it’s sensible to start conversing and planning for the future as early as possible.

What are your hopes for the future?

We all have a vision of what we would like our retirement years to be like. Whether that’s spending more quality time with family, travelling to new destinations, or discovering new pastimes. Everyone is different and everyone has their own individual hopes and aspirations.

And that is why it is so important to discuss these ideas as a family – because one person’s expectations of their future can be very different to someone else’s. Only by enabling your parents to voice these thoughts can you really understand what it most important to them.

Time flies when you’re having fun

One minute your parents are dropping you off on your first day of school, and the next they’re racing towards their last day at work. It therefore pays to be prepared and start instigating these conversations about their future early on. That way, adequate research can be done, plans and preparations can be put into place, and everyone can be comfortable about what the future will entail.

Embrace your future

For some people, a conversation about their parents’ retirement is something they would prefer to put off for as long as possible. Some don’t care to admit their parents are advancing in years.

But the truth is, we can’t hold back time and we can’t avoid the fact that sooner or later everyone’s parents will need to make adaptations to their lifestyle as their needs change.

The key is to keep an open and positive view. Retirement shouldn’t be viewed as the end of an era, but instead as the start of an exciting new chapter of possibilities.

Turn the talk into action

Perhaps your parents want to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible in their retirement years? Perhaps keeping a regular schedule of engaging activities is most important to them? Or perhaps they want the peace of mind that comes from knowing they will have help and support on hand, should they require it? Whatever their priorities, allow your parents to discuss them openly, then do your research about how best you can help them fulfil them. 

One option is to take a look at what is on offer at a Brio Retirement Living community. It offers all of the above and much, much more. Book a visit, explore the properties, facilities and surroundings, chat to the residents, and bring the whole family along too. That way everyone is guaranteed to be on the same page when it comes to your parents’ retirement plans.

Want to hear more?

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