No one really wants to think about it but a new drive is urging people to plan now for later life.
Leicestershire County Council is encouraging residents to consider some of the challenges that may lay ahead as they get older, such as accommodation and who would make decisions about finance and health.
Over the next 20 years, the number of over 65s in Leicestershire is set to rise by 50 per cent – more than the national average - and the council is calling on residents to grab a cup of tea and spend some time thinking about what’s available.
Thinking about where to live, social connections and the people who could potentially make decisions on a resident’s behalf are all things that if considered early, can be very helpful further down the line.
Housing options include exploring what equipment and technology are available and ‘extra care’, where people rent a flat and receive as much or as little support as they want.
Malcolm is blind and has slight hearing loss and lives at Oak Court, an extra care housing scheme in Blaby. He said: “At home I felt isolated and lonely. I knew that at Oak Court I would be well looked after, be able to keep my independence and have my social needs met as I enjoy being friendly and meeting people.
“I feel included at Oak Court, we have games in Braille and my social and physical care needs are met. I feel the staff are my hands and eyes, which is so important to me as a blind person.
“My friends assisted me to fill out the initial paperwork, the process took me around five months. It has made a huge difference to my quality of life.”
The council wants people to live independently for as long as possible and is investing an extra £46m in adult social care over the next four years, to support an ageing population with increasing care needs and rising numbers of people with learning disabilities.
Councillor Christine Radford, cabinet member for adults and communities, said: "It’s really positive to hear stories of how people have considered their own circumstances, whilst they are able to, because it ensures that the decisions are centred around what is important to the person.
“The changes don’t have to be big. It could be that you love your home and community but need a new front door, thinking about access to your property and whether there could be any modifications done at that stage, rather than hoping mobility will never be an issue.”
Find about more about making the transition into older age easier by visiting www.leicestershire.gov.uk/plan-for-the-future