Published by Leonardo Calcagno
As we age, our bodies change, and we may find it more difficult to get around and take care of ourselves like we used to. It’s important to plan for our golden years by protecting our assets and making sure we have the resources we need to live comfortably. Keep reading for a guide on how to do just that.
Life Insurance
As you enter your golden years, you need to make sure you have life insurance. If something happens to you and you don’t have life insurance, your loved ones will have to bear the burden of your death. Cincinnati life insurance, or insurance wherever you are located, gives peace of mind in knowing that you and your loved ones are taken care of financially if something happens to you.
Term life insurance is the most affordable type of life insurance, and it provides coverage for a specific period of time, usually 10, 20, or 30 years. When you reach retirement age, you may want to consider converting your term life insurance policy to a permanent policy. Permanent life insurance policies offer lifetime coverage, and they also have a cash value that grows over time. This cash value can be used to pay for things like college tuition or a retirement fund.
No one knows when their time will come, so you will need to review your insurance coverage regularly. Make sure you have enough life insurance to cover your needs, especially if you have dependents who rely on you financially. You may also want to consider adding long-term care insurance, which can help pay for nursing home or home health care costs if needed later in life.
Transportation
Many elderly individuals stop driving their own cars as they age. This may happen for a variety of reasons. An elderly person may have health problems that make it difficult or dangerous for them to drive, including trouble seeing or hearing. They may also not be able to react quickly enough to avoid danger while driving, or they may simply dislike the fast-paced driving behavior of younger people on the road today.
Fortunately, older adults do not have to be dependent on friends and family members whenever they need to get a ride somewhere. Uber assistance for elderly can connect an older adult with an operator who will send an Uber driver directly to their home to pick them up for any reason, whether it’s grocery shopping, a trip to the bank, or simply meeting someone for lunch.
Government Benefits and Services
There are many benefits and services available to retirees in the United States, but accessing them can be confusing. One of the most important things to do when preparing for retirement is to understand what government benefits and services are available to you. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a good place to start, as it administers a number of programs that provide financial assistance to retirees. The SSA’s website has a wealth of information on its various programs, including:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): A program that provides income support to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A needs-based program that helps low-income seniors with basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter
- Retirement Benefits: Monthly payments that are provided to retired workers aged 62 or older
- Medicare: A health insurance program that covers people over 65 years old and certain younger people with disabilities
- Medicaid: A health insurance program for low-income individuals and families
In addition to federal programs, there are also a number of state and local government benefits and services available to retirees. To find out what’s available in your area, contact your state or local aging agency or department. Some examples of common state and local benefits include property tax exemptions or reductions, assistance with utility bills, free or discounted transportation, and home meal delivery services.
Once you’ve identified which benefits you may be eligible for, it’s important to start the application process as soon as possible. Many government programs have long waitlists, so do not delay if you think you might be eligible for some assistance.