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Would part-time work help? For most people, working provides benefits beyond earning a paycheck. Sometimes, the social aspects of our careers are just as important to us. If retiring in full could affect your daily desire to connect with others, slowing down your retirement by taking on part-time work may be a better alternative than ending your career abruptly. Have you factored in unexpected life changes? In a perfect world, you and your spouse will enjoy many years of retirement together. Unfortunately, a sudden death or unexpected illness may tragically uproot this plan. Have you made appropriate plans for caregiving, medical directives, and powers of attorney in the event that you or your loved one becomes incapacitated? Do you have a plan for remaining emotionally and economically secure if you’re suddenly single at retirement age? Would you still find meaning and purpose in life if you now suddenly had to go it
alone? While these questions may be unpleasant to consider, they’re essential to crafting a retirement plan that addresses as many of life’s unknowns as possible. Naturally, these questions can introduce several considerations for your estate and financial planning. Rest assured that we’re here to help you address these matters so you can enjoy the meaningful and fulfilling golden years you deserve.
Your later years should bring you peace and joy. We’re ready and happy to help you get there.
Alzheimer’s Awareness and Action Cognitive Clues for Caring Families Last September, Bott &
Associates LTD had the honor of participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Although the event has ended, you can donate to the cause year- round! Please scan this QR code to learn how.
One of the best things we can do for the people we love is help them enjoy the longest, healthiest, and most fruitful lives possible, especially as they get older. And November is perhaps the best time of the year to put that loving goal into action. In addition to ushering in the holiday season, November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. As estate planners, we often work with families to address the realities of this disease in ways that protect both the affected loved one and those who care about them. We’ve also encountered situations where the signs of Alzheimer’s were not detected until the condition had become severe. Here are three warning signs of early Alzheimer’s or dementia to keep in mind when spending time with older loved ones over the holidays or at any time of year. 1. Memory Loss That Makes Daily Life Difficult People may joke about having a “senior moment” from time to time, and a minor incident of forgetfulness may not be an immediate cause for concern, but habitual memory loss that affects a loved one’s daily routine shouldn’t be overlooked. Signs of ongoing memory loss include forgetting important dates and events, repeating the same questions, or relying on notes and other memory aids to maintain everyday schedules. 2. Changes in Organization and Planning Skills Anyone can be distracted enough by life to miss a bill or two, but several missed payments or critical deadlines
could be a sign that your loved one is having difficulty keeping track of dates, numbers, and other information. Having difficulty following recipes or other directions may be another sign that all isn’t well. 3. Vocabulary Changes (Including Oddly Used Words) If conversations with a loved one regularly trail off as they struggle to find the right words (or fill that space with a word that may not make sense), it could be a sign of cognitive changes. Steps Toward Prevention As with many health conditions, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may be reduced by following healthy lifestyle habits throughout adulthood. Quitting smoking, monitoring our blood pressure, exercising regularly, managing diabetes, challenging our minds by learning new skills, and maintaining a healthy weight all contribute to our lasting cognitive health. For additional early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and more tips for prevention, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at ALZ.org .
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