Getting married later in life is exciting, but it also means facing unique challenges. Fortunately, seniors come to the table with a wealth of life experience, and they can make the process even easier with a bit of planning. By squaring away a few things early in the relationship, you’ll have a stronger foundation. Plus, it ensures you’re both on the same page.
If you’re a senior who’s about to get married, here are some tips from Aspen Senior Care to help you build a new life together with your new spouse.
Dealing with Your Finances
Investopedia notes that one of the trickiest parts of combining your lives is making financial decisions. Money stress can weigh heavily on a marriage regardless of your age. You may have different money management styles that you’ll want to navigate to simplify managing joint funds and expenses. Additionally, you might be fairly set in your ways, creating some obstacles.
Plus, there could be inheritance concerns to work through. Each partner likely has assets they’ll bring into the marriage, and they may already have plans regarding their distribution when they pass.
Since navigating marital property laws is complex, you may want to work with an estate planner. You could also turn to a financial planner to determine how to manage shared expenses or the best approach for maintaining some financial autonomy after you start your lives together.
Living Arrangements for Newlywed Seniors
According to Harvard University, around 79 percent of adults age 65 and up are homeowners. Once you’re married, you’ll need to decide how to handle your housing options. In some cases, you may feel that moving into one of your existing homes and preparing the other for sale is best. In others, you may decide that a fresh start is the better choice.
Consider what each of your homes offers, particularly if you’re part of the 90 percent of adults age 50 and older who want to age in place. Think about the home features you’d like to have today and in the future. If you’re self-employed, you’ll also want to prepare for an interruption in work, prioritize your home office, and obviously, plan ahead.
It’s also possible that a time will come when one or both of you may need in-home care or will want to move into assisted living or skilled care communities. If that time comes, you’ll want to focus on your needs and budget, ensuring you get the best overall fit. Spend time researching local communities now and taking tours to find your perfect option. That way, you can plan for the transition in advance, making it easier to manage.
Keeping Your Relationship Vibrant
No matter your age, there are plenty of things that you can do to keep that spark alive. Trying new things together is an excellent option to keep your relationship strong. Whether it’s starting a hobby that you both can enjoy, exploring different cuisines, or traveling to exciting destinations, you’ll have new experiences to enjoy together.
Also consider the benefits of starting a business together, which is a great way to spend more time together, and it creates the perfect opportunity to pad your income. Of course, you’ll want to market your business. First, create business cards that will leave a lasting impression. A professional-looking business card is more visible than email, and offers potential customers and clients something tangible to remember you by. Designing a personalized business card is simple when you use pre-made templates that you can customize by adding images, text, color schemes, and the font of your choice.
Learning a skill or language is another excellent choice, as it keeps your minds active while you navigate unfamiliar territory as a couple. It’s all very beneficial for your relationship, ensuring you remain connected and engaged.
It’s never too late to find love in your life. With the tips above, you’ll be ready to enjoy life with your new spouse.
Contributed by an Aspen Senior Care Contributor.
The award-winning team at Aspen Senior Care specializes in assisting seniors in their homes by providing caregivers you can trust. Connect with us to find out more at 801-224-5910.
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