Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1351864
12 HE ALTH • Spring 2021 T he coronavirus pandemic brought nothing but surprises. Even in economic boom times, it is always good to plan for an eventual downturn or negative event at some point in the future, but – as COVID-19 has proved true – it is all but impossible to predict for an event that shut down the economy, killed 2.7 million people worldwide, and brought many lives to a standstill. Although impossible to predict, the pandemic showed the importance of minimizing risk and being well informed. This is what HEALTH magazine's inaugural Senior Planning Guide is all about. Being prepared for the future. As people enter into their retirement lives and senior years, there is much to consider: financial wellbeing, estate planning, healthcare coverage, immediate living needs, and long-term care. The Senior Planning Guide seeks to provide advice and resources on those topics and more, so you and your loved ones can venture into this season of life with the best possible information and preparedness. In 2020, the pace of Baby Boomer retirements increased at nearly double the number of the year before, with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic playing a role. As of September, 40% of all Baby Boomers are now retired, and that percentage is seemingly only going to rise at a quicker rate in the coming years. Clearly, planning for your or your loved ones' senior years is something nearly everyone should be thinking about now. The past year has been a scary one in multiple ways, but with proper information and planning, you can be more confident about the future. Brad Kane, editor 2021 2021 TABLE OF CONTENTS 13 The gift of a difficult conversation 14 Estate planning for your senior years 15 Resources for independent living 16 Tap into services to help you stay at home 17 List: Largest senior care communities 19 SPONSORED CONTENT: What to do when your loved one resists help 20 SPONSORED CONTENT: When is the right time to see a urologist? 22 Learning to relax is a life skill 23 Medicare 101 25 Transitioning to a long-term care community 26 List: Largest skilled nursing facilities Senior Senior Planning Guide Planning Guide