Happier Later Life

I am an only child and so is my husband.

Until about 6 years ago, we had two sets of parents in their mid 80s. Needing a little bit of help but basically relying on each other and living independently from us.

We lost my Father in law suddenly and traumatically when he fell downstairs.

My Mum became more disabled after several strokes.

Between us , we took on more and more of a caring role for the surviving parents.

As we supported them, I began to reflect on my later life and the sort of old lady I might become.

Although there are many parts of old age that are challenging and out of my control, I felt sure there were things we could start doing now, to shape our future.

I wanted this stage of my life to be easier and happier for my kids than it had been for us.

I immersed myself in studies on aging, happiness, and purpose. I asked other carers what the challenges and frustrations of caring for elderly parents are.

And so Happier Later life was born.

I have come up with an approach that gets us thinking about the sort of old person we want to be. A way of looking at role models, good and bad, and apply them to our life. Using our role as carer of a parent as a superpower.
Taking the practical steps too that make older living easier.

So what sort of old lady do you want to be?