It's never too early in life to plan for a happy, healthy and financially secure future.

Most people understand why it’s important to try to financially plan for the future. But when it comes to planning for our best life as we grow older and/or live with a disability, most people and their families generally wait until there is a problem or until they are in the midst of an emergency to do so.

It starts with making the decisions on how you want to live your life.

Six Steps to Plan for the Future

  1. Identify Your Goals: Think about what you want to achieve from the perspective of your finances, health, relationships, interests and lifestyle. It may help to write these goals down to help inspire and motivate you.
  2. Form Your Support Team
  3. Assess Your Needs
  4. Explore Your Options
  5. Make a Plan: At this stage, consult with your Support Team to take concrete steps toward achieving your goals for the future. Outline the resources (time, money, education, etc.) to achieve your plan.
  6. Take Action: It’s time to implement the plan.

Additional Resources

Aging Mastery, created by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), is a guide to building a playbook for aging well and making the most of the gift of longer life. The curriculum can be followed at your own convenience or in a classroom experience. Both versions address topics such as nutrition, advance care planning, exercise, community engagement, finances and more.

For more information, visit the Aging Mastery Program® (AMP) class or the Self-Directed Aging Mastery® Starter Kit.

For Aging Mastery Programs near you, go to the Connecticut Healthy Living Collective.