Though the 40-70 Rule for senior care has good intentions, researchers failed to recognize a mass of other situations that could force siblings to talk to their parents sooner about their futures or force them to make decisions for their parents.
By surveying 1,000 U.S. Baby Boomers, Home Instead Senior Care concluded that conversations about parents’ futures should begin when the child reaches 40 years of age or when the parent reaches 70 years. That could be too late, however.
According to Debora Savoy, co-owner of Home Instead Senior Care office in Bakersfield, “Our goal is to educate the public about the 40-70 Rule and practical ways for adult children to talk to their parents now about topics such as driving, finances, independence and even romance.”
The 40-70 Rule does provide advise, tips and resources for seniors and their adult children; however, many situations could arise sooner, leaving unprepared siblings confused, trapped and strapped for cash.
According to “Core Concepts in Health,” annual incidences of heart attack among women doubles between the ages 45 and 64. Heart attacks among men age 45 to 64 increases from approximately 40,000 to 250,000 cases a year.
“However, many people in their thirties and forties, especially men, have heart attacks,” said the text.
According to the text, Alzheimer’s disease “usually occurs in people over 60 but can occur in people as young as 40.” Going by the statistics, the adult child may find himself or herself disabled before the parent.
Also, according to the text, the risk for stroke more than doubles every decade beginning at age 55.
Not only do I speak of statistics, I speak out of experience. Ten years ago, when I was 14, my dad had a stroke leaving him half paralyzed and unable to communicate. The stroke also left him with dementia, which affects mood and behavior. It turned out that he had been experiencing mild forms of stroke since he was approximately in his 30s.
Though I was much too young to care for my dad, I grew up watching my family struggle to do what was best for my dad with the money we had. Because of poor planning, his money is paying for past dues. I know that planning for the future, especially financially, would have prevented the unnecessary struggles.
The 40-70 Rule does not work if it begins too late, but can work if it begins a lot sooner. Regardless of the child’s age, communication about the future should begin as soon as possible. Depending on health risks, communication could begin sooner.
For more information about how to overcome communication obstacles and information on resources, visit 4070talk.com. “Talking sooner is better than waiting until a crisis has occurred,” said Home Instead Senior Care.