40-70 Program offered for parents and adult children to discuss aging process

Local senior care experts encourage families to connect and provide tips on tackling tough conversations about aging

Discussing aging issues, such as living arrangements, finances, dating, end-of-life decisions and driving, done early and often can save families years of heartache, tension and even legal battles. Yet, research indicates that about two-thirds of American families put off these conversations, either because they are uncomfortable with the topics or they just don't know where to start.

Statistics show that 34 percent of adults surveyed are conversation avoiders. That is, they haven’t talked about any important end-of-life issues with their parents or children, or they have talked about just one issue.

To help, the local Home Instead Senior Care office is sponsoring the 40-70 Rule program, which includes an Action Plan for Successful Aging and other resources to help ease these conversations between adult children and their parents.

The idea behind the 40-70 Rule is that by the time adult children are age 40 and their parents are age 70, they should have these critical conversations that will impact the parents’ future.

“Unfortunately, it is often not until a crisis happens that families consider these important discussions,” says Robert Ware, director of operations of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Kent, Sussex and southern New Castle counties. “Although the prospect of addressing sensitive topics can often be intimidating, it’s critical for these conversations to happen before it’s too late.”

According to recently conducted research, 70 percent of family conversations about aging issues don't occur until they are prompted by a health crisis or other emergency. This can increase the likelihood of family disputes.

Ware says he hopes this program can change that for area families.

“Quite often, when it comes to certain topics, there is a noticeable gap between the wishes of the senior parents and their children,” he says. “We want to help families establish plans in advance so that a parent’s expressed wishes are met.”

For more information about the 40-70 Rule program or to obtain a copy of the Action Plan for Successful Aging, go to 4070talk.com or call 302-697-6435.