This is a hard question. We're generally thinking that when we get older, we will move to be closer to an adult child (hopefully in a lower COL) but also do our best to be supportive, non-interfering, and independent as long as possible. Eventually, something will happen and we might need some help but we'd want to make it logistically easier for them by being closer.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Near family. A big factor in elderly health and wellness you can control is feeling useful and belonging. If you have grandchildren be around and br helpful and everyone will benefit. You can still vacation in Europe all winter even.

I’m just so sick of how much everything costs here. Lifestyle would be so much better in Europe. I don’t understand why healthcare is so mismanaged here from the perspective of the patient.

Because its q for profit system. Capitalism doesn't care about people, only growth and profits. Regulating it some is the only way to actually care about society. But the govt systems here are so big they are inefficient and lots of waste as well.

then why did they rear their children in the U.S.?

What health care expenses are you worked about? Most people’s plans have ERs as a set cost. Mine is $250. How much is it on Medicare?

Anonymous wrote:Your plan needs to include how you will be cared for-retirement community with different levels? Hire an age in place agency? Look at those costs. Kids raising children are niot a retirement plan, nor are your friends. Sure people will be there for you through some illnesses, but your grandchildren will have needs. The rates of all sorts of pediatric disabilities and illnesses are going up and even kids without serious issues are time consuming and won't always feel a deep connection to the grandparents. You cannot assume their family will revolve around your every time you need it. You should see these people as extra supports and extra checks and balances, but not your primary source of health support as you age.

Sorry I wasn't clear-I don't mean retirement community now, but you need to financially plan for how you will be cared for. Living the good life in Europe and then as your health goes south settling down right near adult kids and expecting them to upend their childrearing to cater to your needs is not a plan. My mother used to be so impressed our neighbors took in the woman's mother. That woman cleaned their home, babysat the children and cooked all their meals! Once she was old enough to have health issues they kept her there, but they hired people to care for her. It's not all about the elder's needs. They are part of a system. The fact you changed your kid's diaper's when they were a cute toddler is a requirement of deciding to have children, not an investment in having your adult children cater to you in old age, especially if you become difficult and hostile with age (as some do).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you American citizen? You will be on Medicare – why are you so concerned about health care expenses? Do you have chronic health care issues or disability now?

Not OP but Medicare doesn’t pay for assisting living/nursing home/private duty caregivers.

not only that medicare doesn't cover once you are outside of US

Your plan needs to include how you will be cared for-retirement community with different levels? Hire an age in place agency? Look at those costs. Kids raising children are niot a retirement plan, nor are your friends. Sure people will be there for you through some illnesses, but your grandchildren will have needs. The rates of all sorts of pediatric disabilities and illnesses are going up and even kids without serious issues are time consuming and won't always feel a deep connection to the grandparents. You cannot assume their family will revolve around your every time you need it. You should see these people as extra supports and extra checks and balances, but not your primary source of health support as you age.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you American citizen? You will be on Medicare – why are you so concerned about health care expenses? Do you have chronic health care issues or disability now?

Not OP but Medicare doesn’t pay for assisting living/nursing home/private duty caregivers.

Do European countries pay for that? For foreigners?