Many older adults still have older children and grandchildren for whom they feel they must provide either physically or financially. It is a wonderful idea to leave a legacy. In fact many financial planners begin conversations with the idea of what do you want to leave behind? Since I do not have children, my idea of leaving something behind relates to charitable works or philanthropy which I hope to be able to do in my later years. I see many older individuals who continue to provide value to the community through volunteer work on projects and on committees. Many of these individuals with previously high powered careers who have brain power and organizational skills to offer and others who were homemakers who have time and great empathy and compassion to offer. By caring for ourselves in our middle years we are able to extend ourselves in the latter years of our lives and remain engaged in life.
