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When you’re in your teens, twenties, thirties, and even your forties, it’s easy to feel like you have the world on a string. You might not be worried about your future because you’re living in the here and now. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, and you should enjoy every present moment, it’s also a good idea to keep thoughts of aging at the forefront of your mind when you’re young.

No one wants to think about “getting older”. But, when you start planning your life out ahead of time, you’re more likely to age gracefully. While that doesn’t mean you’ll look like a 20-year-old forever, it means that if you take care of your mind and body, you exercise, lower your stress, find new hobbies, and make sure your future is as comfortable and secure as possible, you’re less likely to feel the pains of age as quickly, or are seriously.

Getting older is inevitable. While there are plenty of guides you can look at to age well, most of them tend to focus on what you should do as you get older, instead of right now. Thankfully, there are some things you can plan for at a younger age that can help you to age well later on. Let’s look at how you can prepare for your financial future and your family’s future while taking steps to create a sustainable future for the next generation. 

Your Financial Future

Today, the average retirement age is 62. But, many people are finding themselves working longer than that in order to make ends meet. Thinking about your financial future now should span a few different categories: first, you can start saving now for retirement with a few simple changes to how you handle your money, including:
  • Adding to a 401(k)
  • Opening an IRA
  • Automating your savings
  • Creating a budget to reel in your spending
  • Setting a retirement goal
By starting to save now, you can have a healthy amount in your bank account by the time you’re ready to retire.

But, your financial future may also tie into your health. Right now, you might work for an employer that offers health insurance. When you’re retired, however, you’ll either have to purchase your own private insurance or look into options like Medicare. As you age, you can also be at a greater risk for both physical and mental health issues. Your physical health can usually be kept under control by avoiding things like tobacco and alcohol while eating healthy and exercising.

Your mental health, however, can be affected by things like loneliness and isolation, which are both common issues for older individuals. You might also deal with the stress of not being in your normal work routine, or dealing more with family issues than before. Struggling with stress and tension might require you to be on medication to help with anything from anxiety and depression to high blood pressure. While you might not initially consider your health in your financial future, it’s important to understand all of the “what ifs” that could dig into your savings. 

Your Familial Future

Depending on your age, you may already have a family of your own. But, it’s never too early to start thinking about how to stay happy and healthy for them on a long-term basis.

For example, you can show your children how to live their own best lives by setting an example as you age. That includes things like: 
  • Taking care of your mind and body
  • Stepping out of your comfort zone
  • Trying new things
  • Continuing to learn things throughout life
It’s also a good idea to manage your time now, so you can relish in these moments with your family while you’re young. As a result, you’ll have so many memories to look back on when you’re older, and you can take comfort in knowing you raised your children well.

There is a fine balance between thinking about the future and enjoying the present. While planning ahead is important for the security and wellbeing of your family, you can also start practicing mindfulness now. It’s something you can continue to do every day for the rest of your life. Being mindful allows you to focus on the moment, your breathing, and how you feel. You can let thoughts come and go freely without clinging to them. This act, even if it’s only for a few minutes each day, can help you to enjoy spending time with your family each day, even as your children grow and start families of their own. 

Your Footprint’s Future

Speaking of your children, one of the ways in which you can plan for their futures is by thinking about the state of the world. At the moment, we’re living in uncertain times. But, the health and wellbeing of the planet is something that is even more uncertain.

Your eco-footprint can make a big difference in the sustainability of the earth. This footprint consists mostly of your daily habits, including what you eat, how much water you drink, your transportation, and how much garbage you produce. In order to develop a more sustainable planet for yourself and the next generation, it’s time to develop eco-friendly habits now. Thankfully, it’s easier than it might sound, and usually involves simple changes, like:
  • Composting
  • Upcycling
  • Using sustainable products
Making changes in your home can make a difference, too. For example, switching to green energy will create little-to-no negative environmental impact. Thankfully, the demand for green energy products continues to grow, which means the price for things like renewable energy sources and energy-efficient products have gone down in recent years. Not only will you be doing your part to help the planet, but you can save some money upfront, and on your utility bills as well. To come full circle, you can use those savings toward your retirement fund.

By thinking ahead now while still enjoying the present, you will be able to look back as you get older and say you’ve lived a fulfilling life. But, you’ll also be prepared for whatever the future has to hold for you. Again, everyone gets old. It’s easy to think you’re invincible at a young age. Keep these tips in mind no matter how old you are, to create a better aging experience for yourself.