Most of us want to begin saving for retirement but don’t know where to begin. For seniors, there’s a lot more that goes into retirement than just finances. There are many steps that require planning and commitment, and most of these begin years before you decide to retire.
Despite how important this phase of one’s life is, the U.S. Department of Labor states that fewer than one-half of Americans have determined how much they actually need to save for retirement. These facts are astounding considering that the average American spends 20 years of their life in retirement.
Do you enjoy a few nice dinners out during the month? Can’t live without that morning latte every day? Do you and your spouse always plan on a week-long vacation during the summer? Whatever those little extras are, you will need to factor them into your savings plan so that you can balance your finances accordingly.
Everyone’s benefits package will be different depending on their salary and how long they worked. Determine what your Social Security will be beforehand so that you know how much additional savings you will need for the long-term. You can find out more about your benefits by visiting www.ssa.gov or calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 for a free statement.
Although you will never actually know how long you are going to live, one thing is for certain: Life expectancy is getting longer. You should keep this in mind when investing your savings. According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, a man retiring at age 65 has a 50 percent chance of living to age 81. For women, the age is 85. This means that you will need to start thinking about 20+ years of investment into savings.
There’s a chance that you may have to retire earlier than you would like, perhaps due to health problems or an unexpected downsize at work. If you have enough capital invested in your rainy day fund, you can afford to add a few more years to the standard retirement age. Keep in mind that even though you may take all the necessary steps toward your retirement, you may still have to work part-time to earn extra spending cash.
Many companies offer 401(k) programs for their employees, and it’s never too early to sign up and start contributing to it, even in your 20s and 30s. This way, you can figure out how much interest will accumulate, your employer’s contribution and the amount of time you will need to add to the plan to enjoy the amount of money you need to retire comfortably.
Starting now, Americans can add as much as $6,000 per year into an IRA, and you can increase that number once you hit age 50. Not only is this a smart way to plan out your future spending, these types of programs provide tax advantages as well. There are two kinds of IRAs: Traditional and Roth, both of which have their perks. You can even speak to an accountant about which one is best for you and have an amount automatically deducted from your checking or savings account without fuss.
If you need a referral for a financial adviser or retirement planning professional contact the Aegis Living community near you and ask for the Marketing Director who should have a contact for you.
Respite Stays & Day Stays give family caregivers a real break—hours, days, or a few weeks—while your loved one enjoys a safe, enriching short‑term home at Aegis Living. Guests settle into a beautifully furnished private apartment and have 24/7 care staff and onsite nurses, medication management, and discreet safety technology (motion sensors, medical‑alert pendants, visitor check‑in) for peace of mind. Each day feels purposeful with chef‑prepared, all‑day dining and 200+ monthly activities—from book clubs and fitness classes to movie nights—plus full use of the community. We coordinate with your loved one’s physicians to mirror their routines and care, so the stay feels familiar. It’s also a smart trial run for senior living: meet neighbors, test services, and see what supported independence looks like—without a long‑term commitment. Choose a Respite Stay when you’re traveling or need time to recharge, when your loved one would benefit from structure, social connection, and great meals, or when you both want peace of mind while keeping options open.
Hospice & End‑of‑Life Care at Aegis Living is comfort‑first support for the final stage of life, delivered in your loved one’s private apartment by our 24/7 care team in coordination with a trusted local hospice provider you choose (or we can recommend). Together, we create a coordinated care plan that manages pain and other symptoms, oversees medications, and provides calm, dignified help with daily needs, while offering compassionate emotional support for both resident and family. Discreet safety measures and a reliable medical‑alert system bring help quickly; chef‑prepared, in‑apartment meals adapt to changing appetites. Families are guided through decisions and moments of closure so they can focus on being present in a peaceful, home‑like setting. If your loved one already lives at Aegis, they can remain in the comfort of their home, avoiding disruptive moves. Choose this level of care when curative treatment is no longer the goal and you want expert symptom control, hands‑on daily support, and a setting that protects dignity and prioritizes comfort, meaning, and time together.
Memory Care is specialized, secure support for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias who benefit from a calm, structured environment and round‑the‑clock expertise. At Aegis Living, that care happens in Life’s Neighborhood—an intimate, thoughtfully designed setting where 24/7 dementia‑trained caregivers and a nursing team on site seven days a week deliver personalized help with daily living, medication management, and mobility (including Hoyer lifts and two‑person transfers), while gently redirecting agitation and confusion. Days are purpose‑filled with science‑based cognitive programming, certified music therapy, and social activities; chef‑prepared meals are easy to enjoy and dining spaces and cues are designed for memory support. Discreet safety features like secured entrances, emergency pendants with fall detection, and optional motion sensors, prevent wandering and bring peace of mind, and visiting physicians and wellness professionals reduce trips off‑site. Families receive education and ongoing support. If your loved one is unsafe alone, missing medications, wandering, needs frequent cueing or hands‑on help with bathing or dressing, or thrives with a predictable routine, Memory Care offers the right level of care. For milder needs, our transitional Assisted Living can be a first step; for advancing symptoms, secured Memory Care provides the specialized, heartfelt support to help them feel calm, connected, and at home.