I've had a couple of dealings lately, through work, with women in their 80s whose husbands have died or are in care and they are left in large (>3 bed) houses alone in the countryside, without family near by and without access to a car, either because they can't drive anymore because of medical reasons or because they can't afford to keep a car anymore....
This situation is extremely tragic, such people, and it's usually women not men given that women tend to marry older and live longer, are effectively capital rich but socially isolated.
Especially around here, if you're reliant on public transport but live in one of the smaller villages, travel really is NOT convenient!
Success as a millstone....
It struck me that both the women I've met (and there will be many, many more) have had successful lives - large houses in rural locations are the dream - they are the most established of success symbols.
However, towards the end of life they can become a millstone...
Obviously you are going to be attached to your house, selling it is going to be a real emotional drain, and if your life-partner has already died or is in care before you've sold your home, well the prospect of moving somewhere else on your own can't be that appealing.
And those large old houses, you're going to be paying a lot to heat them, a lot in council tax, so if you're not trusting enough to get someone else in to lodge, that's a lot of empty space you're paying for.
And if all you've got is a basic state pension, and maybe a top up from a private one, you WILL struggle to pay for food, bills, and council tax.
I honestly think a couple who could only afford a regular terraced house in a small town rather than a country detached property would be better off - cheaper bills and at least you'd have neighbours living nearby to keep and eye out for you.
And without transport there's no social life if you live rurally either.
Solutions...
Well all one can suggest is to either get online, not necessarily something someone in their 80s is going to be willing to do,
Or move closer to where their children are, downsize, seek support of yer family but move to them, you can't expect them to come to you just for the sake of you having another half a decade in your comfortable millstone. That'd be dragging your children down with you, possibly.
Or realise some of that capital - rent a room, do equity release, but there's risks involved with both of those.
Final thoughts...
This has been a painful reminder of just how much ageing sucks, I'd like to say I had a plan in place to cover what happens in my 80s, but like so many other people I'd also just rather not think about it.....
Maybe when I hit 70 I will, I don't wanna risk ending up like either of these women facing the kinds of decisions they're facing at their age and with little support...!
Posted Using InLeo Alpha
