There comes a point when thinking about the future shifts from an abstract idea to a personal, necessary step. That moment can feel heavy, especially without the default support others may assume you have.
The good news is, you can manage this. You get to shape a plan that reflects who you are, what matters to you, and how you want to be supported. Knowing where things stand and having made thoughtful decisions can bring both peace of mind and a sense of strength.
To get you started, this guide breaks the process into phases: it covers what makes sense to think about in your early 40s, what becomes more important in your 50s, and what really matters later on.
The steps ahead are not about doing everything at once. They are about starting with what feels manageable and building from there. It’s okay if you haven’t started planning earlier. You are not behind. You are exactly where you need to be to begin.
Steps to Take from 42 to 52
Lay your foundation with trusted professionals, legal clarity, and financial habits that support your future.
1. Identify trusted professionals to support your planning
Look for a financial advisor experienced in advising solo agers, and an estate planning attorney familiar with your area. Keep contact information for local senior services or a care manager you could call if needed. Even if you do not need these professionals right now, knowing who they are and what they offer makes everything easier later.
2. Choose a health care proxy and financial power of attorney
Decide who will make key medical and financial decisions for you if you’re ever unable to do so. This person could be a trusted close friend, relative, or someone in your chosen circle. Once you know who that person is, meet with the estate planning attorney to provide the legal documents. The attorney will guide you through your options and make sure everything is done correctly. After the documents are signed, give a copy to your proxy and your attorney. Keep an extra copy in your own records.
3. Complete your advance directive and living will
These documents outline the type of medical care you would or would not want in a serious or end-of-life situation. They allow you to communicate your choices clearly and prevent confusion later. An estate planning attorney can help you complete the correct documents based on the laws in your state. You can also find official forms through your state’s website or trusted health organizations. Once completed, keep a copy in your personal binder and give one to your proxy.
4. Create a personal folder or binder
Consolidate important information in a clear and easy-to-understand way for your proxy and any future caretakers. You can buy a pre-made kit or make your own. We like Nokbox, if you’re looking for a pre-made option*. Include a current list of medications, allergies, emergency contacts, legal documents, insurance cards, and a summary of your health history. You may also want to add instructions for bills, account access, or anything else that would be useful if someone needed to step in temporarily or long-term. Keep this folder in a secure but accessible location, and let your proxy know where it is.
This is the decade to put structure in place. It is not about urgency. It is about making things easier for your future self.
Steps to Take from 52 to 62
Gain clarity about what you want in the next stage of life. Build flexibility into your plans while there is still time to explore.
5. Stay current with your healthcare
Being proactive about your health is one of the most important ways to maintain independence as you age. Without adult children who may advocate for you in the future, staying involved in your care now becomes even more essential.
Begin with the basics. Schedule your annual physical and age-appropriate screenings. Ask questions. Keep notes. Establish a relationship with a primary care provider who listens and treats you with respect.
Beyond appointments, look at your daily routines. Are you moving your body in a way that supports balance, flexibility, and strength? You do not need an intense program. Walking, Pilates, yoga, light strength training, or a combination of these can help you stay strong and steady.
Pay attention to sleep. Prioritize hydration. Build meals around protein, fiber, and whole foods. Monitor your emotional health too. If anxiety, loneliness, or mood changes start to affect your daily life, talk to a professional or reach out for support.
Keep a list of what you take, including supplements. Make sure any new prescriptions are checked for interactions. If you ever need care, having this information organized will help others support you more effectively.
Take time to consider the kind of care you want if something changes. Would you prefer home support over a facility? What are your non-negotiables when it comes to comfort and dignity? These are personal questions, and they are worth answering before they become urgent.
6. Review Your Savings Habits and Long-Term Financial Plans
If you haven’t already, take the time to review your savings habits and long-term financial plans. Work with the trusted financial advisor you identified to whatever degree you’re comfortable. You may want someone to manage your investments, or you may need help creating a concrete retirement plan and budget. Make sure you are on track to meet your future goals and that your financial picture is clear and manageable.
7. Nurture your relationships
Stay close to the people who support and understand you. Make time for connection, even in small ways. If your social circle feels limited, explore new ways to meet people. Groups for solo agers, classes, or local events can open new doors. Many childfree women find strength in their chosen families, such as friends, neighbors, or community members who become people to count on and care for. These relationships matter and deserve time and attention.
Steps to Take from 62 Onward
This is a time to map out what your 60s and 70s might look like. You don’t need every answer, just a sense of what’s ahead.
Focus on the daily systems that make life smoother, safer, and more connected.
8. Review your home through a long-term lens
Look at your space and ask whether it would support your needs in ten or twenty years. Walk through each room and consider how easy it is to move around, reach essentials, and feel safe. Make note of very high shelves, steep staircases, narrow doorways, or areas with poor lighting. These may seem like minor inconveniences now, but they can become major obstacles later. Identify changes that would make things easier, such as improved lighting, a first-floor bedroom, grab bars in the bathroom, or a more accessible layout. Having a list of potential changes will make it easier to decide whether to implement them or relocate at the right time.
9. Research future housing options
Even if you plan to stay where you are, it is important to understand what resources are available in your area. Are there home care agencies, transportation services, or senior support programs nearby? Talk with trusted friends or relatives about their expectations too. Is there someone who assumes you will live with them later in life, or someone you imagine supporting in return? These are sensitive but essential conversations. The earlier you have them, the easier it becomes to make thoughtful choices and avoid misunderstandings later on.
If you’re open to moving, take time to explore different possibilities. Co-housing communities, independent living residences, and intentional neighborhoods designed for aging in place can offer support, connection, and peace of mind. Even if you are years away from making a change, knowing what is out there helps you make better decisions when the time comes.
10. Choose an Annual Review Date and Share Plans
Choose a specific date each year, e.g. your birthday or the first Saturday in October, and set an annual reminder on your calendar. Use this date to review your important documents, update emergency contacts and health information, and assess if any changes are necessary to your files, forms, or binder. An annual check-in helps keep your plan relevant and your peace of mind intact. Share your plan with someone you trust. You don’t need to go into every detail, but ensure they know where your key documents are stored and who to contact if needed.
This is when your plans begin to support your real life. Let them serve you, not burden you.
Being childfree brings with it the opportunity to shape a future that feels right for you, and to keep redefining it as your needs evolve. This isn’t about what’s missing. It’s about building a life that reflects your values and supports your independence. Making thoughtful choices and communicating them is a key part of long-term self-care. Planning ahead isn’t about predicting every detail; it’s intended to help future you feel steady, even when circumstances shift or life feels uncertain. Plan and look ahead with confidence, knowing the path forward is fully your own.
