BOISE, Idaho—APlan2Age.org, a new foundation designed to spark conversations around aging, has official launched its website and defined its mission. The newly launched online resource offers free tools and guidance for planning every aspect of aging—from housing and health care to legal documents, financial preparedness, caregiving and end-of-life decisions.
“Most families don’t start planning until it’s too late,” said Richard Wexler, CEO and co-founder of APlan2Age. “We’re trying to normalize conversations between generations, whether it’s parent to child or child to parent. The more we talk about it, the less we’re caught off guard by that phone call no one ever expects, but so many are now getting.”
Wexler co-founded APlan2Age with Peter Ross, CEO of Senior Helpers. The organization lists Senior Helpers, A Place for Mom, the National Alliance for Care at Home and the Healthcare Leadership Council as its advisory council. APlan2Age emphasizes that aging is a current reality for millions of Americans, not just a distant concern for the elderly.
"According to the Census Bureau, by 2034, adults over 65 will outnumber children under 18 for the first time in U.S. history," the company said in a news release.
“As a country, we need a wake-up call,” said Wexler. “We are an aging nation. The choice is simple: get prepared or wing it when something happens. By age 65, 70% of us will need some form of care, and understanding the resources out there—and how complicated, expensive and emotional care can be—is critical.”
Wexler found this out firsthand when he and his wife suddenly found themselves caring for four parents in their 80s. It turned into over 20 hours a week of caregiving over the course of 14 years. He urges people to start preparing for the inevitable now with one step: the conversation.
“Through APlan2Age, we want people to feel empowered to plan before they're in a crisis,” said Wexler. “The earlier you start, the more choices and peace of mind you have.”
For more information,visit APlan2Age.org.