Childless old people

AubreyMac

I don't think I know any - because old people now in their time it was a bit of a stigma to not have kids (especially in certain cultures).


I'm not likely to have kids and being the youngest in my family, I may end up being totally alone in old age. This isn't a problem while I'm fit and able, I currently live quite a solitary and isolated life anyway - having very little daily interaction with anyone at all even though I live in London and I don't mind this as I'm naturally introverted. In fact, at weekends and during annual leave it's common for me to not interact with any other person at all.


I'm wondering what are the options for elderly people who have no children or anyone else to support? I mean, when someone slowly loses their faculties and need help with the usual life admin who can help sort things out?


I know people shouldn't have kids in order to be looked after in old age (though this does happen) and even if I were to have kids they must have their own life. But I do wonder what can I do if I needed help with sorting out a care home for example.


I do have a nephew with severe disabilities, it's likely he'll need a high level of care for the rest of his life and I do worry about his future. I of course will do all I can to ensure his care but there is a part of me that hopes to outlive him just so I know that he doesn't suffer or get taken advantaged of - horrible way to think, I know this.

gettingtheresometime

I guess the same question could be asked by couples who are estranged from their children

Gavin83

There is a council department that deals with the affairs of those who need assistance and don't have family able to manage them. They'll act like family, applying for Power of Attorney and even dealing with the assets upon death. However there is a charge for this.

AubreyMac

gettingtheresometime wrote: »

I guess the same question could be asked by couples who are estranged from their children

I do know some couples who have children, some of which have died or are now estranged or living abroad. But they also have other kids (In my parents generation, nobody have less than 4 kids).

AubreyMac

Gavin83 wrote: »

There is a council department that deals with the affairs of those who need assistance and don't have family able to manage them. They'll act like family, applying for Power of Attorney and even dealing with the assets upon death. However there is a charge for this.

And tough s**t if you can't pay?


Hopefully I'll die before really losing it. However, with current reports that more people living longer etc there might be something sorted by the time I become a coffin dodger.

ceecee1

I wonder this - I am 60, childless and when my mum has gone will have no family.
If I was admitted to hospital for some reason - who would I tell, who would bring me clothes or money etc.
I worry about turning into an old lady who can't cope and lives in a dirty run down house. I am sort of hoping to get into retirement housing when I am in my 70s so that I have people around me, but as I own my property I am not sure if I would be accepted

Gloomendoom

ceecee1 wrote: »

I worry about turning into an old lady who can't cope and lives in a dirty run down house. I am sort of hoping to get into retirement housing when I am in my 70s so that I have people around me, but as I own my property I am not sure if I would be accepted

You can do what you want if you are paying for it.

fannyanna

You might find this resource useful which is all about ageing without children...

https://awoc.org/

Rambosmum

The local authroity sorts you out, and the charge is means tested.

Keep_pedalling

ceecee1 wrote: »

I wonder this - I am 60, childless and when my mum has gone will have no family.
If I was admitted to hospital for some reason - who would I tell, who would bring me clothes or money etc.
I worry about turning into an old lady who can't cope and lives in a dirty run down house. I am sort of hoping to get into retirement housing when I am in my 70s so that I have people around me, but as I own my property I am not sure if I would be accepted

You are in the fortunate position to sell up and either buy a retirement property or use the funds to rent.

Keep_pedalling

We are in the fortunate position of having children, but under no circumstances am I going to lumber them with looking after us.