Planning For Later Life: Importance, Domains and Reasons In Older People

Introduction: Facing with and preparing for later life encompasses various aspects, a number of legal regulations must be observed, and an important part is also contributed by the individual's personal characteristics, interests and desires. Therefore, successful preparation for later life must include planning that concretizes the individual's desired state in the future. The purpose of the study was to determine the importance of planning for later life in older people, the importance of different domains and the reasons for planning. Methods: The research used a quantitative methodological approach, in which data were collected using the survey method in the period from December 2021 to January 2022. The sample included 335 people over the age of 65, both from the home and institutional environment. In the research, we used the methods of descriptive and inferential statistics, and tested the hypotheses with correlation and regression analysis. Results: Older people recognize planning for later life as important, and attribute a greater role to the state in preparing. They consider health and housing to be the most important domains of preparation for later life, with the least importance attached to appearance. The results of the research highlight the most important reasons for planning autonomy and independence. Discussion and conclusions: Planning for later life is an important aspect of an individual's preparation. It is important that the individual starts planning at a young and middle age. With planning, it is necessary to intervene in all domains of preparation, with the individual first choosing the ones to which attaches greater importance. We also point out that an important and necessary factor in preparing is the state, which must regulate the legal field, provide appropriate support services, educate individuals, raise awareness and provide assistance to individuals in preparing and planning for later life in some domains.