You still manage your medications and book your own appointments. But a fall, a stroke, or a sudden illness could leave you unable to speak for yourself. If that happens, who talks to your doctor? Who manages your finances? Will everyone know what you would have wanted? Legal planning helps you prepare for these possibilities. It keeps you in charge --- of your care, your choices, and your future -- no matter what life brings.

AARP Maine reports that over 135,000 people age 50 and older live alone in the state and are at higher risk of social isolation. Often, these solo agers, “kinless,” or “elderly orphans” are widowed, divorced, never married, or have no children. Black people, women, people with low incomes, and the LGBTQ community are among those most affected. A recent AARP survey showed that people between the ages of 66 and 75 most frequently said they are more lonely now than they were before the pandemic. Contributing factors include experiencing a major illness or the death of loved ones.