Tips for Newlywed Seniors Who Want to Live Their Best Lives by Emily Graham

Today, many people are getting married later in life. Referred to as gray marriages, these relationships involve seniors or retirees who choose to officially become a family. While it’s a joyous occasion, getting married later in life comes with unique challenges. If you want to make sure you and your spouse can live your best lives, here are some tips that can help.

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Find a Home That Lets You Age in Place

Around 90 percent of adults age 50 and older want to age in place. If you and your spouse are part of that group, it’s wise to find a home now that’ll make that possible. Ideally, you want to choose a house that’s in a great location. Consider what each neighborhood has to offer in the way of amenities. That way, you can find a spot that haseverything you need to thrive nearby. Also, consider how your needs might change in the future, particularly when it comes to mobility. After all ,one in five elderly individuals struggle with mobility. Even if you and yourspouse have no issues climbing stairs, reaching items in high cabinets, or handling similaractivities now, that may not be the case later.

You’ll want to choose a house that supports your changing needs in many cases. You might want to forgo properties with stairs. Selecting a home with an open floorplan, wide hallways, and larger doorways is also ideal. In some cases, you may want to look for other accessibility improvements, like walk-in bathtubs. However, simply having the space to add those features is fine, too.

Get a Grip on Your Finances

Marriage has a big impact on your finances, regardless of your age. In some cases, thesituation may be more complicated when two seniors wed. Along with varying sources ofincome, you may have spending and savings habits acquired over decades, making it harderto agree on certain points. Plus, you may have strong feelings about inheritances.

If you’re struggling to get on the same page financially, consider working with a certifiedfinancial advisor. They’ll be able to help you develop a workable plan, combining the rightaspects of your finances while keeping other portions separate, if necessary.

Additionally, if you’re not yet married, you may want to get a prenup. That way, you can determine how various assets that you’re bringing into the marriage are allocated, ensuring it aligns with your broader estate plan. If you’re already married, you could look at setting up trusts instead.

Start a Business Together

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Launching a business can be a great way for senior couples to boost their income while spending time together. Plus, it may let you use your skills in new, exciting ways while creating opportunities to gain new ones, which can boost your mental health.

If you’re working in retirement, you don’t have to treat it like a traditional 9-to-5. By consulting or freelancing, you can make use of your skills on your terms, giving you the flexibility you didn’t have with regular employment.

Regardless of the type of business you launch, consider forming an LLC. With that, you limit liability, get tax advantages, have less paperwork, and remain agile. Since Georgia has unique rules about forming an LLC, you’ll want to review them in advance. That way, you’ll get the process right, ensuring your business has everything it needs to succeed.

Getting married later in life can be very rewarding. By finding a home that lets you age in place, handling your finances, and even starting your own business, you can meet all your needs.

Emily Graham is the creator of Mighty Moms. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms -- from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family.