As we go through life, we often ask ourselves big questions about our future: What job will I have? Who will I marry? Will I have children? Where will I live? However, there is one question that we tend to overlook, and it may be the most important one of all: What do I want my life to look like in my 80s?.

It may seem counterintuitive to think about our future selves when we are still relatively young and have so much life ahead of us.

However, research suggests that the decisions we make today can have a profound impact on our happiness and well-being in the later stages of our lives.

What Do You Want Your Life to Be Like in Your 80s?

So, what exactly does it mean to think about our future selves? It means consider what we want our life to look like in our 80s.

Do you see yourself surrounded by family and friends, still active and independent, or do you imagine a more solitary existence, perhaps struggling with health issues and dependent on others for care?.

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. What matters most is that you are honest with yourself about what you truly want and what will make you happy. This may require some soul-searching and self-reflection, but the effort is worth it.

The Importance of Planning for Your Future Self

Research has shown that people who make plans for their future selves tend to be happier and more satisfied with their lives.

In fact, a study by psychologists Hal Hershfield and Laura Carstensen found that those who thought about their future selves were more likely to make better decisions, such as saving more money, exercising regularly, and taking steps to maintain their physical and mental health.

Why is planning for our future selves so effective? One reason is that it helps us connect our present actions to our long-term goals.

When we can see how our current choices will impact our future selves, we are more motivated to make choices that align with our values and priorities.

Factors to Consider When Planning for Your Future Self

As you think about what you want your life to look like in your 80s, there are several factors to consider:.

Your health and well-being: Do you want to be active and independent, or are you okay with the possibility of needing assistance with daily tasks?
Your living situation: Do you want to stay in your current home, downsize to a smaller residence, or move to an assisted living facility?
Your finances: Do you have enough saved for retirement, or do you need to make adjustments to your current spending and saving habits?
Your social connections: Do you want to maintain meaningful relationships with family and friends, or are you content with a more solitary lifestyle?

These factors may require some difficult choices and trade-offs, but the key is to prioritize what is most important to you and make choices accordingly.

The Importance of Flexibility

It’s worth noting that while planning for our future selves is important, it’s also important to be flexible and adaptable.

Life is unpredictable, and we may encounter unexpected challenges or opportunities that require us to adjust our plans.

Being flexible doesn’t mean giving up on our long-term goals, but rather being open to different paths that can help us achieve those goals.

For example, if our original plan was to live independently in our own home, but we develop a health condition that makes that difficult, we may need to explore other options, such as moving to an assisted living facility.

The Benefits of Planning for Your Future Self

While planning for our future selves may require some effort and difficult choices, the benefits are numerous:.

Greater happiness and life satisfaction
More meaningful and fulfilling relationships
Greater sense of purpose and direction
Reduced stress and anxiety
Increased financial security
Better physical and mental health

Overall, planning for our future selves is a powerful way to take control of our lives and ensure that we are creating the future we want.

By thinking about what we want our life to look like in our 80s, we can make decisions today that will set us on the path to a happy and fulfilling future.