Midlife To-Do List
A little reminder of those essential things that we Midlifers need to have in order, so we can then focus on enjoying the things we love in our lives. You will probably read this and think, "I've been meaning to take care of that!"
1 - Write or Update your Will
Having a will is like having a road map for your loved ones. It shows that your belongings and assets go to the people you care about most.
A will is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets and the care of any dependents on your death. It ensures that your estate is handled according to your preferences.
Without a will, the state may decide how to distribute your belongings, which might not align with your desires. Additionally, having a will can prevent potential disputes among loved ones and provide clarity and peace of mind during an emotionally challenging time.
Ultimately, a will is a critical step in ensuring your legacy and safeguarding the future of those you care about. So whether you have never made a will, or you have one and haven't checked it for years, so it's probably out of date, do it immediately. If you have a simple estate and have a clear idea of how to divide it up, you can even create one online.
Having an up-to-date Will is one of those things we all say “I keep meaning to do that” but never get around to it. Over 50% of adults don’t have an up-to-date Will.
2 - Check your Pension situation
Checking your pension ensures you are on track for as comfortable retirement as possible. It's important to understand where you stand financially, so you can make adjustments if needed. Think of it like maintaining a car; regular checks can prevent unexpected issues down the road. Reviewing your pension can also keep you informed about changes in policy or performance that could impact your future.
It is worth finding a local friendly pension expert who can review your situation for you, as pensions can be complicated to understand.
3 - Financial Health check
However much or little money you have, undertaking a Midlife financial health check can be a game changer. It's the perfect time to reassess your savings, investments, and retirement plans. Just like a regular health check, it helps you spot any potential issues early and make necessary adjustments. Plus, it can provide peace of mind knowing that you're on the right track for the future. This can be particularly relevant to ensuring your mortgage is going to be paid off at the right time or you're protected if you suddenly cannot work.
It might also give you the knowledge that maybe you can go on that adventure of a lifetime after all.
Again, it is worth finding a local friendly financial expert who can review your situation for you, as financial matters, inflation and investments can be complicated to understand.
4 - Personal Health check
Health checkups: Some countries offer free health checks when you are 40 and 50 years old. Don't waste the opportunity. Even if you think you are fine and feel good, it's nice to have reassurance from your doctor. Regular health screenings catch any issues early.
Exercise: Maintain an active lifestyle to keep your body and mind in shape.
Mindfulness: Incorporate meditation or relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
Diet: Focus on a balanced diet for optimal health.
Eye Tests: If you’ve never needed glasses, you may never have had an eye test. Once you reach 40, you really should have one, as the test can pick up other underlying health issues, that if caught early will save you from future problems.
5 - Bucket list and Goals
You may be in the position where you have your lovely home, car and family life sorted. However, Midlifers still need new excitement in life, so plan out some things you would like to do. Whether that’s a full bucket list, or just some places you would like to visit.
A bucket list is essentially a compilation of goals, dreams, and experiences you want to achieve or do before you “kick the bucket”. It could be anything from visiting a specific country, learning a new skill, conquering a fear, or even simple joys like reading a particular book. It's a way to keep life exciting and to ensure you're making the most of your time.
6 - Social Connections
You already are likely to have close friends and family.
Some people have large groups of friends, or at least their social pages imply this, but most people only really have a few friends and family members that they openly talk and relate to.
Undertaking a new adventure such as hiking can be a great way to find new friends in a very natural, non-pressurised way.
You may be fine currently while you're at your peak of enjoying life, but it is important to nurture strong relationships with family and friends for later in life when you will need support and to combat loneliness if you are not so mobile.
Final thought
As Midlifers, we have to take care of practical matters, like wills and pensions, but it's important to remember that life is not just about being practical. Once we handle these tasks, we can focus on what brings us joy and fulfilment.
You'll find that the things you've been putting off don't take as long as you think, and you'll wonder why you didn't take care of them earlier!