Let's Talk About Aging Parents: A Real-Life Guide to Solving Problems with 27 Essential Conversations

Caring for an aging parent can raise a host of tricky questions, but these conversation-starting scripts, plus expert advice, will help you and your parent find answers.

“In down-to-earth language, Laura proposes helpful scripts for having a host of often-prickly conversations about the health and safety of our parents.”―The Wall Street Journal

Age-proofing an older relative’s living space, figuring out powers of attorney, spotting and dealing with signs of dementia, asking them to give up the car keys or consider assisted living . . . the first step toward tackling these concerns and more is an honest, informed discussion.

Here are prompts and road maps for twenty-seven essential conversations―with your parent, other family members, and health care providers―including:

• Does my parent need help around the house?
• What kind of medical issues should we look out for?
• Do I really need to help my parents if they’re toxic?
• How can my family share the caregiving load? 

How to approach these topics is just as important as what needs to be said, so each chapter has tips for navigating complex emotions and finding shared ground when everyone has different ideas. You’ll get informed, have a productive discussion, and make a plan―so you can get back to making the most of your time with your parent.

Laura Tamblyn Watts is the CEO of CanAge, Canada’s national seniors’ advocacy organization. She teaches Law and Aging at the University of Toronto and has worked as a lawyer defending the rights of older people. Tamblyn Watts is also a regular media guest and keynote speaker on aging issues. She lives in Toronto, Canada.

Debra Whitman is AARP’s chief public policy officer. An economist, expert on aging issues, and author of the forthcoming book The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond, she leads her team in all aspects of policy development, analysis, research, and global thought leadership to help communities, lawmakers, and the private sector improve our lives as we age.