The 40-70 Rule

Bridging the communication gap between adult children and their senior loved ones. Rate your communication skills by taking this assessment.

Time to Start Talking

The issues of aging often leave family caregivers speechless. That's because all sorts of potentially difficult situations arise as adults age. What does a grown daughter say to her dad when he's hit a light pole with the car? How does an adult son ask his mom if she's taking her medications like she should? And how do siblings approach their parents about needing more help at home? These issues can challenge even the family where communication is free and open. And when that happens, it's easier not to talk at all, which can lead to unresolved issues.

Talking sooner is better than waiting until a crisis has occurred. That's what the "40-70 Rule" is all about. This advice is designed to help adult children and their aging parents deal with those sensitive topics that often make conversations difficult. The idea is that if you're 40, or your parents are 70, it's time to start talking - at least about certain senior topics.

The "40-70 Rule" is based on original research conducted by Home Instead Senior Care, which discovered that nearly one-third of adults in the U.S. have a major communication obstacle with their parents that stems from continuation of the parent-child role. The fact that many seniors may still be dealing with their grown sons or daughters as if they're children rather than adults makes these conversations particularly difficult. If you're a Baby Boomer with aging parents, this informative 4070talk.com Web site is designed to help you start even the most difficult conversations with your senior loved ones, before a crisis has occurred and even after one already has happened.

Need help getting these important conversations off the ground, visit our Conversations Starters page or Communications Tips for more information.

40/70 Talk: Starting Conversations About Care For An Elder Conversations about care for a loved one can be challenging. Home Instead Senior Care has created this video to help your family start the conversation before care becomes a challenge.