The Risks of Aging Without a Life & Legacy Plan in Hawaiʻi
- Keoni
- Sep 25
- 4 min read
If you’re like most people in Hawaiʻi, you might assume that when the time comes, your spouse, children, or a close friend will naturally step in to take care of you. But the truth is, more people than ever are aging without a clear plan for care or support. According to AARP, more than 16 million adults over 65 live alone, and 77% have no plan for assistance as they age.
Here in Honolulu and across Hawaiʻi, the realities of aging can feel even more complicated when families are spread across islands or living on the mainland. Even when loved ones are nearby, the demands of caregiving can create unexpected strain.
In this article, you’ll see why relying on assumptions is risky, how the transitions of aging affect you and your ʻohana, and how creating a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan ensures that your care, dignity, and independence are protected no matter what the future holds.
The New Reality of Aging in Hawaiʻi
Imagine being in your 80s and realizing you haven’t seen another person in weeks. For many older adults, this isn’t just a passing fear — it’s daily life. In rural areas across the U.S., nonprofits deliver meals and essential care to elders living alone. The same challenge is growing here in Hawaiʻi, where higher divorce rates, longer lifespans, and children moving away for school or work mean more kupuna are left without a built-in support system.
Even those with financial resources often struggle to secure consistent, reliable help. Care workers are in short supply, waiting lists for services get longer, and families are left scrambling.
Without a clear plan, you risk facing those challenges alone — or leaving your loved ones to make stressful decisions on your behalf.
Why Assumptions About Care Create Problems
Most families haven’t sat down and discussed exactly what type of care their loved ones want if they can no longer care for themselves. Instead, everyone relies on assumptions. Unfortunately, those assumptions often lead to conflict and outcomes no one wanted.
Consider this: an aging parent always says they want to “age in place.” But when dementia sets in, staying at home becomes unsafe. One adult child might push for 24/7 home care, another for assisted living, and another may offer to move the parent in with them. Without clear instructions, family arguments erupt, and the parent often ends up in a situation that doesn’t reflect their true wishes.
By not planning ahead, you’re not just leaving your care to chance — you’re leaving your family to guess what you would have wanted during one of the most stressful times of their lives.
How Life & Legacy Planning Protects You and Your ʻOhana
What if, instead of leaving your future uncertain, you created a roadmap that honored your wishes and gave your loved ones clarity?
That’s what my Life & Legacy Planning process is designed to do. Together, we’ll build a system that:
Ensures your care reflects your values. From medical treatments to whether you prefer to remain at home, your plan documents your preferences clearly.
Reduces family conflict. With your choices in writing, your loved ones avoid painful arguments and second-guessing.
Protects your independence. By making decisions now, you stay in control instead of leaving it to others later.
Preserves your assets. A Life & Legacy Plan ensures your hard-earned property and accounts are properly titled, accounted for, and directed to the people and causes you care about.
Stays current. If your estate plan is more than three years old, it may not reflect today’s laws, your health, or your relationships. A Life & Legacy Plan adapts with you over time.
It’s not just about money — it’s about preserving dignity, family relationships, and peace of mind.
Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones Today
The realities of aging are unavoidable, but uncertainty doesn’t have to be. With a Life & Legacy Plan, you can ensure your wishes are honored and give your family the priceless gift of clarity.
It all begins with a Life & Legacy Planning Session. During this two-hour working session, you’ll:
Get clear on what would happen to your assets and loved ones if something happened today.
Create a complete inventory of everything you own so nothing is lost or overlooked.
Explore your family dynamics, values, and goals to design a plan that truly reflects you.
Choose the right plan that fits your values, goals, and budget.
From there, we’ll create a plan together that works when your loved ones need it most.
FAQs
1. Isn’t a will enough for my care as I age?
No. A will only addresses what happens after your death. A Life & Legacy Plan ensures your care, assets, and wishes are protected while you’re still alive.
2. How often should I update my estate plan?
I recommend reviewing it every three years — or sooner if you’ve had major life changes such as a marriage, divorce, new child, or relocation.
3. Do I need a Life & Legacy Plan if my children live nearby?
Yes. Even when family is close, planning removes uncertainty and prevents conflict. It gives your loved ones clear instructions instead of forcing them to guess.
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This article is brought to you by the Law Office of Keoni Souza, a boutique estate planning firm located in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, proudly serving families on Oʻahu and across the Hawaiian Islands. At our firm, estate planning is about more than documents — it’s about creating lasting peace of mind for you and the people you love. Through our unique Life & Legacy Planning Process, we guide you to make informed, empowered decisions that protect your wealth, your wishes, and your family’s future. To get started, contact our Honolulu office today to schedule your Life & Legacy Planning Session.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For guidance tailored to your specific situation, please consult an estate planning attorney licensed in the State of Hawaiʻi. Use of this website or communication through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Law Office of Keoni Souza, LLC.
