Grand Plans

Mission Statement: Grand Plans helps adults prepare for the second half of life with clarity and intention. The mission is to reduce preventable stress by giving people the information, tools, and conversations they need to make sound legal, financial, care, and housing decisions. Through education and practical guidance, Grand Plans promotes early planning, clearer communication, and a more confident approach to aging.

What is Mindful Aging?

Mindful Aging™ is an emerging practice area in Gerontology that focuses on helping adults prepare proactively and thoughtfully for the second half of life. It bridges evidence-based aging science with practical life design, guiding people through the financial, legal, medical, housing, and communication decisions that shape long-term wellbeing. Unlike traditional elder-care services, which respond to needs after they arise, Mindful Aging™ emphasizes early planning, values-based conversation, and personal agency. It teaches individuals and families how to anticipate challenges, articulate their wishes, organize essential information, and make informed choices before a crisis occurs. This approach reduces confusion, prevents unnecessary conflict, and improves the quality, stability, and dignity of aging. Mindful Aging™ reframes later life not as an emergency to manage, but as a chapter to intentionally design with clarity and confidence.

The 10 “Concrete Steps” of a Grand Plan

Write it Down: Create a ‘death binder’ of essential, obituary and funeral information
Lawyer Up: Hire an attorney to get legit about your affairs.
Bean Count: Get your financial house and plan in order.
Advance Your Directives: Write your prescription for health, consider your medical thresholds.
Know Aid ABCs: Get knowledgeable on government programs and long-term care plans
Find Help: Research professional resources available to you
Welcome Home: Educate yourself on the cost, scope and reality of the life and housing you envision.
Toss It: Minimize the hell out of yourself and your stuff.
Real Talk: Communicate with your people, early and honestly and often
Buckle Up: Relinquish the keys and be ready to ride.

And there are 10 more slightly softer steps! Learn more about all 20 steps by ordering the book Grand Plans 2.0: How to Mitigate Geri-Drama in 20 Easy Steps on Amazon, today!

Reach out to learn more about personal consultations or to see how Grand Plans can share its mission of planful aging strategies with your organization. Presentation, workshop, column, book event and ambassador partners have included: