Many changes, sometimes so many that it feels like a flood, can occur when people retire or soon thereafter. These changes may affect relationships with other people or basic activities, or they may involve legal, ethical, or financial issues.

As the body ages, concerns and questions about intimacy may arise. If aging affects a fundamental activity such as driving, getting from here to there can no longer be taken for granted. A decline in health may lead to a sense of vulnerability and sometimes the potential for experiencing mistreatment--emotional, financial, or even physical--at the hands of a family member, friend, or caregiver. With aging, people may have to make decisions about unfamiliar legal and ethical matters.

Most people need to learn more about navigating the complex system that pays for health care. Information is the best aid for coping with these changes.