The mark we’ve made and the memories others have of us are parts of us that remain even after death. That is why, as they reach their golden years, many people begin to think about leaving a legacy for the next generation.
What does it mean to leave a legacy? A legacy is more than just the money and belongings you bequeath in your will. It’s the impact you leave on your loved ones and your community, the lives you touch and what you stand for. If you want to create a legacy you’re proud of, these are some ways to get started:
How To Leave A Legacy
- Pass on traditions and skills.
Think about all the things that make up your identity. How do you define yourself? This could include your religion, heritage, occupation, hobbies and values. Now consider the ways you could pass on some of these parts of you. Ensure your knowledge and skills live on by:
- Teaching a cultural custom or religious tradition.
- Teaching phrases in your native language.
- Inviting your children or grandchildren to enjoy your favorite pastime with you.
- Showing someone how to make a beloved family recipe.
- Pass down heirlooms.
Give your treasured possessions new life by passing them on to someone who will appreciate them. An heirloom doesn’t necessarily need to be high value. It might be a purely sentimental item that was passed down in your family for generations. Heirlooms could include art, jewelry, quilts, clothing, memorabilia, furniture or almost anything else. This doesn’t have to wait until after you’re gone, either. By passing on important heirlooms now, you can ensure the recipient knows the story behind the item and why it’s so precious to you and your history.
- Become an organ donor.
Though donating your body or organs isn’t what most people think of as leaving a legacy in the traditional sense, organ donation is a selfless and valuable act that can save as many as 75 lives from a single individual. Even people with cancer or diabetes can sometimes be eligible organ donors, so don’t rule yourself out based on your health. To be an organ donor, you must register with your state and make sure your decision is included on your driver’s license. If you consider donating your body, you may want to look into your state anatomical boards, accredited organizations or whole body donation programs. The gift of being an organ transplant donor can allow trained medical researchers to learn about certain diseases of the human body or help create new treatment techniques that could save lives.
- Record family memories.
Your memories are an essential part of you and are often how you can leave a legacy. To ensure the next generation remembers special memories or understands how you saw special memories, you’ll need to document them to make sure they live on. Whether you write a memoir, record video messages or compile a scrapbook with photos and captions, how you tell your story is up to you. Not only will your memories provide comfort to your loved ones when you’re gone, but reflecting on your achievements and milestones can offer you a sense of accomplishment.
- Mentor or volunteer.
With so much life experience and knowledge under their belts, seniors are well-equipped to leave a legacy by being a mentor. You benefit from sharing your experiences with a willing learner, building new relationships, strengthening cognitive capabilities and gaining exposure to new ideas and perspectives from your mentee. Plus, your mentee also benefits from receiving guidance and support and learning new ways of thinking.
If mentorship doesn’t sound exciting, other volunteer opportunities can be equally rewarding. Identify a cause that’s meaningful to you and be the change you want to see in the world by getting involved. Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose that keeps you active, boosts your productivity and self-worth, and allows you to give back by solving problems in your community.
- Update your will and life insurance.
Keeping your life insurance and will up to date is the single best way to guarantee the next generation profits from your hard work. These documents make sure that your beneficiaries receive your death benefit, that your charities of choice receive your contributions and that your loved ones receive your assets.
If you don’t have a life insurance policy yet, Americo Senior Life is here to help you leave a legacy. Americo Financial Life and Annuity Insurance Company offers life insurance products specifically tailored to meet the needs of seniors. Our policies require no medical exam, provide coverage up to $30,000 and offer premiums that won’t increase over time. Contact us today to get a free quote for senior life insurance that works for you.