Many of us who retire at age 62 can expect to see our 80th birthdays, and a good number will live well into our 90s. We hope you’ll enjoy many New Year’s Eves in the interim and that 2018 brings you much joy and prosperity.

Even though we can expect to live longer than our forefathers, we urge you to speak with your family about what to do in the event of a debilitating illness or death. These discussions should be held when you’re healthy and death is a long way off. It’s much harder to make decisions when emotions are running high.

Here is a list of topics you should discuss with family and the legal documents you should have.

Durable power of attorney

If you become temporarily or permanently incapable of handing personal matters, you should designate someone you trust as your “attorney in fact” to handle your legal affairs.

Your attorney in fact is the person you designate in a document called a “durable power of attorney.” You may file a copy of this document with the Teachers’ Retirement System.

A durable power of attorney outlines the decisions that can be made on your behalf if you become incapacitated. It expires at death, however, which is why everyone should have a will. We recommend drawing up a will with an attorney.

Estate planning

You should have an up-to-date will and other appropriate estate documents and you should let trusted family members know where you keep these documents.

Without a will, the state will impose its own formula for the distribution of your estate, which could result in serious consequences for the people you would have liked to have been your beneficiaries.

Health care proxy

Health problems may leave you unable to make decisions about your care. Don’t get caught without designating someone who knows what you want in the event that you can’t express yourself.

You should complete a health care proxy, also known as a durable power of attorney, but this one is specifically for health care. The person you name has the authority to make decisions regarding artificial nutrition and hydration and other measures while you are incapacitated.

Living will

To make sure your health care agent knows exactly what you want and, as important, don’t want, it is prudent to have a living will. This helps your family know what you want during highly emotional times when you can’t speak for yourself.

In a living will, you leave instructions about life-extending care that can range from every possible treatment to keep you alive to no interventions at all. You can also leave instructions about organ donation.

Asset inventory

You should have a list of your assets in the same place as your will and other estate documents. Such an inventory is an invaluable help for your survivors. The list should include Teachers’ Retirement System information, bank account numbers, stock certificate information, insurance policy numbers and other numbers and accounts connected to your financial assets. Don’t forget to include any debts or money owed to you. Plan to update this list annually.

In the event of your death

If you die, your beneficiaries must notify TRS at 888-869-2877 to initiate the death benefits’ process. Please leave that phone number with your will.

Survivors may contact the UFT at 212-598-6866 to request the information sheet “What to Do When a UFT Member Passes Away.”

Legal representation

To draft a will, you may hire a lawyer through the NYSUT Legal Services Plan as a member benefit. In-service members should call 800-626-8101. Retirees are covered under the plan through the UFT Welfare Fund and should call 631-231-1450.