The simple answer is: the same way you would want your children to talk with you about it. You can’t parent your parents, so don’t try. They also have accumulated more wisdom than you have. Be respectful and patient, and reassure them that they are in control of the decisions. Tell them that the discussion is all about them and providing for their needs as those needs increase. Having said that, if you recognize that changes are occurring, your instinct that these matters should be looked into now probably is correct. Encourage them to seek expert advice, just as they’ve done before during each stage of life (regarding childrearing, financial planning, medical care, etc.). Remind them that this is their present stage of life, it is normal, and it requires the same degree of attention. Help them understand that procrastination can lead to risk of injury, depletion of resources, and unnecessary stress on the whole family, whereas proper planning can protect their safety and enable them to preserve their independence, resources and dignity.