Do you have a brother or sister, and were they older or younger? How about a twin? Did you have many siblings, just one sibling, or were you an only child? Whatever your situation while growing up, it made you…you!
I was lucky enough to not only have an older brother but a twin as well. I considered them as built-in playmates. Our older brother, by two years, was just old enough to blaze a trail for us younger ones. It was annoying that we had the same teachers in school and would get a lecture that they hoped we were as good a student as our older brother, whom they had taught earlier. He was known as Mr. Straight "A's."
Having a twin was always a challenge as we had to share a lot, and being the smallest of the three boys, I got more than my share of hand-me-downs. We never had to worry about being mistaken as we were fraternal twins. To this day, I am amazed that we attended the same school and church and were raised in the same household by the same single mom, but we could not be more different. I often joke that my twin looks like he belongs on the cover of a ZZ Top album with a beard down to his waist, a confirmed bachelor, and a bit of a recluse. Conversely, I'm a business person, suit and tie, outgoing, married with a daughter. Did someone switch one of us at birth?
As brothers we all share a love of music as musicians in the school marching and symphony band, and we sang in the school and church choirs. For this interest, we can thank our mom.
What was your experience with siblings? Was it a happy experience with fond memories, or was it memories of a different kind? Do you still talk regularly? We do at least once a week. Whatever your relationship, it has made you...you!
By David Edge
David Edge is a retirement lifestyle writer and contributor to the ARA monthly newsletter. His articles blend personal stories with practical insights on living well in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
David's reflection on his sibling relationships really hits home for many of us planning for retirement. Those early family dynamics often shape how we approach money, sharing resources, and making big life decisions. I see this all the time when families are planning for long-term care or discussing inheritance wishes with their adult children.
Here's something interesting: many people ask me whether sibling relationships affect Social Security benefits or Medicare decisions, especially when it comes to caring for aging parents. The Social Security Administration doesn't consider sibling income when determining your benefits, but those family bonds often influence who becomes the primary caregiver. If you're coordinating care with brothers or sisters, it's worth discussing how Medicare Supplement insurance or Medicare Advantage plans work across different states, since siblings often live far apart by retirement age.
Those weekly phone calls David mentions with his brothers? That kind of family connection becomes even more valuable as we age. A little planning today about how you'll stay connected with family can make a big difference in your retirement happiness tomorrow.