AARP: Policy and Research Information for Professionals in Aging

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Wills and Estate Planning

AARP Bulletin Poll "Getting Ready to Go" Executive Summary  / Research Report
January 2008— This nationwide poll, commissioned by the AARP Bulletin, found that an overwhelming majority of adults age 35 and older are aware of steps they and their parents can take to prepare for the end of life, but that less than half have completed the paperwork. Likelihood of completion varied by age and health status. (9 pages)

In Their Dreams: What Will Boomers Inherit?  / Research Report
June 2006— The occurrence and expectation of inheritances by the baby boomer cohort are examined in this AARP Public Policy Institute Data Digest by John Gist and Carlos Figueiredo. While about one-fifth of boomer households have received inheritances, the study finds the inheritances are unlikely to have much impact on boomer retirement security. (10 pages) (Publication ID: DD139)

Pennies from Heaven: Will Inheritances Bail Out the Boomers?  / Research Report
October 2003— Can boomers realistically expect to inherit large amounts of wealth from their parents? In this AARP Public Policy Institute Data Digest, Mitja Ng-Baumhackl, John Gist and Carlos Figueiredo explore the implications for retirement security and how inheritances might influence decisions to work and retire. (8 pages) (Publication ID: DD90)

Where There is a Will...Legal Documents Among the 50+ Population: Findings from an AARP Survey  / Research Report
April 2000— Among age 50+ Americans, 60% have a will, 45% have a durable power of attorney, and 23% have a living trust; but 36% have none of these legal documents and only 17% have all three. (12 pages)