Has your idea of retirement been sullied by the economy? Did life circumstances deter you from saving as early as you could have? Did the last 20 years go by with the speed of lightening? 
This article provides examples and insights to shift thinking about job possibilities and reviewing financial resources when circumstances are beyond your control.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/07/your-money/laid-off-with-retirement-almost-in-sight.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1
When interviewing prospective residents and their families in senior living communities comments would arise, "Mom doesn't have anything (resources) even though she worked for 30 years." Sometimes the children would preview the community and share this without the parent(s); sometimes, candidness just spewed forth. That the dialogue had been had between/among family members, was a credit to all.
Family gatherings are often a time when concern for elders leads into effective conversations that had been camouflaged in short responses to perfunctory inquiries from time-deprived boomers, "I'm fine." "How are the children?" - deflects further inquiry. An elder may express conditions are good while he/she may be sitting without heat for several days concerned about spreading meager retirement funds, too proud for fuel assistance programs popular in rural regions.
This article about congregate living is a good one to ponder.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-poor-seniors-20120104,0,7744732.story?page=1
And we know that boomers concerned with their health, strapped funds, and trying to hang on to their homes may feel helpless when it comes to helping their aging parents. Distance comes into play, blended families. "She does not want to take care of me anymore", a daughter whose father, 77, with early dementia exclaimed. Struggling through transition, the veil of helplessness blackens.
When did your dialogue with your parents begin? Have your burdens become too great and you don't know where to turn or has pride kept you from assistance as close as a listening ear? Your comments will help others through the maze.
