If you had no family, how would you prepare for later life?

Others have covered a lot of ground, but one thing I have noticed is this:  Put in place adaptations before you really need them.  Very often older people get to the stage where they need work done on the house, but lack wherewithal to arrange it (this can include concerns about "strange men" coming into the house)  When you're 65-70, make sure that your kitchen and bathroom are new enough that they're going to last you until you're 95. Consider how accessible the bathroom is - a walk in shower will be easier, but plan how you'll retrofit a shower chair.  Make sure the roof and render is in good condition. Get the house repainted, even if you think it could last another couple of years.  Install things that are accessible - like power sockets at hip height, not floor height.  Make sure that you know where you'll add grab rails and a stairlift, and that it's feasible in your current home, even if you don't install them just yet.  Get a call alarm installed when you start to become a bit less steady on your feet - but before your first fall.  In short, be proactive and preemptive. A lot of old people with kids leave things until there's a crisis, and then let their kids deal with it while they're in hospital. You don't have that luxury.  Consider some of the retirement village options. They can be terrible financial investments if you pick the wrong one (McCarthy and Stone are notorious) but if you're not worried about passing on money then it's less of a concern.  Write a will, and if there's someone you trust - such as your sister's kids, or a long term friend - get lasting power of attorneys.