Don't have children, but I have good friends. I have been fighting metastatic brain cancer. My elderly mother lives with me and friends and neighbors have helped care for both of us immensely. We are estranged from my brother so he is no help. However, one of my cousins has helped. But my support network has been amazing.

One thing however - I am working on getting more active once I get through this cancer thing. My grandfather lived to be 92 and lived independently until he died. He had children, but aside from occasional visits, he managed his own life. He walked 2 miles a day, cooked his own simple meals, and spent a lot of time in prayer and meditation (he was a Hindu).

I am a Christian, and there is a Christian retirement community I may join. They provide a lot of care that is subsidized by the church. You have to be a member of this partiular denomination however.

I am sure there are other such groups, or you and your friends could form one of your own. Another friend of mine is planning to have "Grumpy Old People Street" where she and all her friends live within a few blocks of each other.

If you hire someone to help, a graduate student might be a good choice as they could use free room and board plus might appreciate the wisdom of older folks and the stability. I've suggested one of my younger friends as a roommate for my mom if I pre-decease her. My friend adores my mother and would keep an eye on her and my mom would enjoy having my friend there.