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GOBankingRates’ editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines<\/a> and our products and services review methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n 20 Years Trusted by Many retirees<\/a> take pride in stretching every dollar, which often means holding on to familiar things for far too long.<\/p>\n From well-worn cars to outdated insurance policies, refusing to replace certain essentials can quietly put health, safety and savings at risk. Here are five things boomers should replace in retirement \u2014 even if it\u2019s begrudgingly<\/a>.<\/p>\n 1. Outdated Life Insurance Policies<\/p>\n Many retirees continue to pay premiums for life insurance policies<\/a> long after they\u2019ve stopped serving a real purpose.<\/p>\n It can feel wasteful to let go of something they\u2019ve had for decades. However, old policies without long-term care coverage can leave a major gap at the exact time it\u2019s most needed.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cA retiree who is still healthy can often get a hybrid life and long-term care insurance policy that has the same death benefit but also offers long-term care built into the policy or through a rider to the new policy,\u201d said Evan Farr, a certified elder law attorney with Farr Law Firm<\/a> and an insurance agency owner.<\/p>\n Trading in a long-held policy for one that combines life insurance with long-term care may feel uncomfortable, but it can protect both savings and future independence.<\/p>\n 2. Traditional Bathtubs and Showers<\/p>\n It can be hard for retirees to give up the bathroom setup they\u2019ve relied on for years, especially when renovations sound messy and expensive.<\/p>\n \u201cWalk-in tubs and showers prevent potential falls and aid with mobility challenges,\u201d said Mike Peck, vice president of installation at Leaf Home<\/a> and an aging-in-place expert. \u201cAs people age, many are no longer able to get in and out of a shower or tub safely, especially without the support of a grab bar or handle.\u201d<\/p>\n Upgrading to a walk-in tub or shower may not be glamorous, but it\u2019s a change that pays back every day in safety and peace of mind.<\/p>\n \u201cExpect to pay $5,000-$8,000 and a two-day install,\u201d said Yehuda Tropper, CEO of Beca Life Settlements<\/a>. \u201cDone once, it lasts for decades. One bad fall can completely upend your life health wise and erase a six-figure nest egg.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n 3. Home Security Systems<\/p>\n Many retirees hang on to the same alarm system they installed years ago, trusting it will keep working forever. The truth is, outdated equipment can fail when it matters most.<\/p>\n \u201cThe problem with older security systems is that they often can\u2019t receive essential software or firmware updates, which leaves them vulnerable to hacking, technical failures or an inability to alert emergency response services,\u201d said Hooman Shahidi, chief product officer at SimpliSafe<\/a>, a home security company. \u201cMany older home security systems are wired and have permanently affixed alarms and sensors, making them cumbersome to move or modify.\u201d<\/p>\n Letting go of an old, \u201cgood enough\u201d security system can feel unnecessary, but replacing it means stronger security at home<\/a> and peace of mind while traveling in retirement.<\/p>\n 4. Gas-Powered Lawn Tools<\/p>\n There\u2019s pride in keeping a mower or trimmer running for decades. However, heavy, gas-powered tools can become harder to use safely with age. Hanging on to them too long risks injury and exhaustion.<\/p>\n \u201cHeavy gas-powered tools like mowers, weed eaters and chainsaws can become increasingly difficult to handle with age,\u201d said Tyler Meyer, a certified financial planner and founder of Retire to Abundance<\/a>. \u201cReplacing them with lightweight electric or battery-powered versions often costs $200-$600 per tool but makes yardwork safer and more sustainable.\u201d<\/p>\n Switching to lightweight, battery-powered tools may sting at first, but it can help retirees enjoy their yards longer without the strain.<\/p>\n 5. Beloved Cars Without Safety Features<\/p>\n For many retirees, their car isn\u2019t just transportation; it\u2019s a trusted companion full of memories. However, beloved older models often lack lifesaving protections, like backup cameras, stability control and blind-spot monitoring.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-20.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
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