There are substitutes for everything but I wouldn’t chance substituting a sound retirement plan for the the grim alternative.  However, I might plan to become a permanent resident aboard the Queen Elizabeth II as Bea Muller has done since 2005 and enjoy the privileges afforded by international law in open waters.  Nursing home care has become so expensive, unpleasant, and involves so many penalties that those who plan wisely for the future can spend their hard-earned cash aboard comparatively cheaper and more accommodating quarters aboard a luxury ocean liner, one of many novel strategies adopted by inventive seniors.  It’s not cheap to be certain, and, undoubtedly, Muller was well prepared financially before trying out this plan.  Wasting away in a home vs life on the open seas isn’t much of a contest in terms of appeal.  When my retirement plans fulfills its promise of a better life, I intend to flatter Muller with every bit of mimicry.