Because of their long lifespan, parrots are generally not recommended as pets for small children or people with uncertain living circumstances. If you adopt a young parrot with a potential life expectancy that reaches into your own 70s or 80s, make contingency plans for the future care of your bird in case that becomes necessary. Many parrot owners opt to put a provision in their wills for the care of their birds. If you aren't sure about whether you'll be able to care for a parrot 40 to 50 years down the road, adopting an older parrot whose owner has passed away can be a good way to experience life with a parrot without committing to a full lifetime of care.