This paper aims to explore the role of the home economics subject in helping high school students preparing for an independent aged life and to develop problem based teaching plans toward this goal. Contents related to the elderly in the high school home economics and technology 2007 and 2009 revised curricula were analyzed, and elderly-related contents in other subject areas (the 2009 revised curricula of ethics, public health, and social studies) were also comparatively analyzed to determine the identity of the home economics subject in relation to preparation for independent aging. Based on these analysis, five subjects and teaching plans were presented: the aging society and population changes, the characteristics of the elderly, individual preparation for aging, care of the elderly, and welfare services for the elderly. The ultimate objectives of the lessons were, through critical reasoning, to inquire into the causes of current problems the elderly face so that teenagers can understand aging societies and the elderly and to seek reasonable alternatives for teenagers as they prepare for successful and independent aging, increasing their problem-solving abilities in choosing the best course of action by considering the ripple effect of consequences of each of those alternatives. Suggestions on what direction elderly-related education should take in the future, and what roles teachers should take are also provided.