My friend "S" is probably an outlier. In her late 70s she told me that she didn't fancy the prospect of aging in place in Manhattan, where she might become isolated if & when she became infirm. She visited about a dozen retirement communities in at least four states, learning about them & herself, e.g., what was optional, what was non-negotiable, what didn't work for her, etc. In her early 80s, "S" selected a place in PA that she likes very much, where she can keep her car and her dog. She's glad she did the research well ahead of need.
That kind of research is critical - the decision is huge and often irreversible. You don’t want to chose a place bc of the siren call of good weather, or your friends of 30 years who’ve made the jump say,”you’ll love it here”- and then you do but it’s too late. Hats off to “S”.
I am so fortunate that my father had the insight to move himself and my mom to a continuous care community. Dad is now gone, but Mom has been able to stay in her apartment, with occasional stays at the assisted living wing on the other side of the complex, after she experiences a fall.
Good advice, Don. I live in a hi-rise in Manhattan, with a finished roof for summer socializing. Been there since ‘02 and know lots of other residents by sight and a nice handful I’ve socialized with, so I’m carefully constructing my own community. The building also holds special meaning because two of my old ladies lived there well into their 90s and 100s and we still have at least a handful of much-older residents. Something in the water? 🤣I also love New York because it’s walkable and friendly—I always find people willing to talk!
Excellent. We have such a village in our community and I live in a norc. And I've put two in-home suites on the ground floor. Https:in-homesuites.org which provide some care, help, socializing and rent! Many family homes are suitable for in-home suites. Independent living quarters in family sized homes.
Aging in place is a lovely concept. But life is not a game of musical chairs. The house that was perfect for your young family may not be the best choice for you at 70, even with ramp to the front door and grab bars in the bathrooms.
My friend "S" is probably an outlier. In her late 70s she told me that she didn't fancy the prospect of aging in place in Manhattan, where she might become isolated if & when she became infirm. She visited about a dozen retirement communities in at least four states, learning about them & herself, e.g., what was optional, what was non-negotiable, what didn't work for her, etc. In her early 80s, "S" selected a place in PA that she likes very much, where she can keep her car and her dog. She's glad she did the research well ahead of need.
That kind of research is critical - the decision is huge and often irreversible. You don’t want to chose a place bc of the siren call of good weather, or your friends of 30 years who’ve made the jump say,”you’ll love it here”- and then you do but it’s too late. Hats off to “S”.
Investigating ahead of time is key
Wendl, thanks for this great example of the value of planning ahead.
I am so fortunate that my father had the insight to move himself and my mom to a continuous care community. Dad is now gone, but Mom has been able to stay in her apartment, with occasional stays at the assisted living wing on the other side of the complex, after she experiences a fall.
Fortunate indeed. Timing is everything.
Good advice, Don. I live in a hi-rise in Manhattan, with a finished roof for summer socializing. Been there since ‘02 and know lots of other residents by sight and a nice handful I’ve socialized with, so I’m carefully constructing my own community. The building also holds special meaning because two of my old ladies lived there well into their 90s and 100s and we still have at least a handful of much-older residents. Something in the water? 🤣I also love New York because it’s walkable and friendly—I always find people willing to talk!
Humans are social animals, as you say. Your guidance continues to be spot on.
I agree!
Thank you, Jill. I appreciate your kind words.
Excellent. We have such a village in our community and I live in a norc. And I've put two in-home suites on the ground floor. Https:in-homesuites.org which provide some care, help, socializing and rent! Many family homes are suitable for in-home suites. Independent living quarters in family sized homes.
Vicki, you seem to have covered all the bases! Thanks for adding homesharing to the alternatives.
Aging in place is a lovely concept. But life is not a game of musical chairs. The house that was perfect for your young family may not be the best choice for you at 70, even with ramp to the front door and grab bars in the bathrooms.
Pick the right place before the music stops.
Jo, that's great advice for everyone.