The Kathrine Vanderhorst interview is very timely for all of us . I am 77 now and my friends are anywhere from 50 - 100 . These long term decisions are pertinent to all of us . For me and my older friends it is that frightening Grey space that we try to ignore rather than confront . I do have several friends that have moved into retirement communities and are really enjoying life to the fullest. They are so relieved not to have to deal with day to day house stuff , meals etc. they find great comfort in knowing that help is there if they need it . Of course , they are all so much older than I am . Maybe later , in a few years. But I realize that this head in the sand attitude is very counterproductive. How many times have we just ignored a situation that we didn’t want to deal with only to later on wish that we had just started the conversation. When I finally did talk with several friends who are pretty much in the same place in life , a few were actively planning their next phase in life . Several were wondering about how to start the process . And several are still in avoidance. I can see that those who have made plans and moved ahead with them are happy and very active. They no longer have that cloud hanging over head . They’ve taken the big step and put their fears behind them.
For you younger ladies talking to your parents is a key issue . Realize that it’s really hard for so many people . It’s that sense of loss of control. That feeling of not being relevant any longer or feeling like you’re being put away . Our friends who have done the retirement community thing successfully are , for the most part, optimistic people .. They look at aging as an adventure. New start , new place , some new friends . It’s all about their positive attitude and they’re having a great time in their “ golden years “.
Probably due to my sisters situation , a few years ago I began thinking about down sizing from our large townhouse on Beacon Hill . Maybe look at some retirement communities. I still haven’t done either , but I am thinking about it . I have put together a list that I will share with you As we age we want our lives to be filled with meaning and purpose we want to be active and engaged to feel contentment in our elder years . This is my list so far.
1.Close to family and friends
2.Close to quality medical
3.Walk to activities, shopping , interests , recreation
4.Availability of senior services
5.Clubs , organizations , ability to socialize with others of similar interests
6.Theaters , restaurants
7.Strong local economy , vital neighborhood
8.Where would you be contentment, safe and happy if your spouse was no longer with you
9.Available and appealing housing that is easily managed and affordable.
# 8 and 9 are in many ways the most important. Although all points are worth examining when considering a big life changing move .
from a ready
The Kathrine Vanderhorst interview is very timely for all of us . I am 77 now and my friends are anywhere from 50 - 100 . These long term decisions are pertinent to all of us . For me and my older friends it is that frightening Grey space that we try to ignore rather than confront . I do have several friends that have moved into retirement communities and are really enjoying life to the fullest. They are so relieved not to have to deal with day to day house stuff , meals etc. they find great comfort in knowing that help is there if they need it . Of course , they are all so much older than I am . Maybe later , in a few years. But I realize that this head in the sand attitude is very counterproductive. How many times have we just ignored a situation that we didn’t want to deal with only to later on wish that we had just started the conversation. When I finally did talk with several friends who are pretty much in the same place in life , a few were actively planning their next phase in life . Several were wondering about how to start the process . And several are still in avoidance. I can see that those who have made plans and moved ahead with them are happy and very active. They no longer have that cloud hanging over head . They’ve taken the big step and put their fears behind them.
For you younger ladies talking to your parents is a key issue . Realize that it’s really hard for so many people . It’s that sense of loss of control. That feeling of not being relevant any longer or feeling like you’re being put away . Our friends who have done the retirement community thing successfully are , for the most part, optimistic people .. They look at aging as an adventure. New start , new place , some new friends . It’s all about their positive attitude and they’re having a great time in their “ golden years “.
Probably due to my sisters situation , a few years ago I began thinking about down sizing from our large townhouse on Beacon Hill . Maybe look at some retirement communities. I still haven’t done either , but I am thinking about it . I have put together a list that I will share with you As we age we want our lives to be filled with meaning and purpose we want to be active and engaged to feel contentment in our elder years . This is my list so far.
1.Close to family and friends
2.Close to quality medical
3.Walk to activities, shopping , interests , recreation
4.Availability of senior services
5.Clubs , organizations , ability to socialize with others of similar interests
6.Theaters , restaurants
7.Strong local economy , vital neighborhood
8.Where would you be contentment, safe and happy if your spouse was no longer with you
9.Available and appealing housing that is easily managed and affordable.
# 8 and 9 are in many ways the most important. Although all points are worth examining when considering a big life changing move .
That’s it so far , not asking too much .
Jane Elfner