Earlier I wrote HERE about my interest in the concept of
living in place in which I’m engaged.
I’ve had a related idea I decided to pursue that attracted
the interest of others to whom I presented my thoughts earlier this year. Subsequently, I mentioned here I would be sharing
further information on the matter in the future.
Meanwhile, some of the questions and thoughts I considered follow,
that I think many of us have had or will have sooner or later.
Where do we want to live these later years of life?
When should we begin thinking about how and where we’ll live
in these later years? Probably we’ve gradually been accumulating
thoughts on the subject for a long time as have I.
Our work, financial status and family or friends are usually
the major factors influencing how we formulate our plans. These are matters we each must assess
individually.
What sort of living arrangement do we prefer? Many factors will determine if we’ll live
with others or on our own.
Our choices can include preferring housing with age limit
requirements as for Seniors – usually age 50 or 55 and up. Some classic groupings involve housing in Assisted
Living or Retirement Communities, the latter offering multiple levels of care.
Select living settings are sometimes needed by those with
any one of a variety of special medical needs, such as those experiencing behavioral
problems, some cognitive issues affecting memory in dementia types, especially
including Alzheimer’s Disease.
Those are some of the considerations in our decision-making
process about our later life living environment.
Another thought crossing my mind is that
unlike the early years of our lives some choices we could make might leave us with
less opportunity to alter them later, if for some reason we might desire to do
so. So, wise consideration of these
issues can matter.
Choosing an option characterized with that broad label of Aging
in Place usually means living in the community rather than in residential care
as described in "The Gerontologist" article HERE.
The research discusses this choice
“...is linked to
sense of attachment and social connection”
“...is linked to sense
of security and familiarity: home as a refuge, community as a resource”
“...is tied to
sense of identity, linked to independence and autonomy
The person(s) aging in place may be living in a room,
apartment, mobile home, house, with or without friends, family and this may also even include
their receiving any care-giving help needed but they must seek these services.
I have preferred to think of this Aging in Place arrangement
as Living in Place with the emphasis on a goal of living, even though we are
also aging.
That brings me to elaborating on my idea, as I occasionally
mentioned it in earlier posts and elsewhere, to an activity I proposed to our
local city-coordinated Senior Services.
My idea was enthusiastically received, has been developed, expanded upon
and implemented beginning this week.
In the collaborative process of creating this offering, what
I consider to be a most descriptive name suggested in our group was provided
which most precisely describes what participants want.
Not only will be aging in place, with a focus
on living, but what we really want is to thrive in the process.
So, our group will be known as and directed toward “Thriving
in Place”.
This is the most recent brief summary as it appears in our
city’s monthly digital newsletter, "The Clicks", announcing this new program with
monthly meeting dates and times.
“Aging can often pose new emotional and
technical challenges, especially for those who wish to live independently at
home for as long as possible. Join this group of peers as they discuss issues
and trends, exchange information and tips, and receive informational
presentations about living in place.”
The extent of my involvement I’ve limited to
acting as a facilitator as I’ve envisioned this group to be very dynamic –
adapting and fluctuating with the needs of participants which may change in the
future. The value of the gatherings
will be dependent upon the attendees’ involvement and participation which I’ll
certainly be encouraging to be strong.
We’ve established through a variety of means,
including survey questions, the demographics of initially interested attendees. They will present a variety of differing
perspectives including those of some who live alone – also subgroups of those both
with and without friends and/or family in the area – with and without support
systems. There will be couples
physically independent, others less so; some who are caregivers for a
spouse/companion and any other possible situation as might be imagined. Some are already committed to the idea of “Thriving
in Place” and doing so.
Others want to explore the idea to determine if
this or another option would be best for them and discuss what are those other
options. Sharing experiences, positive
and negative may benefit one another.
We will have multiple sources for presentations
for which the group has expressed interest.
I have specified wanting others
to be responsible for arranging those sessions as I choose to limit my group
obligations. I also want the group to be able to thrive without the dependence of my presence.
Offerings examples of some of our resources, in addition
to other type living accommodations, there are a number of senior communities,
at least three within a half-mile of our meeting center, offering all levels of
care which I have served at one time or another when I was working. Other desirable settings are available though
at slightly greater distance. Most offer get-acquainted sessions of their own interested individuals are encouraged to attend, often focused on downsizing.
A prominent member of our group is associated
with our local non-profit group REAL Connection
that established in our city a decade or so ago. Joining this group which does have a subscription
charge can be very beneficial and will be one more resource of value. This organization came into prominence on
the east coast years ago based on the Village concept you can read about HERE. There may be a similar group in your area.
I’m very enthusiastic about this free “Thriving in Place” group meeting the needs of some in our community including mine, who want to
interact with others choosing this living arrangement. This group does offer a socialization
opportunity, too, through this shared living style community.
I know some bloggers I visit here are “Thriving
in Place”. Others are living in or have
tried some of the options as in Assisted Living with various reactions. Perhaps, some are currently living in
retirement communities offering all levels of care. Others, only now, may be considering where
they’ll live in their later years.
What choices have you made about where and how you
want to live in your aging years, or what options are you considering?
Any thoughts you may have about our “Thriving
in Place” community group are also welcome.
