INDEPENDENT LIVING AT HOME

Just before I began writing this the lights instantly flicked off with the TV screen simultaneously going to black.  Just as quickly the lights and TV came on again before I could reach for my chair-side flashlight.   Well, I wondered, what was that all about ..... car hit a light pole? .....  squirrel or rat on the transformer? ...... power company activity?   Later, a TV news story reported an earthquake in So Cal at a sufficient distance that I didn't feel any jolts or shaking effects, but think that must have caused my brief power outage.  Just one more unpredictable event in life.

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Now, I'm hearing on the news a possible third political party candidate is having his supporters rev up activity to be ready in case he decides to join the Presidential Primaries fray.  He'll probably  need to do so in March if he makes the leap.  Would he be a savior or a spoiler I wonder?   All in due time.

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This past week I attended an afternoon social sponsored by REAL Connections (click on link),  a group whose progress I've been following  since before their official July 2012 launching.    This is a membership program created especially for people 60+.   The purpose is to enable people to " live in place" independently, in their home, apartment, or  mobile home.   Members form a "village" or a community of mutual support -- the village organization is a "go-to" trusted  resource to facilitate enjoying vibrant living by staying connected with others. 

People of all ages can volunteer and local organizations can join in serving the older adult community.   Some of the membership benefits include a single, trusted source to call for information, referrals and resources; access to a network of pre-screeened service providers, transportation, "personal assistant" type convenience services, social activities.   I haven't chosen to join to date, but increasingly doing so is attractive.

Most of those present as members or prospects like me at the casual social appeared to be Boomers.   Some volunteers were younger including a lady with an elder friendly dog and pup.  I met and talked with a nurse who decided she would join and coincidentally a couple other nurse volunteers.   A gentleman member there, active at the organizational level. too,  mentioned he also had an application pending with the retirement community where we met, noting he was on a three year waiting list, laughingly adding that by doing so he was hedging his bets.    

Our local Community Senior Services has included REAL Connections as one of our areas resources for ageless living.   REAL Connections is associated with countrywide Village to Village Network (click on link) where you can view a U.S. map, explore whether there's a Village near you and obtain information to aid in starting a Village in your area should that be a possibility you might want to promote.