Questions for Seniors

[plcdude]

I am turning 69 next month (yes that went fast) but I am also interested in opening discussions with other seniors about what they are thinking and or concerned about. I think it would be interesting to discuss and even publish our (60 years and above) wants, needs, issues, and concerns.

[alfie]

1. Iwill be 72 in a few weeks

Right now my concern is the election and the aftermath...no matter who wins. I think the next 4 years are going to be tough for our government. One wins and we get dysfunction, the other wins we get chaos. Needs: more strength, better balance, hearing and sight. Have a small but adequate house, can pay my bills with extra mad money left over for fun stuff. My family is healthy except for usual illnesses, no one struggling with major health crisis. A lot to be thankful.

For my mental health I grow African violets. I loved gardening until the last few years when the work overwhelmed me. I have more than halved my veggie garden, found a couple of young men who will help with what I can not do. But with violets, I can handle it all. No bending to speak of, no weeds, no heavy carts to push and pull. Something pretty to admire and tinker with year round.

[mainstreetonce]

13. I will be 72 in a few weeks too.

I need more friendly contact.Long story but too much time alone.
I'm ok but this week was really hard. Holidays coming.that will help.

[LoisB]

2. 70 here. Right now I am sanding and repairing all the wood

around the outside of my house. Just finished laying tile in the den, laundry room next. I also spend a lot of time crocheting and am making shawls/lap rugs for distribution to senior citizens and some not so senior.
I am concerned about all the hatred that is so rampant in this country. I really do not understand how some people can hate others they don't even know.

[worstexever]

3. Guess I'm too young

I'm 56, but will retire at the end of 2017 after 32 years working for the state of California.

[No Vested Interest]

4. Housing decision - stay in my (now overlarge) home, with lawn care & other

constant maintenance, move to independent living apt. where other levels of care will be available if/when needed, or move to a condo, realizing that I may require another move should long-term care be necessary.

[marybourg]

5. Do you know people who live in

independent living apts.?

[No Vested Interest]

6. The independent living apt. I have in mind, though I haven't toured it yet,

is part of my larger neighborhood, and presumably I'll still be driving for a while. Dinner is offered daily, brunch on Sunday, other than that you're on your own, which is fine. - Breakfast & lunch I can do easily. I know of some of the residents, but do not know them well. It's considered rather upscale, was converted from an Apartment to a non-profit independent living a number of years ago. My adult children are within several miles.

Your question: are you inferring there are some things I'd better know before proceeding with independent living?

[marybourg]

8. No. I was just thinking you might want to

make an opportunity to talk to some people that live in various independent living/continuing care communities if you don't already know some residents. I have several near me and know some people in various ones and by and large they're happy there.

A non-profit upscale community sounds particularly nice.

[blaze]

12. My Mom

is in a facility that offers independent living, assisted living and nursing care.

Mom, 90, is in independent living. She doesn't cook, but the cafeteria is open 7am to 7pm. There is a more upscale restaurant with limited hours for lunch and dinner. Some of the folks in independent living who need a little more help, hire caretakers from outside the facility to help with whatever tasks are required. Lots of the folks there still drive. A fair number of the younger residents didn't want to have to deal with the upkeep of a home anymore... and also didn't want to have to move again once their health starts declining.

The continuum of care was high on our list when we were looking.

Good luck!

[No Vested Interest]

14. Your Mom's situation sounds ideal.

I identify strongly with the problems of upkeep of a home. - It takes a lot of one's time and energy, both of which are limited and who wants to spend valuable time on housekeeping and maintenance, when self-maintenance - which I call survival- can take all the energy one has.

[northoftheborder]

7. Still live in own home at advanced age

I built a new custom house two years ago. I love it. It's semi-handicapped equipped - wide doors, lever door handles, no steps, large bathroom and shower, hand rails in bathroom; I plan to live here until I no longer can care for myself or exit this physical world. I have a low maintenance yard, still drive, and have room for most of my many collections and family memorabilia. I did get rid of a lot of stuff when I moved, but still have a lot. I have room for my hobbies, a big kitchen which I use to cook for myself and family, room for guests. I would be most unhappy in an assisted living place. I know several people who live in such a place; some like it, some do not. Biggest complaint seems to be the food. I live by myself and like doing exactly what I want when I want. I own the TV remote, get up and go to bed when I please. I have neighbors and family near by. I've lived in the city and in the country, mostly in houses on lots. I lived in a tiny apartment for several years while my home was being planned and built and hated it. Everybody has to make their own decisions about living arrangements -every one is different. I value my privacy and independence.

[marybourg]

9. Don't forget that people go to

assisted living places when they *need* assistance.

There are also independent living facilities, either stand-alone or as part of a continuum of care, for those who don't need much assistance, but possibly just can't drive any more, or need to get out of a large high maintenance home, have no family close by or don't want family help, or just need one good hot meal a day that they don't need to shop for and cook by themselves.

I'm sure we all want to be independent as long as possible, but sometimes health or other considerations force our hands. I think it's good to be ready with a "plan B" since we never know when that something will come along.

[No Vested Interest]

10. I hear you, and realize there's much to what you say.

My home is one-floor also, and some accommodations - hand rails, higher commodes, walk-in shower - are in place.
Plus it's the place my adult kids gather for holidays.
And, frankly, the idea of moving is physically daunting. - I have limited energy and stamina for all that a move would entail.
I also keep odd hours - up late at night, sleep in in the morning.
Food/meals are to be considered. - I like a hot meal in the evening, though I no longer cook. I get prepared meals from supermarket or drive-throughs that prepare your order on the spot.
I could get help in to assist as needed as/if I become limited.

Therein lies the dilemma I first spoke of

[trof]

11. My main concern is outliving my money.

I'm 75.
My current life expectancy is 11 more years.

[No Vested Interest]

15. I can understand that can be a major concern.

I guess the upside is that after a certain age we are no longer accumulating goods, so we basically just need funds for food, housing, and meds.

You more than likely already know how to live well without spending a lot of money - free entertainment is often available, and real and long-time friends are content just to hear from you or spend time in your company without more than a cup of coffee or tea.
However, the concern you have is always in the back of your mind.
Cultivate your friends and family - not to make suckers of them, but so that they welcome and look forward to your company.

(Not a good enough answer, I know, but life is worth the risks we have to take.).