Many of us want to stay in our house for as long as we possibly can. But this may not be what we should do. Aging in place is defined as living in your own home safely, independently, and comfortably for as long as you can. We may want to stay in our own homes because of our image nursing homes and the people we knew who lived the last years of their lives there. Since these images are not positive, we resist moving out of our homes.
But baby boomers have been changing that image. There are more age 50-plus communities popping up, and retirement homes (with stages of living and care) are referred to as communities of healthy living. These newer communities cater to a livelier group as they can include nice amenities such as health clubs, bistros, and bars and lounges.
Loneliness is a serious issue for people of all ages, but particularly as we age. When we outlive our friends or can no longer drive, we are often alone. We don’t have anyone to keep us current and relevant or engage us in conversation. By living in a focused community, it is much easier to make connections and stave off feelings of loneliness.