I was not sure what I was going to write about today, but I just opened my “Aging Without Children” file where I keep articles of possible interest. Gleaned from my previously mentioned review and disposal of many items, I found that I had kept an article from the Tuesday, Dec. 25th 2012 issue of The New York Times entitled, “With Help Here and There, Preserving Independence in Old Age” by Jane Brody. So I guess I’ve been interested in this topic for quite some time! https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/24/staying-independent-in-old-age-with-a-little-help/.
This article discusses how/when/if to “age in place,” that is, remain at home. “Elinor Ginzler…writes that ‘the ability to age in place is greatly determined by the physical design and accessibility of a home, as well as community features like the availability of nearby services and amenities, affordable housing and transportation options.'” I am not even sure that I want to age in place. I was recently diagnosed with arthritis and extreme weakness in my ankle (I had figured this out on my own based on the hundreds of times I have sprained it) and told that I will very likely need surgery and that there is a minimum three-month recovery time. It will be hard enough to go through this when I am relatively young (60 this month!) and healthy, but I cannot imagine going through this alone along with other probable infirmities.
An organization mentioned in the article seems to still be in existence: https://stayinginplacestl.com/.
There are many other similar organizations that can help you determine how to decide if and when staying home is no longer a good option.