Everything I've done in my ongoing project "Preparing to Age in Place" has given me immediate benefit in my day-to-day work of living.
Though at first I was motivated by concern for future disability and needs, now I am also motivated by a feeling of freshness and ease in my daily life, and I want more!

Getting rid of unnecessary stuff is part of this.
Making our home safe and easy to care for is another.
Completing medical, legal and financial documents is another.
Learning about available professional help before we need it gives a needed sense of reality.

Lately I seem to have more time and energy for community work and friendships: immediate pleasure and learning, and a source of emotional support.

I think we must recognize that "adapting to change" is going to be a major part of living. Reducing the "weight" of our living structures can make it easier to adapt. It's a lot easier changing the course of a cabin cruiser than changing the course of an aircraft carrier!

55 years ago I was 20 and my neighbor "Poppy" was 100 years old. We lived near Broadway and 72 St. in Manhattan. "We must adjust ourselves to the prevailing conditions, and do the very best we can to pull our own wagon!" was Poppy's favorite saying, always said with a little chuckle. The memory makes me very happy.