Where do you want to grow old?

I’m up for being with friends a la golden girls. They really knew each other well which made it a comedy.

My girlfriend said we should all get together, but a big house & move in after our partners die…great idea!! It has to be done early enough.

My neighbour for example is 91 so it’s too late to adapt community at her age.

I am 65 & freshly divorced. I must stay in Canada & don’t want their assisted living. I am in transition which is why I am looking at all my options. Thank you for posting! Gratefully, MG

If your youngest is going to stay I would sell the retirement home, maybe you made a profit, and live near your son...plus you say it is your hometown, so do you have friends there ...good luck !

I live in a co-housing community. I like the neighborliness and like, also, the challenge of working with others to solve "issues" that arise. Its not for everyone though because it requires participation with upkeep and with administration of the HOA. That said, I'm here with my husband because we wanted to live in proximity to kids & grandkids, good medical facilities, convenient to shopping and outdoor recreation. If I could fantasize I would live on the Pacific Ocean because I love the NW of the US; but it isn't achievable at my age in in my state of health. Hard decisions had to be made and I wish you all the best in arriving at your decision.

I find this interesting. Can you tell us more about the cohousing community, how you found it, and how it operates?
We spend our winters in a mixed community of RV's, tiny homes, 1 & 2 BR mobiles homes. Residents range in age from their 30's through 80's. My daughters have suggested trying to form such a community up north where we live six months of the year, and would probably settle if we could no longer travel.
Sue

I am 80 and we going to move back to Wisconsin Farm and be under the Mayo Umbrella that offers Advance Home Care or the generic term Hospital at Home concept. This move will allow me to receive the highest level of care available, while also allowing me to remain in the comfort of my own home.

Gee, I never heard about Mayo Umbrella that offers Advance Home Care, etc. I moved to Phoenix area to be close to Mayo Clinic here, but do not believe they have that program here? I do get excellent Medical care here though.

I read these comments with interest and thought how fortunate some folks have options. Unfortunately, many of us don’t. I don’t have the money for senior communities or options I would enjoy. I am alone. Bless those of you who are enjoying this stage of your life-

@artmatters I listened to a youtube segment on this very issue and Asheville, North Carolina won the jackpot of area to be least affected by climate change in the future. I hear it’s beautiful too. However, for me, living near children and in somewhere interesting and beautiful, resulted in my moving from my beloved California to New Orleans, possibly the least likely place to survive climate change. Yes, I have my NOAA weather alerts on and take them very seriously, heading for the airport when needed. But I am extremely happy I made the move. People here seem to accept the ephemeral nature of life. Beauty matters, so old homes are valued and in a constant state of repair. Music is central and since I love traditional jazz, I can easily find entertainment that begins in the afternoon , from in the French Quarter to neighborhood porch concerts. People are incredibly friendly and kind here. There is an active group of seniors at the JCC where everyone is welcome (I hear that membership is half non-Jewish). I may have to move to a Texas community someday where 3 of my 4 children live and can share as caregivers they tell me. And one thing that Texas has… some good art museums. But right now I am a young 83 and want to stay here a little longer. I love your handle “art matters”. Yes it does! I met my partner of 17 years in his art history continuing ed class and we visited many art museums round the world, an enduring gift to me. He just passed after several years of decline and his decision to stay in his apartment in Calif. I miss him deeply even though our connection became just our daily telephone connection. But life is change, and our happiness depends on accepting that

Congratulations on finding your music in New Orleans. If you come to Texas eventually, do focus on Houston, where there’s a museum district full of world class institutions and private galleries. Even the natural history museum is spectacular now. Houston was a bit skimpy in music when I lived there (working in a sweet little natural history museum) as Austin is in the visual arts now. Austin is very rich within a limited musical spectrum. I’m hoping to find a place to live closer to the university someday soon. Traditional and avant guard art tend to thrive in proximity to education. My sisters are accomplished cowgirls in a rich community based on horsemanship. I admire what they’ve accomplished while I was away, but my age and my interests make it difficult to blend in. I do think that I am better off with other options for care giving 😉 and to give my own interests more weight in my WHERE question. Voicing my questions and concerns on Mayo Clinic Connect has been a great help in sorting out my priorities. Thanks you all!!!