Where do you want to grow old?

I truly believe that all situations are different, however, for me, I am fortunate to have the financial means, and a wonderful daughter to settle in until I depart this world. My wife and I just placed our home on the market, and
our daughter likewise. We’re buying a home with 2 master bedrooms, and, separate entry for the garage, and onto
the patio. There’s a sad tone in living in a care facility, and the opportunity to be engage with our grandchildren is a blessed stimulus to happy life. Grief can be gross, but, family ties is a life changer.

I’m seriously thinking about getting myself into an Independent Living Program. It’s going to cost almost double what I pay now.
I am 76, live alone, and have a movement disorder so I’m a fall risk.
My concern is what can I do with all my furniture, paintings, kitchen stuff, more importantly old pictures.
Selling most of my collections may be easy to do but, at the same time emotionally draining.

Going from a 1450 sq. ft, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage house, to an apartment of 650 sq ft is going to be tricky. I’m not sure how I feel about that.

However, it’s for my safety and good health. I’ve chosen a really beautiful place.

@healthysenior Thanks. As Mom taught us…the brain is our most powerful organ and attitude will be the difference maker.

On a list of things to get through my day, I have to put "sense of humor" at the top. Sometimes it takes a bit to find humor, but usually it's there.

@slarson14 Should have tried west Texas - the exact opposite of "humid" (I'm guessing you were around Harris County), and probably much better Tex-Mex food.

@SusanEllen66 Your concerns are very similar to what a friend of mine went through after her husband passed away.

Ironically, her name is Sue Ellen.

@capnjack Nothing in West Texas except dirt and oil, rocks. Lived in San Antonio and Georgetown (north of Austin) still too humid. West of I-35 is dryer, agree.

I live in a historic home with stairs everywhere. Living with intermediate dry macular degeneration and still driving because I found an expert and was fitted with escoops. I need a small one bedroom house (no HOA) in an area that has door to door public transportation and a good hospital. Waiting until I turn 79 to see if I can pass my 80 year vision DMV test. I'll move in a few years at 80 years or a year earlier: Thinking of C'ville only because of Jaunt a free door to door public transportation system and the UVA hospital. If I can't pass the vision test I'll may try moving to Alabama at 79 years because if I move there with a valid license I wont have to take another vision exam again. I really want to move closer to the ocean like three hours away but the transportation issue gets in the way. Meanwhile it's a waiting game.

I have thought about this recently as I navigate the real possibility of cervical surgery later this year. After a divorce in 2024, and in my 60's, only one daughter is local raising young children, and help for me is scarce. I do have several good friends and siblings too far away. Not sure moving to be near siblings is something I would consider as my lifestyle is different and I do get out to have fun as much as my body will let me. I am a young 66 so hopefully surgery will allow me to be really active again!

@SusanEllen66
Susan-
I always enjoy your attitude.
My friend Karen had two houses filled with memorial stuff (endless family portraits and collectables). I couldn't imagine how she would move to an apartment in a retirement community.
Always professional, she hired a professional to organize her downsizing, packing and moving to her new home, where she lived very comfortably, not having to maintain two houses full of stuff.
I'm glad you're moving on.
Let us know how it goes.