What does independent living really mean? The word independent is the first clue, but keep in mind that it entails more than just doing whatever you please. There is a reason why this concept is now called Ageing in Place.
Baby Boomers coined the term as they fought to bring the idea of successful ageing into the twenty-first century. Yes, they have done some things that you might not agree with, but ageing in place is not one of them.
Today, nobody calls you a “stubborn old coot or cootess” just because you don’t want to move into an old folk’s home. People are living longer and are healthier than they were even one generation ago, and because of this phenomenon, the post-retirement years have become something to be reckoned with.
The idea of “old” has changed so much in the past few years that it had been subdivided into young-old, middle-old, and finally old-old age. You have options and you have time to figure things out. Option is the key word. You can now think about senior housing, a retirement community, assisted living, a care facility, living with family or friends, or senior proofing your own home.
Ageing in place, your place, means that you may need to make some changes. Change is often difficult, especially if you are “set in your way”. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to remain independent?
Just getting by is not one of your options as it rarely ends well. If you decide to commit yourself to remaining strong, active, and healthy you must decide if it is worth it to you.
Ageing in place, of course, is just a new term for an old concept. It simply means that you want to grow old in your own home, surrounded by your own things, and staying with your own family and friends. You cannot do it alone. It takes a village to age well, but your village needs to know that you are willing to let them in. Independence is a good thing, but refusing to give, ask for, or accept help is not.
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