Q. We are seniors in our mid-70s planning to move out of California where there is no family. What should we be looking at in senior services? M.O.
You are planning a big move and asked a big and important question. Let’s think about broadening the meaning of senior services and expand it to living in an age-friendly environment.
Start by asking yourself, what kind of life do you envision? What is most important to you in terms of quality and your day-to-day living? No environment will be perfect, so think about priorities.
Here are a few things to consider:
Affordability: How much will it cost to move to a new place where you will live a similar lifestyle to your present one? Investigate general costs of living that include tax benefits, home ownership, rental costs, and even costs of nursing homes, assisted living residences and home health-care providers. You can check on some of this by using zip codes. Consider checking grocery store advertisements and the cost of produce and more as some indicators.
Housing: You may have already made that decision. That might be a house, apartment, condominium or a senior residence to name a few. Do you want to live mostly with older adults or prefer living in an intergenerational community? If you are going to live independently in a house, apartment or condominium, consider alternatives if you should need support. Check out their availabilities and costs. If you have a pet, will your preferred housing allow them?
Access to healthcare: This is critical. Are there sufficient doctors in the area that you could get an appointment as a new patient? What about geriatricians? If either of you have an ongoing condition of concern, check health care professionals who specialize in that condition. Should you need it, is there one or more accredited hospitals in the area and are pharmacies accessible? Also, check if there are healthcare professionals and services that are included in your health insurance.
Transportation access and convenience: Research alternatives to driving such as public transportation, ride services as well as train and bus schedules. Add to that convenience to grocery stores. If you anticipate traveling by air or expect visitors who will be flying to see you, determine if an airport is close by.
Enrichment: Think about what you both love to do. If you enjoy walking, explore the availability of safe sidewalks and walking paths. If fitness is important, which I hope it is, check out gyms, Silver Sneakers, the local YMCA and even personal trainers. Know that walking counts. If you love the outdoors, would you have easy access to trees, green lawns, water and flowers? Are you ready to explore something new? Perhaps a course, class, workshop or seminar? Look into learning opportunities at Senior Centers as well as checking out adult education programs, art classes and book groups. The latter is a great resource for friend making and intellectual stimulation. Most local libraries and bookstores host them.
Purpose and social connections: Having a purpose in later life is part of successful or optimal aging. Review volunteer opportunities with local volunteer centers, schools, hospitals and local nonprofit organizations. Another element of successful aging is having social connections. A realtor likely can tell you about friendly and inclusive communities that might be located in a high rise or in a local neighborhood.
Faith communities: If applicable investigate faith-based communities. You might attend a service or one of their functions. Connect to the spiritual leader and congregants. This can be an opportunity to build community, create a sense of purpose and make new friends.
Safety: Check crime rates for the area that are accessible on the Internet. As a resource, consult with the city’s convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers of commerce, tourist boards, city magazines, local hospitality industries and even local real estate companies.
The following publications may be helpful. The “Best Places to Retire in the U.S. 2024-2025” by US News & World Report. (https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-retire) and “The Best Places to Retire in 2024” published by SeniorLiving.org. (https://www.seniorliving.org/retirement/best-places/#:~:text=Florida%2C%20Colorado%2C%20and%20Virginia%20rank,cost%20of%20living%2C%20and%20more).
For an in-depth description of components of an age-friendly community, see the research study conducted by the Milken Institute entitled “Best Cities to Age Successfully.” (https://milkeninstitute.org/sites/default/files/reports-pdf/Best-Cities-for-Successful-Aging-2017.pdf)
Before making a commitment, spend several days in the city or town you feel is best for your needs and preferences. There is nothing like having the real-life experience to either affirm or eliminate a best choice.
Thank you, M.O., for your important question. Best wishes on a successful move and next chapter. And know that small acts of kindness can change the world.
Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and the new retirement with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com. Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity
