Modifying the realtor’s claim of “Location, Location, Location” gives us an objective for our senior and elder years.  If we’re honest with ourselves and our families, the time will come when we will need to adjust our living style. We no longer will have the energy to maintain the family home and the cost of hiring the work done makes little sense. I suggest that what we need to seriously consider is a community where we can contribute and receive attention from people who have common interests.

Aging in place is a concept most of us say we want; however, the problem of stairs, lawns, driveways, and adult children who live too far away or are too busy to help, make aging in place seem like a burden instead of peace and security. In addition, our suburban homes are often far from shopping and medical services. Our neighborhoods change during the decades, so our friends have likely moved away and strangers now live around us.

I propose that we consider community as an objective for our advancing senior and elder years. A community where we can pursue our common interests and continue to be contributing members of society that will bring purpose and peacefulness to our lives.

For some that might mean a retirement community. For others that might mean living near a university where other seniors pursue cultural and academic interests. We have many options today that previous generations didn’t have. Let’s consider what makes sense and let go of what no longer gives us what we really need-a community of individuals with similar interests where our minds and our hands remain active and we have a strong sense of purpose.