I don’t know how many of you would like to stay in your own home as you grow older, but a recent study indicates 88% of adults 50 and older would like to. Which makes sense. Your home is familiar with special memories, you know your neighborhood — and then there’s all your stuff you would have to clean out!
Staying in your own home as you grow older is called “aging in place” and as many of you know, aging in place involves more than simply staying put. According to the CDC, it’s having “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level.”
And that may not be easy. There will be those inevitable changes that may already be knocking at your front door. And even though you may want to live in the “now”, you should think about the future and plan for how and where you want to live.
When you do, there are some things to consider.
If you stay in your home, will there be support available if needed: family, friends, or neighbors? And will you ask them for help?
Is your current home safe and accessible: Walk-in showers or bathtubs, grab bars, doors wide enough for a wheelchair, and single level? The National Census Bureau reports that only 10% of all houses in the U.S. are suitable for older residents.
Are you prepared for the unexpected repairs: A furnace that turns off when it gets too cold? (I’ve got to get it replaced!) Or the leaking kitchen sink?
And there is caring for the yard. You may love gardening, but does that include mowing and raking leaves?
Then, the $64,000 question: How much will it cost to age in place? And how much will it cost to move to someplace more suitable? And do you have enough funds to pay for your preferred choice?
In Oregon, if you need help planning for your long-term living needs, you can call the state ADRC (Aging and Disabilities Resource Connections) Options Counseling (541-705-5434). There you can talk with trained staff about your situation and local options.
Most people prefer to stay in their homes for as long as possible, and the decision about whether and when to move is often difficult and emotional. But there may come a time when it’s no longer safe or comfortable to “age in place.”
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Saturday, Aug. 10 is the Neon Night’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Benefit Concert to celebrate and thank local radio DJ Randy Haines for his 40 years touching the hearts and lives of thousands of people in the Columbia River Gorge. It will be held at the Lewis and Clark Festival Park in The Dalles. Admission is $10, which will support those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Doors open at 5 p.m., and music starts at 6 p.m. Find more information at www.neonnightsconcert.com (or see the ad on page A9).
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The next question for your “Soul Portrait” is: With all the sights and sounds around us, what drives you to distraction?
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BRAIN TEASE: Which of the following words don’t belong in the group and why? CORSET, COSTER, SECTOR, ESCORT, COURTS
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The title of J.D. Salinger’s 1951 novel that depicted adolescent alienation and loss of innocence was Catcher in the Rye. I received correct answers from Steven Woolpert, Rebecca Abrams, Eva Summers, Donna Mollet, Judy Kiser, Rhonda Spies, Dave Lutgens, Pat Evenson-Brady, Kathy Bullack, Bruce Johnson, Doris Schrader and Mike McFarlane, who is this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.
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This weekend’s “Cruise the Gorge” in The Dalles reminds me of my father backing up the Shasta RV trailer using this small, independently rotating doorknob-shaped handle attached to the steering wheel. (This was before power steering, power seats, power windows, power tailgates ...)
For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this device that allowed you to turn the steering wheel easier and faster with only one hand? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or send it with a pair of fuzzy dice for a car mirror.
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Well, it’s been another week, asking, “Now what?” Until we meet again, even the blues are a color of the rainbow.
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“If you stumble, make it part of the dance.”
— Unknown
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Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.
Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) — Wednesdays with music on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) — Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).
For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).
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Courts. All of the others are anagrams of each other.
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