The Growing Village Network Helps People Stay in Their Homes

September 3, 2013 — So many people would rather stay in their homes than spend their old age in an independent living or assisted living facility. Just ask your baby boomer friends who can’t convince their aging parents to move into one of these places – even when they are beyond caring for themselves. PBS had a nice segment recently on the Retirement Village concept, where by pooling resources older folks can get the support they need to safely and comfortably stay in their homes longer. Here is where you can watch the segment, “There is No Place Like Home“.
The Village to Village Network also has a list of village neighborhoods across the country, plus more on the same topic. In fact we wrote on this topic at Topretirements not too long ago, when we chronicled the start up efforts on such a village near us in Connecticut: “It Takes a (Virtual) Village to Stay in Your Home“.

Other recent links. Staying healthy and active as you age (we are indepted to Linda M for both of these links):

Percentage of Adults Aged 45 Years Who Need Help with Routine Activities* by Age Group and Selected Race/Ethnicity — National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2011. This study provides a look at the data behind the answers to this question: Because of a physical, mental, or emotional problem, do you need the help of other persons in handling routine needs, such as everyday household chores, doing necessary business, shopping, or getting around for other purposes?

The answer is, around 20% of people aged 75-84 need such help. But get to age 85 and beyond and the percentage goes to 40% or more. So if we are lucky enough to live that long and want to live on your own, better plan on how you going to get the help to live by yourself.

Which are the best states for living a long life?
The weather channel looked at life expectancy for people aged 65 by state. The #1 place is one a lot of people could be happy with – Hawaii. Florida is one of the few southern states in the top 5. Connecticut, perennially one of the worst states to retire for other reasons, is #2 for longevity. Something to cheer about! See the Weather Channel Story: “The Worst States for a Long Life“.

Comments?
What do you think about the village movement, as well as your ability to live where you do now? Have you thought about it? Please share your thoughts in the Comments section below.