$Unique_ID{BRK00926} $Pretitle{} $Title{Living in a Retirement Home} $Subject{retirement aging age aged old older elder elderly geriatric home lifestyle lifestyles} $Volume{T-23} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Living in a Retirement Home ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: I am a senior citizen now living in a retirement home. I don't like this living among so many people who are deteriorating in body and mind, although there are many fine intelligent people also. I know I will not always be able to take care of myself. Would I have been better if I had moved into a smaller place? I like peace and quiet, good books and to know what is going on in the world. Please give me your opinion and I thank you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: After a lifetime of living in quarters of your own choosing and making, it is a difficult task to adjust to the group living of a retirement community. Just at a time when one wishes for quiet calm, when all the adjustments needed to live a lifetime of happiness and sadness, triumphs and defeats have been mastered, and when wishing for simpler pleasures, the need to adapt one more time may seem a difficult task. Still I am sure you can achieve it with but little effort, if you can achieve the proper perspectives and attitudes. Many people chose a home based upon convenience for relatives, location or costs without the necessary information that allows them to choose the proper living environment for their desired lifestyle. It isn't too late for you to search out another location, but the effort necessary to assure yourself that the people and surroundings meet with your needs may be one that requires help from your friends and family. If such a facility can be found, than your choice would seem clear. However you might consider the possibilities that exist in your present location. Are there other people who share your views, who read as you do, and are seeking someone to share their ideas with and discuss their points of view? The odds are that there would be a better chance of finding such a person or persons in a larger place, with more candidates to choose from. Is there a social worker, nurse or administrator to help you with your search? With your obvious alertness, you might want to start a book club or discussion group to share the new experiences gained through reading. Perhaps by turning your eyes and spirit outward, rather than retreating into solitude, you can convert your present surroundings into a new world of friendship and happiness, and find new paths of enjoyment. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.