I look at my present life and try to visualize what my life will look like as I become less mentally and physically agile in the next few years. It brings up the question of what I can do now to make my future more palatable. Like many other older adults, I want to continue living in my present apartment for as long as possible. In order to do that I will need help from time to time.
The recent pandemic gave us all some time to think about what can go wrong without warning and how our life can change on a dime. Everyday activities became more difficult; we were socially isolated; and had to make adjustments and compromises that were often not pleasant. From small things like not being able to open a jar or a can to large things like not seeing family and friends on holidays, it was very unsettling.
Seniors who are living alone or with an aging partner in apartments can benefit by helping each other and sharing resources and ideas to make everyone's life easier. The concept of seniors empowering seniors is being promoted by the University Health Network Openlab (https://norcambassadors.ca/ideas/) in Ontario. They have many suggestions of how these apartment buildings can form a group to meet their particular needs.
Below are some things that can be organized by an Age-in-Place Group
- Skills swap
- Wellness support
- Telephone tree
- Sharing workers/tradesmen
- Exercise buddies
- Rides to Appointments
- Shared Grocery Shopping
- Birthday Celebrations
- Community Caterer
- Safety Door Hangers
- Pot Lucks
- Social Groups
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