About SY
Exploring the in’s & out’s of my vintage life.
WHY?
“The population of over 65er’s is expected to grow 8.6 million by 2030 and the elder population is projected to outnumber children.” (Census Bureau)
Whew!
BECAUSE —
I am now a resident in a senior facility and want to share my experience as a way of navigating old age in a community that offers ways for aging populations to segue into a health care environment. Well, we certainly wanted to segue, so we moved, hoping to make positive change for a fundamental and optimistic part of our everyday vernacular and to stay healthy, cognizant, flexible.
SOMETHING ABOUT SY:
Surprise! It seemed an extraordinary happening, but one I was totally ready to take on. I was the right age (ELDERLY) to move into a retirement home! What? Old? And still have a life? Evidently yes. It happened! and I find myself ensconced in a two bedroom, two bathroom and kitchen apartment that could easily be a New York boarding house with meals and surrounded by glorious weather, brilliant friends and about 70+ activities.
AND SO:
I decided to be an “octogenarian blog writer”. There were many lovely experiences that shaped my life along the way to retirement. One was the summers spent ice skating in the U.S. and Canada, teaching elementary school and community college, lecturing at Interior Design Conferences and on cruise ships. My Interior Design firm focused on finding solutions for seniors, their environmental needs and safe interiors and I lucked out; my work experience among those seniors/friends presented moments of shared hopes and fears about this larger-than-life capacious life-style change.
And, I want to share ours.
CAVEAT: (MY TWO CENTS)
You will need a clear mindset because there are many areas to research when you start encountering the beautiful properties and the interesting activities offered by retirement communities as they endeavor to challenge your mind and body — and they do. What could be better? Do….
CHECK THE BOXES:
And explore with me your ability to —
1. Leave the home you treasure,
2. Enjoy new friends, landscapes & new digs,
3. Take advantage of the stimulating activities,[lectures, classes, fitness etc]
4. Investigate existing medical resources to see if applicable for relocating to an unfamiliar terrain,
5. Be smart with your money — the amount of cash you are going to pay, can pay and will pay,
6. Investigate future expenses and cost of living raises,
7. Location, location — is this the location where you want to live for your lifetime,
8. Separate the tempting emotions of — “Oh, this is perfect. Let’s move!”
9. When you make a new friend, will you be a good listener.
[I will be discussing these and other topics that I encountered.]
WHAT’S AHEAD?
New friends, a wealth of interesting people waiting to make new connections. Unquestionably, a multitude of positive social experiences satisfied our emotional needs — friendships with poets, scientists, artists, researchers, even an Admiral or two. All high achievers who live and share their absorbing life stories in my community.
Hang around with me and my blog and meet this Intrepid Octogenarian and….
PS: The A,B,C’s OF BLOG WRITING AND THE KEY TO MY GREAT LIFE:
At the heart —— have a family you deeply love, cherish and esteem!
N.D.B.D.C.
Cherish friends!
My A,B,C’s: These amazing people help and support me throughout my Blog Journey – Thank you!
Betty Barnecut, Writer & Editor
Sue Berman, Intrepid Octogenarian Caricature Artist
Matt Karl, Project Manager & Computer Ninja
If you have questions or if my blog helps in any way, let me know, I would love hearing from you. It’s a great world out there and this is a way to experience and share it.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, BLAIRE DARLING