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I am a senior in my late eighties who recently moved to a CCRC in Portland, Holladay Park Plaza near the LLoyd Center. It was a very wise move, done while I was still able to make the decisions on my own.  I needed physical help at times, but the decisions were all mine.

After my husband died in October and I returned home from a few days in the hospital myself I knew that I needed to move out of my home of 45 years, a country house on a large piece of property, a beautiful mountain view, and just crammed with stuff we had collected. The maintenance it required overwhelmed me and I knew I must sell it. It took me 6 months, working 5 to 6 hours every day to sort the collection of stuff in house, basement, shop and garage.  My mantra was "Every day throw away, give away or sell something." I had a young woman who helped many mornings packing things I would keep. My kids who were 30 miles away and busy with jobs and young children helped haul away some of the stuff, but the major work was done by me and my helper. 

I sold the house in 25 days and I am now a veteran of three weeks in my lovely one bedroom apartment with a beautiful view of Portland's skyline, making new friends, joining  in the exercise classes and activities and enjoying the variety of good food every evening. My kids are now close, I have almost no responsibilities and I am certain that this was a good move for me.

I urge seniors to be proactive--- look ahead, move before advancing age and ill health force the changes.  There is still time to enjoy life at 80 or ninety or even older.   

posted 3 years ago
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