$Unique_ID{BRK00926}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Living in a Retirement Home}
$Subject{retirement aging home}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Living in a Retirement Home


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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 quite, good books and to know
what is going on in the world.  Please give me your opinion and I thank you.

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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 wishes 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 chose
the proper living environment for their desired life style.  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 chose 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.
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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.
