I retired at 64 with my only plan being to enjoy retirement, to get involved in volunteer activities in the community, and to spend more time with my husband Tom. It turned out a little differently. I did become a very active volunteer in the senior community, serving on the City’s Council on Aging and the Goebel Adult Community Center Commission and advocating for seniors in residential care facilities as an Ombudsman. But Tom was diagnosed with an aggressive lung cancer and passed away when I was 72. For the first time I recognized that I would need to plan for my life as a single woman.
My first decision was whether I wanted to stay in our single-family home with my two dogs or consider a move to a senior community or condominium complex. Before losing Tom I thought of my home as simply the place we lived I then realized that my home had become the place where I felt comfortable and safe and the place where almost 30 years of wonderful memories had been made. My only choice had been obvious. I wanted to remain in my home for as long as I safely could.
My next issue was would I be able to live alone successfully in an older home with almost an acre of land to maintain. Having always been fiercely independent, I told myself I could. I started with simple issues that had not been addressed and hired a new more organized gardener, had motion activated lights installed and put in a new air conditioning system. I discovered that one simple solution to avoid changing ceiling light bulbs is to use a lot more lamps. My comfort level increased to where I knew I would be able to deal with the physical aspects of home ownership as a single woman.
I am very grateful that I have been able to live happily and safely in my house for the last three and a half years. I have handled the maintenance, worked in the yard, dealt with a rodent infestation, entertained friends and family and thoroughly enjoyed my wonderful home. As a 70+ year old woman who had never lived alone or even thought of emptying a rodent trap, I feel good about this period.
Now at 76 I think the time is here to start thinking about my next 10 years. Will my health continue to be good? Will I be able to continue with the maintenance of my home? Will I still be able to drive? Will I need more help with everyday activities? It is definitely time to think and plan.