By Lois Requist

About three years ago, when I was just getting into the village idea, I frequently heard the term “aging in place.” I even used it for a while. Not anymore. This term doesn’t sound like any activity is taking place, certainly nothing robust. When I think of how to use the rest of my life, I don’t get excited about aging in place. What that term really refers to is living in one’s own home while getting older rather than moving to a group living situation, or an institution.
The whole idea of the Carquinez Village is to help seniors live at home, contribute to the vitality of the community, get help when they need it, and stay connected to the world around them.
Most of us would simply prefer living in our home. I look around at my home. There’s a comfortable chair with an ottoman where I often watch television., a large painting I picked up years ago in China, a grandfather clock that belonged to my in-laws, a vase from Munich, a lamp from Paris, and some cups that were my mother’s. I could go on.
Both sentimental and practical reasons come to mind for most of us when we think about our home, but the main one may be “I’m in charge; I’m running my own life.” Wherever we live, some rules probably apply in regard to pets, to the color of our house, and more. We’re accustomed to those rules.
As we age, seniors need to think about their health, their finances, and their living situation. We need to be honest about what we can do and what we can’t. All of these elements come into play when we consider where it’s best for us to live.
Years ago, I moved from a four-bedroom, 2500 square-foot house with a yard because it was more than I wanted to take care of, and it felt like just too much for one person. My husband died. My children were no longer at home. My next step was into a 1500 square-foot condominium on the waterfront in Benicia with two flights of stairs. For sixteen years, I enjoyed the view, but I knew the stairs would be a challenge eventually. A bout with sciatica last winter brought that home to me. I moved to Rancho Benicia, to a home with 1040 square feet, because I love being downtown and the ability to walk to most everything I do on a daily basis. It’s quite safe, well taken care of, and a comfortable place for me at this time. I hope it’s my last move, but who knows?
Senior living communities are places where people live totally independently in their own homes, but the community is restricted to seniors. Think of Rossmoor in Walnut Creek or Rancho Benicia. Those communities offer, sort of, the best of both worlds with various services and amenities for the senior residents.
Senior care facilities vary, with some offering private apartments or housing with the ability to have communal meals and various levels of care. In other places, seniors have private or shared rooms. Assisted-living facilities offer complete care, as needed. Many of you have probably had some experience through friends or family. All these options can be quite pricey.
The point of Carquinez Village and all the 185 villages across the country is to help seniors lead positive and active lives in their homes, so they can be active participants in their community. We provide services that members may need from time-to-time, for example, we maintain a list of services that our members can use to find a handyman or housekeeper. Beyond that, through educational and social events, we seek to engage seniors in activities that will add to their quality of life.
If you’re curious, go to the Village to Village Network, that’s vtvnetwork.org to learn about the movement. Or, if you want to know about our own Carquinez Village, go to carquinezvillage.com.

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