Home Letter To The Editor LETTERS: When “Long Life” Becomes A Curse

LETTERS: When “Long Life” Becomes A Curse

SHARE

Editor;

You once referenced construction of a Senior Ranch for like minded adults who had outlived family and friends and who preferred an active outdoor lifestyle as opposed to time in a senior care facility.

Have you made any progress in this direction? I have no children and no family left. My closest friends have either died or moved away. My research into senior assisted living has not been promising. I dread spending holidays alone. Although I am in generally good health and of sound mind (I’m 84, have side hustles that bring in money and am still able to drive etc.) I am beginning to fear the future. The well meaning wishes of “Long Life” from strangers and conciliatory acquaintances is beginning to feel more like a curse than a blessing.

Am I alone? I mean, yes, I’m alone but am I the only one living like this?

Tell me that you’ve built your ranch.

Sincerely,

Pat Walker/(hometown withheld at author’s request)

10 COMMENTS

  1. You know it when you see it. It’s not a question answered by a dating app questionnaire, methinks.

    I appreciate the refreshing forthrightness of the letter.

  2. There should be more options for folks who don’t need assisted living, but might benefit from having activities, meals, housekeeping, and a nice community setting with other “like minded” people. The Waterford at Rossmoor might be an option – very nice place but the monthly dues are expensive.

    • We agree, John, and it’s why we mentioned our plans for a Senior Ranch where older folks who find themselves alone and cutoff could come and live with others. We actually have our sights set on a couple of suitable properties but we’re still a few million dollars away from acquisition!

  3. A small community for older people who would benefit from the contact with others while remaining independent would be a great thing.

  4. Somebody started this in the past few years. (He created one for his father, who was originally from India.) I think he has two communities of independent senior adults — one in Fremont and the other in Los Angeles. Folks get their own room and meals in the common dining area. Plus rent is not outrageous. I believe the East Bay Times did a story on the Fremont place.

Leave a Reply