For most of us approaching, or in, our later years, the discussion of where to live can be fraught with emotion and indecision. Whether we can stay in the place we’ve been or be better off relocating, there are so many considerations that it can be mind-boggling. What feels right to “call home” when so much of life seems in transition? Well, as a starter, the Dalai Lama once said, “Home is where you feel at home and are well treated.” So, that raises the question: Where will you feel most at home and what do you need to have in place in order to feel well treated? 

Surveys continue to show that most of us continue to feel attached to the home in which we’ve been living for a long time. In a new survey of 1500 adults ages 60-75 by the American Advisors Group, over 80% of the respondents said they do not intend to sell their homes. Citing such considerations as comfort, safety, and independence, the respondents conveyed a strong sense that their homes were more than just a place to hang their hats: that sentimental emotions play a strong role in not wanting to move. Of course, financial realities, especially due to the pandemic, have meant not everyone has the luxury of staying put. And for those of us who want to age in place, there may be significant alterations that need to happen in order to accommodate our changing bodies and physical capacities. Fortunately, smart technology, along with adaptive design modifications, can help transition our homes from yesterday’s comforts to tomorrow’s necessities.

Yet, for many of us, it may not be just a matter of adding some grab bars or eliminating the need for stairs that will bring us happiness and security in our later years. There may be more fundamental questions at stake when considering where  “home” should be as you move into the second half of your life. Fortunately, to help us think through these deeper quandaries, there’s a new book out by Ryan Frederick, the housing and longevity expert who founded the website SmartLiving 360. Having mentioned Mr. Frederick in an earlier agebuzz post on housing, it’s now time to introduce his just-published book, Right Place, Right Time: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Home for the Second Half of Life. Weaving personal stories faced by older adults along with tools and design considerations to help craft an ideal housing plan for you, Frederick hopes this book- intended for everyone from empty nesters to adult children supporting their aging parents- can help you think through whether your current housing aligns with your needs and desires and if not, helps you find the right place to thrive going forward. In podcasts and print interviews, Frederick is hoping to stimulate a public conversation about the importance of where you live as it connects to healthy aging. As he makes clear, “If you care about your diet or exercise or financially saving for a longer life, you should be thinking just as much about place. Place is a direct element in your well-being. If you talk to your financial adviser about your finances as you age, that same conversation should be happening around place. Are you in the right place to thrive?” And by thrive, Frederick intends for you to consider where will you find a purpose, make human connections, engage in physical activity, and find a supportive and inspiring community? Sounds like a tall order, but ultimately, when we’re talking about the search for a satisfying later stage of life, the stakes could not be higher. To find out more, check out Frederick’s blog postings here.