Choose to Be Independent

The whole Aging in Place concept is an important one. One that is still fairly new and whose value needs to be shouted from the rooftops.   I found an article on  Louis Tenenbaum.com that made an excellent point when trying to define Aging in Place  in terms of “independent living.”   He writes, “The mechanism by which Aging in Place bestows independence is by providing control.  You decide when to go to sleep, wake up, when and what to eat for breakfast and all manner of other things. In contrast, when you live in a facility others decide about the menu,  eating arrangements and schedule, visiting times, bathing and lights out. Decisions and choices are the essence of self respect and provide the feeling of independence.”   This truly is an excellent point.   Choice and control are benefits of independence.  As we age and our physical abilities wane, choice and control can become casualties.  Thus, Aging in Place —  giving all ages and abilities the opportunity to choose to stay home.