Our busy lives and the daily challenges we face in the current economic climate take up a lot of time and energy. And I suspect that still you’ve each had moments when you’ve wondered, worried and perhaps even begun making some plans about what your life will look like 10 to 20 years from now.

One of the biggest decisions we’ll each make is where we will live. In his blog, RetirementRevised, journalist Mark Miller sites an AARP survey that found that “89 percent of Americans would like to live in their current homes as long as possible – and that number rose to 95 percent when people over age 75 were asked the question.” Although active adult and age-restricted communities are popping up around the country, a survey by Metlife and the National Association of Homebuilders indicates that only three percent of 55-plus households had moved to one as recently as 2007. The reality is that most of us will be living in our current communities.

There’s a new term for this “living at home” option….it’s called “aging in community”. If you were to choose this option, what would it take for you to successfully live in your current home, enjoying your time, engaging in work or leisure pursuits and taking care of the physical maintenance of your home and body?

For many of us, existing resources – including family, friends, neighbors and community services – won’t be adequate to support us when we need help doing what we can no longer do for ourselves. Yet the best choice for our desire to live independently as long as possible may be to stay in our homes. Plus, staying in our homes may represent our best financial option.

In response to older adults’ desires to remain in their homes and communities, grass roots, member-driven, aging in community Villages are developing around the country. There are at least 48 open Villages across the United States, including three in the San Francisco Bay Area; six more are in development. Villages provide the support services people need where they are, taking advantage of existing community resources and involvement of other members in the intentional community.

According to Susan Poor, a founder and board member of San Francisco Village, “It is well documented that healthy aging is not just about medical care. The holistic approach of Villages and other intentional communities includes practical, day-to-day support, as well as social connection, meaningful work and activities, lifelong learning, and a critically needed focus on prevention and wellness through physical and brain fitness, good nutrition, home safety, etc.”

Is this an intriguing lifestyle option you’d like to explore?

If so, the first step is getting clear about your desires related to participating in a virtual Village community. What do you perceive may be the obstacles and challenges you will face in the years ahead having the support you will need? I can help you get clear about what you want and set in motion a plan to explore this possibility. Contact me or call 707-824-8836 for a brief chat to talk over your situation free of charge. You also can find out more about what these intentional communities offer and how you can become involved. Check out the Beacon Hill website.

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Read past articles for effectively navigating your midlife career, philanthropy and lifestyle. Go to http://www.pathmakercoaching.com/resources/articles.html.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete statement with it: Certified Life Coach and Philanthropy Consultant, Mary Radu, guides midlife individuals and couples to discover how to share their unique gifts and be positive change makers. Let Mary and Pathmaker Coaching help you design and execute your unique path, aligning your life with your passions and values. If you’re ready to get moving, get resources at http://www.pathmakercoaching.com/resources, or contact Mary mary@pathmakercoaching.com to discuss how you can get supported to make a bigger impact 707.824.8836. See Mary’s Positive Change Makers Blog at http://www.positivechangemakers.com

You’ve probably heard the old adage that your health is your most important asset. In effect, your physical health is the foundation which allows you to live fully and enjoyably.

During a daily walk, I stopped for a break at a bridge overlooking a beautiful creek. As the water sparkled and danced, I found myself asking a series of questions. They helped define and reinforce what matters to me, and what I can do to move my life forward down my path more meaningfully. Because they helped me, I’d like to share the questions with you, in hopes that you will take a few minutes to strengthen your own choices and the way you live your life.

Your 5 Minute Tune-Up

• What is the one important thing I want in my life that depends on my being and stayIng healthy? For instance, you may want to participate in physical activities like biking or dancing, take annual vacations that require you to withstand long periods of walking or you may want to live long enough to enjoy time with your grandchildren.
• Choose one of the two following questions:
  – What belief about my body or health is keeping me from having that important thing? or
  – What lifestyle or behavioral patterns do I have that prevent me from having that important thing?
• Write down options or things you can do to realize your goal. Choose at least three new perspectives that will move you toward having what you want. For example,
  – I could begin walking after dinner each night,
  – I can sign up for a charity walk that will support me in increasing my walking distance for my summer walking tour AND raise money for an cause that is creating positive change for others or the environment,
  – I can sign up for a smoking cessation class where I will be supported in giving up my 10-year habit.
  HINT: If making this change is really important to you, you may find higher motivation by identifying options that will impact others as well as yourself…for instance, the charity walk.

• From these options, what is one small step you will commit to taking today? For instance, I’ll check the internet to search for a charity walk that is coming up in the next three months.
• Create a physical reminder that will help you keep this commitment. You might use a tool like your calendar to schedule reminders, or post an affirmation on your refrigerator.
• Create a strategy to share your commitment with at least one other person today.

Be A Positive Change Maker for Your Own Life

We all move down our individual paths to meaning and impact one step at a time. See where taking this small step will lead in helping you achieve your goal of living a healthy and fulfilling life.

I hope you’ve found this perspective on healthy living valuable.

Want more inspiration for meaningful living? Click here to sign up for our ezine and receive periodic articles with helpful tips and inspiration.

Read past articles for effectively navigating your midlife career, philanthropy and lifestyle. Go to http://www.pathmakercoaching.com/resources/articles.html .

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete statement with it: Certified Life Coach and Philanthropy Consultant, Mary Radu, guides midlife individuals and couples to discover how to share their unique gifts and be positive change makers. Let Mary and Pathmaker Coaching help you design and execute your unique path, aligning your life with your passions and values. If you’re ready to get moving, get resources at http://www.pathmakercoaching.com/resources/index.html, or contact Mary mary@pathmakercoaching.com to discuss how you can get supported to make a bigger impact 707.824.8836. See Mary’s Positive Change Makers Blog at http://www.positivechangemakers.com