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I took care of my wife from 2012 till November of 2023 when I had to put her into memory care. I miss her so much. I still teach alpine skiing and Telemark skiing, work out at Leverage Fitness, go for a bike rides. I switched to gravel biking so I can go most anywhere. I have a beautiful house with everything I might need on one floor. I also still have rentals in Las Vegas. I live in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. My neighbors are planning to move to a retirement community and are encouraging me to do the same. But I feel just fine here, except for the yard work. Any ideas would help,

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I live in a large retirement community. Based on your interests and hobbies, I think you would love it here or someplace similar. We have special interest clubs, all kinds of social clubs, learning groups, cycling, antique auto, sports, languages and singles groups. Many gyms and pools and 4 golf courses onsite. Travel groups so you don't have to go alone - anywhere in the world. A library of our own. Theater groups and performances by dance groups. Many dances, live music, instrument groups, karaoke. You never have to be lonely unless you want to be; we're a town in itself. The HOA takes care of yard work.

Also, considering your loss, starting out in a new place has its benefits. You wouldn't be constantly reminded by the things around you that she's no longer here; instead you'd have new surroundings where you make new memories. You'll meet new friends who are in the same situation you are.

My condolences on the loss of your wife. Sometimes the best way to deal with grief is to make a big change. I wish you well!
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Hire someone for the yardwork.

Since you lost your wife about a year ago I would not make any fast decisions.

Visit your neighbors at their new place. Check out some other places.
Enjoy where you are at for now.

Consider an apple watch or similar. The apple watch will call 911 if you fall when alone.

Enjoy your rides. Let us know how your birthday ride goes.
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What happens if you fall and break something? Or if you need some sort of surgery with an extensive rehab required? Do you have resources and community that will help care for you? Are you able to afford Home Health Care workers?
Is All your paperwork in order? Do you have a will? Do you have a health care POA? A regular POA? A POLST

I'm 82 and love my independent living community where I have lived for 5 years. What is it that you want to do as you age?
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Seems you are active and have your ducks in a row. You do need to do what is best for you but you are alone. You may want to look into some of these Senior Communities. The Independent living maybe a good fit. You would have your own apt. Go down for meals and have people to talk to. There are activities and outtings. Probably places to ride your bike and I am sure a gym on site.

These Communities take you from Independent living, to Assisted Living to Longterm care. IMO, since you have no family this maybe a good choice. You would be secure in knowing that you will always be cared for.
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We had no kids, she has a sister with one kid, we are not close, although I tried that, they are nice but don’t treat me like close family. They are in Grand Haven Michigan, I’m in Cottonwood Heights Utah. I have my legal paperwork done, did that when Sharon was alive, I’m going to change my will just a little. I do have some close friends, but they are busy with their families. So I am pretty much alone, so I workout 3 times a week at least, Yesterday took my first ride on my bicycle for 12.59 miles, need to do that more. Setting a goal to ride my age on my birthday in July.
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Just make sure you have all your legal ducks in a row, like having a PoA, a Advance Healthcare Directive, Will, etc. You don't sound ready at all to downsize your life or activities but the mistake many people make is that they don't execute their downsize plan until they are in crisis. Maybe think about what you think should trigger your plan. You may be very fit, but be sure to have your free Medicare annual wellness physical and do let them give you the cognitive/memory test. You need a baseline for you or your doctor to measure against any changes. Your wife had you. Who do you have? Do you have adult children? Grandkids? If so, maybe think about moving closer to them. There's more than one answer but you do need to have a plan.
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AlvaDeer May 3, 2025
I agree with all of this exactly.
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Hire someone to do the yard work.

Good luck to you.
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