As our average lifespans increase, so too does our need for extended care options beyond a nursing home or other similar institution. More and more individuals are wanting to “age in place”, to stay within their own home to age gracefully and retain autonomy as long as possible. To solve this problem, more than 60 “villages” are already in existence, and 100 more are in the planning stages. These villages are organized community/neighborhood networks that provide essentially anything their members need. For example, members can call for a ride to the doctor, get assistance filling out Medicare paperwork, and participate in recreational activities. These villages provide a great deal of support for a reasonable cost; for example individuals who belong to the Lincoln Park Village in Chicago pay an annual fee of $540 and scholarships are available to those in need.
For the full coverage of this story, please visit: http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/15/growing-older-in-an-urban-village/.
For more information about aging in place, please visit: http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/HCLTC/CIAIP/index.aspx.