I'm inching my way into "old age" when it comes to how I get around my city. I downsized from a 3 story town house to a small 1955 single level ranch. This is the 3rd home i've had in the last 10 years in Portland. But all of them have something in common that makes my life great for aging. I choose neighborhoods that reflect a village. I can walk or bike or bus to all the essentials. I always have a list of 5 or so items/places I need within close proximity (1/2 mile to 1 mile) when I buy a house. So yes, I have a car but most of my errands I walk or bike to. Farther away and I take the bus that is only 2 blocks away. Or maybe I even use my car 😁
FYI: my essentials are grocery store, pharmacy, coffee shop, casual bar (dive bar?), nicer restaurants.
At 72 my list of projects I can't do or don't want to do is increasing. I was on my roof cleaning my patio cover the day before I turned 72. That is probably the last time for that! As a women raised in the 50's and 60's I always felt compelled to be self reliant or at least try to do things once! Such as change the oil in my car and put on snow tires but once was enough! Hate house work so it is sorely neglected. But love being outside so I landscape and garden. But need a Task Rabbit person to dig some post holes so I can build my next fence. If I can do it (wire a light, paint, assemble IKEA furniture) I usually do to save money for more fun stuff!
Relocation was the theme of my childhood - moving every 1.5 - 3 years. Less frequently as I "moved" into adulthood but still, I moved more than most. I don't have a home town or state per se. But when I chose to retire at 62 I knew I was headed to Portland Oregon...my personal home of choice. I have lived here for 10 years as of my birthday in May and I'm living in my THIRD house! Moving is in my blood😁. But this last time was specifically for being "old" - 935 sq ft single level ranch! And now I know I would be very reluctant to move again because I am only a 3 mile bike ride away from my only grandchild and I love my neighborhood. I was part of his bubble from his birth through Covid. Portland is not inexpensive and housing is not cheap but I continue to make things work financially because Portland meets my personal choice and style. My youngest asked if I would give her child the same attention as the Wonder Child I am hard pressed to figure out how to do that since she is in Charlotte NC. But maybe I will relocate a few months each year to be close to any new child that may happen! Retirement has confirmed that family (even my very small one) is more important than the bottom line in my life.
Both my parents died with dementia. I was actively involved with my dad's life and finances until he died at age 90. As an older single mother I want to minimize as many "caretaking" issues as possible for my 2 daughters, especially after watching my mom's decline and helping my dad. That is what guides me as I make my decisions nowadays, whether financial, record keeping, or buying a house that is single level. As a former librarian I believe the research about our decline in our decision making ability as we age. So in my world sooner is better than later. I want to be in control of how my life plays out but that doesn't mean I have to do it alone! I have always been the financial one in my marriage and assisting my daughters but after both my ex-husband and dad died within a month of each other and we all inherited money it was time to retire from playing financial advisor. I realized as I advised my girls on selecting an advisor that I was ready for one too! So at age 69 I hired someone and have been relieved and happy with that decision. It gives me another adult to bounce a variety of life decisions off of, which is as powerful as the actual portfolio management advice she provides.
I enjoying reading the "math" everyone does but don't want to do it! I retired at 62 and took one of my defined benefit pensions 3 years early after doing the "math" and realizing waiting 3 years wouldn't be significant! After that I just knew I wanted to wait until 70 because I'm single and we seem to live a long time in my family. I managed to do that (now 71) and seems to be worth it to me. Getting to 70 was a bit of a stretch at times. I tapped my taxable IRA to supplement my income, claimed 50% of my ex-husband's SS at my FRA, had to buy my own healthcare (ouch!), I worked a part time job for about a year and half, and lastly my ex-husband died young and I received survivor benefits at 67. So many ways to skin the cat and not everything is within our control. Make your best guess and move on!
I'm with you and have shared this desire with my 2 adult children. Both my parents died with dementia and I managed my dad's care. I want to be better prepared (is that even possible??) than they were
Comments
I'm inching my way into "old age" when it comes to how I get around my city. I downsized from a 3 story town house to a small 1955 single level ranch. This is the 3rd home i've had in the last 10 years in Portland. But all of them have something in common that makes my life great for aging. I choose neighborhoods that reflect a village. I can walk or bike or bus to all the essentials. I always have a list of 5 or so items/places I need within close proximity (1/2 mile to 1 mile) when I buy a house. So yes, I have a car but most of my errands I walk or bike to. Farther away and I take the bus that is only 2 blocks away. Or maybe I even use my car 😁 FYI: my essentials are grocery store, pharmacy, coffee shop, casual bar (dive bar?), nicer restaurants.
Post: When My Car Broke Down, Our One-Car Plan Passed the Test
Link to comment from September 3, 2025
At 72 my list of projects I can't do or don't want to do is increasing. I was on my roof cleaning my patio cover the day before I turned 72. That is probably the last time for that! As a women raised in the 50's and 60's I always felt compelled to be self reliant or at least try to do things once! Such as change the oil in my car and put on snow tires but once was enough! Hate house work so it is sorely neglected. But love being outside so I landscape and garden. But need a Task Rabbit person to dig some post holes so I can build my next fence. If I can do it (wire a light, paint, assemble IKEA furniture) I usually do to save money for more fun stuff!
Post: DIY
Link to comment from July 18, 2025
Credit card vs debit question. Do you pay for common things like groceries or coffee with debit or credit?
Post: Quinn had his credit score lowered. I view credit cards as a necessary evil
Link to comment from July 15, 2025
Thx for sharing!
Post: When relocation in retirement is not an option, not what you really want. By Dick Quinn
Link to comment from June 10, 2025
Relocation was the theme of my childhood - moving every 1.5 - 3 years. Less frequently as I "moved" into adulthood but still, I moved more than most. I don't have a home town or state per se. But when I chose to retire at 62 I knew I was headed to Portland Oregon...my personal home of choice. I have lived here for 10 years as of my birthday in May and I'm living in my THIRD house! Moving is in my blood😁. But this last time was specifically for being "old" - 935 sq ft single level ranch! And now I know I would be very reluctant to move again because I am only a 3 mile bike ride away from my only grandchild and I love my neighborhood. I was part of his bubble from his birth through Covid. Portland is not inexpensive and housing is not cheap but I continue to make things work financially because Portland meets my personal choice and style. My youngest asked if I would give her child the same attention as the Wonder Child I am hard pressed to figure out how to do that since she is in Charlotte NC. But maybe I will relocate a few months each year to be close to any new child that may happen! Retirement has confirmed that family (even my very small one) is more important than the bottom line in my life.
Post: When relocation in retirement is not an option, not what you really want. By Dick Quinn
Link to comment from June 9, 2025
Both my parents died with dementia. I was actively involved with my dad's life and finances until he died at age 90. As an older single mother I want to minimize as many "caretaking" issues as possible for my 2 daughters, especially after watching my mom's decline and helping my dad. That is what guides me as I make my decisions nowadays, whether financial, record keeping, or buying a house that is single level. As a former librarian I believe the research about our decline in our decision making ability as we age. So in my world sooner is better than later. I want to be in control of how my life plays out but that doesn't mean I have to do it alone! I have always been the financial one in my marriage and assisting my daughters but after both my ex-husband and dad died within a month of each other and we all inherited money it was time to retire from playing financial advisor. I realized as I advised my girls on selecting an advisor that I was ready for one too! So at age 69 I hired someone and have been relieved and happy with that decision. It gives me another adult to bounce a variety of life decisions off of, which is as powerful as the actual portfolio management advice she provides.
Post: When should one give up control over finances?
Link to comment from December 12, 2024
Same here! BUT neither have I gotten Covid so maybe we have some super gene protecting us!
Post: Jabs Anyone?
Link to comment from September 22, 2024
I enjoying reading the "math" everyone does but don't want to do it! I retired at 62 and took one of my defined benefit pensions 3 years early after doing the "math" and realizing waiting 3 years wouldn't be significant! After that I just knew I wanted to wait until 70 because I'm single and we seem to live a long time in my family. I managed to do that (now 71) and seems to be worth it to me. Getting to 70 was a bit of a stretch at times. I tapped my taxable IRA to supplement my income, claimed 50% of my ex-husband's SS at my FRA, had to buy my own healthcare (ouch!), I worked a part time job for about a year and half, and lastly my ex-husband died young and I received survivor benefits at 67. So many ways to skin the cat and not everything is within our control. Make your best guess and move on!
Post: Quinn asks himself, Is delaying Social Security to age 70 the right decision?
Link to comment from September 22, 2024
I'm with you and have shared this desire with my 2 adult children. Both my parents died with dementia and I managed my dad's care. I want to be better prepared (is that even possible??) than they were
Post: Preparing for the Unthinkable
Link to comment from August 15, 2024