A woman living in eastern York County recently stopped driving and can’t visit her only daughter and grandchildren as often as she would like. They live in the Hanover area and the woman no longer feels comfortable driving that distance. Because her daughter’s hectic schedule does not accommodate driving back and forth to pick her up, the woman is missing out on her family’s activities and daily life together. Her change in driving status also impacts her participation in church and social activities.
This woman loves her home and doesn’t want to move, but now that she no longer drives, the location has become a barrier.
Adults typically outlive their ability to drive safely by 8-10 years.
Your location and access shape your community. They affect visits to the people or places you need and want most. That’s why it’s important to keep these three tips in mind about the address you call home:
1. Take inventory of the people and places that matter.
Write down the locations you frequent for appointments, shopping, errands, and activities, as well as the addresses of family and friends you most like to visit. How many are within walking distance of your home? If transportation is required to reach them, are there options other than driving yourself? Is it easy to access those other options? Are there other doctor offices, stores, or parks closer to your home that you are okay switching to?
Only you know when access to the people and places most important to you outweigh staying in the home you love.
Build your community: Staying engaged to a community is associated with overall health, and will improve the quality of your life as you age.
2. Prioritize safety.
Do you feel comfortable where your home is located? Is the area quiet or loud? Is the street well-lit and public sidewalks maintained? Are there people you can reach out to in a time of need? How long would it typically take a first responder, like a firefighter or EMT, to reach your home? Do you have access to reliable broadband Internet?
These are all questions to ask yourself as you consider where to live. You deserve to have a peaceful and safe community to call home.
3. Find the right residential fit.
Feeling welcomed, understood, and valued for who you are and what you offer your residential community creates positive aging experiences. What opportunities does your current or future community provide for people of all ages and differences? Does the municipal leadership reach out to its residents for feedback or to address community concerns?
Affordability, taxes, employment opportunities, real estate values, politics, climate, and access to public transit all factor into determining the best location for you.
Remember, it is always fun to browse options to help you stay engaged. Make certain to click on the Explore Other Home Options button in the Home & Place and visit the Transportation section.
TroveStreet is Here to Help
If you haven’t already, create an online profile with TroveStreet where you can jot down things you want to keep handy based on what you read or save this article for easy access. TroveStreet offers a Quick-Start Planning Tool with four questions to facilitate your planning. If you have questions or want to connect with a Planning Navigator, call TroveStreet at 717-363-1129.
