My latest work-in-progress finally with the editor, I have time for reflection. . .

The phrase, aging in place, tickles my brain of late. A relevant notion, given my husband and I are sailing our seventies. So much depends on one’s health—indeed, the greater wealth.

Last night we watched a film I suspect earned AARP’s Movies for Grown-ups, “Just Getting Started,” Comedy/Action, it declared. I welcomed this silly, if entertaining, distraction from the news cycle. In viewing the setting’s retirement villa and its overblown excesses in providing a cruise-like atmosphere for the residents (granted, over-dramatized), I contrasted this with what we are mulling—a bunk-house of sorts for visiting family and friends (our home being “cozy”). So, I have been perusing floor plans—the plan being, Jeff and I could one day decamp to the “bunk house,” “casita,” or whatever we decide to call it, and still be embraced by soothing views of sentinel ponderosas, orchard, gardens, fields, and the inspiring rock face of Lovers Leap to the southeast.

One “must-needs” outfit a home in which to age “in place”—rather than elsewhere. While ever working to declutter our present abode (if in spurts), we install grab bars, remove slippery rugs, improve lighting, to name a few tasks. Our purpose here is two-fold; we also require more space for company. Our present home might then accommodate family and guests. A well-loved poem to accompany this venture by my spirit:

The Guest House
 by Jalaluddin Rumi
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
Who violently sweep your house
Empty of its furniture,
Still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out 
For some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
Meet them at the door laughing,
And invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes,
Because each has been sent
As a guide from beyond.

Translated by Coleman Barks, with Jon Moynce, A.J. Arberry

I close with a list—a few needful things to consider if you also contemplate remaining in familiar surroundings one day:

• Wide doorways
• Step-in shower with seat; grab bars
• Single level
• Good lighting
• No-step entry
• Lever handles on doors and on faucets
• Non-slip flooring
• Chair-height toilet
• Open floor plan
• Smoke detector
• Grace