Hello, mindful readers! In this issue:

• How to plan for aging in place

• Recipe of the Week: Fajitas!

• Hacks for those who hate working out

Plan now for the years ahead

I’m part of the growing number of boomers and Gen X’ers who want to stay in their homes as they age. I want to be surrounded by the familiar spaces I love, the sounds I know, and the memories my family created there. But after recently caring for an elderly parent who was determined to age in place without much planning, I realized that staying independent requires thoughtful preparation long before additional care becomes necessary. 

Lesson learned, so I’m taking steps now and sharing them with you.

Assess and plan

• Take a critical look at your current situation and try to anticipate your future needs. Do you need any assistance now? What might you need down the road?

• Research local home care services and their costs to help you budget and identify gaps in your support network.

• If you or your partner has a chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease, ask your healthcare provider how these might affect mobility and self-care over time. Knowing potential challenges allows you to prepare for them.

Create a safe living environment

Walk through your home like you’ve never seen it before – examine each room for potential hazards. I called a construction company I knew for a long-term plan that I can implement over time.

• Locate and repair loose handrails, inadequate lighting, and tripping hazards immediately.

• Consider installing grab bars in bathrooms, improving lighting in hallways and stairways, and decluttering to avoid falls.

• Some modifications can be costly, but don’t despair. Financial assistance programs are available through state housing agencies, community development organizations, and federal programs. 

• The Administration for Community Living can provide you with resources to help fund these improvements.

Build your support system

Aging at home successfully usually requires both informal and formal support.

• Family members, friends, and neighbors often provide the foundation of care, such as taking you to appointments, helping with errands, or simply offering companionship.

• Have open conversations with loved ones about what support you'll need and what they can realistically provide.

Beyond your personal network, there are a number of professional services that can supplement care:

Personal care aides assist with daily activities like bathing and dressing.

Home health workers provide medical support, including medication management and wound care.

Meal delivery services, transportation assistance, and housekeeping help are available in many communities. Your local Agency on Aging can help guide you to these resources.

Adult day care programs offer opportunities to socialize and participate in activities when regular caregivers are unavailable.

Medical alert systems offer peace of mind by quickly connecting you to help if you fall or need urgent assistance.

Financial considerations

• There are costs associated with home-based care; interestingly, this is usually less than residential facilities.

• You can combine several payment sources: personal savings, government programs like Medicare or Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, or private insurance.

• Long-term care insurance, purchased early, can significantly ease the financial burden.

The key to aging in place lies in honest self-assessment, early planning, and willingness to accept help. By taking these steps ahead of time, you increase your odds of maintaining independence and comfort in your own home for years to come. For more information, visit:

Aging in place | National Institute on Aging

Aging in Place: Resources to Living at Home 

The Future of Aging in Place — Is Moving?

Easy recipe of the week: Chicken fajitas

Chicken fajitas are one of my favorite weekday meals. And when I serve it to company, I’m always sharing the link to the recipe. These are fast, easy, and healthy, packed with nutrients and fiber. 

To save time, I often purchase pre-sliced veggies and ready-made guacamole. Other times, I make my own flour tortillas. Shrimp work well with this recipe, but use the spices as a dry rub so they blacken. I use my Blackstone grill, but any iron skillet will work just fine.

Hate working out?

You’re not alone! In case you missed it, Tapestry even devoted an entire newsletter on workout alternatives.

Fact: Three 10-minute walks a day is the same as walking for 30 minutes straight. And if you take these short walks right after eating, your metabolism will reward you. Take a look at our newsletter about walking. 

Another trick is to wear a weighted vest when you’re at home, turning even light housework into a healthy activity. These come in a variety of weights and there are many choices online, so you can start low and add to it when you’re ready.

We look forward to building this tapestry of experiences with you.