Eastman Living Online Magazine

By Rebecca Meyers

You enjoy a high quality of life in Eastman and very possibly you want this to be your home “forever.” But you may be wondering how realistic that is.

Notwithstanding Eastman’s youthful spirit, the numbers speak: communitywide surveys from 2010 and 2016 demonstrated that, while many working-age families call Eastman home, aging adults make up a growing segment of this community. Some came decades ago as second-home owners and, in time, opted to make Eastman their primary home. Others discovered Eastman later in life as a great place for retirement. Either way, as seasons turn, we all must evaluate where to live in light of our personal needs. Our hearts may wish to stay, but we may worry about practicalities such as rural character, limitations of our homes, and other factors.

“Aging in place” (AIP) means the ability to live in one’s home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or health status. For myriad reasons, baby boomers’ interest in this life choice has burgeoned compared with, for example, moving to dedicated senior living or continuing care communities.

Members of EastmanCARES, a subcommittee of Sustainable Eastman, perceived a growing trend in Eastman but did not know the extent of, or how best to support, the emerging needs of older residents. The committee invited all adults in the community to participate in a comprehensive needs assessment on aging in Eastman earlier this year. The survey was designed to measure the level of interest and needs among Eastman members and to gather ideas about how to make successful aging in place more feasible. The respondent pool, comprised of the 442 responses received, was 58% female and 42% male, and reflected an excellent age distribution. Eastman is the primary residence for two-thirds of the respondents.

Thinking It Through

Interest in aging in place in Eastman is strong. Those reporting a high and medium level of interest equals more than three-quarters of all respondents. A corroborating finding is that 52% of all respondents and 78% of those expressing high AIP interest expect to be fulltime Eastman residents in 10 years. The most popular reasons that respondents cite to stay in Eastman as they age are nearly universal and hard to argue with: enjoyment of the natural surroundings; access to excellent medical facilities, services and cultural offerings; a home and community they love; and Eastman’s programs and amenities, particularly the recreational activities.

ONLINE
To read the entire report, go to www.eastmannh.us Documents Center/ Committees/Sustainable Eastman/EastmanCARES

Constraints associated with aging in Eastman center around the rural setting and lack of transportation alternatives, and not enough elder-friendly homes and condos. Those with greatest interest in aging in Eastman tend to see fewer barriers than the balance of participants. Respondents with high AIP interest express greater confidence in their ability to live here independently than other respondents. Virtually all report feeling extremely or moderately safe in their Eastman homes.

Interest in Housing Alternatives

The suitability of the home itself can be a key consideration. Nearly half the survey takers are considering staying in their current home as they age, with modifications as needed. Downsizing is also anticipated, but not a prevailing scenario. The potential for new housing alternatives, especially cluster homes, garners a striking amount of interest. Cluster homes are typically smallish, single-family homes architecturally designed for aging adults and equipped with accessibility and safety features, and built to be energy-efficient. Homes are grouped closely together with a common-use building and grounds.

The survey also tested for interest in co-housing, i.e., a single home divided into two or more independent, private living spaces with a common area consisting of a shared kitchen, dining and living room. A little more than a third of respondents show interest in that concept. The most frequent timetable for needing either alternative is 11 or more years off. Since EastmanCARES concluded that enough demand exists to merit further study, a housing work group has begun digging into the details.

Interest in Transportation Alternatives

While almost all respondents still drive their own cars, they welcome alternatives as they envision their future lives in Eastman. Almost 80% of respondents view the prospect of van rides offered by ECA or another provider for a fee, within or outside of Eastman, positively. Interest in bus service is similar. Despite this emphasis, use of the currently available transportation services is almost zero, suggesting the need for alternatives is not immediate for most respondents. A transportation work group is reexamining how the existing volunteer driver service operates, the possibilities for van service, as well as other ideas. Per the group’s previous efforts, Uber and Lyft service has recently become available for Eastman residents.

Companionship and Socialization

Eastman is known and valued for its social opportunities. Still, the survey found that one in three respondents, whether living alone or with a spouse or partner, desire more companionship and socialization in their lives. EastmanCARES is exploring various ways to reduce the sense of loneliness and isolation that some older residents are experiencing at this stage of their lives.

 

Key Take-Aways

Many owners expect to continue living in Eastman as they age, commanding attention and planning. Needs will likely rise in the next decade, requiring creative interventions. While most continue to be healthy and self-sufficient, some feel vulnerable now for various reasons. The existing services, programs and resources available to aging residents are not being used to full advantage, and some may need to be rethought and/or marketed differently. The intergenerational character and ethos of Eastman has the potential to be a principal asset for successful aging in place. To get involved, contact EastmanCARES@eastmannh.org, or call the ECA Office (603) 863-4240.

Other Findings

The survey found that, across the community as a whole, needs relating to health and wellbeing, disabilities, daily living activities, and caregiving are not dramatic. For example, more than 90% of respondents report their health is either excellent or very good. However, respondents anticipate they will need more help with home upkeep, errands, and the like in coming years. The survey uncovered subtle dynamics surrounding AIP decision-making. Aging in place in Eastman is not the chosen path for some, regardless of health status, type of residence, social life, or other influences. Clearly, while surveys look for trends, at the root of this discussion are complex personal circumstances which are rarely, if ever static.

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Rebecca Meyers, an Eastman owner since 2015, played a key role in the project and was the lead author of the report. She is North Cove Special Place Chair.

Filed under: Column.