damaquilts

I agree with Jan's too. Especially #3.. I like being in smaller town/rural area. I am not one to live in an apartment building. I like to keep to myself for the most part.And I need a yard for my dog and so I can breathe. lol .
I do like having things close enough so I can get to them. Stores, food and fabric. An art museum at least
. VA beach isn't too bad to get around but way too many people. GOOD Public transport ,If I take the bus here it takes me almost 3 hrs to get to a doctors office 20 minutes away. Atlanta was the same when I lived in GA .

carolynjo

I have long believed that a local school could be the center for Area Agency on Aging, health care services, and any other service seniors need when they live in a small rural area.

Busy Quilter

Maybe not escort service, but an affordable reliable ride service for dr and hair or other business appts. Some cities do a good job but other are really in need.

Jan in VA

Damaquilts,
Come to the mountains in Bedford! Mom lives in a sweet HUD age-restricted community called Joseph's Dream on Joseph's Way in west Bedford.

Bedford has fewer resources that Lynchburg, as far as we can tell, but there is a "Bedford Rides" service. It's the county seat, so the best is here, but it's still small, rural, quaint - beeyootiful old homes!, nice restaurants, and an active Main Street. We have local theater and music performances that are lovely, a great library, a small sweet hospital, Walmart and 2 grocery stores (not counting WM).

There is a local quilting guild, but by far the better one is 25 miles away in Lynchburg and there are at least 5 Bedford residents who drive in for the twice a month meetings.

We'd love to have you amongst us!

Jan in VA

IdahoSandy

Seniors need something to keep them busy, besides bingo. I sew and work on quilts and small items for charity, so would like to see an area that has fabrics. Transportation to bank, stores for shopping, doctor offices and little scenic road trips in your area, any thing to get away from looking at the four wall all the time. Having a buddy to spend time with. Crafts, something simple but usable. Or lunches where food is served, especially KFC. If other seniors are like me, I do not like exercising. Been down to the community Center in my town and see very few seniors there.

Slow2Sew

Good security.

Iraxy

I agree with this. Many schools do not have volunteers and many seniors would like to be with children and help the teachers (even just cutting out things or making copies is helpful). This would also help children see some of the other stages of life (many children are scared of elderly people. Perhaps see some compassion and love going on? Also, many schools do not have medical services and this would put someone in there in case of emergency. Agree with the transportation issues and take out restaurants. Transportation not just to doctor but to a theatre or movie house or special event. Seniors don't just need to go to the doctor. We need some spice to our lives too!

quiltmau

when we move here from Australia I must admit I was spoiled.
in Australia I never lifted a heavy package, had close delivery for fresh food-not fast food-had great medical and safe neighbourhoods where people watched out for each other.
I now live in a small town in CT-my main concerns were fast, close medical, safe areas, and affordable living. We do not have home delivery of any foods, fast or otherwise-it is expensive compared to other areas of the US, medical is exceptional, the people are nice but very self contained and it is hard to find the help needed for home maintenance.
I love the area but find it hard to connect to people locally-When my husband retires we will most likely sell and go elsewhere-
So my requirements would be-
great medical locally
home delivery of well made food-not pizza or fast food. And not meals on wheels
friendly locals who welcome newcomers
lower tax rates for seniors
lower electric for seniors
Senior centre with interesting programs-not just a place to park elders
Security-police/fire
Senior assistance to make grocery runs, medical appointments, etc
These are important to me. Others may have other concerns.

Tartan

My mother is lucky to live in a rent controlled apartment that is part of a Senior's facility. She has a medical alert button, foot care clinic, craft room, prescription delivery and computer access. She doesn't use the computer area but I can see this being a busy place as baby boomers move in.
I love that help for her is only a button push away. I can be there with in 15 minutes but only if she can get to the phone. I watched a program that they are trying out in the US to keep Senior's in their homes longer. It is a computer screen on wheels kind of like the ones that doctor use in big city hospitals. It allows family members to talk and check up on their relatives.

sandybeach

I also live in a small town. The shopping is limited to WalMart or K-Mart (both small) and everything is outside (105+ degrees in the summer). No public transportation. Very questionable health care (we all drive 90 miles one way to see a decent doctor). Prices are very high, everything is in the "import" isle. No places to meet other older singles. Very limited restaurants. No outdoor recreation (remember the 105+ degree thing). No Social Security office, no AAA office. I will be moving out as soon as I can. I expect to retire Jan. 1, 2013. Even my two boys (30 & 32) are heading out of here as soon as they can.