What to try next 
fledgling
17 y
2,162
The question, as I see it, is this...
If we can't provide for our seniors, or if we don't like the care provided by the public 'systems', what is it going to be like for US, when it comes our turn?
And, what can we do about it now...while we are still active?
One thing for sure, governments are on the side of ANYONE who can reduce the costs of senior care to governments!
So, if we prefer holistic or 'alternative' or 'self' care and responsibility, and we can come up with economical ways to promote it, governments will be only too glad to help...as long as we don't rattle the 'medical' chains too loudly.
That's the beauty of people taking responsibility for their own well-being...they bring fewer 'problems' with them!
In last night's post, which I lost, I explored enough possibilities to excite myself into believing that this may be the avenue by which we can change the whole of society.
We might even solve the homelessness question, and maybe even reduce the costs of basic good health, for everyone.
We would do it by envisioning what we want for ourselves, and making sure it exists, as soon as possible.
I want...
...A tiny, cosy straw-bale cottage,
...Organic, home-grown food and clean water,
...Community activity centers where we can create, and share in the community at large, as long as we want to, usefulness, and,
...Discussion, reading, visitors, and a voice...freedom.
...Additionally, I want as much assistance as I truly need...recognizing that I also need to exercise myself.
Writing this list, I immediately see ways to implement these things, and simple things we could do to streamline the operation.
One thing, at random, clothing...we could have a simple garment that anyone may wear, in season, and add to it individually. This would simplify the chore of laundry.
Another, community eating would simplify that chore, as long as there were excellent, whole-food chefs and no 'portion-control'...and as long as residents had already established good food consumption patterns, BEFORE they came.
One more, if residents came healthier, there would be fewer services required to keep them clean and well. A huge saving. They would also be able to participate longer in maintaining the facility. Another huge saving.
We have to reduce the services 'bought' to serve seniors. The best way to do this, to my mind, is for the seniors themselves to serve themselves, in health, vigor, and interest.
It is the good sense seniors can BRING to a facility that will guarantee its success.
The place I will start is an office in my town where they administer government funds designated for seniors interested in projects that will assist seniors.
How about a 'sprouters' guild, where we make the meal of sprouted grains and seeds needed to revolutionize the bakery industry?
How about locating 'heritage' properties, never polluted, and suitable for community gardens?
How about 'show homes' of the most basic, and inexpensive, straw-bale construction? Get an interested architect to design them, maybe oversee the building. Then he or she could sell the plans, plus oversee the buildings, for income. It isn't just the big projects that can make an architect's fortune.
How about a brisk business in 'garage sale' items? Where 'dealers' specialize in the best available of certain goods and recycle them...NOT a general second-hand store. One item - leftover yarns, which can be turned into amazing art through 'scrumbling', freeform knitting and crochet...easily done, even by groups. No one can make a mistake.
I buy leftover yarns for as much as $10 an armful, sometimes $2, sort it into a rainbow, package it, and resell for $.25 per ounce. There is an ocean of leftover yarn out there. (Plus, sellers always keep the yarns they love; and yarnworkers always want new yarns from retailers. Everyone wins.)
Ask me, if you wish.
An additional benefit...
...Youngsters who do handwork develop brighter brain power. Manual (hand) dexterity is directly linked to good mental health.
I can't think of any skill or interest a senior might have that wouldn't contribute to community well-being...as long as there were room to showcase it.
Collecting yarns, I have learned that the most important part of the operation is space. It just doesn't make sense that each individual should have to find or buy the space in which to store and share their specialty.
It would be far better to have community-owned and maintained space. And, in a town, many places. For example, I couldn't handle all the leftover yarns in a few square blocks, let alone the whole town!
Many doing the same as I do, is mandatory...and many places means that most could walk to the nearest.
Anyone else want to contribute ideas?
Fledgling
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- Re: What to try next fledgling
17 y
1,970
This is a reply to # 809,771I've noticed that people nearly always take anything you say, personally, imagining themselves in the circumstances you suggest.
So, as my brother and his wife were getting ready to leave after their visit today, I tossed out that I am interested in changing 'the system' to be more useful to most people.
Right away quick, my sister-in-law spoke three points...
...'I like the retirement homes they have today, but they are too expensive,'
...'My mom and dad are going to need care, soon,'
...'Well, if our investments pay off, we'll be able to afford a retirement home for ourselves.'
(I hadn't said what I want. I only mentioned that there is government funding available for seniors' projects to help seniors. My brother made a little snorting sound. He hasn't much faith in government systems.)
Then I ran one more idea up the pole...that those arrangements may be quite temporary.
'Yes,' they agreed...then said their goodbyes.
So, there it is...it's a race. Have enough money to pay what is asked for a bit of a nice home, while you can appreciate it.
But, then what?
If you have alienated your family members by your demands, and if you, and your family, can't possibly afford escalating medical costs, thereafter, you have to become a ward of 'the system'...for as long as you last.
Or, you can stay put in your familiar home, until something gives...
Except...except if you already keep yourself well and fit.
Then you have several options...
...If you have enough money, you can choose a retirement home, for a long period of time, as long as you get the lifestyle that you need,
...You can stay in your familiar home, longer, or,
...You can join in a community of healthier people contributing to group living. Cash might not be as important as ability.
I am going to see if such a community can be built, here...soon.
It's worth a try.
Fledgling
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- Re: What to try next ren
17 y
1,860
This is a reply to # 810,434Go for it. Go for the group community committed to health. I work in a nursing home and you go there to die pretty much. It's not that they're bad people, the medical staff that is, the prority is treating disease not healing. I can't say enough about the food quality! ACK!
- Re: What to try next fledgling
17 y
1,933
This is a reply to # 810,438Thanks, Ren!
I've...uh...heard a few things, myself. Once when I was visiting my mom in a small town hospital. She had a kidney problem when she was visiting me; then went back home, and recovered.
While I was visiting her, I overheard a nurse speaking loudly to an elderly patient in long-term care.
At the time, I couldn't think of an alternative. How could that poor woman be treated differently?
I have dreaded the idea of becoming that feeble...unable to choose my own way.
It's not until recently, and realizing that the government care systems really want to support those who keep themselves well and create ways to help other seniors, that I suddenly saw an alternative...that well seniors share.
I haven't written it here yet, but I have been thinking that a series of questionaires, for people who help themselves, could form a body of information that would not only assist government (or a seniors' care department), but begin a standard for individuals having to find the best protocols for themselves.
The public seniors care system we have leaves too much responsibility and burden on the few who take it on as a job of work, don't you think?
It's a no-win situation, as I see it. It MUST change. Better, I think, to replace it with a system that will work better.
You, yourself, are working toward your own well-being. No doubt you see a different scenario for your latter days.
That's the resource we are building...that we can share to good effect.
We must try.
F.
- Re: What to try next fledgling
17 y
1,933
- Re: What to try next yelrah
17 y
2,019
This is a reply to # 810,434I like your ideas. I'm getting there, I'm 66 live in a 2600 sq. ft. house by my self. I really like living alone, but your small straw house sounded wonderful. It semms hard for older people to get together. We are very independent.
I remember watching a program about retired people on public t.v. several years ago. These people lived in campers traveled a bit put on flea markets to make money, and were quite a nice commune. In the winter time they would meet in Arizona. It seemed like there were thousands. At night they would all check in with there c.b. radios to let each other know they were all right. They paid no taxes.
I'm not into traveling, but would like to go way down from where I'm am now. While I have the energy. I can't imagine keeping all of this going 10 years from now. I'm rather active, I ride a Harley, I have very athletic dogs, that challenge me. I exercise and seek health. I cannot imagine being in a rest home. Not sure what the future is.- Re: What to try next fledgling
17 y
2,051
This is a reply to # 810,460Our name is legion, Yelrah...or may I call you Harley?
My husband asked why I hadn't mentioned what a straw-bale house is. It is made of bales of straw, of a particular dryness, and tied well to form a certain firmness.
To allay fears of fire - it has been found that flames won't burn deeper than one and a half inches before they run out of oxygen. I've heard that rice straw won't burn...I think it is because of the high level of silica (stone) in that type of straw.
Also, once the bales are piled like large bricks, and tied in place by various means, they are thoroughly parged (covered) with concrete.
Small straw-bale houses built for poor people in Central America cost $900 each. I don't know how many facilities were included, but I think $900 is a mighty fine number to start from!
We would have to convince those who establish the building codes, I know. That's why we'd need the services of at least one architect. Straw-bale builders have had to work on skeptical architects. Now I see million-dollar straw-bale houses, and one community where all civic buildings are being rebuilt of straw and beams.
These are very secure, comfortable, and attractive homes...and could be built in rows, with two residences sharing each dividing wall. Noise doesn't transfer.
It will likely take years to start even one small community, still, it would be a nice option to have, for those who take good care of themselves.
The part I like best is that there is a huge incentive for everyone who could help create this. We are all headed in this direction!
Thanks for your input!
Hubby and I drove past Quarzite, AR. It was a sight to see! All kinds of interesting things going on in this world, aren't there?
My best,
Fledgling- Re: What to try next yelrah
17 y
1,985
This is a reply to # 810,504Actually my name isn't Harley. I use that name on the Harley forums I belong to. When asked what it means, I tell them if you yell it into a mirror it sounds like a Harley, and if you write it backwards it looks like a Harley.
Yes I love the straw-bale houses. I googled it after you wrote about them. I wouldn't have any problem at all living in a one room one. Of course I would have to have a sizable garage for all my other junk. I would really like to sell this and move to a growing climate, and go way smaller. I bought this as a investment 14 years ago. It is hard to give up, because my payment is only $257.00 per month.
Amyway I like reading the things you write.
Peace and Light, Fred:- Re: What to try next fledgling
17 y
1,913
This is a reply to # 810,534Hi, Fred,
After 'garage-saling' as a hobby, I am amazed at how many people are 'down-sizing'...where being without 'clutter' (stuff they no longer want) is more important than getting a higher price for it. The real savings are in no longer providing it house-room.
Here we run smack into two problems...
...Sentimental, or hopefulness, value, and,
...The energy to organize and sort it all...box it up...lift and carry, etc.
One more consideration is the toting of things to experts, repairers, and so on, so that we don't lose dollars on unrecognized treasures.
What a lot of work!
We went through years of constant 'estate sale'. (There were at least four households worth of belongings in my husband's home when I arrived. I am #3 wife, as he was widowed twice.)
While we were going through all of this, I designed a 'business' of helping people down-size; 'idea-person' that I am.
I envisioned a team of bonded young/strong people who would sit the home-owner down and proceed to go through one cupboard or drawer at a time...sorting all belongings into all the possible categories, and then taking each pile and actually DOING what is needed with it.
The proceeds of sales (or the actual unwanted items, themselves) could go toward paying the team for their time.
Some system like this is sorely needed, throughout every community.
Not all people are good sorters, nor does everyone easily 'see' the possibilities of recycling, refurbishing, etc.
However, every one of us has areas of expertise, where we MUST have the materials and space, every day, to work to the degree our interests and energies allow.
Your Yelrahs are important to you. You should/must have them in your life every day! More than that, you don't know if tomorrow a stubbed toe or a broken machine will necessitate working on them indoors for a time; or if your new neighbors have such an interest in them that you'll want to start a club; or teach.
The possibilities you prefer should be available to you. A shared homespace could offer that...as long as your neighbors are well, interested and interesting human beings.
So, that's why I suggested to my brother and his wife that we all decide what WE want, and set about making that life possible, and economical.
I know governments will applaud everyone's efforts! And we end up enjoying our own choices much longer.
A friend took his VW van to a fishing camp on Vancouver Island. He and his wife took their designated spot in the dark, not noticing much what was parked beside them.
Early the next morning our pal was up and about, and met one of his neighbors...the proud owner of a huge motorhome with all the bells and whistles.
Since our friend was a salesman of new and used cars, he very much enjoyed talking to this neighbor about his magnificent machine.
After a while, the neighbor said that it was time to go into town for supplies...and he unzipped the canvas tent lean-to, and drove out his Mercedes (BMW?)! (It could just as easily have been a Harley!)
Dh has spent something like 57 years taking all factions of his immediate family, including in-laws, towing, trailering, motor-homing, salmon-fishing, oystering, and sight-seeing, over hundreds/thousands of road miles.
In the process he has created several monsters, including myself. Not content with trolling for salmon, and reading up on surf-casting, I love to bottom-fish.
Now that we no longer have Suburbans, motor-homes, and boats, we long to get back at it, and we will, by hook or by crook.
I still have my Peetz rod and knucklebuster reel.
And we metal-detect...and then there are the ultra-lights that sparkle in my husband's eyes.
These are the interests that keep us young. We all MUST have something of these interests in our lives every day, forever.
There is always a way.
Thanks for the opportunity to mention them.
Fledgling- Re: What to try next yelrah
17 y
2,116
This is a reply to # 810,841Well you have got me thinking, instead of just waiting to see what is going to happen. I guess I kind of thought that now that I was retired I really didn't have to plan for the future anymore. Something has been nagging in the back of my mind, like how am I going to do what I am doing 10 years from now.
Your musings brought back good memories. I lived in Seattle for 30 years, did the fishing, oyster picking on Hoods Canal. I had a 22 ft. Santana sail boat for many years, and have been all over Puget Sound in it. Also did lots of sky diving in my 20s with the old round crash and burn parachutes. I love adrenalin rushes, hence the Harley.
Thanks asgain.
- Re: What to try next yelrah
17 y
2,116
- Re: What to try next fledgling
17 y
1,913
- Re: What to try next yelrah
17 y
1,985
- Re: What to try next fledgling
17 y
2,004
This is a reply to # 810,460Fred,
I have strict instructions to ask you...
...Have you seen the Dodge Tomahawk motor cycle?
Dh says to Google this.
He says that the statistics on this will boggle your mind.
This from a man who drove an Indian before WW II, and a Norton during.
Enjoy!- Re: What to try next yelrah
17 y
2,031
This is a reply to # 811,328Yes with the viper v-12 engine. Geared high enough they think it will do 300 mph.
- Re: What to try next yelrah
17 y
2,031
- Re: What to try next fledgling
17 y
2,051
- Re: What to try next ren
17 y
1,860
- What to try next - SUMMARY of the in... fledgling
17 y
1,992
This is a reply to # 809,771There is a huge need for a better, more effective lifestyle for seniors (everyone).
This discussion is the germ of an idea where seniors who have found health can help each other to do MORE with much LESS in material costs.
Today's tendency to pile seniors in vertical 'warehouses' concentrates the NEEDS for services without the SPACE to fulfill them.
Folks who have spent lifetimes learning what is better are effectively cut off from the very land, nature, and working/community space essential to sustain them.
It is the theme of this idea that seniors (all people?) need much less in living or 'home' space, IF they have access to land and community services/work areas.
It is also the theme of this idea that better homes and other buildings can be provided at a fraction of the cost of today's accepted expense.
A third theme is that the enhanced productivity of healthy seniors will create more dollar value than it will cost to 'keep' them.
Most of all, it is foreseen that the community suggested here will provide a blueprint, a standard, for developing all communities of the future...the wisest use of all the lifetime learning of all seniors, in concert.
I can't think of a happier, healthier world.
My best,
Fledgling
- Re: What to try next fledgling
17 y
1,970
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