Kendal at Oberlin Blog

For many of us, the holidays bring out our best as we go the extra mile to make a special gift for a loved one, plan a dinner party for friends or donate money to our favorite charity.

But for con artists, holidays bring out the worst as they look for new and clever ways to prey on our generous spirits, especially those of older adults.

Like every chapter of their lives, Baby Boomers have redefined what it means to work and play, form relationships and find inner peace, and now grow old.

Even our language is undergoing a change as we talk about Boomers. For some Boomers, full retirement age is defined by Social Security as 65, for others 66 or 67. But many “retired” Boomers are or plan to continue working.

If you’re thinking about moving to a retirement community, condo or smaller home, you’ve probably read an article or two about downsizing and these 3 key points are not new:

1. Your children don’t want your stuff;
2. Your stuff isn’t worth what you think it is;
3. You have too much stuff.

I am a native Buckeye and have lived in Ohio almost my entire life. Yet, I still find new places to explore and old favorites worth a second or — in the case of Lake Erie — 100th visit.  

It was June 1970, New York City. I had just graduated from a Cincinnati high school and was riding in a taxicab with my friend Mary Gene, heading to Star Lake Camp for a summer job.

The radio was on:  

I like books and I like lists and I’m a baby boomer so I’ve got a bucket list, which is why this book got my attention: 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die by James Mustich.

We know the value of an annual physical. After reviewing blood and urine samples, taking our blood pressure, administering an EKG and other tests, our doctor can give us a good picture of our physical health.  

But what about our brain health?

There are currently estimated to be over 46 million people worldwide living with dementia, and by 2050 the number of people affected is set to rise to over 131 million.  

It’s no secret that Kendal at Oberlin is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It’s also no surprise, given the creative, talented and energetic men and women who call Kendal home, that the celebration is eclectic and extensive.  

More than 25 years ago, future residents of Kendal at Oberlin planted the seeds for how the retirement community would operate. The community would be based on Quaker values and practices, and residents would have a strong voice in all aspects of community life — social, cultural, intellectual and governance.