Changes in the AIP Group

Bob Dylan told us that “the times they are a-changing.” 
And, so, too, is our Aging in Place Group. 

Although there will no longer be formal, regular meetings, the AIP ListServ will continue as an avenue for residents to pose questions, share ideas, and coordinate get-togethers on topics of interest. And the Lotsa Helping Hands app will be available for neighbors to reach out when help is needed: managing after an illness, requesting a ride or grocery or pharmacy pickup, or any other small favors.  

Started in 2019, the AIP Group formed as a discussion group that met periodically with just a few participants and grew to over 50 residents who met monthly. Sometimes there were outside speakers, sometimes residents offered their expertise, and other times residents simply met to chat about aging in place. Much ground was covered, and many practical tips were shared!

In recent months, however, participation in the monthly meetings has dwindled. Perhaps it is due to the prior informative sessions where thoughts, ideas, referrals, and suggestions were shared! And, to the changing demographics of The Esplanade. Some long-term residents have chosen to move/are planning to move to Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) such as Brookhaven and Lasell Village, and aging in place is not on the minds of many of our newer residents.

The weekly Men’s Conversation group and the monthly Ladies’ Tea, the Esplanade Community University (ECU) classes, and the ECG Potlucks all provide excellent opportunities for lively discussions, including those related to aging in place.

Many thanks to Pam McLemore for her leadership and devoted work for AIP over the past several years, to Mary Day for her help in setting up the Lotsa Helping Hands app, and to all those who participated in the many, many meaningful conversations. 

Please continue to use the AIP Listserv and Lotsa Helping Hands, join the men’s and ladies’ groups, participate in ECU classes, come to the ECG Potlucks, and watch for events sponsored by the ECG Social Committee!

Whether you are aging in place or engaging in place, there are so many ways to connect with each other in our caring community here at The Esplanade!