As Americans live longer and families navigate rising healthcare and housing costs, the question of where to grow old has become not just a personal choice, but a defining issue for an aging society. Marin County, where more than 22% of the population is over 65, is one of the oldest suburban areas in the state (11th out of 58 counties). This means many Marin citizens are now facing a decision: Will they stay in their homes — often homes they bought decades ago, as Marin has an especially high rate of ownership — or move into a retirement community?
The decision about whether or not to “age at home” depends on financial and health circumstances, as well as family (or other support) proximity and availability. There is no rule book or template for elderly people and their families as they face this decision. It’s deeply personal; there are positives to staying at home and positives to entering senior living.
Below we profile three Marinites, ages 93, 98 and 100, who have decided to age in their homes. They are each in exceptionally good health for their age, and each owns the home that they currently live in. They share their history and the details of how they make living at home work, as well as some insider’s advice about longevity.
Erika Zettl — Rooted in Nature
Erika Zettl is 100 years old, enjoying her life in the home on five acres of property in Lagunitas that she and her late husband Herb bought in 1955 as they started a family. This is the home where for 70 years they raised their two children, pursued careers, planted gardens, swam in the pool, painted, wrote poetry and hosted their family, which today has grown to include 11 grandchildren and great-grandchildren…