Moving into a retirement community isn't something I look forward to. However, there is more to it than wanting the company of other old people. Continuing care retirement communities can be a way of maintaining independence and avoiding placing a burden on families.

One of my dearest friends made the continuing care choice a few years ago (and it wasn't an easy one). She recently had three bad falls (syncope and muscular weakness did her in) and just got out of the hospital. Thanks to her realistic planning, her kids are not scrambling around fretting over "what to do about Mom."

She may need to move to the assisted living part of her community. I hope she doesn't, but if she does, she will have maintained as much independence and dignity as humanly possible.

Her choice may not be right for everyone, but I understand why she made it.