The general public is invited to learn about planning for retirement housing on Saturday, Nov. 9 at a free SFSU program. "Should I Stay or Should I Go," a panel discussion to help people choose a retirement home and finance the move, will be held from 10 a.m. to noon in Knuth Hall of the Creative Arts building. Seating is limited. RSVP to (415) 296-8081 or (415) 345-5073.

Sponsored by The Terrace at Rhoda Goldman Plaza and SFSU's Gerontology Program, the event will feature panelists discussing several facets of the retirement decision process.

"Even if a move is not seen as imminent, it is never too early to start planning, to start looking at options, to start organizing," said Brian DeVries, director of the Gerontology Program.

"When a crisis happens, most families do not know what to do and may make mistakes as a consequence. Those mistakes can cost money and, more importantly, can take a huge toll on the family involved," he said.

To avoid surprises, DeVries recommends that each family have a plan. The panel will discuss different aspects of the planning process, including what questions to ask when looking for the right community, the emotional impact of such a change, financial measures to make a move possible and legal matters families should work out before a move.