The time arrived…out to pasture. Feeling happy and old, all at the same time. So the quest started: Where to move? South? West?
Most of our friends are in Florida so that's where we looked. Made a decision and moved to a senior golf community in central Florida. It was gated, didn’t want anyone under 55 moving in. We might loose our senior discounts.
Also speaking to senior advisors about finances, etc. (Our last senior advisor was 27 years old.)
In our community, an ambulance is in three or four times every 24 hours. A simple “How are you?” could tie you up for 15 minutes, hearing about the colonoscopy, who is sick, who died, and how the government is screwing seniors.
There's pot luck every Saturday night, and everyone makes their specialty. Some of it has a special effect on your stomach.
Golf every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Bowling on Tuesday and Friday. Darts on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Tennis, shuffleboard and horseshoes, if you have the energy. There are writing clubs, discussion clubs, and computer clubs. A theatre group, and the Red Hats. Buses to Tampa to gamble, and community travel offers to all over the world.
I have never in my working years been so busy. Poker, bridge, mahjong, dominoes—every night. Board meetings, softball (glad it’s the off-season, I need the rest).
I drink more than I ever did, and grab a nap whenever or wherever I can, even if I'm driving.
My golf handicap is high, my bowling handicap is low, and I never win at poker.
I think we live longer 'cause we're too busy to get sick.
Would I give this all up to be young again? YOU BET I WOULD.
Retiree Jerry Guralsky lives in a senior community in central Florida. He can be reached at Blueg8@aol.com.
What's life like in your retiree community? Share your retiree adventures (or misadventures) with Senior Living readers by emailing seniorliving.guide@about.com.
