Good Evening Doug:
First off there is no dumb questions ever (maybe dumb people answering questions though). Seriously though. I do feel that today’s Seniors tend to be happier overall. Call it life experiences if you want but I feel that with the influx of “adult communities” which cater to a specifically aged group (not unlike those found in Highlands County), give Seniors an opportunity to network with their peers all the while providing an environment which encourages social activities and entertainment. Versus sitting home and waiting for the kids and grandkids to visit, these savvy seniors are taking their golden years into their own hands and plan on living their lives to the utmost up until the time they no longer can.
I think of it like a playground to a child. What doesn’t a child like about the play park? There are other “peers” there for them to socialize with along with activities that are geared to entertain, stimulate and an opportunity to try out some of those secret dreams of being a super hero on the monkey bars, etc.
When area’s are developed with a target audience in mind, I feel that everyone has the opportunity to walk away happy and care free.
I know my dad used to say “when I get older I am going to move into a trailer park”. Well it wasn’t a trailer park in our time period but a wonderful adult community that held dinners, dancing, swimming, golf just to name a few. Dad enjoyed his last days with those neighbors that became friends and I think in the end, it was the closest thing to his commradare to his years in the service. He felt at home there in his new neighborhood and lets face it, there wasn’t a large lawn to maintain and you only had to open your door to find something worthwhile to do!
As for what’s to happen to our future retirment years...I can only hope we don’t ‘have’ to work up until the day we die to enjoy it as well!
