Please realize that this blog is not meant to dis anyone who DOES live in a 55+ community…each of us has to do what is right for our own mindset, situation and comfort. And please also note that I do not, for one second, think I am under 55. Quite the opposite. I know and accept my age…I just don’t want to limit my environment to people just as old 😉
One of the greatest joys I had as a child was spending a lot of time with my grandmother. From dinners to sleepovers, from over-cooked meatloaf to lumpy hot chocolate, the memories I have of being with her are a blessing I will never forget. She brought love and wisdom to my world and I realized that even though she did not live with us, the benefit of being exposed to a multi-generational family was something that has been lost as we have become a society that tends to segment generations. There are disputes about “where granny should live” (NIMBY has a new meaning thanks to granny pods). And, to be fair, a lot of older people don’t like having the kids next door ride their bikes down the street or shoot hoops – “why did that basketball hoop have to be so close to my driveway?” Did the grandkids forget how much their grandparents spoiled them when they were little? Did those old folks forget teaching their children or grandchildren how to ride without training wheels or how to block the shot?
When I first moved to Arizona and told some new acquaintances where I was living, they seemed actually dismayed and asked why “in the world” I had not moved to a place called Pebble Creek. I had no idea what that was, so immediately came home, googled it and saw it was an over-55 community. I had just spent my first Halloween here (my grandson’s first, I might add, and it was wonderful 🎃) and had so enjoyed the more than 150 children who paraded through our neighborhood with pillowcases or buckets looking for goodies. From princess to superhero, from ghoul to ghost, from scary to sweet – each of these children, whether boldly or timidly saying “trick or treat”, brought joy to me, my family and the community. And I can’t wait for this year’s collection of Avengers, Freddy Kruegers, Jedi, Stormtroopers, Moanas and Trolls.
I cannot imagine a life without seeing the kids wait for the school bus, without Girl Scouts coming to my door to sell cookies, without trick or treaters asking for candy or without wondering about all the cookies and milk being left for Santa in the neighbors’ houses. I cannot imagine a community that would tell me for how long my grandson can stay with me or one that would prevent him from trick or treating in Grandma’s neighborhood too! (The more loot the better, right?)
I see enough grey hair when I look in the mirror – I am fully aware of mortality, aging and the passage of time. So I need the youth, the vitality, the sense of hope that lives in a multi-generational community. And I’m pretty sure my grandma would agree.
So nope, no over-55 for me. Not as long as I can live on my own. And if I can’t later on?… kids – get that granny pod ready 😉