Retirement

In many ways, Boulder so epitomizes the youth culture that many people don’t realize it is a splendid place to retire as well. Excellent community services, an increasing commitment to public transportation, and a benign four-season climate make it congenial for retirees. But “retirement” doesn’t automatically equate with “inactivity,” and many so-called “retirees” put working folks to shame when it comes to their range of interests.

A “retired” engineer studies ethics at CU-Boulder and works summers at a greenhouse. When his children were young, this high-level manager left escalating salaries and a thirst for fancier things. He and his wife spend more time with their sons now. The dad loves both his scholarly pursuits and his plants. Among the area’s other “retirees” is a fifty-something former satellite communications expert who retired early, moved to Boulder, and started hiking, backpacking, and knocking off “fourteeners” (Colorado’s 54 peaks that are 14,000 or more feet above sea level). And then there’s the eighty-something famous Boulder author who writes less these days because she’s so busy managing her very successful stock portfolio. The “Chronologically Gifted” who hike or bike miles might seem intimidating to seniors who plan to age more conventionally. Keep in mind these super seniors impress people a third their age, too. When we grow up, can we do it too? What’s their secret?

About 8 percent of Boulder residents are age 65 or older, compared with 12 percent nationwide. (Boulder’s large student and early post-grad population explains much of the difference.) Although Boulder offers many retirement complexes aimed at the senior market, most older residents opt for more individuality. Two city-sponsored senior centers and even a community Internet link provide a sense of connection with most recreational opportunities and services.

Long-term older residents have shared ideas for improving Boulder. The saltier ones say, “confine the cat” or “send joggers to South America.” They are still nostalgic for 19-cents-per-gallon gasoline, passenger trains, and manners. But many say the good old days are now, and 78 percent of the seniors who responded to a Daily Camera survey said they’re happy. In many cases, especially in Boulder’s more traditional neighborhoods, seniors mix comfortably with other age groups.