Would you (or do you) live in a 55+ community? (45+, trouble, music)
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I don't live in a 55+ community and this is the thought-mistake I made about retirement in general. Because I'm a former long-time Fed who lived in the Washington, DC area (MD actually), I was used to a lot of 55 - 57 year old retirees (seeing them leave work and seeing them relocate from the area where I lived). They moved because:
1) it was never their home (DC area is where you go to make more money towards the end of your career)
2) it was expensive to live there in retirement
3) the area didn't offer much in the way of day time activities - it was geared to working people/working families.
4) fed retirement eligibility is 55 years old and 30 years of service (I actually had the years of service (34) before I had the age
Once you leave the DC area that's loaded with Feds, you find out that more people retire around 65 not 55. So, you may find a perfect relocation spot that meets all of your needs but the people that are retired that live there are from another generation. The first thing I noticed was everyone communicating and getting information via telephone and paper and physically meeting for everything. Most all still print their photos. Some rarely check their e-mail. Some of the older ones retired before computers became prevalent in the workplace and have zero or next to no computer skills. And, that's just one example of the generation gap. The point is, their likes and dislikes and how they do things are different than your likes and dislikes and how you do things. So, while you share in some common activities, it's harder to make friends.
I'm just telling you this because it won't just be in 55+ communities where you will experience retirees from another generation. You'll feel it in any day time activity in which you participate if you retire closer to 55 than 65.
Interesting post. I'm not a fed, but still in the public sector and in that same sort of situation with the same retirement eligibility (will be 55 later this year, and I have 34 years of service). I won't be able to actual RETIRE, as in not work anymore, but I can get out of where I am with a pension. It's sort of like being paroled.
Anyway, as a single/divorced woman of that age who might consider relocating for work, that is something to keep in mind. It's already hard to make friends when you don't have a kid in school anymore and you are not part of a couple.
Interesting observations. That 10-year difference in age makes that big a difference, wow. You are seeing this age gap as representing two generations? (not sure I get that part, but I do get your larger point)
It's not important to everyone, certainly not to me. Different people age differently. I've met people in their late fifties who were well along the senility trail. I've met others in their eighties with whom I can have a stimulating conversation. I know one man about seventy who is wheelchair bound but his mind is sharp and we have a number of common interests. He can fortunately go out o lunch and take care of himself. But at 69 I don' see myself like everyone else my age nor do I necessarily see people ten or fifteen years younger or older as different.
People on c-d constantly squeal about racial and sexual bigotry. What about segregation by age whether someone wishes it or not?
Interesting observations. That 10-year difference in age makes that big a difference, wow. You are seeing this age gap as representing two generations? (not sure I get that part, but I do get your larger point)
LOL LOL... I'll tell you why this gave me a chuckle in a moment, but first I want to say I'm not sure I buy this idea that there is a black and white divide between age groups. I'm very active at a senior center and some of the people I relate to the best are in their 70s. At the same time, there are some 50-somethngs who seem like old "fuddy-duddies." And I have no idea how old many people are there--if there was really such a pronounced gap it would be easier to tell. I think people separate into groups by personality, not so much by age.
Having said that, the thing that made me laugh was you reminded me of 3 women in my tai chi class who I think are 70-something. They think of me as being part of "the younger generation" and have a hard time when I talk about Led Zeppelin--as in "how can someone who grew up with that rock music be so active at a senior center." It's ok by me, it makes me feel young. Plus, it's just those 3 ladies. I accept that this is how they feel, so we just tease each other about our different generations and all get along. Other people don't seem to feel that way at all, though, so I tend to think it's not all that common. Also, one of the guys who really likes to talk about Led Zeppelin is 20 years older than me, so that stomps out any generational divide at my center.
Absolutely but I would check them out very carefully. I have seen too many older people living in homes who have basically given up living. They stay in their houses and never go out. I don't want that for myself. I want to find an "active" 55 plus community where people are having fun and to find that you need to check them out. I want lots of activities and fun people around me. I want the choice to choose to play or not.
I am 47 and right now I am rving in a 55 plus community. It is made up of an rving section and also a very large manufactured home section. The people here are the friendliest I have found in any park over the past 10 years. They are loads of fun. I have mingled with people on both the rving and the homes side. I don't have trouble mixing with people in their 50's, 60's, 70's, or 80's....haven't met too many in the 90's
I also like the surrounding area. There just seems to be a lot going on here and people are out and about...not just waiting to die in their homes
So yes I would live in a 55 plus community but like all communities some will be good and some will be bad.
I am 47 and right now I am rving in a 55 plus community. It is made up of an rving section and also a very large manufactured home section. The people here are the friendliest I have found in any park over the past 10 years. They are loads of fun. I have mingled with people on both the rving and the homes side. I don't have trouble mixing with people in their 50's, 60's, 70's, or 80's....haven't met too many in the 90's
I also like the surrounding area. There just seems to be a lot going on here and people are out and about...not just waiting to die in their homes
So yes I would live in a 55 plus community but like all communities some will be good and some will be bad.
Where are you? DH and I have spent the last 3 years trying to figure out what to do. What you describe sounds interesting. Do you just live there in the winter?
I ended up in one out of desperation and panic. It did not help that the realtor misled me. Had I read the newsletter in advance, I would not have moved here.
It has its positives. It's very quiet and a lot cheaper. However, the surrounding area is not good, even if this particular "park" is. I live in a place that is nice enough, but took a real hit in terms of the neighborhood and place itself. However, that meant more money in the bank. I've always lived in traditional houses and now live in a mobile home. You'd be surprised at how far they have come, but still. There is a stigma attached to it and I don't know that I'll ever get over that.
What bugs me the most is the fact I was not told the truth about the activities. I do not enjoy Lawrence Welk potlucks. I thought that people would be more like the person who suggested I move here. They aren't.
Anyway, each time I drive in and see the sign "senior park" I cringe. I don't even know that I'd feel comfortable inviting anyone over if for no other reason than that sign.
I'm not the type that would have even lived in a gated community, but now I do.
Anyway, would you move to one and, if you live in one, how do you feel?
I'm not a Lawrence Welk fan either, but my problem is a bit different. I'm 61 and eligible to rent and reside in a senior park, but my wife is a spring chicken of 51 years, and are immediately turned down when asked our ages. I mean, it's not like she's a teenager or something like that. I thought age discrimination in housing was illegal??
LOL LOL... I'll tell you why this gave me a chuckle in a moment, but first I want to say I'm not sure I buy this idea that there is a black and white divide between age groups. I'm very active at a senior center and some of the people I relate to the best are in their 70s. At the same time, there are some 50-somethngs who seem like old "fuddy-duddies." And I have no idea how old many people are there--if there was really such a pronounced gap it would be easier to tell. I think people separate into groups by personality, not so much by age.
Having said that, the thing that made me laugh was you reminded me of 3 women in my tai chi class who I think are 70-something. They think of me as being part of "the younger generation" and have a hard time when I talk about Led Zeppelin--as in "how can someone who grew up with that rock music be so active at a senior center." It's ok by me, it makes me feel young. Plus, it's just those 3 ladies. I accept that this is how they feel, so we just tease each other about our different generations and all get along. Other people don't seem to feel that way at all, though, so I tend to think it's not all that common. Also, one of the guys who really likes to talk about Led Zeppelin is 20 years older than me, so that stomps out any generational divide at my center.
My husband and I often play the Led Zeppelin or The Who radio station, fairly loudly at times. Our older neighbors give us some pretty funny looks. I was busy at my club activity the other day and I called him at home to ask a question and I could hear Robert Plant screaming in the background. The other gals could not believe we listen to it still...LOL.
Where are you? DH and I have spent the last 3 years trying to figure out what to do. What you describe sounds interesting. Do you just live there in the winter?
We are rving for the winter. In over ten years of rving and traveling this is the friendliest 55 plus community we have been to. This is an older park but well maintained. If I was 70 or so I would think about buying here but because I am still in my 40's I don't know if the 1970's and early 80's homes will hold up that well Right now they look good but who knows how they will be in 40 years
If my DH and I ever come back to this area in the winters we will definitely stay here again.
It is split into two areas...one and rv park and the other side is resident owned....which is also unusual. Most places you own your trailer/home but not the land you sit on.
Quote:
Originally Posted by I'm Kickinit
I'm not a Lawrence Welk fan either, but my problem is a bit different. I'm 61 and eligible to rent and reside in a senior park, but my wife is a spring chicken of 51 years, and are immediately turned down when asked our ages. I mean, it's not like she's a teenager or something like that. I thought age discrimination in housing was illegal??
Individual communities seem to have different rules. I have heard that as long as one spouse is 55 than the other is OK if they are not of age. I went to the sales office at my place this morning. One person has to be 55 and the other has to be over 50....unless approved by the committee. Since I was offered to buy a house from some people here I think I would be approved
"The Law and Age-Restricted Communities
You’ll find many variations of age-restricted communities such as 55+, 62+, and 65+.
The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and the Housing for Older Persons Act, which says that housing must include at least one person who is 55 or older in at least 80 percent of the occupied units, regulates these communities.
This means one spouse can be under the required age. Also, those under 19 cannot be permanent residents. These communities are usually noted as “age-qualified” in their marketing brochures.
Then there are those communities that are marketed to a certain age group—“age-targeted”—but are not age-restrictive. This means that younger couples with kids are permitted to live there. And for many seniors, that’s just fine."
I'm not a Lawrence Welk fan either, but my problem is a bit different. I'm 61 and eligible to rent and reside in a senior park, but my wife is a spring chicken of 51 years, and are immediately turned down when asked our ages. I mean, it's not like she's a teenager or something like that. I thought age discrimination in housing was illegal??
My understanding is that federal law specifically authorizes community residence rules which create communities for older people only.
Won't you two be O.K. in four more years when your wife turns 55? I agree it's all pretty silly; I would think if one half of a married couple meets the age requirement and the other doesn't that they would allow that couple based on the age of the older one. Oh well, life is full of such nonsense, unfortunately.
I'm 61 and eligible to rent and reside in a senior park, but my wife is a spring chicken of 51 years, and are immediately turned down when asked our ages. I mean, it's not like she's a teenager or something like that. I thought age discrimination in housing was illegal??
Quote:
Originally Posted by Escort Rider
Won't you two be O.K. in four more years when your wife turns 55? I agree it's all pretty silly; I would think if one half of a married couple meets the age requirement and the other doesn't that they would allow that couple based on the age of the older one. Oh well, life is full of such nonsense, unfortunately.
It can be either/or, depends on the community and its agreement with the city/county where it's located, or the condition required by the grantor. We spent half a year corresponding with/visiting dozens of senior communities (apartment complexes, not mobile parks) in CA and WA, and learned that more than 50% of them required all tenants must be of THE specific age. Also, we did not find any true senior community (again, I'm talking about apartment complexes, not mobile parks) that is 55+. They are all 60+ or 62+.
When we stumbled upon this 62+ complex where we now reside (we had ended our search many months earlier), it was a pleasant surprise that they accepted both of us since I hadn't even reached 60 when we moved in. Still, I'm the only person who is under 62 in this 75-unit community.
Last edited by Ol' Wanderer; 01-07-2013 at 03:53 PM..
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