Baby Boomers.
There are a lot of us around. I am at the younger end of the spectrum. Hey if I’m going to accept the label then what’s a year or two between nappies?
Some of my fellow boomers are taking advantage of retirement communities as early as 55, way too soon for me, I’m just getting my second wind!
Fifty-five is the lower age limit imposed on prospective investors in these sprawling, country-club like facilities. There are lots of amenities on offer which have to be taken advantage of while youth is on your side.
Hideaway Lake, where I am staying with hubs, has environmental similarities.
My mother-in-law moved here when she was fifty-five. It wasn’t called a retirement community back then, more of a golf course on a couple of lakes where walking, boating, socializing and Karaoke were the order of the day. Her family, left behind in the city, weren’t given a second thought. For years we diligently visited at holidays and other special occasions, to keep us in the loop as her life swung from par to bar.
At Hideaway the young golfers, walkers and boaters aged. Their active participation dwindled. They started dying.
Having a community of same age people is not very stimulating, especially when canes, golf carts and hospice start to show up.
We boomers are all going through the same life challenges, semi-independent children, empty nest, semi-dependent parent(s), not so empty nest.
Our thoughts on multi-generational living are in tune with those followed by the British Social Services.
In Britain if senior citizens can remain in their homes with support provided by family, neighbors and local welfare benefits, then they are strongly encouraged to do so. The community, provided with an opportunity to do their bit, thrives too.
The elderly who live in growing family neighborhoods are thought to be healthier than those in retirement and assisted living communities where everyone is creaking their way to the grave cared for by competent strangers.
In neighborhoods they may be surprised at who shows up at their doors at Halloween; thrilled by the lights of Christmas in surrounding yards; delighted by the multi-generational clientele at the local grocery store, screaming children notwithstanding.
As a forever homeschooler I picked up on a stunning, societal contradiction.
Boomers deem same age segregation in schools to be an OK environment for their children…it’s what they grew up with.
Take a five year old and put him together with a mass of other five year olds and all is right with the world.
Boomers are questioning same age segregation in homes for their parents and in the future for themselves…they haven’t experienced it yet but somehow they sense it is not the best thing.
Take an 85 year old and put her in with a mass of other 85 year olds and the world becomes a depressing place.
Take a look at a family, a neighborhood, the world at large.
All ages prevail.
Surely if we are looking towards the healthy benefits of multi-generational living for seniors, then why not for the youngsters too?
Well hello there! My name is Vivienne McNeny.
I am an empty nester exploring life as a Boomer…you could say I'm happily Boomering along!
As a homeschooling Mum I have finally quit the job of role model and mentor to my four children. I do what I want to do, eat when I feel like it, enjoy life with my blue eyed cowboy and clean my house once a month or so whether it needs it or not!
In true English form I write about the emergence of my true identity now that I can no longer hide behind my children as their Mum.
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