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Senior Housing Starts at Fifty
I turned fifty a couple days ago - well, actually, it's been three and a half years already. I am still waiting patiently for the time when I can get a senior discount at the movie theater. The good news is that I already qualify for senior housing in some parts of the country.
How did this happen? Well, savvy developers saw the signs of an aging population and started building senior housing projects over the course of the past 20 years. Not necessarily affordable or low income, the late twentieth century retirees had lots of money. But in a society where more is better and the expanse of consumerism had generated large split-level living in the suburbs, the race to move into smaller condos and apartments was slow. Hence the marketing strategy changed and I find myself eligible for senior housing at fifty years of age.
Retirement Issues
My friends say I act retired, probably because I refused to continue in a corporate rat-race that fell a little short on the human side. For all the rest of you, I salute your hard work and efforts to build a strong society and keep your own head above water in the process.
There is much to be said for gainful employment!
In fact, I expect to carry on with some employment for many more years - perhaps by necessity but also to stay in touch with senior issues like housing, retirement income, access to healthcare and shopping - issues that the rich by natural displacement might miss completely.
Senior housing is an issue for millions of seniors, typically those making less than $27,000 per year. It is a tough issue for them, and at times one that can deeply affect how they will spend their golden years. Other wage groups are impacted also but concerns are more about whether golf is nearby, what the yearly balmy weather index is and how to keep a full social calendar. This is not sarcasm; the realities of retirement are relative, varied and senior housing is just the start.
As the aging population grows, senior housing concepts are shifting to accommodate all the baby boomers'. Senior housing options commonly draw on local community resources. The local senior center and its wide range of activities offer seniors recreation, day trips, fellowship and affordable access to the community. Transitioning from automobile to public transportation is often the bigger challenge for seniors. It's not just some old people in senior housing anymore; it's you and me.
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