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People here are mostly retired. The population has stayed about 10k for the last ten years, and I don't think it will grow much in the next ten. There is little work here, and most of those that do work are in the service fields.
The are few youth (111 graduating high school this year), and jobs for them are nill. Most of them just move to another city where the salaries and opportunities are better when they finish school, leaving behind the Golden Aged ones. On the weekends and through the summer, the young people return in droves to play at the beach, ride the dunes in buggies, and to fish the many lakes and rivers. I like that.
I've hung with the older crowd throughout my life. But here, most of our friends are much older than us, not by just a few years, but some by decades. And that takes a bit getting used to.
Now, don't get me wrong, I love this place and the friends that we have made. But rather than conversations about work and play, our social conversations now seem to be centered on the financial or medical issues facing us. I know, that's actually good for me as it will help to prepare us for the inevitable, but it is different for me.
It is tough sometimes to deal with those issues all the time. Just since we moved here, two neighbors, and a good friend have passed away. That's something that I'm not accustomed to. I know that as I age further, it will become more and more frequent though.
This place is a lifestyle change for us. I'm now more patient while waiting for the food to be served promptly or correctly while dining out. My driving has become even more defensive now with so many older persons on the street. Well, at least I never hear the other driver's ghetto blaster wailing out some rap music.
My blood pressure is normal now, anf I'm a lot fatter. Naps are getting common, but I laugh a bit more. Even the Thought Dock is so very different, but that's what really keeps me going.
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its all part of life, conversations turn from giggling about the art of farts to daily bowel movements......if that is as bad as it gets, bring it on.
ReplyDeletein the past six years, i have lost a good handful of people in my life who were age 45 to 59. undoubtedly there will be more. others have become gravely ill but in His mercy, their lives were extended.
my parents were both 67 when they went home. statistically, i have 13 years..... thats just a quarter of what i have lived thus far.
slowing down in our "old age" ~ priceless. even with the aches and pains and boring conversations, i find so much to be thankful for, and what i count today is far different than what i counted 30 years ago. i am better for it.
they say wearing a bra in front of your children's friends extends your life expectancy.
ReplyDelete--ap
They also say that commenting on your mother not wearing a bra in front of guests shortens *your* life expectancy, as well as not calling before you come over for a visit. Now that the birdies have flown the nest, be glad the only thing you were surprised by was your mom not wearing a bra - it could have been much, much worse. ;)
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