Author: MJT
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
patiently waiting for the time when I can get a senior discount at the movie
theatre. The good news is that I already
qualify for senior housing in some parts of the country.
How did this happen?
Savvy developers saw the signs of an aging population and started
building senior housing projects in the past two decades. 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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