“Senior Living”

I’ve often wondered whether the people, who write about or speak of ‘senior living,’ are in fact living senior lives. I have read so much that doesn’t sound like the life I’m living.
So much time and effort seems to be spent writing about the difficulties, the problems and the disadvantages of “the aged.” Some of which not much can be done, but, it tends to tip the scales against how “we” feel about these years.

As we reach each 10 year stage, we grow more conscious of how fortunate we are, like how many friends and family have become part of the past, and yet here we are in the present. In those 10 year periods in the past, we all were making plans, financial, physical and mental, so that these “senior years” could slowly progress into the safe, secure, pleasant, happy future, which is now our present.

We’re enjoying doing the things we want to do and like to do. We’re finally old enough and smart enough to not do the things we don’t like or the things we don’t have to do, or, better yet, shouldn’t do.

Many years ago we had to count on a weekend or a vacation to be in the wonderful day by day enjoyment of those few days. Now that is every day.

We’re no longer at the mercy of a job, a career, a boss, or unknown future, which other people could and did control. The day, week or year we once had a concern for, or a fear of, is no longer future, it is past. And here we are enjoying the future in the present.

Despite the loss of my beloved wife of 52 years, I am surrounded by friends (my age or younger), who are interesting and interested. Being alone isn’t lonesome. Do you really think anyone younger than “senior” can say that?

Despite the enjoyment I had from a career I loved, the quiet luxury and enjoyment of these “senior” years have been more than I could have dreamed of forty years ago.

The old expression “to each his own” applies to “senior living” also. Many choose to live alone or as a couple on your own. Or you may choose the alternative of the life-time continued care community. Like me, you can have as many friends as you wish (your choice) to. Believe me, have as many wonderful things to do as you wish, no compulsion, your choice. And, best of all, for all of us, there’s tomorrow.

Mr. Coan is a resident at Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community.