I am old; I recognize it but I don’t realize it. I wonder if a person ever really ceases to feel young — I mean, for a whole day at a time.

Mark Twain

I still remember the Mark Twain quote shown above. I found it at his Hannibal, Missouri home a few years ago. The quote seems to say that most of us just don’t feel our age. I just don’t feel that I am that old. Yeah, I am about seventy-five now, and if my genes rule the day I will likely die within the next handful of years. But I don’t feel old. I know my body often tells me otherwise, but mentally I feel like a youngster of 40 years.

When I look around my retirement community, all I primarily see are old people, and I just don’t see myself as one of them. I’m sure some here likely call me the “that young deaf guy who talks too loud”. Most everyone seems much older than I am. What am I doing here in this sea of old people? That is the question of the day.

Of course, to answer this, or most any other question, I Googled it:

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The average age of senior living residents is about 84 years old. While there are plenty of couples in these communities, most independent living residents are women. There are some who move in close to the minimum age requirement (usually about 65), but most make the move between the ages of 75 and 84.

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So, according to these statistics, I am at the young end of those starting out in the community. They say the typical resident is an 84-year-old. When I look around, that makes sense. But, it is kinda nice to be the youngster here. Almost everyone I come across here gives me a smile and a quick wave, I kinda like that. 😁

Ok, so let’s finish up this post with the reasons why I am here as a youngster of a mere 75 years. The original reason was because I needed a place for my wife to spend her final hospice days. I could have left after that, but I didn’t for several reasons:

• I am here because I have no one to take care of me in my final years. I want to think that I will live at least another decade, but that is likely wishful thinking. But, if I do, this place fits the bill
• I am here now because I want to be prepared for those final years when they come. I don’t want them to sneak up on me, as so much of life does.
• I am here because the staff here are beyond my expectations for the assistance, and daily friendliness they provide me. They almost jump in line when I ask them to help me do things I can’t do by myself in the hearing world.
• I am here because I truly believe that sooner or later, I will make some lasting friends among the residents. A kindred spirit might even come along, who knows?
• I am here because my apartment is cozy. Everything is just a few steps away. 😎

I am here because this is the best place for me to be.