Top Ten Senior Moments

Before Lori and I succumb to them, I thought I would share with you some of my observations here at Colony Cove in Florida of the Top Ten traits of being a senior (defined as being someone older than us).

1. Your watch is set to beep at 5pm, so you do not miss a minute of happy hour. The stronger the drink, the better (wine is not in fashion).

2. The more experienced have a sign in their home saying "It is 5 o'clock somewhere" and can start earlier and don't need any alarm.

3. Social interactions are of course very important to seniors. The clubs and activities here are too numerous to list all of them, but besides golf, tennis, pool, shuffleboard, bingo, scrabble, woodworking, bible study and hobby clubs, there are many shows, dinners and trips. For someone we know, who likes line dancing for example, there is a line dance somehere nearby every day. There are many snowbirds here from Canada and the North Eastern US States, and there is a Canada club, New England Club, Michigan Club etc. Each club is open to all, and are mere excuses for another way to network. Since we are all seniors on very limited or fixed incomes, the actvities are usually free or one or two dollars at most.

4. Many people own golf carts, and there is of course a golf cart club, which finds an excuse at least once a week to parade around the community in a convoy. On special occasions, such as the Mardi Gras parade below, they go all out in their decorations with lights, flags, beads etc.

5. Talking of golf carts, the selection and status of their golf cart is at least as important as for their car. A golf cart that looks different or can go faster than the others is very highly prized.

6. Cars must be washed at least once per day. (I think this is in case it will be clean when it is in the funeral procession).

7. The highlight of their day is going out to get their mail. The post lady comes at around three o'clock, at which time she is surrounded by people, cars and golf carts waiting patiently and expectantly while she loads up the boxes with their mail.

8. When they want some real excitement, they do jigsaw puzzles. There is an unlimited supply available from the library, and these can be done in private, or communally in the Community Hall.

Here is a picture of one "not quite yet senior" practicing this craft at her home - and also practising trait #1 and 2 (note the time).

9. The spirit of volunteerism and friendliness is extremely high. There are volunteers who arrange and help out with all the activities and shows, but there are also the unsung volunteers who make sure all the books in the library are filed correctly, and that the signs on the notice board are orderly. More importantly, there are also volunteers who help out any people who are finding difficulty cooking, looking after or paying for their place.

My friend, Bob is visting us from Ottawa and has just come back from a walk, and has observed how friendly everyone is, just like in the small town Bouctouche in New Brunswick that he grew up in.

and finally . .

10. Seniors believe that life is a journey and not a destination, and are determined to keep enjoying the journey whilst they can still travel.