Will a Retirement Community Bring You Closer to Family

Many retirement communities are age-restricted andcan stay. Coincidentally it comes out to the length of
people are afraid visiting grandchildren may not besummer (2 or 3 months) and then they must leave.
welcome. Is this true.It is sad that they do not have the feeling they can
Over-55 communities don't mention kids much exceptcome home anymore.
when it comes to the rules and regulations regardingWhenever I hear the sounds of little voices in the
their activity.distance or even in my own building, I can't say I am
You don't see too many at our community except indelighted, but when my own grandkids come, I take
summer when the pool is open. Then you remember.them on walks, to restaurants outside the
You remember how loud and boisterous kids can becommunity, and to the pool.
at the pool. There seems to be an awkwardIf you live in Florida or near a beach it is helpful since
defiance, too, that they know they are being loud,there are other places to take the grandkids. Having
and they sense older people don't like noise so that isan attraction nearby that kids like will help to make
what makes it so fun. Being noisy is more fun.their visit more pleasurable and they'll come more
You are used to your nice quiet community. After all,often. Remember in the movie "On Golden Pond,"
that is why you moved there, and then you go toand how bored the visiting grandkid was--no malls,
the pool and it is not quiet anymore.movies or loud music. All that young energy was
Some communities have an adult time, but mostquite explosive and such a contrast to the calm
communities want the kids to enjoy themselves. Theeveryday life of the grandparents. Nothing for kids.
grandparents are quite happy they are there--forBut in the long run, the grandkid found it an enjoyable
awhile.growth experience because it was so different from
I don't see any kids on the tennis courts, seemshis routine (not to mention the available wholesome
strange because tennis is a good activity for teens. Iactivities on the lake). The grandparents also found
don't see them in the restaurants or the golf coursethe visit stimulating.
either--just the pool. This is where their parents feelYou may wish to check to see if there are any
comfortable that they can let loose and seeminglykid-friendly activities since most communities are
not bother anyone.tightly focused on senior activities. The seniors at my
If you have a child that no longer lives with you butcommunity don't mind seeing children and are very
does come home from college to visit, there arefriendly but how will the grandkids like it.
usually rules that give a time limit to how long they