[redwitch]

Gracie, one of the women I play bridge with looks pretty young. She is over 55 but most definitely does not look her age (maybe 40-45 but no older). I've heard people tell her she has no business living in an over-55 community; she should not be using Villages resources since she's not eligible to live here; can't she find a place to live with people her own age. Truly mean and obnoxious comments and, in her case, totally unfounded. She is one of the most gracious people I've ever met and replies gently that she is in fact very entitled to live here and thanks them for thinking she is so young. Me? I'd deck a couple of these biddies.

I have great sympathy for anyone under 55 living here. They are a minority and frequently treated as such. They do get rude comments and nasty looks, usually by the "ladies" in their late 60's, early 70's. Jealousy? Maybe. Lack of knowledge of retirement community laws? Definitely. Protectiveness of the community? Possibly.

Fortunately, there are just as many who welcome these younger residents. I hope FloridaNative has found this to be true as well.

FloridaNative, definitely try to ignore the rudeness you and your wife encounter and have some pity for these folks who don't know the laws and are jealous of your youth and ability to retire young. For those trying to protect the community, thank them because they are protecting your interests as well (even if dead wrong).