[floridanative17]

Thank you for not seeing me as a deserving and diligent neighbor, regardless of age!

Should read "Thank you for seeing me as a deserving and diligent neighbor, regardless of age!"

And regardless of typos!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by floridanative17

Thank you BoSoxFan and NotGolfer for your kind comments. I wish I received more of what y'all espouse. In other words, when my neighbors understand who I am and where I come from, I am treated well. Otherwise, I have to receive disdain and derision continuously. My wife's treatment is even worse. We don't want to call anyone/anyplace out, but when we owned in Country Club Hills we received better treatment. Older community, different mores, etc. Now that we have purchased in a "newer" community South of 466, we receive consistent and continuous abuse/neglect from our newer neighbors. Thank you for not seeing me as a deserving and diligent neighbor, regardless of age!

It could be the heat. Or a meteor shower. I bet you don't look as young as you think. Don't worry. You are getting older.

[floridanative17]

Ah yes, Gracie! We are not to be picked on, but not to be treated as equals, I suppose. Soon after joining the Villages Community, I moved my mother from my native Pinellas County to our Villages, much to her chagrin. My mother is Miccosukee, and was less than willing to move to a "Carpetbagger" community than I, being from the Indian Reservation in Collier County and all. However, due to her age, she is willingly accepted, while my wife and I do not encounter the same acceptance. Age bias, you decide, I believe I have enough evidence.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by floridanative17

Ah yes, Gracie! We are not to be picked on, but not to be treated as equals, I suppose. Soon after joining the Villages Community, I moved my mother from my native Pinellas County to our Villages, much to her chagrin. My mother is Miccosukee, and was less than willing to move to a "Carpetbagger" community than I, being from the Indian Reservation in Collier County and all. However, due to her age, she is willingly accepted, while my wife and I do not encounter the same acceptance. Age bias, you decide, I believe I have enough evidence.

Two of our good friends are your age. They have lived in The Villages for several years and are a huge amount of fun and dear folks in every way. They organize many events in our village and are the sparklers of our group. We love them dearly and they get along comfortably with all of our group that range from their age to a couple in their eighties. She and I celebrate our birthdays one day apart and two decades plus. We have so much in common that she never makes me feel older and her being young is just what she is. She doesn't have any problems with her age and we don't have any problems with her age. We tease her lovingly about her beautiful complexion and her great softball skills. People are who they are unless they let age define them or they may be lookin' for a fight.

[floridanative17]

???

[buggyone]

" Otherwise, I have to receive disdain and derision continuously. My wife's treatment is even worse. Now that we have purchased in a "newer" community South of 466, we receive consistent and continuous abuse/neglect from our newer neighbors."

Perhaps what you perceive as continuous abuse and neglect from your neighbors might be the perception on their part you are deriding them based on age. Just a thought. Why not go to their doors with your wife and invite them over one at a time for cocktails and cookies to get to know them? You very well might find them to be charming but reserved people who would like to hear some of your achievements in the Army.

[floridanative17]

Thank you buggyone for the sage advice. My neighbors have been nothing more than accepting after they come to know both myself and my wife. The "near" neighbors are not the problem. The continuing looks, glances, and jibes while at the squares, pools, rec centers, followed by the "how is it possible that you belong here?" queries are a problem. At first, I just assumed the "I belong" attitude. Now I just avoid functions altogether. I believe I have every right to participate as a homeowner, or do I not because I am 48? I am a retiree as well.

[floridanative17]

Gracie, I apologize for being unusually harsh towards your responses, but I believe I always read a bias against those who were younger than 55 in your previous posts as a long time reader. I just want to go put it out that we, as Gen-X Retirees, deserve every consideration as the Baby Boomers regardless of the fact we missed our birth by a couple of years. We planned well for our future and we are now reaping the rewards of our sound fiscal planning. Please see my post for what they are, and please don't defend those who use untoward bias in their judgement, despite their status. Some of our neighbors are not what they seem, I know his better than anyone.

[Halibut]

Do you not get offered the senior discount at restaurants and such, floridanative17? That would upset me more.

I'm sorry to hear you've felt ostracized or belittled, though. I honestly think some (a lot?) of residents may not fully realize that Villagers under 55 are just as welcome and just as much our neighbors as anyone over that magic number. Even so, there's no excuse for it.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by floridanative17

Gracie, I apologize for being unusually harsh towards your responses, but I believe I always read a bias against those who were younger than 55 in your previous posts as a long time reader. I just want to go put it out that we, as Gen-X Retirees, deserve every consideration as the Baby Boomers regardless of the fact we missed our birth by a couple of years. We planned well for our future and we are now reaping the rewards of our sound fiscal planning. Please see my post for what they are, and please don't defend those who use untoward bias in their judgement, despite their status. Some of our neighbors are not what they seem, I know his better than anyone.

I apologize. I really didn't think you were serious. Sometimes later in the evening we get visited by folks who kind of like to pull our collective legs.

I think if you soldier on and try to be patient, everyone will be nicer.

[DougB]

Enjoy looking young while you can

[redwitch]

Some are under the assumption that because this is a 55+ community, no one under 55 is allowed to live here. Therefore, when they see someone under 55 with a resident ID, they are stunned that that person is allowed to live here. They are truly upset when they find out you only have to be over 19. Not what they expected and, therefore, there is a resentment by some.

Try not to let them get you down. You'll find many accepting of you regardless of your age, just as your neighbors have. As to those that don't, their loss.

[sueandskip]

Originally Posted by floridanative17

Gracie, thank you so much for your appreciative, but off-center comment. As a Retired Infantryman/Ranger (Panama/Desert Storm/Mogadishu), I believe I have every right to be a member of this community as anyone over 55 years of age.

For someone who has seen action in the military on foreign soil these 55 plus people seem to be getting the better of you...MAN UP !

[Golfingnut]

WOW. Strange to say the least. I have done my combat military time but never thought that gave me any special rights or privileges. I did learn to improvise, adapt and overcome obstacles in silence. When something smells, it may be rotten.

[jhrc4]

I am really puzzled by this post. To get upset over something so trivial as this is really disturbing. I am 75 years old, retired USAF, and have gotten many comments such as what ??? you are 75..and retired military..hard to believe etc,etc. I am not going to go into my career no point let's say it was " Interesting " and leave it there. Comments that you have received, try to take it as nothing more than a passing observation and as individuals get to know and recognize you and your wife they will pass it along to others.The ID check..that is a must and a requirement for many,many reasons,my wife and I always thank the person who is doing the checking.
We have a wonderful community here,try not take it personal because it really isn't.