[2-crazy]

Maryanna630

Yes, there are, your observations on friendships have good value. Where in Mexico do you currently live? We lived in Mazatlan, State of Sinaloa for a few years. Build a house by the ocean and learn to dislike our dream.

[teritat]

Those of us that are in our late 50's don't have as much in common with those in their 70's/80's...just the way it is. Not saying that those in 70's/80's aren't trying to do some of the same activities as the 50's...but the attitudes/style of life/outlook on life will probably be different. We lived in one village for 4 years and then move to Ferdindina hoping to find the younger aged retiree but it is a mix bag in new village also. So, to answer your question - not one specific area is calling to the younger retiree over the older retiree.

[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by redwitch

I think it's easier to be one of the "young uns" in the neighborhood than the other way around, so I do understand the OP's concerns. If you're in your early 60's, you'll be perfectly comfortable meeting and, yes, socializing with those older than you. You can keep up. However, if you're at the other end, it may not be as easy for you. You may not want to stay up as late doing things with your neighbors. You may not have the energy to go to Ocala for dinner and then dancing in the square and then hearing some karaoke. You're not really a baby boomer so don't quite get the culture and the ideology that comes with that generation. So, there is reason for some hesitation.

Now, all of that being said, if you're a young 68 and 72, fitting in in a new, active village won't be a problem. Most of your neighbors will happily accept any physical limitations you might have. They'll accept you and enjoy your stories if you'll accept them and enjoy their stories. If you're an old fogey, you'll have major issues. But, then, you'll have major issues wherever you live. Grumps hate The Villages.

So, decide what is best for you as a person, not you as a person of a certain age. As Bill said, a new village will have more activities together. An older village will be more set and you'll have to make the effort to join in.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Redwitch, Well spoken. I would happily move to any village tomorrow. And I'm 52.

[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by maryanna630

My husband and I are 70 and we moved to Mexico full time almost 5 years ago. What we found was that the friends we made initially were not necessarily our good friends a few years later. In the beginning we socialized,with everyone but as time went on and we got to know people better, we naturally gravitated more to those with our interests. In my experience, really good friendships can take time to develop. We have lived many places and had wonderful neighbors, but they were not necessarily our best friends. I may be different, but I value the quality of relationships over the quantity. We are looking forward to our first visit to the villages in November as we are considering moving back to the US. Anyone else out there who has lived in Mexico and then moved to the Villages?

maryanna630, Welcome to TOTV. Hope your first visit to The Villages next month is enjoyable. Let us know what you think of TV once you have visited.

[carm310]

Hemingway...we will finally be full time next summer, we are well into year 4 of our 5 year plan! I am 52 going on 80. I absolutely love my friends and neighbors regardless of age and they do not fault me for being younger than them. Most of the time I have a hard time keeping up with them!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by teritat

Those of us that are in our late 50's don't have as much in common with those in their 70's/80's...just the way it is. Not saying that those in 70's/80's aren't trying to do some of the same activities as the 50's...but the attitudes/style of life/outlook on life will probably be different. We lived in one village for 4 years and then move to Ferdindina hoping to find the younger aged retiree but it is a mix bag in new village also. So, to answer your question - not one specific area is calling to the younger retiree over the older retiree.

This forum is read by a very wide age span of real people. I know and enjoy here in The Villages friendships with many people who range from a girl of 52, one of my dearest friends to a girl of 89, one of my dearest friends. The 89 year old is in my Friday golf group, the 52 year old is in my Tuesday golf group. Most days the 89 year old could beat the 52 year old...but that isn't the point.

I have met closed minded and insensitive people of every age. I have met ageless people. I have met people who I was shocked to find they were much older than I had first thought and some who I found it hard to believe were much younger.

I have met younger people who were all up tight and rigid and never saw the humor in anything, and I have met older people just like them.

I have met younger people who could not participate in sports but still enjoy the art classes I attend. One of my younger friends, in her mid fifties has had both knees replaced and is now able to play tennis again. Another friend in her 70's hasn't had any replacements and plays tennis just as much.

I have met people who remind me of my old aunt in every annoying way. I have met people who I remind of their old aunt in every annoying way.

When you say out loud that you are seeking friends of your own age that is fine, it is HOW you say it, that sometimes is hurtful and shows an interior selfishness and lack of sensitivity.

My goal in decorating my home has always been, to be so up on trends and what is happening in decor that if someone broke in to rob me they would assume I was in my twenties and just graduated from design school.

My goal in living is to have learned enough from life experiences to not to miss anything and try NOT to hurt anyone.

I don't have parties where everyone leaves drunk, but I used to.
I don't take ballet barre, don't run five miles every day but I used to.
I now can paint portraits of people that I could not do four years ago and I am still learning. I don't care if my friends don't paint portraits of people if they don't care I can't extend into a good arabesque anymore or don't want to play pickleball or gamble. I didn't want to play pickleball or gamble twenty years ago.

I think the reason that I don't stay up late may be partly to do with age and partly to do with early tee times, lunch afterwards, followed by an art class, working in the yard and a walk around the neighborhood and a swim and then out to dinner with friends and gatherings after dinner on our front porch.

No one ever should have to feel bad here in this community for being older. This is the last place I would expect to find age prejudice.

If we have it, we need to lose it, because we are missing out on a lot of fun.

[2 Oldcrabs]

I am 58 but my wife says I act like a child. I live in Sanibel so you might want to move to a neighborhood with "older thinking people".

[jimbo2012]

dlloltv,
Since you have been coming here since '07 and at that 8 times I would think you should have a good idea to the answer to your question and now are trying to only re-confirm what U already know.

I spent 3 different days last April looking around and found the average age less than the 55+ community I stayed at over the last few few winters. bought a lot in June.

Two weeks ago I spent 10 days here in a 8 year old rental, and those folks were older but not old, I honestly did not see a mix of folks in their 50's there.

As to which village I think all are mixed, but new areas will just be a younger mix, but it doesn't matter you'll make friendships with those of similar likes & minds.

But the bigger question is do you want new or a resale there are advantages to both and that question is of more import I believe than where.

I'm building in Fernandina, the street is very new but the people I've met are not over 75. It's adjacent to two Patio Villa sections and about 50 cottages, my guess is most R in their 60's. Which IMO makes most folks there more active.

Based on the number of folks that have replied to your ? we need to hear from you at this point.

.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Because most questions of this sort are posed by people who at the youngest end of the spectrum...who seem to be trying to avoid "older" people.

I apologize.

Welcome to you. You will fit in well in any village, just as most people do. The commonality we have is that we have lived and learned and were happy and sad by turns for about five decades,or more.... We have met a lot of people along the way, and accomplished a lot and have many stories to share and many, like me like to hear them..

I am sorry I acted like a mean person.

My Sweetie and I are both 72. He is far nicer.

I don't think you acted mean. Silly questions sometimes get silly answers!

[JoeC1947]

The OP asked a legitimate question. Why some posters took offense is beyond me! So typical of the lynch mob. I personally think that it's very important that you live in a neighborhood of people your age.

[2BNTV]

I think the original poster was trying to gather info about what village may best suit their interst in terms of energy level and the ability to relate to their potential neighbors. People the same age have more in common with others and feel more comfortable while in their presence.

Who's to say whether someone older will have more energy and enthusiam to live an active lifestyle.

To each his/her own.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by JoeC1947

The OP asked a legitimate question. Why some posters took offense is beyond me! So typical of the lynch mob. I personally think that it's very important that you live in a neighborhood of people your age.

Well Joe, That ain't happenin'. There isn't a neighborhood anywhere in this HUGE place that has people of the same age.OR....all athletic, all Republicans, all college graduates, all from the midwest, ...You get the picture.

We are diverse and perverse. Obviously.

but YOU can live in my neighborhood anytime because you are smart and funny. I love your posts but this one I had to disagree with.

[billethkid]

so expressing an opinion, maybe different than someone else's constitutes being a part of a lynch mob.....over time you will find that is really not true.

See Gracie's last post for clarity on the real nature of TV.

btk

[Challenger]

The words we use to express our opinions are important. Lynch Mob, Liar, etc. seem to be overused and IMHO are not the way to express what in most cases are not facts, but opinion. Listen to the rants of our politicians. Good thing Aaron Burr is not around!

[2BNTV]

[QUOTE=graciegirl;565263].

My goal in living is to have learned enough from life experiences to not to miss anything and try NOT to hurt anyone.

Great creed to live by.

Also:

It's better to be childlike than childish.