Life consists of cycles that are repeated in this existence. The young grow into adults, marry, have children and grow old. In turn their off spring do the same. However there are variations in these cycles.
Changes have come into play. The head of the family works to prosper and builds a large home which he hopes will house his children even when they have grown into adults. Alas, things do not work out that way as his children probably work away from home and his big house stands silent and empty.
Some people grow old and hope that their children will welcome them and have them stay as they live out their old age. Unfortunately attitudes have changed.
Many adult children do not welcome their parents as live-ins. Lifestyle changes have seen to this. Privacy is the most common reason cited for this perceived lack of caring. They are welcome for short visits but not on a permanent basis.
This has happened to many old people especially among Asian societies which in the past used to live together under one roof. They now find themselves being shunted from place to place without any permanent abode. The indignity of it all apart from the hurt.
The elderly live in units that cater for their needs. Within the units there are railings which they can hold on to for support as they walk and the surroundings are wheelchair friendly. Some units have small kitchens where able residents can cook simple meals for themselves if they wish to do so. Call buttons are strategically placed so that they can call for assistance if there is a need. The retirement village has a doctor, trained nurses and other staff that care for those in need of medical care and supervision.
There is a recreation center, a dining hall and lovely gardens. The units are of varying sizes and designs catering to different categories of the elderly. This development is not a high rise and in fact all units are on ground level.
The elderly purchase or rent the units using their retirement funds. This kind of retirement village is a notch above the state-run old folks’ homes as there is a better standard of care and more privacy. The community is small enough to develop a sense of belonging and cosy comfort.
This provides an alternative to depending on your children when you are old. Instead of leaving money and property to your children, use the money for yourself so that you can live out your days in a measure of comfort and maintain your dignity and independence. There is nothing more saddening than to know that you are not welcome in your children’s home to live out your days.
Then again, you will not have your independence if you stay with them and you may have to put up with their moods. Relationships could sour. At worst, you could be made a general factotum of sorts when you were thinking of a leisurely existence!
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