by Rachael Knopf, YourPace Student Contributor
OCALA, Fla. — For many senior citizens, retirement means peace, sunshine, and slower days. For Pete and Carolyn, their neighbors Pinky and June, and their friend Susan, getting older isn’t all palm trees and shuffleboard.
Pete and Carolyn live in a 55+ community in Ocala, Florida. They enjoy the perks: two pools, quiet streets, and neighbors who look out for each other. “I love that my husband doesn’t have to mow the lawn anymore,” Carolyn said with a laugh. “And I swim every day.”
But staying afloat financially is tough. “We’re just above water,” said Pete, who returned to work at AutoZone to help cover car repairs. “Things cost more, and our checks stay the same.”
Pinky and June, who live nearby, say things used to be better. “When we moved in, the community was friendly. We had potlucks and helped each other,” Pinky said. “Now it feels like all they care about is raising the rent.”
The rising cost of living is a common theme. “We get a raise in Social Security,” said June, “but Medicare takes more. Managing the finances becomes challenging.
Still, the couple finds strength in the community. Pete helps organize game nights and neighborhood events. “We knock on people’s doors and get them involved,” he said. “It keeps us from getting depressed.”
Even with friends around, some challenges are difficult to ignore. “People walk past us like we’re invisible,” Susan, a neighbor, added. “It’s like seniors don’t count anymore.”
What do they wish young people knew? “Look us in the eye,” said June. “We’ve lived. We’ve learned. We have a lot to share.”
