I’m 72 and recently moved into a 55+ condo community. For many years, I dreaded the thought of being in such a place. I pictured folks sitting around complaining about all their illnesses and Dr visits wasting away their days — sort of what I saw when my parents got to my age. I could not have been more wrong in my perceptions. In my community there are all sorts of things going on — more than I have time to engage in. I still work a little (by choice) as I find satisfaction and a feeling of purpose in my consulting work. It is nice to know that if I want to step back even further, there are plenty of interesting, meaningful and enjoyable things to do. The value of socialization cannot be overstated. Loneliness and isolation leads to depression and just waiting for death to come for relief. Not for me. I hope I am blessed to be able to really live until I die.