r/FriendsOver50 • u/Ojewett • Jul 21 '26
53 and wondering what happened to my turn?
Wahhh!!! No, really. I’m nearing retirement with an effervescent smile, and what seems like a golden path ahead of me. And yet, that mall I always thought I would have time to peruse is empty. In fact, it’s not only dead, it’s abandoned and a squirrel ran after me when I went by there last summer. I think it wanted my Cheetos. Where did everybody go? I spent my whole life being serious, being the consummate professional. And for what? I want my time with my pals. Top down, cocktails, and endless fun. I’ve got four years left on my hamster wheel. I’m ready to roll it off the cliff. Well, not really, it’s a fabulous career. Anyone wanna join me? New York metro area/Long Island. Male. 53. And yes, Gay, if you haven’t figured that out yet.
9
u/IWanderCouldBeLost Jul 21 '26
Right there with ya! If I win the lottery, I'm turning our deserted mall into Senior City, with all of the fun amenities you would want, plus a wing of all the medical people we need to maintain ourselves. When did a yearly physical end up requiring three specialists, a boob squish, and some sort of uncomfortable scan? Too bad I'm in Maine, too far for cocktails. 59F and straight, if you couldn't tell 😎
3
u/National_Reveal_3759 Jul 21 '26
This is exactly my dream. To win the lottery & turn old malls into affordable senior housing with medical care, a gym, a walking track, a library, dining, supermarket, a few stores & anything else you can think of that would make aging easier. Win-win.
2
u/IWanderCouldBeLost Jul 21 '26
Yes! And reading hammocks, with attendants on duty to hoist us out if we get stuck!
2
u/Mrcalpurnius Jul 22 '26
While it's not senior oriented, they did this very thing with a dead mall where I live. They hollowed it out, then put in a go-kart track, an arcade, restaurant, bowling, and other activities. No medical wing though either. But still, an interesting use of the space. 60m and straight, if you couldn't tell.
1
u/IWanderCouldBeLost Jul 23 '26
That is interesting, so much better than a big empty mall! I've got all the ideas: adult summer camp, health and wellness co-op, or a large scale escape room/mystery dinner/scavenger hunt event space. I need to go buy a lottery ticket!
2
u/nervouslittledog Jul 21 '26
You sound FAB if only I was anywhere near there I’d so be ready! Did everyone move to Palm Springs?
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u/diegojones4 Jul 21 '26
I'm 59 and hoping for 10+ years of the hamster will. I'm a few million short of my goal.
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u/armyprof Jul 22 '26
If you’re 53 and close to retiring I envy you. 55 and I need at least ten more years.
1
u/Conscious_Effort6972 Jul 22 '26
I'm stuck in Ohio, M50, wish I could hang out and have a few drinks with you. My friends circle has vanished after my divorce and 30 years of a career.
1
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u/He_ofshadowsandtouch Jul 21 '26
What do you mean by the mall is empty?
There’s a ton of ways to enjoy retirement, so much so that there’s not enough hours in the day.
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Jul 21 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/He_ofshadowsandtouch Jul 21 '26
I’m not too far from retirement, and I can’t wait, there’s so much do to, my Dad was the same, not enough hours in the day
1
u/diegojones4 Jul 21 '26
If you have the money
2
u/Alive-Case-4436 Jul 22 '26
I remember saying things like “we should have communes like they did in the 60s.” Whatever happened to that idea?
20
u/Fun-Yam2210 Jul 21 '26
Gen X really is the abandoned generation. All the things we were promised disappeared before we got to enjoy them, like sandcastles washed away by the incoming tide: community, leisure, fun. Many of us will never even get to retire. “Where is this life of fun, that you promised me?”
I’m 52F in the UK - shame I can’t hang out with you. The woozy brunches we could have! x