Golden Years Lie
The Golden Years term, coined in the late 1950s…yes, I knew it had to be a marketing ploy, but I didn't realize it came from Del Webb and his planned, elite retirement community in Sun City, AZ. A place so hot you can fry eggs on the hood of your car in the summer and is flooded with snowbirds in the winter. Of course, he promises paradise in his "active" communities. Just look at this fit, healthy and smiling couple promising, "you too can live a perfect life here." Anti-aging hormones on speed.
The reality is far darker than the promised summer's gold. Like most things in life, those with plenty of money report having better health needed for that resort-style living, and those under the poverty level suffer severe declining health, no golfing for them.
I live in the Lake Chapala area of Mexico, forty minutes to Guadalajara, and touted as the" world's second-best climate" in the world. International Living magazine states this is home to approximately 20,000 ex-pats, and Wikipedia reports it is the highest concentration of North Americans in the world. It is also a microcosm of many "retirement" communities but without the financial requirements of owning or renting a home in one NOB, north of the border. There are financial requirements to become a resident, but that is another topic. Many people come here as tourists and never leave, thus avoiding proof of income.
Like many others, I retired with idea of "the golden years," but I was shocked, and continue to be, at the poverty of spirit, soul and money here in our little "slice of paradise." Because this is a small community, everyone knows everything about each other. Or so they think. What I do know is that alcoholism and drug abuse are severe problems. Men are often very open about wanting "friends with benefits" rather than a committed relationship, and there are plenty of takers. STDs are common…ewwww. Even more painful is the number of people who are estranged from their adult children and extended families, .and many are only children with no ties to anyone.
Ah, yes, Del Webb and his Sun City promises live here Lakeside. We have classes for the mind, body, and soul, but there is also a substantial number of people living here on USD 1,000 and less; they are not living the high life here. They have no safety net or home to return to if needed. GoFundMe's are common, as well as friends chipping in to help the needy. But some have no friends and die alone at home, often discovered after long gone. If their bodies aren't claimed by family or friends, they are relegated to a body bag in a roaming freezer truck in Guadalajara to melt away in obscurity. At some point, they are put into the ground somewhere.
This sad reality has been on my mind since retiring and hearing the stories. And yes, if you can't afford to live in your hometown, even Mexico won't be easy.
The Motley Fool reported that in 2019 the average American household had $65,000 in retirement funds. That Golden Years fantasy just isn't in the cards.
September 17, 2022
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