Resident Reflections: A Boomer Moves to St. John’s Meadows
After discussion with my adult kids, I decided to sell my Penfield townhome and move to St. John’s Meadows at an earlier age than most residents. I am 71 years old and am having the time of my life. As both a resident and a staff member on the concierge team, I am able to take advantage of programming for residents and activities for staff.
It’s the best of both worlds.
I have worked at St. John’s Meadows since 2017 as a part-time concierge, with a brief period of full-time employment during the pandemic years. Working at the front desk has given me insight into the daily routine of residents. I knew exactly what I was getting into…I now participate in water volleyball, chair exercise classes, attend musical performances, attend lectures on a wide variety of topics, and have recently started to volunteer as the drum fitness instructor. I have also joined the Brickstone Chorale and play the folk guitar for variety shows.
Moving to a senior retirement community at 71 may seem young, but moving in “early” has many advantages, including a full, active social life and the ability to navigate around the community without getting lost. Walking the trails behind the Meadows is one of my favorite pastimes and I enjoy feeding the Koi fish in the Songbird Pond. I still attend Feeling Fit classes at the Eastside YMCA in Penfield twice a week and have maintained outside friendships.
Downsizing, cleaning out my basement and garage, donating unwanted household items, and selling my townhouse were gifts to my kids. They won’t have to hire movers or sort through a ton of things they really don’t want.
A note to fellow Baby Boomers: Your kids don’t want your stuff.
The only things my kids really wanted were my garden tools and a couple of area rugs.
All in all, I am very glad I decided to sell my home, downsize, and move into my one-bedroom apartment, which sounds small but really has ample room for me and my cat. And, one more advantage to living here: when I work at the front desk during the winter months, I don’t have to drive home in a snowstorm. I simply walk upstairs to my apartment after my shift is over.
Submitted by: Beth Kosoff, St. John’s Meadows Resident