This summer, my mother has sold my childhood home, so she could move into her boyfriend's house while I am away at school. However, her boyfriend currently lives an hour away from my home, where my work, friends, and gym are located. I quickly realized the only reasonable solution was to live with my grandmother in her old folks home. Being the only occupant under 55, it has been quite an adventure. In response to this adventure, I have complied a list of things to expect if you ever find yourself living in an old folks home!
1. You will frequently be asked to carry items
Odds are, you're the strongest person in the building. You will find yourself carrying many groceries to the various homes of your neighbors and the occasional furniture piece. However, you do not mind helping out, since it's the right thing to do! Fifty years from now, you know you would like someone helping where you would need it too.
2. You will find yourself in heated debates regarding Donald Trump's hair
Personally, I think Donald Trump has a toupee. However, one of my elderly friends disagrees. She swears on her butterscotch candies, which she takes very seriously, that his hair is real and natural. Our clashing beliefs led to a heated discussion on his hair. I guess only time will tell who is right!
3. You will always be the youngest person on the "block party"
Old folks like to party. Every Tuesday is "Bar Louie Night," where we all go to Bar Louie for happy hour. These parties consist of my elderly neighbors encouraging the waiter to flirt with me while I awkwardly stuff a grilled cheese sandwich in my mouth. I have a theory they try to make it as awkward as possible for their own entertainment.
4. You will never be hungry... ever
Being so young, you remind almost everyone in the building of their grandchildren, who usually live quite far away. In response to this, most people will use you as "imitation grandchild." You will never, ever, find yourself hungry. Grandparents seem to enjoy showing love through food, so the Old Folks 15 is as real of a fear as the Freshman 15.
5. You will hear a lot of complaining every time the elevator breaks down
Most of your neighbors have had various surgeries throughout their adult life. You will find yourself surrounded with people with hip and knee replacements, so when the elevator breaks down, it is a very serious issue. These people have a very hard time getting up the stairs, so all their complaining is reasonable. However, I would not be surprised if one day they pick it the HOA for a better elevator one day! My neighbors were young adults in the 60's and 70's, so they are no stranger to protests.
Overall, living with my grandmother and all her neighbors has been a very positive experience! I am not sure I will feel this way when I am living in an old folks home 50 years from now, however only time will tell!
