Seniors living in Las Vegas
Seniors living in Las Vegas pursue their desires with as much passion and energy as everyone else. In the time we've lived here, I've never heard an ad for an over 55 community without the word active in it. When we decided to move, the most interesting book I could find on the subject was written by a woman who had moved here at age 68. If I can find it (we still have things in boxes after our remodeling), I'll list the title. Some of the statistics will be a bit out of date now, but the enthusiasm will last forever.
I recently saw a question posed as to why anyone would move to Las Vegas later in life. The answers, from those who had done it, seemed to focus on three major areas. The climate is easier to deal with than the cold and dampness many have lived with all their life. The lower cost of living allows them to enjoy a better lifestyle. Seniors living in Las Vegas have a huge selection of activities from which to choose any time they want. All three of those reasons make perfect sense to me, but the best answer I’ve heard from a senior who made the move, is they moved here to start living again.
Many seniors living in Las Vegas are still working, either by choice or need. The huge job growth in Las Vegas means more options when looking for a new career (or continuing an existing one). I know a gentleman who is in his 80s, works regularly, and seems to enjoy it thoroughly (I’m fairly certain he doesn’t need the money). The climate, of course, lends itself to outdoors activities and the older crowd is no exception. They walk, hike, swim, play golf or tennis, and generally take full advantage of the Las Vegas weather. Some get involved in the many community activities available. The local car club I belong to has many members well past normal retirement age (possibly because the last qualifying car was built more than 25 years ago). I’d guess, based on the members I’ve met so far, that at 57, I’m in the younger half of the age spread. Most members are still handy with a screwdriver, wrench or paint sprayer. The University of Nevada, and the local community college both offer a very diverse range of courses, some specifically geared toward the 55 and over crowd. Speaking from personal experience, at least some seniors living in Las Vegas are still very competitive. I have often played in a poker game where I was the youngest one at the table by a good 20 years. I used to play regularly with a man in his early 90s who gave up nothing in skill to the younger players. Eventually, I learned I did better in games with younger opponents.
For those seniors living in Las Vegas who prefer the quiet that comes when children are absent, there are many communities that have age qualifications. You simply cannot live there until you are 55 (in some cases 50). Most of these feature at least one golf course (sometimes two or three), a fitness center, spas, tennis, swimming, clubs, social centers and more. These are not small apartment type places. They generally have more than a thousand dwellings ranging from condos to million dollar houses. They include shopping centers, restaurants, services and all the amenities you’d find in a community anywhere. Although I’ve never lived in one of these communities, I’m told that they make it very easy to meet new people, socialize, and enjoy an active (there’s that word again) lifestyle. Actually, it’s starting to sound pretty good. See you in the pool
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