Another perspective
Sun City Huntley was developed as a community for active adults who are 55 years of age and older. Although marketing efforts didn’t promote the fact that it was just a lovely place to live, whether active or not active.
The only legal qualifier was the minimum 55-year-old age. The active or inactive requirement was a matter of personal choice.
As it happens, some residents are a generation older than others. No matter. The 55-,65-,75- and 85-year-olds continue aging. Then a new wave of 55, 65, 75, and 85 years create a new cycle of residents who make personal decisions to be active or not active all at whatever comfort level suits them.
In the fitness department, Fitlinxx points are earned by those who are capable of physical activities requiring energy. Unfortunately, playing cards is not one of those activities, but if it were, the community would have many more residents wearing tee shirts that announce 200 hands of pinochle or whatever multiplier it is of their favorite game. On a lighter side, accumulating points for doctor visits may also be a qualifier since that becomes a frequent activity with aging.
Imagine a tee shirt that proudly tells the world that I HAD 5 DOCTOR VISITS THIS MONTH in the same way that Fitlinxx points are touted.
Not that the 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-year-olds are limited to playing cards or spending time visiting doctors. It is a joy observing residents with varying levels of disabilities and unknown ailments enjoying water classes and other low energy exercises. And for those who enjoyed tennis, softball, or other physical high-energy activities at one time, pleasant memories fill the gap of what was once a regular activity.
Unofficially, Sun City is a multi-generational community providing a wonderful environment to live a life of individual choices with good friends in a remarkably beautiful surroundings.
Thanks to the Del Webb /Sun City developers, volunteer resident leaders and professional management who preserve the concept.
Jim Darow
N5
