Residing in our residential enclave feels like a stint in a sitcom, the majority being retired senior citizens navigating the labyrinth of their golden years. It’s a realm where sagacious old couples reign supreme, their offspring venturing into distant exploits. A striking 95% of our community boasts impressive backgrounds – former military and civil leaders, triumphant business moguls, each carrying the palpable hangover of their illustrious pasts.
Envision this neighborhood, where some residents hold onto the belief that they were once kings, sporting their egotistical crowns with pride. Amidst these regal figures, unsung heroes emerge as the good Samaritans striving to maintain peace in this noble realm. Our age spectrum dances from the lively 60s to the seasoned 80s. As our children traverse the globe for their careers, the collective struggle for self-maintenance, health, and survival becomes our shared saga. Lightening the seriousness of it all, I affectionately nickname our abode “A Sort of Old Age Home.”
In this court of yesteryear’s royalty, some find solace in golf and various hobbies. Others, like myself, seek refuge in creative outlets – writing, photography, and music wielded as weapons against the monotony of seniorhood. Informal groups sprout like mushrooms after rain, their directions often diverging. Ego, an evergreen force, hasn’t retired; it reigns supreme in the hallways where once-commanding voices strive for attention.
In our diverse microcosm, mingling is a rare spectacle. Each family member possesses their own perspective, creating a symphony of varying viewpoints amplified by over 200 families. Small groups emerge, providing solace to those seeking like-minded companions. Active participation in WhatsApp groups becomes a daily highlight, transforming mundane days into battlefields of comment wars. Topics of controversy range from managing dog waste to parking, security, and the upkeep of common areas, even down to falling cigarette butts from higher floors. Amid this digital spectacle, the otherwise dull life finds a vibrant spark.
Occasional social events punctuate the routine, organized by various groups attempting to break the monotony. However, disparities persist, and different factions rarely attend each other’s functions. To paraphrase Mao Zedong, in a way he may not have intended, “Let a hundred flowers bloom.” With over 200 families, each is free to march to the beat of their own drum. And so, life unfolds in this amusing microcosm, where kings clash, Samaritans stand tall, and WhatsApp wars become our daily dose of excitement.
Guchi.
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