My daughter teases me when we’re out shopping, suggesting I should ask for the “Senior Discount.” Haha, I tell her, “I’m not quite a Senior yet; I still have a little ways to go.” I’m not bothered by her reminders that I am an old Grandma now; in fact, I learned something recently that made me downright excited about turning 55 in 3.813 years.

I began shopping for a new apartment because, when Ebug goes to college next year, I’ll likely need to find a smaller home. Or maybe I’ll just sell everything, @CutTheCrap like @JakeMelton advises, and work while trotting the globe petsitting with @TrustedHousesitters. I haven’t exactly made up my mind yet.

Anywhooo, while looking at apartment complexes online I found some that sound like heaven! The trouble is, you have to be 55+ to live there. I couldn’t believe the amenities offered at some of these luxury Independent Living Facilities! (I’ll list some below; I even left off many I am not particularly looking for.)

This is why I am now counting down the days to 55. Are you?

Services/Activities at a Dallas

Independent Living Facility:

24-Hour Awake Staff, Activities Offsite, Activities Onsite, ADL Assistance, Aging in Place, All inclusive, BBQs / outdoor parties / picnics, Beautician Onsite, Beauty Salon, Billiards lounge, Birthday parties, Brain fitness, Cats, Community Service Programs, Complimentary Transportation, Computer room, Cooking Classes, Dances / senior proms, Devotional Services Offsite, Devotional Services Onsite, Dogs, Educational lectures / life long learning, Emergency Services (Fire / Police / EMT)

Fireplaces in common areas, Fitness center, Free parking, Full time activity director, Game room, Golf course / golf putting green / mini golf, Grocery Shopping, Guest meals, Happy hours, Holiday parties, Home Care Agency on-site, Homecare Onsite, Housekeeping provided, Indoor Common Areas,

Laundry service / drycleaning, Library, Live musical entertainment, Live Performances, Meals Provided, Movie Room / Theater, Outside patio garden

Parks, Pet Care Available, Piano / Organ, Private dining room,

Reminders and monitoring, Restaurant style dining, Tai Chi, Transportation at Cost, Trips and outings / field trips

Trivia, TV Lounge, Visiting Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Podiatrist, Speech Therapist, Wine tasting, Yoga