Whats in it for Old Farts like me? 

Being old was never much fun but these days there is even less to look forward to as you grow older.   For example, the accelerating pace of technological change makes it much more difficult for old people to “keep up”.   Then there is the ever increasing density of traffic, constant roadworks and other noisy disturbances and irritants like jarring pop “music” blaring from shop fronts.   Unlike earlier generations when extended families lived together under the same roof – eating their meals together, conversing daily, helping and supporting each other –  nowadays young and old people are almost totally divorced from each others lives and one result of this is that old people are often spoken of with disdain, or regarded as a barely-tolerated nuisance and treated with a distinct lack of respect.  

    

WALKING WHILST WOBBLY

Old people are far more sensitive to loud noises and other sudden shocks, and younger people only realise this when they grow old themselves.   Blaring horns ordering nuisances like slow-reacting pedestrian to get out of their way – noisy motorbikes with rasping amplified exhausts – behemoth trucks, air-brakes hissing impatiently – wailing sirens of emergency vehicles, and so on.   

Cyclists and pedestrians DO NOT mix  

And then there is the appalling inconsiderate (and illegal) habit that some “environmentally-conscious” cyclists have of riding on the pavement – FAST – and never ever ting-a-linging a warning bell like they used to, either because (a) the bike is not fitted with one or (b) because it wouldn’t be “cool” to do so, would it?   Aside from the danger, these sudden bolts of lightning whizzing past without the slightest warning can come as an awful shock.  And what about so-called “pedestrian zones” where, infuriatingly, cyclists are not obliged to dismount and so when they wobble their way past the walkers, guess who is forced to give way?    

And DO NOT get me started on those infuriatingly noisy and dangerous skateboards..! 

DRIVING WHILST DODDERY 

A major problem is that old people are (understandably) very reluctant to give up driving since cars are so much more comfortable and convenient compared to any form of public transport.   Due to distance from shops, family, etc., many elderly people continue driving a car well beyond the stage when they should give it up.  In the UK over 70’s don’t even have to take a test to prove their competence – they just have to declare that they are.  

(Another one to add to the endless list of social undesirabilities of sprawl). 

IT’S NOT A FAMILY AFFAIR 

Until quite recently it was typical for extended families of several generations to live under the same roof, as they largely still do in the 3^rd world.  Although such “cosy” living arrangements were primarily due to a lack of wealth, and most people would not want to do it today, it was in many ways advantageous for everyone as families helped each other.   With old people around children behaved more respectfully and were reprimanded if they rushed around or made a lot of noise.   Nowadays every adult generation, and many singles, live in separate homes, dispersed and divorced from each others lives.  

LONELINESS & ISOLATION

Many old people – especially those who have lost their partners and are left living alone – are desperately lonely and yearn for someone, anyone, to talk to and, when they finally do find a sympathetic soul, they tend to latch onto that person and talk non-stop which, of course, can be a trial for the “listener”.   Sitting in some cold, dark and pokey flat in a big, noisy city with only the TV for company – a TV where the news often focuses on street crime, many become naturally paranoid and fearful of going outside at all.  In OA-Cities they will live in light and airy apartments with easy access to the beauty and tranquility of the domain sanctuary (surrounding nature zone), and within a short stroll of many social and cultural facilities and their families and friends.   Although I like to compare OA-Cities with a cruise-ship, it will be much better because a cruise ship has no nature zone, just the blue but hostile ocean.     

GRANDPARENTS – THE BEST & CHEAPEST CHILDCARERS

Perhaps the most useful benefit of the extended family household was that the grandparents would very happily act as unpaid baby-sitters, thus freeing the mother to do the household chores, go to the shops or even go out to work all day.  However the dispersal of the family unit has resulted in the generations living separate lives often far apart and thus, depending on the distance and transport options available, the former child-caring role of the grandparents has become difficult if not impossible to manage – and this is to the detriment of all.    Even when possible it usually entails a lot of frantic rushing to and fro by car between parents and grandparents – congesting the roads, polluting the air, causing un-necessary stress, and wasting time and money. 

Even though children enjoy their grandparents dotage, young adults have become selfishly attached to their new-found freedoms and do not want to return to the “all generations under the same roof” life-style of old.    

OASIS CITIES – THE PERFECT PLACE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

OA-Cities – a place where all age groups can and will intermingle harmoniously.  

The Podium, the base of the residential pyramid, is where most community facilities (e.g., hospital, schools, library, etc) will be located.  Since it will have direct access to the Domain Sanctuary with its beautiful gardens, water-features, woodlands, and rustic nature walks, it would be the ideal location for a care home and community centre.  

Whilst the generations may all “live under the same roof” so to speak, seniors will be able to live independently but just a short walk from their families, and in an environment totally free of traffic, noise, crime, and all the other annoyances and hazards of ObeCities.  They will also be conveniently close to nature, shops, medical and other community facilities, in fact everything would be within easy strolling distance.   

SUMMARY OF OASIS CITY BENEFITS TO SENIORS  

• Safety & security – crime will be much reduced, if not virtually zero 
• Weather sheltered – no need to venture outside in bad weather. 
• Freedom from car reliance, having to drive despite severe age-reduced capability    
• Tranquility – no sudden loud noises or street disturbances  
• Relaxed – no rushing around, people will have more time for each other
• Idyllic surroundings 
• Congeniality and conviviality –
• Loneliness and depression much reduced.  
• Doctors, clinic, hospital, and emergency services are nearby
• Family are nearby or, if not, will want to visit more often 
• Shops – and all other facilities – are within easy walking distance
• Nature and peaceful walks are close at hand 
• Be part of a genuine community of approved individuals