AN IMPRESSION OF RETIREMENT LIVING,
OR, TO LOOK AT IT WITH A SMILE -
Are you sitting comfortably? I am!
and company they offer, together with the freedom from caring for large
houses and gardens.
About twenty years ago when I bought a small flat in a charming middle-income area of
Johannesburg, I thought I had it made. Commuting to work in central Johannesburg was simple with
a frequent bus service, whilst a convenient shopping centre provided all the basics. Easy access to
the major roads made visits to larger shopping malls simple; this was an ideal dormitory suburb in
which to live.
The flat was in one of the few remaining Art Deco buildings erected post WWII in the suburbs of
Yeoville, Killarney and Bellevue and despite its age, the building was in good condition. With a small
swimming-pool, and compact but pretty garden to the south, leisure time was comfortably provided
for.
An extra hundred feet elevation ensured coolness on the hottest of December evenings, and meant
we were out of the ‘mosquito zone’. One could sleep relatively undisturbed sure of a quiet night
without the ominous bzzzzz so characteristic of African summer evenings. Then, in October and
November, with the arrival of spring, a mauve miracle turned the streets into cool, misty tunnels. The
delicate haze was echoed at ground level by a carpet of dropped Jacaranda blossoms, and the perfume
was heavenly. But, from June to August, it seemed as if winds blowing straight from the South Pole crept
through every crevice – these east-west ridges of the Witwatersrand act as a wonderful barrier for houses
on the northern slopes, but living at the top can be very uncomfortable on a freezing winter’s evening!
Over the years the creation of new shopping malls and leisure areas brought increased traffic, and
later the sale of part of a golf-course and the erection of further shopping malls multiplied the
problem. At peak hours the one-way system seemed to direct thousands of vehicles right past my
windows. Sleep became impossible from four am and the stench of diesel fumes and pollution was
tangible and thick.
But worst of all, were the rapidly changing demographics. As Yeoville became a fiercely loyal ANC
stronghold, so Berea and Bellevue changed their character. Pavement traders moved in, causing
congestion and disruption. Falling sales led to the closure of prosperous businesses. Pickpockets,
hi-jackings, and burglaries made whites fearful for their personal safety, and elaborate security turned
buildings into mini-prisons. Every week large the narrow streets were blocked by pantechnicons
loading furniture as the whites moved away. Hundreds of homes were sold to black families rushing
to buy at rock bottom prices. Old, but spacious properties were hastily sold by owners desperate to
get rid of them in a falling market. Soon the numbers of black residents rivalled Hillbrow, and the suburb
became known as "Soweto North".
Now retired, I was daily more aware of the changes, and when a Total Knee Replacement operation
made life impossible in a building with no lift, my family insisted I move to a retirement village. So now,
my days of imprisonment are over!
Instead of being locked and barred inside a small flat, I luxuriate in a spacious ground floor apartment
with access to lovely gardens. Screams and nightly gun-shots no longer disturb my sleep. Heavy
lorries and dangerously fast cars have ceased pounding past my windows, and the enthusiastic
shouts and stamping feet of soccer supporters applauding their favourite teams until the building rocks
are conspicuously absent. In their place I hear to the croaking of frogs, the call of the Egyptian Geese
and the cackle of Tarentaal, while Hadedahs patrol the garden, hard at work keeping the slugs and snails
in check.
Like many other residents I spend hours of leisure in worthwhile pursuits, taking time to follow
favourite hobbies. I do not hesitate to go out whenever the fancy takes me, instead of always fearing
the worst in a 'bad' area. The latest in good quality fittings in the apartment ensure my comfort and safety
at all times, while the labour of house-cleaning and gardening is taken care of by a team of hard-working
and well-trained helpers. In the event of illness, a fully staffed and equipped frail care centre is available.
Lovely garden surroundings, a hall for meetings and entertainment, a swimming pool, small chapel,
well paved roads and walkways ensure the complete comfort and happiness of residents. An added
benefit is the absence of all hassles involved in running and maintaining a property, which means
increased personal freedom. This has allowed me to follow my interests, and I have taken up
"University of the Third Age" classes; wonderful for keeping the mind active.
Like Madiba, after many years of incarceration I too have been let out of prison, and am glorying in it!