Well both of us retired five years ago while we were still in our early 50s and had the energy to keep up with maintaining this house we built. As time has moved on (we've lived here in our dream house now 10 yrs.) we find we would like to spend less time maintaining this huge yard....also with just the two of us we don't need this much room really. It's been wonderful having all this space but we're now talking about downsizing. We want to buy/build a home in a 55+ adult community. A rambler with everything on one level plus a full basement.

The next step beyond that will be an actual retirement community where there is a continuum of care...independent living, assisted living, nursing home, etc.....that will be where we spend "the autumn of our years" !