Semi-Retirement Is A Lifestyle, Not A Work Arrangement (Part Two)
A serious approach to a fun and not-so-serious life. That’s one way to sum up being semi-retired in a sentence.
It’s also how I view my passion for urban planning and, subsequently, the structure of our built environments. Serious business with real physical, mental and economic health impacts. However, urban planners ultimately aim to create—where possible—vibrant, lively and fun spaces where people can enjoy and not take life so seriously.
This is why I used a discussion of the physical environment to lead us into today’s part two on semi-retirement as a lifestyle, not a work arrangement.
In case you missed part one, here it is—
In Spain, there’s more of a tendency to live life outside. Because that’s the culture. And because you can. Because the built environment consists of—pretty much—endless walkability. And, if you want to stop for a drink and a snack—or even lunch or dinner—throughout your day, you can do so without breaking the bank. There’s plenty of public space to rest, congregate and socialize even if you’re not buying anything.
This simply isn’t the tendency in America. Even in our best urban environments. It’s not the culture. And we can’t anyway. It’s simply not possible, due largely to a car-dominated built environment lacking in public space and walkability. In most parts of the country, these two things don’t even exist. Where they do, they’re often part of a piecemeal approach. Baked into otherwise pedestrian-unfriendly settings.
Stop for drinks and a snack and you’re on the hook for $40—minimum—between two people. You don’t rest, congregate and socialize because it’s not our culture. And, please, don’t stay, unless you’re buying something. Even then, eat it, drink it and please leave.
I’m convinced that this—our culture as it relates to public space and the larger built environment—contributed to my Grandmother’s early death. Unless you have a car—and the means and ability to use one—you can very easily become physically and socially isolated in America.