We often hear the benefits of a retirement community for older people, who enjoy the social aspects of those kinds of living situations.
But a 32-year-old woman is reminding everyone that all people can benefit from the structure and support of community — no matter how old or young you are.
An Unexpected Move
In 2021, a woman named Liz White visited her parents at a retirement community in Naples, Florida. Her retired parents spent their winters there, and White liked the building and community so much that when an apartment freed up in the same building, she decided to move in.
According to CNBC, the average age of people living in that building at the time was 55 years old. Liz was by far the youngest. That first year, the customer success manager paid roughly $2,000 in monthly rent for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment. Later, when her landlord put the unit up for rent, White’s parents decided to buy it.
Apartments in the area can go for up to $1 million, but White didn’t contribute financially. Instead, she lives in the apartment and takes care of it. When her parents are in town, they also stay with her.
The young woman's biggest takeaway after moving in was how much she learned to interact with people on a daily basis and how good it's been for her.
“When you live somewhere where you’re not around people, you can keep to yourself, and now, I have to be ready because I might have a conversation at any time,” White explained to CNBC. “It was an adjustment at first but it’s become a joy of my life.”
Facing Hard Times
White’s parents had only owned the apartment for about three months when Hurricane Ian flooded it. It was a devastating and stressful time for the family, who had to decide whether to sell the unit or completely remodel it.
In the end, they decided they liked the community too much and wanted to reconstruct it. It was a hard path since they’d lost pretty much everything, and it took almost a year to finish the massive project.
It was during that time, however, that White realized the true power of her community. She rented from another neighbor during the remodel and recalls someone telling her that she would laugh at the situation one day.
“I felt like it was the worst part of my life forever, but at the end of the day, I got through it,” she told CNBC. “It’s been really good to have that sense of community and have people to grow you with different perspectives in life. It’s also made me more open to meeting new people and not sweating the small stuff,” she continued.
“Life is hopefully going to be long and there’s a lot of phases to it. If you’re going through one hard phase, it’s not going to be forever.”
There’s No Place Like Home
Living in the community, White added how she’d made friends of all ages, including people her own age, and has experienced many great adventures as a result. It just goes to show you that community is what we make it, and we get what we put in.
While certain retirement communities have age restrictions, White’s story also serves as a powerful reminder that home is what you make it. You don’t necessarily need a fancy big house or solo living to be successful. Multigenerational living is also a successful way of life, especially when you consider the collective power of all that wisdom you gain by living with others.
After all, Liz herself said it best: “I don’t just have to be friends with people who have lived the same kind of life I’ve lived.”
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.