Retirees at Their Favorite Coffee Hangouts

Every morning starting about 6:00 am, retirees begin assembling at their favorite coffee hangouts around the country.  Many range in age from the mid-fifties well into their late nineties.  These are men and women from all walks of life.  Some are recent retirees and others have been at it for a number of years.  They meet with certain goals in mind.  They want to socialize with seniors like themselves and have fun. 

Many belong to different groups, be it Mc Donald’s, Hardee’s, or Wendy’s, etc.  Rain, sun, or snow, they are the most regular customers.  They could be found at one, or more than these, whether it is in Virginia Beach, Va., Miami, Fla., Eugene, Ore., Brooklyn, NY, Spokane, WA, or Minneapolis, MN.  By default neighboring hangouts become their new abode away from home, where they hold court.

Anyone could tell them by their informal dress, silver hair, at times a T-shirt, slacks, and tennis shoes.  At some of these places, the managers are sure to put out pots of coffee on the counter for free refills.  Some patrons bring their own mugs.  These mugs are freebies, like the ones given by Mc Donald’s.

Being a senior is a badge of honor.  Many places acknowledge this, by granting special discounts, by age 60. Regardless of age, seniors are on a first name basis with each other, the managers, staff, and openly express their feelings and concerns to them.  At times, it has to do with unruly customers, service, the room’s temperature, and/or the condition of the bathrooms.  At most of these places, the staff is particularly friendly, for they make special attempts to please these retirees.  When it is not as crowded, someone even comes over to the section where they congregate, to pour their coffee.

It is always much fun.  Any person could find himself the butt of a joke.  It seems that in retirement there is a dawning of a new reality.  They speak candidly about their feelings whether it has to do with war, peace, or love. Some groups are as small as five, and others are as large as 20, or more.  Many of whom, may have served with honor in the military.  As a result, there are stories told and retold about the Civil War, World War 1 and 11, Korean, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan Wars.    It is always interesting how many of these storytellers are discredited in jest, providing for good laughter.

They bring pictures of loved ones.  They discuss problems they are having with their spouses, or significant other.  It is always delightful to see that widows and widowers, would openly talk about their love affairs, lack thereof, spirituality, death, and afterlife issues.  Some with passion, while they seek advice.  Much of this is done in jest. During these moments, there may be someone that is so compelling that a group might find delightful.

At times, the discussion turns to politics.  Those that are republicans and democrats square off against each other as they struggle to defend issues, like the U.S. deficit, health care, national security, gay and women’s rights, and foreign policy decisions.  

Image by dmealiffe via Flickr

Image via Wikipedia

On many of these issues, there are disagreement, with both sides accusing the other of their unwillingness to listen and being unrealistic.  So in frustration, they agree, to disagree, without becoming disagreeable.

They talk about their trips both national and international.  Some recall pilgrimages to the Holy Land, hiking, fishing, hunting, canoeing, and cruises.  Others are content with exercising, attending health fairs, dieting, playing poker, slots, and taking courses at Institutes for Learning in Retirement Centers around the country.