Interesting Concept
by Tommy
I read on the BBC this morning about a so-called “child-free” village, which controversially ban resident children. You’re allowed have a family dog but there are limits to the kids or grandkids visiting you. In fact, to own a house in Firhall, Nairn, you must be 45 or older.
Kati Whitaker, BBC 4 presenter, took a look to see how Firhall has been getting on since it opened in 2003. She asks if it is desirable, or even practical, to encourage the sort of settlements where older people are segregated from the rest of society.
Except that the residents of Firhall are all residents by choice. The better question is: if I’m 62 and hate children, why shouldn’t I be allowed live somewhere that limits young folks? I’m sure that some old people already try and regulate their interaction with kids, so why not have a small village where birds of a feather can flock together? They can bitch and moan about ‘kids these days’ to their heart’s content and even compare tactics for being the ultimate grouch.
One would hope that elderly people like that are few and far between – old people are awesome and I’d like that they co-exist well with the rest of society.
There’s even been reports of people packing up and moving out of Firhall – it wasn’t for them and that’s grand. It looks damned successful though! If anything, it’s good because it proves that one can leave. :)
All I’ll say is, it’s not fair that quadragenarians and above get to have their own living space away from the rest of society.. maybe I want to live in peace and quiet too! :)
What do you think? Do you agree with Kati’s “down with this sort of thing” opinions or are do you think old folks should at least have the choice?
