But he seemed to have lost himself as he spent time in Leisureville. Was he a participant pot-smoking, oogler of women or the visitor who wanted to figure out what made these places so appealing. Where was the critique of local governments that permit huge populations to ignore infrastructure needs?

Highlighting “Mr. Midnight,” the sexual exploiter in one community, might have led him to a more in-depth look at what this man represents. Does Blechman know there’s a real problem of women who contract HIV in retirement communities particularly in Florida and Pennsylvania? men. A true investigative reporter would have shown concern for the vulnerability of aging women and questioned the absence of health education resources.

Age segregation is an American dilemna–among both old and young. Reading this book left me with a sense that we need desperately need sensitive writers who will look into those places that run counter to the stereotypes in Blechman’s book. Many of us want to be active participants in the world around us. The urban, non-profit CCRC where I live surrounded by residents with a social conscience is replicated in a number of cities besides mine in Portland, Oregon.

naomi dagen bloom, http://www.alittleredhen.com