OK...I Fully acknowledge that some people have an event that totally upsets their lives...health problems, etc. BUT...let me Clarify the type of people who I have little sympathy for.
When we settled down in Kansas City, we bought a house in a new typical Middle Class subdivision. All the houses were nice 3 bedroom, 2 bath houses, and virtually all who moved in were in our 30's, good steady jobs, a couple of kids, etc. We all drove Fords and Chevies, with an occasional Buick or Mercury. We became good friends, and every Sunday night we rotated a get together at each others houses...the guys played poker in the rec room and the wives
gathered in the living room for a chat. It was an ideal text book Middle Class. Then, when the kids grew up and went out on their own, the neighborhood underwent a major transformation. People began to move out to bigger houses, Fords were traded for BMW's, family vacations became cruises to the Mediterranean. Within 5 or 6 years, we were one of the few original residents left. By then, we were more involved in our future plans, so we didn't change our lifestyles much.
Every now and then, I run into one of the old neighbors up in the city. Often, the conversation drifts to what a Bitch retirement is, and how rising prices are cramping their lifestyles, and how they may have to keep driving their present car for a few more years....which is now a Ford, instead of a Lexus. Half of them have gotten divorced, and alimony is eating their lunch. These people had Every opportunity to enjoy their retirements, but they Blew it. I listen to them, wish them good luck, and then count my blessings that the wife and I didn't fall into the same trap.