We're in our 50s and moved into senior living. Our neighbors average 76.

The Leaitus moved into their senior living complex in October 2024. Courtesy of Amy Leaitu Downsizers Amy Leaitu and her husband wanted to move into a studio apartment in their mid-50s. They found the perfect location: a senior living community that houses people 55 and above. The couple, who've made many older friends, shrug off remarks about being "too young" for the place. This story is based on an interview with Amy Leautu, 56, of Bellevue, Washington, an HR analyst for a 911 call center. It has been edited for length and clarity. Almost every weekday evening after work, my husband, Dominic, 57, and I meet a bunch of neighbors in the bar of our 22-story building. We're always gossiping and having fun, and we say we are like our own "Cheers" group, after the characters on the 1980s TV show.