Have you noticed how assisted living communities are springing up faster than neighborhood drug stores? Kind of makes you wonder what these communities have to offer that has the senior generation waiting in line to move in.

Here's what a recent survey revealed when several thousand seniors in the U.S. and Canada were asked what they thought of their residency in assisted living facilities. A resounding majority believed they are now better off. Most said they would make the same choice again, and practically everyone would recommend it to their friends. The good news for the men, is that the women almost outnumber them two-to-one. And it should be no surprise that over half have college degrees of four or more years.

Most assisted living communities have more organized group activities than a Marine Corps boot camp. I have visited several of these facilities in the area, and have been impressed with them all. One in particular even sponsors an annual antique car show that provides the residents with an opportunity to see these old cars up close. The atmosphere is festive which encourages the residents to come out and mingle with those who brought their old cars. Not only do they reminisce about the days of S & H green stamps, mud flaps and service stations that gave free drinking glasses with each fill up; many had family cars exactly like the ones on display.

One such resident who looks forward to these annual car shows is 82-year-old Jack Deakin.

"My father was in the automotive business when I was just a kid," said Deakin. "On more than one occasion, the conversation around the family meal would consist of cars and the latest technology. This is the second year that I've been involved with these old cars coming here, and I've enjoyed it both times. These car shows also provide the general public with an opportunity to visit these senior communities and see how they operate."

Deakin feels quite strongly about those who labor for years in the process of rebuilding their old cars. He says it isn't just a process, it's a love affair that requires research, special skills, patience, and a vision of what it's going to look like when completed. He has a relative who restored an old car, and remembers the excessive amount of time he spent rebuilding it.

Like so many in Deakin's age group, he is a proud veteran of the military. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1945, and was assigned to the USS Hector, a Naval repair ship. With a crew of close to a thousand, they aided other ships that were damaged by torpedoes, mines, and other types of war-related damage. A few ports of call he remembers were; Guam, Eniwetok and Saipan.

After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. Next came a career with Columbia Gas that lasted 40 years. He retired as vice president of engineering.

For more than 50 years, Deakin was involved with a most unusual hobby -- a barber shop harmony chorus. He first became involved in Pittsburgh, and when he relocated to Charleston, he developed another group which grew from a dozen to more than 50.

"We would sing for business groups, weddings, parties, Christmas events, and corporation dinners. It was all without music accompaniment or as we call it; a cappella," he said. "We would even compete at major locations, places like Columbus, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and cities in Texas. The group in Dallas had over 150 members."

Deakin now sees his world as different. He now feels that many in his peers are no longer concerned with the issues of a nine-to-five world.

"There was a time when my wife and I were involved with the kids' education, work, taking care of the lawn, home repairs, and things of that nature," said Deakin. "Now our concerns have different priorities. It's different for us now, our needs are different, our wants are no longer the same. I can remember life in the second grade, but often can't remember where I left my wallet. My wife now needs constant care, assisted living communities like this that address those needs are a pure blessing."

Deakin's world has indeed been pushed aside in favor of today's life style. His favorite president, Ronald Reagan, is gone, the big band music he loves is no longer as popular as it once was, and people now seem to be less considerate of others.

Come the next car show, they will be a little older, their mileage will have increased, and perhaps a few new parts will be exchanged to keep them operating. And by popular demand - the old cars will be back next year, too.

Clyde Beal is a freelance writer waiting to hear from someone with a story to tell. Write him at archie350@verizon.net.

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