This personal insight into retirement village life reveals a totally different picture to the one painted by the multi-billion dollar retirement homes industry. The industry's advertising and media promotions depict all retirement living as a Paradise - a place of smiles, fun, activity - even romance. It is a warning to those thinking of downsizing or anyone else about to consider the retirement homes scene. After reading this many may have second thoughts. All will be better prepared for what might lay ahead and may consider other possibilities.