Why we do what we do. Resident perspective: Chandler Joe

Hometown: Chicago

Career: High school teacher, economic development for the city of Chicago and restaurant owner

What is the best part about ‘retiring’?

I do miss working but it paid off to retire. Before I retired, while I was also doing economic development for the city, I was running Szechuan East in Lincoln Park. I wanted to cut down. It can be tough to run a restaurant in a high-density location with high rent and parking costs.

What is your favorite thing to do now?

I love to walk, think and read about the stock market.

What is the most favorite place you’ve traveled, why?

Europe. My wife and I wanted to travel and see the world before we got too old. We traveled to Spain, Italy, Germany, Norway, Scandinavia and took a long trip to Russia.

Who is your favorite team/ musician/ performer to watch?

I love to attend Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts and Broadway shows. I am a Bears fan but do not care much about the Cubs.

What do you look for in a caregiver?

I look for someone who is reliable. My caregiver has been in the business of caring for a long time. She is knowledgeable and has a good attitude. She is very prompt and on time and if she says she is going to be somewhere, she shows up.

What is your biggest success?

Marrying a fine woman and having five wonderful children.

What is your biggest regret?

My biggest regret is that my children live far away. I wish they lived closer so I could see them more. The other regrets I have are opportunities I turned down. I can’t blame anyone. Decisions and regrets are facts of life that everyone needs to accept.

What would you change about the way America ages if you could?

I would like to see more communication and connection between the younger and older generations. In the old days families would stay together for two to three generations. Each generation can learn from one another.

What is one piece of advice for the next generation?

Learn from the older generation. Everyone thinks the previous generation doesn’t know what’s going on but each generation sees repetition with wars, famine and depressions. Most importantly I advise people in the next generation to enjoy their families and hold onto them. In the end they are the most important thing a person has.