Many people have the erroneous idea that people who are residents of a retirement home spend their time watching TV, sleeping and eating. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The residents of Tryon Estates come from all sections of the United States and the majority of them are college educated. They are extremely loyal to their college sports teams with gusto. This is especially true with football and basketball. They also have a loyalty to their former hometown professional teams and have Super Bowl, World Series and Final Four Basketball parties.

Besides spectator sports, there is another important phase of elder sports at Tryon Estates. The facility is equipped with a bocce court, shuffleboard courts. Croquet field, golf putting green, putting area and driving net.

There is a lake on the property containing large mouth bass, bream, catfish and crappie bass. Residents enjoy catch and release fishing almost year round.

These sports are organized with teams and contests that occur weekly. Residents are very competitive and take pride in competing and winning. There is also Wii bowling and golf that is thoroughly enjoyed by many people, even those in wheel chairs.

These elder citizens also enjoy arts and crafts such as painting, knitting, jewelry making, cross stitching, quilting and card making.&bsp; Also those who wish to keep fit go to the fitness room that is equipped with many types of equipment especially suited to older people. Gardens are available for those who enjoy growing flowers and vegetables.

Bridge, euchre, poker, canasta and bingo are also enjoyed by residents.

Bible study and vespers are available every week and there is a very active community chorus. Courses are available in investing, genealogy, nutrition and others.

Tryon Estates residents enjoy a full life and can be as active as they choose. Sports and other activities are extremely important and are very competitive. There is much to do.

George Cashau, a resident of Tryon Estates, writes an occasional column about life at the Columbus retirement village.