This past week I was reminded why my work brings me so much fulfillment. After giving an educational presentation to prospective residents at Ventana by Buckner, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Dallas, Texas, I sat down for lunch with four attendees and enjoyed a memorable conversation.
Two charming neighbors who have lived next door to each other for 35 years joined me, having come together to explore retirement living options. Across the table was a remarkable 100‑year‑old gentleman who still rises at 4:00 a.m. three days a week to run several miles. To my right was a former insurance actuary and member of the LGBTQ community who shared a fascinating story about his friendship with African‑American concert pianist Armenta (Hummings) Dumisami. Ms. Dumisami, now in her mid‑eighties, studied at Juilliard during a time of intense racial discrimination and went on to perform around the world, including at Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall. It was a delightful, diverse group and a perfect reminder of how meaningful encounters at work can be.
Uncertainty about “what’s next”
One woman at the table — let’s call her Linda — appeared to be in her late seventies. She told me that my presentation had helped her consider important aspects of life she had not thought about before, both in the present and for the future. She became emotional while thanking me for prompting those reflections about what matters most to her and what peace of mind looks like at this stage.
Although I aim for my talks to inform and prepare audiences for retirement living decisions, I was struck by how emotional the experience was for Linda. She said, “In my twenties, I knew what I wanted to do in life. In my forties, I knew what I wanted to do in life. But now, it’s not so clear.” That realization seemed to surprise her: being in a later stage of life doesn’t mean you can’t have a vision for purpose and fulfillment, yet she didn’t know where to begin. “How do I figure out what I want to do now?” she asked. I didn’t have a single perfect answer at that moment, but the question stayed with me.
>> Related: The Number 1 Deciding Factor When Choosing a CCRC
The struggle to rediscover purpose
There are many paths to happiness and fulfillment as we age. My conversation with Linda made me reflect on the near‑limitless possibilities for rediscovering purpose during retirement. Finding that motivating factor that makes you eager to begin each day is a common challenge among retirees.
Seniors considering a CCRC have often been retired for many years and are now entering a phase where “what ifs” about aging become more pressing. They may be rethinking how to maintain wellness, purpose, and independence as they or a partner face age‑related changes in health or mobility.
Psychotherapist Dr. Katherine Esty recently asked, “What is essential for a good life for those of us who are over 70?” Drawing on philosophical ideas, she highlights three core elements that support thriving later in life:
- Something to do: Active engagement matters. Whether it’s volunteering, crafting, continuing education, golf, or another passion, activities that fully engage and bring pleasure are essential to well‑being.
- Someone to love: Relationships sustain us. As people age, connections with family and chosen family become increasingly important. Social bonds help prevent isolation and enrich daily life.
- Something to hope for: Having purposes and aspirations beyond oneself gives life meaning. This might include commitment to a cause, family goals, spiritual growth, or any pursuit that energizes and motivates.
>> Related: Heart and Soul: Retirees Find New Meaning Through Volunteering
CCRCs nurture a sense of purpose
Linda’s question reflects what many retirees face when seeking renewed purpose in mid‑ to late‑retirement. The positive side is that by taking proactive steps to explore senior living options, she has already begun a meaningful journey toward answers.
CCRCs and other retirement communities provide a wide range of programs and activities — from fitness classes and volunteer opportunities to social events and educational programming. Participation is optional, but many residents discover a handful of offerings they truly enjoy and anticipate. I often hear residents say they rediscovered dormant passions thanks to the variety of programs available: a craft, a sport, an artistic pursuit, or a community role they had set aside years earlier.
Whether Linda chooses to move to Ventana, another senior living community, or remains at home, I’m confident she will uncover a renewed sense of purpose as she begins this next chapter. Exploring options, engaging with others, and trying new activities can all help transform uncertainty about “what’s next” into a meaningful and fulfilling phase of life.