The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it’s all that matters.
― Audrey Hepburn
What makes you happy?
That question is wide-ranging and personal. Some people thrive on social interaction and enjoy busy days out with friends or meeting new people. Others find joy in traveling and discovering new places. And many prefer the comfort of home, cherishing time with family. As we grow older, priorities often shift toward what truly matters: family, friendships, health, and security. For many, the decision to move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life plan community, reflects that shift.
A CCRC can provide peace of mind through access to healthcare services when needed, which is a major comfort for residents and their families. For some, moving to a community is also a gift to adult children, ensuring their loved ones have support and avoiding the caregiving challenges they may have experienced with their own aging parents.
Those practical and family-centered reasons are important, but the single most important factor to consider is your happiness. This is where you will live, so it’s essential to look beyond contracts and financial details—even though those are critical—to answer the central question: Will I be happy living here?
Finding your happy place
Below are practical steps to help you determine whether a CCRC will meet your expectations and become a place you’ll enjoy for the long term.
Visit the communities at the top of your list…each of them.
Don’t settle on the first option you see. Tour several CCRCs so you can compare cultures and environments. Pay attention to the staff’s attitude and how residents interact. Ask yourself whether the community feels comfortable for you physically, emotionally, and perhaps spiritually. A firsthand visit will reveal more about daily life there than brochures or websites.
Attend open houses and events.
Open houses are low-pressure ways to explore a community. You’ll often get a guided tour and a chance to ask questions. Many CCRCs host educational or social events that let you experience the atmosphere over a longer period. Presentations and workshops can be informative and give you another opportunity to observe the community and see whether it feels welcoming and home-like.
Spend time on-site and try the amenities.
Communities often invite prospective residents to spend significant time on-site before signing a contract. If you join a waiting list, you may receive access to amenities like fitness centers, walking trails, or common areas. Many CCRCs offer guest suites so you can stay overnight and gain a realistic sense of daily life. Visit the health care facilities to make sure they meet your standards, and sample the dining options—dining rooms, cafés, or bistros—to evaluate food quality and service.
Talk with residents.
Understand that moving to a CCRC is a major life change and may require an adjustment period. Most residents settle in and enjoy their new lifestyle, but the best insights come from talking with people who live there. Residents will candidly share their experiences—positive and negative. Ask about service quality and lifestyle, and probe deeper into resident involvement: Do residents have a voice in community decisions? How active are they in shaping activities and daily life?
The most important CCRC selection criteria
Practical issues—affordability, contract terms, and a community’s financial stability—are all essential when choosing a senior living option. However, these considerations matter less if you won’t be happy living there. The “happiness factor” is a major part of the decision: you deserve a place that supports a purposeful, fulfilling life. A CCRC should provide the security you want for the long term, but above all, it should feel like home—a place you genuinely enjoy.