Recently I spoke with two residents of Henry Ford Village (HFV) in Dearborn, Michigan—let’s call them Dan and Mary. They aren’t a couple, but over time they’ve become good friends living in this continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life plan community.
I asked both the two questions I often pose to CCRC residents: “How long have you lived here?” and “How do you like it?” Dan said he’d been at HFV about five years; Mary estimated three or four.
When I asked how he liked it, Dan replied, “I love it. This place is made for me.” He went on to explain that HFV offers everything he wants. A fitness enthusiast, he enjoys jogging and participating in the community’s wellness programs. Based on his physical condition, it was easy to see he takes fitness seriously. But what he said next really stood out.
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“The best thing about HFV,” Dan said, “is the smiling faces.” He described how a simple walk from his home to the main building can take 30 minutes because he stops along the way to talk with friends.
Mary chimed in then, sharing that when she was in her early twenties she enjoyed photography and even shot a few weddings. She hadn’t used a camera much in decades—until she moved to HFV. Now she’s rediscovering her passion and spending a lot of time taking photos.
The reason she can focus on photography now is simple: she has the time. Living in the community frees her from household tasks like maintenance, cleaning, and shopping. Those chores used to fill her days; now she’s free to do what she wants, not just what she has to do.
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Well-deserved happiness in retirement
You might assume this sounds like a sales pitch for CCRCs. It’s not. I recognize there are many ways to find happiness and fulfillment in retirement, and a CCRC isn’t the right fit for everyone. Cost, personal preferences, and family situations all influence that choice.
Still, I hear stories like Dan and Mary’s often, and they always warm my heart. Who doesn’t hope to feel content and at home after years of hard work—whether that work was a career, military service, raising a family, or other commitments? Hearing that someone has reached a place in life where they feel comfortable, engaged, and valued is genuinely uplifting.
Talking with Dan and Mary left me inspired—and a little envious. I hope I’ll be as settled and fulfilled as they are when I reach their stage of life.