Among the many joys I find in working at myLifeSite are the opportunities to meet and speak with fascinating people across the country. While recently speaking at La Vida Llena, a life-plan retirement community in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I met a gentleman named Don. He and his wife, Glyndon moved into La Vida Llena when they were both in their early 60s — and they have loved living there ever since.
Talking with Don was especially interesting because many people his age (and even much older) often say they “don’t feel old enough” to move to a CCRC or other retirement community. Frequently I hear prospects say they aren’t ready because they “don’t want to be around a bunch of old people.” Don and Glyndon, however, moved to La Vida Llena well below the typical move-in age for most CCRCs, which is usually in the late 70s or early 80s.
I asked Don and Glyndon (pictured) if we could share some of their thoughts on the emotional and psychological factors that led them to choose a CCRC in their early 60s. Their reasoning offered several useful insights that can inform other retirement community prospects and the broader senior living industry.
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Age is not a factor: The perks of an earlier move
When Don retired at 55, he was mindful of his family health history. His grandfather died at 54, and his father and brother both died at 70. Glyndon’s family, by contrast, shows strong longevity: a great-grandfather who lived to 103, a grandfather who surpassed 100, and a father who recently passed away at 92.
Given these differing genetic backgrounds, the couple didn’t feel they were “not old enough” to move to a retirement community. In fact, Don felt a sense of urgency to move into a CCRC at 62 so Glyndon would have a nearby network of friends and access to life-care services if she were left alone.
Another strong draw was the carefree lifestyle CCRCs provide. Don and Glyndon are long-haul motorcyclists who might ride 4,000 miles in three weeks. They appreciated the security and low-maintenance living a CCRC offers, enabling extended travel without worry: simply lock the door, tell the front desk, and hit the road.
>> Related: “I’m Not Ready Yet” Part 3: Younger Can Be Better for a CCRC Move
Wisdom and joy found by living among older neighbors
Don and Glyndon don’t have children, and they naturally gravitated to older couples as close friends. They noticed older couples often had more freedom for travel and spontaneous activities than younger people juggling child-rearing commitments. As a result, the couple feels comfortable and “at home” living alongside an older population at La Vida Llena, many of whom are significantly older. For them, age truly is just a number.
Glyndon recalls photographing a Mardi Gras event early in their time at La Vida Llena. Several women dressed in beaded gowns and carried parasols, parading to lively music and entertaining residents for hours. By late afternoon, one 93-year-old reveler admitted she felt tired and wondered if it might be time to let younger folks take over the parading. Ironically, Glyndon—about 30 years younger—felt equally worn out from photographing the festivities all day.
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A different aging mindset
Both Don and Glyndon value moving to a life-plan retirement community at a younger age. Several factors shaped their mindset.
Glyndon is a third-generation CCRC resident: her grandparents lived in a lifecare community in Carol Stream, Illinois, for 25 years, and her parents were in a lifecare community in Wilmore, Kentucky, for 12 years. Witnessing those family experiences gave her firsthand knowledge of how CCRCs operate and the peace of mind that comes from knowing loved ones were safe, comfortable, and cared for in their later years.
The couple’s Christian faith and commitment to service also influenced their decision. Don spends many hours in the La Vida Llena woodshop repairing or building items that improve life for frail residents. Glyndon compiles and circulates a monthly prayer letter to the community’s 125+ residents, staff, and employees. They believe these acts of service strengthen community bonds and keep neighbors engaged with the most vulnerable residents on campus.
>> Related: Positive Aging: Changing Your Mindset About Growing Older
A sensible senior living decision
Talking with Don about his and Glyndon’s experience at La Vida Llena was refreshing and eye-opening. While their choice to move into a life-plan community relatively early is uncommon, the motivation behind it is especially notable.
Their approach blends practical planning for aging with a generous, service-oriented outlook toward others. That neighborly philosophy—planning ahead, serving others, and embracing life within an older community—is a thoughtful model for anyone considering senior living options.
Photo courtesy Don and Glyndon