Longevity studies show that meaningful connections, minimal stress, a sense of community and having a purpose in life are all factors that contribute to a long, healthy and happy life.
Residents at Ann’s Choice, an Erickson Senior Living community in Bucks County, have all of these factors at their fingertips with maintenance-free living in comfortable apartment homes, amenities and clubs for every interest, and plenty of volunteer opportunities.
Ethel and James Donnelly moved to Ann’s Choice in 2014. The couple found their perfect apartment home in the Keystone – one of three independent living neighborhoods on campus – and agreed that it was “the best move we ever made.”
“James liked it. He was happy here,” said Ethel Donnelly. Unfortunately, he passed away nine months after their move. “I had a feeling that he knew time was nearly up. He insisted, ‘I think we should move to Ann’s Choice.’ I think he wanted me settled – to have a community around me.”
A couple years later, her younger brother Michael joined the continuing care retirement community, which meant a lot to her. His apartment home, located in the Village neighborhood, is just “a five-minute stroll away when I go through the climate-controlled walkway,” noted Donnelly. “It’s convenient having him close.”
Deborah Olcese, sales director for Ann’s Choice, said it’s the combination of the worry-free lifestyle and the opportunities for social connection that residents appreciate most.
“People feel better when they don’t need to worry about daily chores, like the upkeep of a house or preparing dinner,” said Olcese. “At Ann’s Choice, residents don’t have to worry about anything. All of the ‘what ifs’ are taken care of here. There are activities for every interest – over 150 different activity groups and organizations – so you don’t even need to drive off campus. It’s proven that people do better when they live in an uplifting environment.”
Now that she has established friendships on her own, Donnelly enjoys having a full schedule. She gets dinner with her neighbors regularly – at least a couple of nights a week in the Keystone’s pub area. On Fridays, she meets up with another group, taking wine into the dining room to sit and chat.
She keeps her mind active as well, playing cards, Mexican train dominoes, and mah-jongg several times a week with her neighbors.
Before moving to Ann’s Choice, the Donnellys had lived in a 55-plus community, which Olcese said is common among residents at Ann’s Choice.
Olcese added, “Many people come here, and suddenly, they’re more active than they’ve ever been. Adult children even call the sales office looking for their parents – residents become so engaged in the community that they haven’t found time to pick up the phone.”
Donnelly agreed. “I’m more involved than I was when we lived in our house. And I’ve made so many good friends here. Plus, there’s financial security and everything is maintenance-free. If you have a problem, you just call general services. The worry-free living and the great friendships make me happy.”
For more information, visit AnnsChoice.com.
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