This is Living – Senior Style!

By Dava Guerin

The first in an occasional series of stories focusing on the variety of retirement living options for seniors in America.

There’s no denying it, older Americans are aging at a faster rate than any other age group in the United States. It is estimated that 50 million—or 17 percent—of the population will be 65 or older by the year 2020. And with the average life spans of both men and women increasing over time—76 years for men and 80 years for women—older adults generally are in better shape and living life to its fullest way into their golden years.

In addition, many people as they age begin to experience health problems, and often times after the death of a spouse, find themselves for the first time alone. With their children busy taking care of their own children, this stage of life can leave them feeling isolated and wanting to connect with others whom they can relate and share common experiences.

As Dwight D. Eisenhower said: “In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.” Fortunately, for today’s older Americans, there are a variety of retirement living options that through thoughtful planning and preparation can make a difference in their future quality of life.

Retirement Community Options

Today there are many options for retirement living—from Over 55 Communities, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC’s), and Assisted Living Facilities. Each has its own benefits, and depending upon the needs of the individual, can offer an active lifestyle, independence, companionship, as well as healthcare services, if needed. According to The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, there are more than 2,000 CCRC’s across the United States, and over 300,000 Americans have chosen to live in these campus-like settings.

The Association points out that the concept of continuing care is not new and, in fact, began in the early 19th century when “non-profit religious, fraternal and community groups took responsibility for their older members, regardless of their ability to pay. The greatest growth in the number of CCRC’s has occurred since 1960, and particularly during the 1980s.”

Generally, CCRC’s, which are also referred to as Life-Care Facilities, Senior Living Communities, and/or Life-Care Communities, offer seniors a variety of housing options that might include independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, and they can choose to live in single family homes, apartments or condominiums within the specific complex. If eventually they find they need medical help, as well as assistance with daily life activities such as bathing, etc., they can then have the option to relocate to an assisted living or skilled nursing facility within the CCRC site. For many people, this arrangement offers them peace of mind, knowing that their future health will not be compromised, and having to relocate won’t be an issue as well.

One of the main differences between CCRC’s and Assisted Living and Over 55 Communities, is that with CCRC’s residents contract in advance with the facility for their lifetime, regardless of what future life events take place. With Assisted Living situations, the individual pays for the services when they are performed. But for many older adults who want to be in control of their options, CCRC’s are viable retirement lifestyles. They may also find that a community of just seniors is desirable, and the low home maintenance and security an added benefit.

The CCRC’s provide detailed resident agreements that specify the housing and medical services provided. For an upfront entrance fee, plus a monthly fee, residents take advantage of all of the accommodations throughout their lifetime. It is a good idea to review the contract type and amount of healthcare it provides because consumers need to understand the specific amount of services that are included in the monthly fees.

The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging also publishes guidebooks for consumers considering CCRC’s and other retirement lifestyles. They provide in-depth information including what kinds of CCRC’s exist, accreditation and regulation, adjusting to the CCRC lifestyle as well as questions to ask and points to consider before taking the plunge. The guidebooks can be obtained by visiting www.aahsa.org.

The Pennswood Experience

Judy Burroughs, director of marketing of Pennswood Village, adjacent to historic Newtown, Pennsylvania, said that Pennswood offers “a college campus environment” to its 435 residents. “We have lots of intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual events in our community, and it’s a very active and vibrant place,” she said. “No one really ever likes the idea of getting old, but this is a wonderful way to take control of your life, and enjoy the interaction with your peers. In fact, our residents are very active volunteers, and last year alone performed more than 500 hours of service to non-profit organizations in the area.”

Pennswood Village was the brainchild of a small group of Bucks County Quakers who envisioned a spiritually-vibrant community where people of all faiths could retire and thrive. In 1980 they opened their doors, and life there continues to flourish.

While the community has nature trails and sits in a bucolic setting, it is only a few miles from historic Newtown, 45 minutes from Philadelphia, 30 minutes to Princeton, and 90 miles to New York City. Best of all, Pennswood Village is a small town in its own right—with a post office, coffee shop, bank and ATM, beauty salon, fitness club and every possible amenity that would appeal to older adults and, in fact, people of all ages.

In terms of architecture, Pennswood Village has a variety of apartments with attractive floor plans that accommodate almost every individual and price point. Apartments range from 504 square foot studios—which can start as low as $94,600 for the entrance fee plus $2,623 per month, to 1,470 square foot, two bedrooms, including a den, that are $349,500, with a monthly fee of $6,708. Included in the entry and monthly fees are: three meals a day; all utilities; basic cable; home maintenance; medical care; as well as access to the numerous community amenities, and a host of other services.

But most Pennswood Village residents choose to live life to its fullest. Many are active members of the community and serve on a wide range of boards, and other community organizations. In fact, they have active intergenerational programs with Newtown Friends School and George School. Residents visit the two schools and teach young people valuable life lessons, and in turn, learn a few of their own. The goal of the Pennswood Village experience is to “create opportunities for intellectual, physical, social, psychological, emotional and spiritual well-being,” according to Burroughs. “The typical campus week is filled with events like exercising or swimming in the Passmore Center, going to a concert or lectures on a variety of topics, and maybe dancing and meeting with friends and neighbors and planning future events,” she added.

Burroughs believes Pennswood is among the premier communities of its kind anywhere in the United States, not only because of its innovative programs and services, but also the seriousness of its commitment to environmental stewardship. “Pennswood has just been acknowledged by AAHSA for its green, sustainable design efforts on campus, especially in the current renovations of our personal care facility,” Burroughs said.

Following a study by Middletown Township that pointed to problems with storm water management because of all the recent development in the area, Pennswood Village worked with a team of experts to create an effective storm water management system of its own, that also serves as an attractive entry way in to the community. “We’ve put in place geo-thermal heating and cooling systems with 150 wells that are 500 feet deep and circulate the water to 55 degrees, so we don’t need cooling towers. We also use only green cleaning products, and have installed waterless urinals, and so much more as part of our green community,” Burroughs added. (She said that Pennswood Village also has more than 100 species of native and exotic trees on its 82-acre campus.)

And when residents need health care, Pennswood Village provides seamless care through coordinated healthcare programs on-site. These range from a physician’s office headed by two board-certified geriatricians which is open five days a week—to home health care, medical transportation, social work and skilled nursing care.

Most of all, Burroughs explained, Pennswood Village has a “strong focus on residents and a strong work ethic of its own.”  She said that every resident is a valued member of the community and is given the dignity and respect of a life well lived. “We really are like a big extended family here, and it’s a fabulous, active community,” she said. “Senior living, for those that choose it, is an enjoyable satisfying option if they choose the right community. Planning ahead for your retirement future is one of the best decisions you can make, especially when you’re well informed.”

Dava Guerin is Bucks Living Magazine’s People Editor and lives in Washington Crossing, PA.