When you hear the phrase “Continuing Care Retirement Community” (CCRC), you may imagine a place you move into when you begin slowing down. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth. Today’s CCRCs are home to vibrant, independent older adults who stay active, connected and purposeful during retirement.
At Montereau, retirement is less about winding down and more about opening doors – doors to new friendships, new hobbies and a lifestyle built for joy. If you’ve been wondering how to find purpose after retirement while still planning for the future, a CCRC might be the answer.
What Is a CCRC?
A Continuing Care Retirement Community, also called a Life Plan Community, is a senior living community that offers independent living and multiple levels of care on one campus. Residents move in while they are independent and ready to enjoy an array of services and amenities plus the perks of maintenance-free living. That means no more yardwork, household repairs or juggling endless to-do lists. Instead, time is freed up to focus on wellness, learning and fun.
The “continuing care” part means that if your health needs change, you’ll have access to assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing without having to relocate. But the heart of the CCRC experience is in independent living – the chance to secure the rewards of a well-planned life and enjoy a full retirement lifestyle.
Staying Active in Retirement
The best CCRCs/Life Plan Communities are hubs for activity and engagement. For instance, Montereau’s calendar is filled with options that make it easy to keep both body and mind active. You might start the morning with a yoga or water aerobics class, join friends for a lecture on current events, and wrap up the day with a film screening or concert.
Staying active in retirement isn’t just about fitness – it’s about staying socially and intellectually engaged, too. From art workshops and lifelong learning classes to happy hours and group excursions, there’s always something new to explore. That variety keeps life exciting while supporting overall wellness.
Finding Purpose After Retirement
Think of retirement living as the beginning of a new chapter in the story of your life. CCRCs like Montereau are intentional about creating opportunities for purposeful lives. That might mean volunteering with local organizations, joining a resident-led committee or simply pursuing a hobby you finally have time for.
The Importance of a Robust Social Life
People are social beings, and isolation is a well-documented risk of aging at home. By living in a community where friendships form naturally and support is built in, residents discover that purpose and happiness are easier to cultivate than ever.
Research backs this up: the Harvard Study of Adult Development found that strong social connections are the single most important predictor of happiness in later life.
A Lifestyle Built Around You
The beauty of a premier CCRC is the variety it offers. Are you a movie buff? A foodie? A lifelong learner? Or maybe you’d rather spend your time outdoors walking trails and enjoying fresh air? At Montereau, you’ll find a program, club or amenity that matches your interests. Residents can browse the monthly wellness newsletter or events calendar to plan days around anything and everything excites them.
This combination of independence and opportunity is what makes CCRCs so appealing – crafting the lifestyle that lets you thrive.
Why Retirees Choose CCRCs
Ultimately, retirees choose CCRCs to make the most of their time, energy and freedom. CCRC residents trade household burdens for a community that supports growth, health and joy. With the assurance of future care, the focus can remain where it belongs: living fully in the present.
Moving into a CCRC/Life Plan Community like Montereau is not a “someday” decision – it’s a “today” opportunity.
Ready to explore what a CCRC could mean for your retirement? Schedule a visit and see firsthand how Montereau helps retirees embrace the life they’ve been waiting for.