Preparing for retirement is an exciting time! While so much is happening and changing, it’s also normal to feel a bit overwhelmed sometimes. How you choose to spend the next phase of life is a big decision.
Many retirees take the opportunity to move to a Life Plan Community (LPC) to make the most of their newfound freedom in a beautiful home surrounded by neighbors who also have chosen this lifestyle.
Lancaster County has a number of terrific retirement community options, all situated among central Pennsylvania’s natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you envision a retirement filled with friends and activities or prefer a quieter lifestyle enriched by spiritual and intellectual pursuits, there’s an LPC that’s a perfect match for you.
LPCs provide peace of mind by offering a continuum of services to help you maintain your independence with a safety net of support, while adapting to your needs as they may change over time.
But what does daily life really look like in a Life Plan Community?
The answer depends on the specific community you choose. Each LPC has its own daily rhythm, but they all provide a fulfilling retirement lifestyle for their residents—morning to night.
A Morning Routine That’s Yours to Set
Some people are early risers, while others prefer a slower start to the day. Either way, there’s a Life Plan Community (or several) that caters to your ideal morning routine.
Want to watch the sun rise? Take a nature walk around campus or stake out a spot for some early-morning fishing. Prefer to get your blood pumping first thing in the morning? Go for a swim or play some pickleball. Cozy conversations more your speed when you wake up? Invite a friend for mid-morning coffee at the on-campus café.
Retirement is your chance to create the lifestyle you’ve always wanted—starting with a morning routine that sets the tone for each day, your way.
Midday Moments: Staying Active, Connected, or Relaxed
As morning becomes midday, your activity options are nearly endless. A key benefit of choosing a Life Plan Community for your retirement years is the opportunity to stay engaged in your hobbies and interests without having to leave your neighborhood. There is something for everyone: knitting clubs, book clubs, gardening groups, woodworking shops, volunteer service projects, sports and fitness clubs, bird-watching walks—the list goes on.
You can do it all or take a more relaxed approach to how you spend your days. You might even discover a new interest by trying something you’ve never considered before. Activities are a great way to connect with friends and meet new people. And the number and variety offered by most LPCs make it possible for residents to stay active all year round.
Events and Gatherings That Bring People Together
In addition to daily activities that are always available at your Life Plan Community, you’ll have access to special events and social gatherings (LPCs love to find reasons to celebrate!). Some examples of special occasions that might prompt an organized event include:
- Social mixers/happy hours
- Artist meet-and-greets
- Benefit auctions
- Seasonal festivals
- Golf tournaments
- And many more!
Follow our Facebook page for news, updates, and retirement community events happening throughout the year.
Support When It’s Needed—Independence When It’s Not
Ideally, the Life Plan Community you choose is the home you will stay in throughout your retirement. That means it must adapt to your needs as they change over time. A unique benefit of LPCs is the continuum of care they provide, allowing residents to transition seamlessly from full independence to basic support services (such as housekeeping, medication assistance, or physical therapy) to skilled nursing and/or memory care services, if and when you need them.
Trained and dedicated staff provide supportive care to facilitate the health, mobility, and overall quality of life for all residents—and they do so discreetly to respect your privacy and enhance your retirement community experience.
Evenings to Wind Down Your Way
After stimulating days filled with activities and social interactions, evenings at life plan communities emphasize relaxation and peaceful pursuits such as reading, movies, music, leisurely dining, family visits, and quiet time to recharge.
Balancing daily enrichment with nightly rest makes it possible to sustain a meaningful, satisfying retirement life—with the energy to enjoy it long term!
Real Residents. Real Stories.
If you’ve never talked to anyone who lives in a Lancaster County LPC, that should be your next move. Our annual open house is a great opportunity to meet residents and staff and learn what they love about retirement life.
Even if you’re not able to attend this year, read what a few real residents have to say about Explore Retirement Living member communities:
“We feel so fortunate to live here. This campus is so beautiful—we love walking and biking the paths, and of course playing pickleball. Staying active is important, and I love that we can do that here.”
– Rex and Dawn
“It took us a long time to settle on a retirement community. I was one of those that was a little reluctant at first. Once we went through the transition, it was like a huge sigh of relief. And honestly, I haven’t talked to one person in terms of our neighbors and friends here that would say anything different.”
– Rich, Steph, and Pippa
“We enjoy keeping our minds and bodies active. The health, wellness and lifelong learning programs here … encourage that lifestyle. Our cottage suits us perfectly, and we’re glad we moved here when we did.”
– Ken and Marilyn
It Doesn’t “Feel Like Home.” It Is Home.
The best Life Plan Community is the one that feels like home to you. With so many amazing options in Lancaster County, you have every opportunity to create the retirement life of your dreams. You deserve comfort, connection, and consistent care to enjoy this rewarding stage of life—and by choosing to move to an LPC, that’s what you’ll get.
See for yourself by scheduling in-person visits at LPCs of interest, or tour multiple communities in a single day at Explore Retirement Living’s Annual Open House. If you’re still searching for your ideal retirement community, the event is a must for your evaluation and selection process!