How Active Adults Enjoy the Many Benefits of Retirement – Plus, Advice for Downsizing
Retirement isn’t just the end of your career—it’s a unique opportunity to redefine and enrich your life. For those who are financially savvy and ready to explore new opportunities, like Harrison and Marlene Potts, it’s a time to embrace new experiences and passions with both confidence and grace. The key to making the most of your retirement is a strategic approach to downsizing. In this guide, we’ll highlight three key lifestyle benefits of retirement and provide practical advice for downsizing.
The Pottses have lived in Mullica Hill, NJ for 24 years. The small, rural town is about a half-hour from Philadelphia, and about an hour and a half from Atlantic City. The couple are college sweethearts; they met in 1981 at West Chester University and have been married for 38 years. They had one son who passed away in 2018. Harrison just retired from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, and Marlene looks forward to retiring from Wedgewood Pharmacy in a few years.
The Pottses are future residents of Mosaic Lancaster by Willow Valley Communities. Mosaic, coming soon to the heart of Lancaster City, PA, will offer distinctive urban senior lifestyles. Mosaic will rise 20 stories above the city and will be home to 146 single-level residences and a rich array of amenities. Just outside Mosaic’s front door is a vibrant, walkable city with live theater, galleries, eclectic shops, and nationally renowned restaurants.
3 Lifestyle Benefits of Retirement for Active Adults in Lancaster
1. Maintenance-free Lifestyle for active adults
An active senior who chooses to downsize isn’t just reducing their living space; they’re also minimizing their maintenance responsibilities. This allows them to focus on enjoying the amenities they love and continuing their vibrant lifestyle without the hassle of home upkeep.
Marlene and Harrison said they are looking forward to their move to Mosaic and continuing their active lifestyle in retirement. They acknowledge that this time of life and the move will be an adjustment, but they are both “open to all the possibilities.”
Marlene explained, “We live in a nice house, but it’s become too big.” Harrison said he is looking forward to the end of snow removal and lawn care chores. “No more!” he said.
2. More Social (Food + Drinks) Engagements for active adults
With retirement, an active senior gains the free time to pursue activities that they may not have had the time to enjoy while working. This extra time also allows for greater social interaction, fostering new friendships and strengthening existing relationships through volunteering, community events, and social clubs. Harrison said having the city outside his front door at Mosaic will be convenient and enable him to explore his new neighborhood on foot. He said, “I’m sure as time goes on, we will find our favorite places like restaurants and bakeries and other spots to go to. I look forward to waking up in the morning and walking downtown to my favorite coffee shop.”
He added, “We are looking forward to a taste of the city life. Where we are now is quiet, but like my mother-in-law said, “It’s a little too quiet!”
3. Flexible Routines for active adults
When you choose a lifestyle like the one offered by Mosaic, you embrace the freedom to enjoy life on your terms. The convenience of Lancaster City enhances this flexibility, allowing you to customize your daily schedule to suit your preferences. Whether you’re indulging in a spa day and brunch one day or exploring art galleries and dining with friends the next, you’ll find that every day is an opportunity for new experiences. This thoughtful approach ensures you make the most of each moment, blending sophistication with a well-rounded, fulfilling lifestyle.
Marlene said she is excited about the newness and freshness of this next chapter of her life. She’s excited about meeting new people and getting to know her new area. She’s also looking forward to picking out new furnishings for her new apartment. Harrison is planning how to outfit his “man cave” at their Mosaic apartment with memorabilia he has collected over the years.
Life as a retiree, especially at Mosaic, offers the freedom to enjoy each day exactly how you want—on your own terms and at your own pace.
Advice for Downsizing After Retirement – identify your non-negotiables
When planning for retirement, it’s crucial to identify your non-negotiables. Write down what you need and want in your new lifestyle. This list will help guide your decisions and ensure a successful transition.
For many, location is key, but equally important is the peace of mind that comes with financial security and a comfortable lifestyle.
Life in a Small City, Active Lifestyle
“Lancaster wasn’t on our radar at first,” Marlene recalled. “I first learned about it in a magazine that reported that Lancaster was the top place to retire in the country. (Marlene is referring to August 2018 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine, “You Could Retire Here!” and the 2022 U.S. News & World Report annual rankings in which Lancaster is consistently ranked a top place to retire.) Lancaster was added to a list to check out retirement communities, and after more online research, the Pottses discovered Mosaic Lancaster by Willow Valley Communities.
The Pottses agreed that Lancaster’s walkability is another reason it is appealing. Harrison explained, “Currently, when we go out to shows or movies, we must drive, usually to Philadelphia or New York City. And there are no sidewalks where we live now. So even if we wanted to take a walk in the park, we’d have to drive to the park.”
“I like the idea of everything is right there versus getting in the car,” said Marlene. “Even though we have two cars, and we will be driving to visit family in Philadelphia, I like the idea that we don’t have to drive.”
Marlene also said that as a Mosaic resident, she can take a shuttle from Mosaic to Willow Valley Communities’ suburban campus four miles away to enjoy the amenities there.
Marlene talked about the diverse global food scene in Lancaster. “We do have restaurants in Mullica Hill, but I think they are pretty bland,” she explained. “I like different cuisines.”
CCRC, Financially Secure Care
Marlene has had the experience of acting as a Power of Attorney (POA) for several family members. As much as it is an honor and privilege, the role takes time and effort. “It’s a lot,” she said. “Trying to set up appointments, talking to doctors, calls in the middle of the night, arranging for care – I would not want to put this on anyone else.” She continued, “Harrison and I stepped back and said, ‘This is us.’ We don’t have children to take care of us, and though we have a wonderful family who would step up if we needed help, we realize that people get busy. Besides, we want to make decisions for ourselves. We want to decide the level of care we need.“
“Plus, we are very independent. We don’t want to depend on anyone else. This is why we are putting this plan into motion.”
Marlene explained why the couple looked at CCRCs with the entire continuum of care available. “If we moved into a simple 55+ community, we would still have to sell our home again when we needed increased care. This is why we want a CCRC, not just a 55+ community.” Willow Valley Communities’ Type A Lifecare contract provides supportive care, if needed, without an increase in monthly service fees because of that need.
The Pottses also said that they want to make this move sooner rather than later so that they will have more time to enjoy all of the community’s amenities fully.
Downsize space while upgrading quality of life
The Pottses are moving from a large home to a large apartment “I like space,” Marlene explained. “We are always able to stretch out. Family rooms, bedrooms- everyone is always able to do their own thing.”
But even though the Pottses will have a large Mosaic apartment, they will still have to downsize. Their current home is large and fully furnished. They admit they have a lot of belongings and furniture, but they have already worked out a strategy for removing what they won’t need. They plan to arrange an “open house” at their home for their family when they are ready to move. Harrison explained the one caveat: “We told the family that everything is up for grabs, and they can take what they want, but on the day of the open house is the day they must take it!”
Marlene isn’t worried about this strategy – “We haven’t even packed yet, and our family members already have their eyes on things,” she chuckled.
Reinvent Retirement, Live Life Your Way at Mosaic Lancaster
Retirement is more than just leaving the workforce—it’s a golden opportunity to reinvent your life with newfound freedom and purpose. For dynamic retirees like Harrison and Marlene Potts, this transition means stepping into a vibrant new chapter brimming with possibilities. Rather than simply retiring, they’re embracing a lifestyle that’s rich in joy, adventure, and personal growth.
The Pottses’ exciting move to Mosaic Lancaster by Willow Valley Communities is a perfect example of how retirement can offer a fresh start. Mosaic Lancaster provides a maintenance-free environment, freeing them from the burdens of home upkeep. It’s set in a lively urban setting with endless social and cultural experiences at their doorstep. From enjoying the city’s walkability and diverse dining options to benefiting from comprehensive care options, Mosaic Lancaster is tailored to support their active adult lifestyle.
As you plan your own retirement journey, take a cue from the Pottses. Identify your must-haves and non-negotiables, whether it’s a bustling city life or the reassurance of solid financial and care planning. Embrace this exciting phase as a chance to pursue your passions, connect with new friends, and explore fresh horizons.
Discover how you can reinvent your retirement and live life your way at Mosaic Lancaster.