Lifestyle Articles
Volunteers find proven health benefits in lending a hand to help others
February 28, 2018 Lifestyle, Senior Living, Volunteers Brethren Village, campus life, caring, residents, Social Activities
“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more,” said writer H. Jackson Brown, Jr. Those of us who work year-round with hundreds of Brethren Village Volunteers …
Dining choices abound in taste and atmosphere for seniors at Brethren Village
February 13, 2018 Food, Lifestyle, Residential Living, Senior Living amenities, campus life, CCRC, dining
Eating at the best continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) means abundant and healthy choices served in venues that accommodate your mood, be it a cozy café, a casual restaurant, or a formal candlelit dining room. CCRCs today recognize that they serve seniors with varied backgrounds and differing tastes in food. The culinary staff at Brethren Village, led by professional chefs, offers high quality experiences that rival those of fine restaurants. By providing choices to satisfy everyone’s palate, CCRCs help Residents feel comfortable, content and at home while eating.
Brethren Village Residents become detectives, bringing joy to Virginia family
January 31, 2018 Community, Lifestyle, Residential Living Brethren Village, campus life, residents
Two Residents at Brethren Village Retirement Community were the key sleuths in bringing joy to a family 300 miles away whom they had never met. You might call this “The Case of the Lost Testament.” Nick agreed with Leon, who said, “I am thrilled to have a part in finding the rightful owners of this valuable New Testament. After over 73 years, the mystery has been solved.”
You’re moving to a retirement home? Great! Here’s how to manage your move
January 17, 2018 Community, Continuing Care Retirement Community, Lifestyle, Residential Living, Senior Living Brethren Village, CCRC, independent living, residents
Once you have decided to make the big move and have chosen your retirement home, what do you do next? The thought of moving may be exciting but possibly overwhelming as well. Adopting the philosophy of “short-term inconvenience, long-term improvement” might be helpful. Like many transitions in life, any current stress will give way to contentment. So, keep your goal of a more relaxed, simplified lifestyle fixed in your mind.
Culture and education open new worlds for seniors at retirement communities
December 21, 2017 Community, Continuing Care Retirement Community, Lifestyle amenities, event, Film, Social Activities
Over the past year, we have been working to expand and diversify the cultural and educational activities available to members of the Brethren Village community. Among our many programs for Residents and their families are musical performances, educational talks and opportunities for creative self-expression. These activities do more than simply entertain—they expand our Residents’ minds and spirits as well.
Jessie Eckhart has her head in the clouds—and that’s just the way she likes it
November 30, 2017 Community, Lifestyle, Residential Living, Senior Living independent living, residents
In the 1930s, Jessie Eckhart was the middle child in a non-traditional Lancaster family for that era. Her parents raised her and her sisters to participate in activities generally reserved …
Area sights and scenes draw retirees to senior living in Lancaster County
October 30, 2017 Continuing Care Retirement Community, Lifestyle, Residential Living, Senior Living campus life, CCRC, independent living, residents
The U.S. News & World Report list of best places to retire in the United States has ranked Lancaster, PA as—drum roll, please—#2 in its 2018 edition! In evaluating criteria that promote a high quality of life, U.S. News highlighted Lancaster’s lower tax rates for retirees, high-quality health care, happiness of local residents, housing affordability and low unemployment.
Piano man Don Roland says “there’s always something to do”
October 24, 2017 Community, Lifestyle, Personal Care, Residential Living residents
When Don Roland was a kid growing up in the city of Lancaster, he loved listening to music and longed to play the accordion. The odds were stacked against him as those were the years of the Great Depression, and family finances wouldn’t allow the luxury of a musical instrument and lessons.
Autumn, an ideal time to explore the outdoors at retirement communities
October 9, 2017 Community, Continuing Care Retirement Community, Lifestyle campus life, exercise, residents, Social Activities
If you stop by for a visit to Brethren Village during autumn, you likely will see our resident seniors outdoors during temperate fall days—walking, biking or sitting and chatting with neighbors. You might also find some practicing on our putting green, competing on our bocce court or doing some pre-winter gardening.
Our top ten safety and security guidelines for seniors not living in retirement communities
August 4, 2017 Community, Continuing Care Retirement Community, Lifestyle, Residential Living, Senior Living amenities, campus life, CCRC, independent living, residents, shuttle service
Many seniors living in their private homes are at greater risk of being injured or harmed by safety and security hazards. Understandably, loved ones may be concerned about their well-being and check on them daily.
To further guarantee their safety, family members also can help by ensuring seniors follow these “top ten” safety and security guidelines: