April 11, 2025 —Planning for retirement brings both excitement and uncertainty, especially when deciding where and how to live during the next chapter of life. Life Plan Communities (LPCs), also called Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), have gained popularity among retirees for a good reason. These innovative living options combine the comfort of independent living with a focus on wellness, community, and long-term care.
Here, we’ll explore why so many retirees are choosing LPCs and CCRCs, and how they can enhance your retirement experience.
What Are Life Plan Communities and CCRCs?
Life Plan Communities and CCRCs are residential options for retirees that offer more than just a place to live. They provide a continuum of care, ranging from independent living to assisted living, and often memory care or skilled nursing as well. The goal is to allow retirees to “age in place,” ensuring that no matter how life evolves, all essential care can be accessed without moving to a different community.
With services, amenities, and healthcare options all under one roof, these communities combine comfort, convenience, and peace of mind.
The Benefits of Life Plan Communities and CCRCs
Why are LPCs and CCRCs becoming the go-to choice for retirees? The wide range of benefits speaks for itself.
1. Comprehensive Wellness Programs
From fitness centers to mindfulness classes, LPCs are designed to help residents thrive physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Many communities, such as Kendal’s affiliates, offer programs taught by college professors, art workshops, fitness classes, and even horticultural therapy.
2. Avoiding Social Isolation
Loneliness among retirees is a growing concern, equated by studies to smoking 15 cigarettes a day in terms of health impact (AARP). LPCs and CCRCs foster community and connection through engaging social programs, cultural activities, and shared spaces. Simple interactions, like joining a book club or attending a music show, can lead to meaningful relationships that enrich daily life.
3. Continuum of Care for Peace of Mind
One of the standout features of LPCs and CCRCs is the ability to access multiple levels of care seamlessly. Residents can transition from independent living to assisted living or memory care without the burden of moving to a new facility. Lifecare agreements also offer financial predictability, ensuring that long-term health care needs are covered in a way that reduces stress for both retirees and their families.
4. Freedom from Home Maintenance
Say goodbye to home repairs, landscaping duties, and the stress of maintaining a property. LPCs take care of that, giving you more time for leisure and hobbies while eliminating every day worries.
5. Intellectual and Cultural Enrichment
Kendal communities, for example, prioritize intellectual and artistic vitality through lecture series by professors, wellness programs, and opportunities for lifelong learning. Residents discover new passions and keep their minds sharp, contributing to an overall higher quality of life.
6. A Supportive and Purposeful Community
Living in an LPC isn’t just about convenient services. Kendal, inspired by Quaker values, emphasizes independence, collaboration, and purpose. Residents often play an active role in shaping their communities through volunteering and committees, creating a true sense of belonging.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Studies back up the benefits of LPCs and CCRCs. According to the Mather Institute’s Age Well Study, residents in communities like these report higher levels of physical, emotional, and intellectual wellness compared to peers in other living arrangements. Ninety percent of participants surveyed in senior wellness programs also report an enhanced quality of life.
Testimonial from a Kendal resident:
“Moving to a Life Plan Community was the best decision we made. We’ve made new friends, stayed active, and feel more secure knowing our future care is taken care of.”
Is an LPC or CCRC Right for You?
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you value community and connection?
- Are you looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle?
- Do you want peace of mind knowing your future health needs are covered?
If you answered “yes” to these, then exploring a Life Plan Community or CCRC might be the perfect next step.
Why Choose Kendal Communities?
Across 10 Affiliates, Kendal stands out by fostering a lifestyle centered on wellness, sustainability, and independence. Whether it’s an independent living community, a CCRC at-home model, assisted living or memory care, or a full-service CCRC, Kendal transforms aging into a vibrant and enriching chapter of life.
Kendal’s approach is unique:
- Inspired by Quaker values, Kendal supports independence, mutual support, and a strong sense of purpose.
- Opportunities for lifelong learning, arts, and cultural activities keep residents engaged and fulfilled.
- Wellness-centered living supports longevity and physical vitality through programs tailored to individual needs.
Your Next Steps
Retirement should be a time to flourish—not worry. A Life Plan Community or CCRC offers everything you need to enjoy a safe, fulfilling, and joyful retirement.
If you’re exploring options, visit https://www.kendal.org/communities/ today to learn how Kendal’s approach to senior living can enrich your life.