Clear Sailing with Joan and Bill White
When Joan and Bill White began navigating the waters of senior living options, there’s was one non-negotiable on which they both agreed: Their new living space needed to be near the water.
And when a Google search of continuing care retirement communities on the East Coast introduced the couple to Asbury Solomons on Maryland’s Patuxent River, they decided to take a look.
Still in their 60’s at the time and living in the Adirondacks, they made three visits to the community before moving into their 4th floor river view apartment.
“Solomons fit us because it was truly on the water,” says Bill. And with several nearby marinas, they were able to dock their boat just a 2-mile drive from their apartment. The area also has easy access to the ocean and intercoastal waterways.
A welcoming community
Along with the proximity to the water, the Whites were also impressed by the welcoming and friendly people who live here. “Immediately people were inviting us to go for walks or go for dinner or to get involved in different activities,” says Bill. “We felt like part of the community right away.”
“Living at Asbury Solomons frees us up so that we can be totally mobile and active,” adds Joan. “And, we have the opportunity to make more long-term friendships and to enjoy them. It’s important to move when you’re young enough to make new connections so they’re in place if life does become more difficult. “
That sense of belonging to a community also comes with an strong sense of security. Living at a CCRC not only brings freedom from home maintenance and other commitments, it also brings peace of mind in knowing that they will have on-campus support should either of them have an issue with their health.
Bill, retired from an insurance career, and Joan, retired from a Medical Technologist career, are happy to be living in a place that includes convenient health services and the opportunity to be active on the water.
Expanding horizons
Embracing their new lifestyle, life is good as the Whites enjoy meeting the many former and current boaters who call Solomons home – several of whom they’ve taken out on their boat.
“Everyone is willing to share their experiences and help make new adventures happen,” says Joan. “You truly do have the opportunity to expand your horizons. I always enjoyed birds when I maintained bird feeders and now have the time to join bird walks lead by a couple who are also residents of our community.”
Joan and Bill are also making the most of their new-found freedom from home ownership: “We’re enjoying excursions into the Chesapeake Bay and the unlimited, incredible seafood restaurants in the area,” says Bill. The couple is also eagerly planning a 2023 boat trip farther afield.
Bon voyage!
