Sandy Bernstein Explores New Activities at Ann's Choice

When Sandy Bernstein retired, she wanted to reignite her passion for meditation, learn to play the ukulele, and start an exercise routine. 

With these goals in mind, Sandy and her husband Mickey explored their retirement living options. Ann's Choice, the Erickson Senior Living community in Bucks County, Pa., not only proved to be the ideal place to achieve her goals but the perfect place to enjoy an engaging, carefree lifestyle. 

"There are so many activities and amenities available to us here," she says. "I'm getting the intellectual stimulation and socialization that I wanted!" 

Making the move

While the couple was drawn to the community's range of amenities and activities, their personal ties to Ann's Choice are what sealed the deal. 

They had friends on the Priority List, and they knew about the active lifestyle, top-notch service, and high-quality care at the community thanks to Sandy's mom, who had lived there.

"We weren't ready to move, but I attended a Priority List event where they showed me a Manchester [floor plan] that was available in a really nice location," Sandy recalls.

In April 2023--just six weeks after their visit--Sandy and Mickey moved from their single-family house in Hatfield, Pa., to their two-bedroom, two-bath apartment home with a balcony. 

"Although we jumped in before we were 'ready,' we're really happy with our decision," says Sandy, who has already made significant progress on her three goals and packed her days with fun activities. 

Creating clubs

After settling into their apartment home, Sandy was still working full-time as a couples and individual psychotherapist. In February 2024, she retired from a 48-year career in private practice.

Her retirement set things in motion, but their maintenance-free apartment home was the real catalyst. Without having to worry about upkeep or repairs, she had more time to focus on herself and her goals. She started a meditation group and a ukulele group, both of which average 20 to 30 attendees per meeting.

"While the turnout for the meditation group has been bigger than I expected, the ukulele group has blown me away. I figured we'd find maybe three or four residents who'd want to join us, and we could sit in front of a computer and learn together," she says.

But that's not what happened. A dozen people showed up for the interest meeting in March, and by April, they had reached at least 30 participants, most of whom were beginners.

As an experienced practitioner, Sandy guides the group in mindfulness practices. "The goal is to help people develop their own path and share in guiding the group. We also want to bring in some guest speakers in the future," she says.

A day in the life

While the two groups have taken up a lot of time, Sandy still manages to sign up for other activities and clubs. In fact, she recently began working out with a personal trainer at the on-site fitness center--meeting her third and final goal.

Some days, she plays mah-jongg with neighbors. Other days, she has meetings scheduled with the Baby Boomer Social Club. She's also volunteered for the Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging Committee. 

"I'll meet friends from my old neighborhood for mah-jongg on a weekly basis too!" Sandy adds.

Sandy and Mickey prepare a full breakfast in their apartment home kitchen before a busy day of activities, but the couple loves eating dinner at the many restaurants at Ann's Choice.

"Most of the people we've become friends with are people we were randomly seated with at a restaurant. The community aspect of dinner here makes it really easy for new residents to foster connections," she says.

A fitness and aquatics center, library, arts and entertainment center, TV studio, walking trails, and pickleball and bocce courts are also on campus for Sandy and Mickey to enjoy. 

Lots to choose from

With her three goals already checked off, Sandy is in the process of adding more to her list for the near future. 

"When I have time," she says, with a laugh, "I'd like to start doing some fitness classes. Yoga is the next thing on my list. I'd also like to go to the movie club that discusses films. I'm looking for things that are fun and intellectually stimulating. At Ann's Choice, that's easy to find!"

Invest in your future self at Ann's Choice. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free apartment homes, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!