Retirement can change many things in your life – hopefully for the better! You have more free time, you’re able to relax and have less responsibilities. As all of these aspects are shifting in your life, you may find yourself re-thinking how you will be celebrating the holidays.

While a move to a retirement community is certain to change some family traditions, it can be a great time to reconsider the things your family has been doing for years. The holiday time is stressful enough, so this can present an opportunity to eliminate “stuff” and truly value each other’s presence, spending more time together rather than lose time by all of the typical holiday to-do lists.

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Anna Quindlen, an American author, journalist and opinion columnist once wrote, “The life you have led doesn’t need to be the only life you have.”

You have been patient, worked diligently and saved your whole life for retirement, so now that it’s here and life is short, what will you do? For many, this is a time to explore and see the world and for the first time in your life, you have the time to go where you want and to do what you want. As you get older, you realize the value in experiences and how far greater that is over physical things and as a senior, you have earned your time to travel.

The best part of this is that there are many benefits of travel for seniors. Among proper diet and exercise, you can add travel to the list as well for key components to a long and healthy life. Traveling as a senior can enhance your confidence, overcome fears, help leave your comfort zone, offer social benefits and opens the door to learn different cultures and experiences. It can help you deepen relationships with traveling companions and promotes opportunities to connect and meet new people.

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The idea of minimalism is not entirely new. It has been around for quite a while, but is seeing a resurgence in our lives today. Minimalism is the art of having fewer physical things and burdens in and around your home so you can focus on other things that you care about.

Throughout our lives, it’s no big secret that we tend to acquire a whole bunch of stuff. We may find ourselves going through a sea of things each time we move to another home or area, or maybe during a spring-cleaning spree. The average American home has more than 300,000 items in it, ranging from clothes, books, kitchen utensils, toys and more. As a society we are drowning in stuff.

It would be one thing if stuff we owned actually added to our general levels of happiness and productivity, but for most people, it brings anxiety and dread- definitely not the key to happiness!

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You may be researching any number of places as you figure out where mom and dad may like to retire.

There are many fantastic towns and cities that exist and they all have a certain charm for those who may want to retire there.

Whether you’re looking for new opportunities for your aging loved ones to enjoy the second half of their lives via education, a change of scenery from their hometown, or the need to be closer to you, Western North Carolina may be one of their top choices on that list.

WNC consistently ranks high on places to retire, and we’re about to show you why.

Below are 6 reasons you should have mom and dad consider retiring to Western North Carolina.

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The Ardenwoods and Heather Glen Marketing Team are among the first faces you’ll see when you come to visit Ardenwoods and Heather Glen. Their friendly smiles welcome you as you come in for a tour or for a marketing event. From the very beginning of the sales process all the way through your move in date, the Marketing Team walks with you every step of the way. Meet each member of the team that you will work with at Ardenwoods if you decide to live here!

Sarah Marr, Marketing Director, has been with Ardenwoods since 2014 and became the Marketing Director in 2017. Her favorite part about working here is getting to know all the residents and their families. Sarah loves to travel; she has been to over 18 countries and is working her way through all of the National Parks.

Gena Duncan, Sales Associate and Public Relations Manager, has only been with Ardenwoods for two years, but has 11 years of experience in the industry. Gena splits her time marketing for both Ardenwoods and Heather Glen. When she is not working, Gena can be found spending time with her three grandkids, riding her Can-Am motorcycle, and camping.

Our Marketing Coordinator, Marcella Gibson, came to Ardenwoods in 2017. She works to get your new home at Ardenwoods ready for your move in, according to the renovations and floor plan you select. After you move in, you will often find Marcella at many Ardenwoods events, taking pictures for our social media and socializing with our residents and their families. Marcella plays an active role in her church and loves going to concerts, sporting events, and the movies.

Our Marketing Team is always excited to welcome you to the close-knit communities of Ardenwoods and Heather Glen! We’ll do our best to make sure you enjoy your exploratory visit and hope that you’ll consider our amazing retirement community for the next phase of your life. We’re sure you’re going to love it here!