Seniors enjoy amenities in independent living complex

However, home upkeep stopped being practical once the couple reached retirement age.

"We loved our house but it got to be too much," Roger, a retired East High School guidance counselor, admitted. "The shower was on the second floor, the laundry room was in the basement, and the garage was detached from the home."

"It was time to move on," Glendy, a former school librarian and Roger's wife of 57 years, explained. "We both knew it."

More than nine years ago, the Nichols moved into one of the 62 apartments at The Pointe at Sunrise, an independent living complex on the campus of Sunrise Retirement Community. 

"I no longer have to shovel snow, mow the lawn or have home maintenance projects to do," Roger said with a relieved sigh. "That was a load off my mind."

The move also allowed the Nicholses to visit their children and grandchildren whenever they wanted.

"We were even able to travel to England for an extended visit," Roger said. "A long trip like that would've been difficult otherwise."

Plus Glendy still needed to have time to give private violin lessons. 

"That was important to me," she said. "There were certain things I retired from. I'll never retire from music."

Sunrise Retirement Marketing Director Char Hesse said independent living is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative for active seniors. 

"We offer our residents a number of different living options," she said. "As their needs change, residents can easily transfer into assisted living and nursing care on the same campus."

The Nicholses are happy about the amenities.

In addition to receiving housekeeping and meal services, they also have access to community room, game room and, even, a hair salon.

For a three-mile-a-day walker like Roger, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor space in which to stroll.  

Glendy is ecstatic about an amenity she thought she'd never have.

"We actually have an attached parking garage," she said with a smile. "We don't have to start our car in the cold."

Still, the Nicholses have taken a leadership role in one of The Pointe's most popular amenity: an expanding library.

"We have books to suit every interest," Glendy said. "Even better, all have been donated to us by fellow residents or their families." 

"Even if we don't need a particular book, we'll donate it to the city library's book sales," Roger said. "Nothing will go to waste."

You can easily tell that the Nichols are avid readers. Their comfortable apartment teems with books. 

However, they prefer to be with their neighbors than holed up in their home.

"I think Roger considers the entire complex to be his personal playroom," Hesse said with a smile.

Roger agreed with that assessment.

"When Glendy and I were living at home, we didn't spend much time with our neighbors," he explained. "In independent living, our neighbors are much closer in proximity and it becomes like a very nice and friendly community."

Glendy nodded her head in agreement.

"It's even more than that," she said. "We're like family. That's a nice feeling."

When the Nicholses decided to downsize, Glendy said her husband was more excited about independent living than she was.

"I was a bit hesitant because we both like to keep active," Glendy said. "I didn't want that to change."

After maintaining all of her past interests, Glendy said, moving into The Pointe was the right decision for the couple.

"Too many people hold onto their houses too long," Roger said. "They kick themselves when they realize that independent living is such a nice alternative."