Hugh and Linda Wyles loved their 55-plus community. “But rather than waiting until we are 80,” they said to each other, “let’s move in our 70s and meet people.” So, in January 2022, they moved to an independent living apartment in the Ewing Building overlooking the gardens at Jenner’s Pond.
“We’ve had wonderful friends, especially now that we came here,” says Linda. Once a month, everyone on their floor gets together to share a meal. “Our neighbors are all busy, so it’s nice to make time for one another. There are three men on the floor, too, which is great for Hugh.”
“The people are kind. The staff is great.”
“The way that it is run, the way people automatically chat with everyone. The dinners, the lunches, the concerts… having history with this place. It was definitely the choice.”
Familiarity breeds confidence
The couple, who previously lived in Hockessin and still see their friends from Delaware, knew Jenner’s Pond well before they chose to make their home here. Linda’s parents moved from Florida to Jenner’s Pond in 2005. Her father developed macular degeneration, and both parents were able to transition through the continuing care retirement community’s levels of service as their needs changed. Hugh and Linda also visited the community to see some of Hugh’s former colleagues from DuPont, where he worked as a research chemist, research manager and laboratory administrator.
“So we were very familiar with this place,” they say. “And looking at other places—there was no comparison.”
So much to do
Both Hugh and Linda have always been active. Hugh grew up on a dairy farm in Ohio, and Linda traveled cross-country in a station wagon as a child and summered in Vermont. She has been to every state except North Dakota. They met in college and had two children, one of whom lives nearby. Linda directed a state-funded program that helped teens and adults earn their GED. They hosted big gatherings at holidays and followed their children’s athletic endeavors.
“We laugh a lot. Always do and always have,” says Linda.
Hugh believes that a key to aging well is to “Stay positive and plan activities,” and the couple does that, too. They’ve enjoyed outings with friends to Longwood Gardens, to Ladew Topiary Gardens in Maryland, to Colonial Williamsburg. Last fall they went to see The Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina. They’ve done river cruises in Europe, with ports of call in Dresden and Berlin, Hamburg, Oslo and other destinations. Recently, they flew to Memphis and cruised the Mississippi to New Orleans.
“With our friends, we’ve traveled to maybe 30 places,” she adds.
Enjoying the amenities
Living at Jenner’s Pond, the couple doesn’t have to go far to find lots to do. They’ve gotten involved in several activities in the community.
Linda is in the book group. “I always ask my friends what they are reading,” she relates. “The library here is very good.” Hugh is in the bowling league, golfs with neighbors and plays pool. “And we walk every day. It is great walking here—there are paths. We can walk right up to the park.” They can also walk to the local Y, where Linda swims and Hugh lifts weights.
But no matter what, they make time for a monthly meal with their neighbors!
Call us today at 610-869-6800 or submit the form below to see for yourself why Hugh & Linda Wyles and other seniors choose Jenner’s Pond for retirement living.