Retirement isn’t about doing less: It’s about doing what you love. At The Glenridge, our members are leaders, board members and philanthropists. They’re volunteering for good causes. They’re still working for fun. And above all, they’re living with purpose – in our community and beyond.
As we see what 2026 has in store, we’re highlighting all the ways our members flourish in our new blog series: In Pursuit of Purpose!
Larry and Pat Bennison’s life together has encompassed plenty of adventures, taking them around the world from Hong Kong to South Africa. And although they’re now settled at The Glenridge, they’re as involved as ever in the local – and global – community.
A member of the local Sister Cities group, Larry organizes cultural exchanges and Lunar New Year festivals for Sarasota’s Chinese “sister city,” Xiamen. He also stays up to date on current events and foreign affairs by attending lectures presented by the World Affairs Council and Time Sifters, a historical and archaeological society.
For the past 10 years, Pat has worked at a local needlepoint shop – a job that lets her share her enthusiasm for her longtime hobby. “My first project was a baby stocking for my daughter, and I’ve kept it up ever since,” she says. “You just keep stitching away, and you end up with some really beautiful things.”
Purposeful living – whether you’re learning new things, like Larry, or pursuing a lifelong passion, like Pat – is a well-known factor in physical and mental health. It also keeps you connected to the wider community, which experts say is critical: “Social interaction isn’t just something nice to have,” commented geriatrician Dr. Suvi Neukam in an interview with AARP. “It plays a central role in brain function, emotional resilience, and longevity.”
Larry agrees – and he says there’s no better place to stay connected than The Glenridge: “You have to stay busy, meet people, and be social … and living here makes it easy!”
Adds Pat: “It’s a wonderful lifestyle – bright, friendly and cheery, with no responsibilities. This is the kind of place you want to be sooner, rather than later – so come on in, because you’re going to make a lot of new friends.”
When it comes to aging, those who thrive are those who swim against the current – staying active, connected, engaged and informed throughout life. That’s been part of The Glenridge’s vision from the very beginning. We live up to our reputation as a Life Fulfilling Community® – and so do the trailblazers, industry leaders, lifelong learners and philanthropists who call our campus home.
If you’re ready to flourish in 2026, there’s no better time to explore all the best The Glenridge has to offer. Schedule your personal tour today: Send us a message or give our Life Planning Team a call at 941-552-5369.
Or, to learn more about what life is like at The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch – once again named the best senior living community in Sarasota (for the 16th year in a row!) – visit our other blog posts or find us on Facebook.