Jerry Zielinski never imagined himself singing karaoke. Yet recently, after having moved to Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove, he was on stage with neighbors, laughing and singing, “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere.” This was all something he’d never pictured doing in his former life.
Jerry and his wife, Lin, are among the more than 300 new residents who have chosen Oak Trace over the past two years. That kind of momentum doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people are finding something here that feels different: a retirement lifestyle where connection is easy, peace of mind is built in, and each day feels full of possibility.
A Move That Felt Surprising in the Best Way
When Jerry and Lin decided to leave their two-story, four-bedroom home, they felt the same mix of emotion many people do. The space carried memories, and the idea of downsizing felt daunting. But their new two-bedroom apartment with a den complete with sweeping west and south views quickly changed their mindset.
“I did not need the extra space we had,” Jerry said. “Our apartment is great.”
What surprised them even more was how quickly it began to feel like home.
“As we live here, I very frequently continue to be reminded what a good choice this was,” Jerry shared.
A True Neighborhood Just Steps Away
One of Jerry’s early realizations was how naturally friendships formed.
“Our floor in the building is a true neighborhood. We watch out for and care about one another,” he said. “We have a 14-home neighborhood on our floor alone.”
It wasn’t long before everyday interactions turned into genuine connections: morning chats, shared fitness routines, and impromptu gatherings that made the community feel welcoming from day one.
Why People Choose a CCRC
A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), also known as a Life Plan Community, offers something uniquely valuable: the ability to live independently and actively today with the reassurance that future care needs will be supported.
At Oak Trace, residents have access to assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing all on one campus. For many, including Jerry and Lin, that peace of mind was a major part of their decision.
“No matter what happens healthwise, we do not have to look for somewhere else to live,” Jerry said. “One of the reasons we chose Oak Trace is because it is like an insurance policy. It is something we do not have to think about.”
With uncertainty removed, they were free to focus on enjoying the life in front of them.
Wellness and Social Connection, Made Effortless
Another reason so many people are choosing Oak Trace is the simplicity of staying active and engaged. When Jerry still lived in his house, working out meant joining a fitness center, driving there every morning.
“That was a threshold I never crossed,” he said.
At Oak Trace, the fitness center is just an elevator ride away.
“Within days of moving here I started going downstairs at 6 a.m. every day,” he said. “Many of the same people were always there, and now we often get together afterwards and have coffee.”
The same kind of connection extended beyond workouts. Jerry and Lin attended a welcoming party shortly after moving in and were surprised by how quickly the group had already bonded.
“I looked around the room and thought, here are 40 people who are good friends that I’ve only known for a short time,” he said.
Life at Oak Trace encouraged Jerry to grow in ways he didn’t expect. He found himself volunteering to help coordinate lifelong learning programs, striking up conversations more easily, and, yes, even performing karaoke.
He is outgoing, involved, and connected. “The people here are bringing it out in me,” he said.
A Campus Designed for the Life Residents Want
Oak Trace’s recent expansion has played a big role in attracting so many new residents. The addition features:
- 140 new independent living apartments with modern layouts and contemporary finishes
- Multiple dining venues with chef-prepared meals
- A state-of-the-art fitness and aquatic center
- A performing arts center designed for events, lectures, and entertainment
- A robust calendar of programs spanning wellness, arts, culture, and lifelong learning
Combined with a warm, welcoming culture, the result is a community that feels vibrant, social, and purposeful.
Is It Your Time?
Over the past two years, more than 300 people have decided Oak Trace offers the ideal balance of independence, connection, and long-term security.
For Jerry and Lin, the move brought confidence, comfort, and a renewed sense of belonging.
Oak Trace Senior Living
Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove, Illinois, is set on more than 40 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds featuring gardens, walking paths, ponds and abundant green space. As a Life Plan Community, formerly known as a CCRC, Oak Trace offers a full continuum of care: including independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Oak Trace is owned by Lifespace, a not-for-profit organization with nearly 50 years of experience in senior living. To learn more about Oak Trace, visit www.OakTraceSeniorLiving.com
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Contact: Wendy Foster
Company: IVY Marketing Group
Email: [email protected]
For: Oak Trace
Website: https://www.oaktraceseniorliving.com