At 100 years old, Azalea Trace resident Charley Pritchett is still a student, an athlete, a musician, a friend and, above all, a lifelong learner.
His remarkable lifestyle recently caught the attention of NBC's TODAY.com, which featured Charley in its Incredible Centenarians series and highlighted his five simple tips for a long, happy life.
But Charley’s story is about more than longevity. It’s also about what can be possible when you choose a community that gives you the freedom and opportunity to keep pursuing the things that make life meaningful.
A University Campus Just Steps Away
One of the unique advantages of Azalea Trace is its proximity to the University of West Florida. The campus is located just steps from the community, giving residents like Charley walking-distance access to an environment filled with learning, activity, and intergenerational connections.
Charley has embraced that opportunity wholeheartedly.
A former university professor, he has completed 51 courses at UWF and continues to enroll in classes. He enjoys sitting alongside traditional college students, interacting with professors and coaches, and expanding his worldview.
His decision to continue his education is a perfect example of how the right retirement setting can make it easier to pursue interests and passions at any age.
Staying Active — and Having Fun
Charley also takes advantage of the recreational opportunities available through the university. Twice a week, he swims laps for 45 minutes at the university pool.
And his willingness to try new things doesn’t stop there.
At Azalea Trace, Charley recently learned how to play pool — despite never having held a pool cue until just a few months ago. Rather than worrying about being good at something immediately, he’s embracing the experience of being a beginner.
A Life Filled With Possibilities
Retirement can be an exciting new chapter — a time to pursue interests, develop new friendships, stay active, and discover experiences that may not have been possible before.
At Acts Azalea Trace, Charley has found a home that puts opportunities for learning, recreation, connection, and personal discovery within reach.
And at 100, he’s showing that there’s still plenty of room for what comes next.
Read Charley’s five longevity tips and his full story in TODAY’s Incredible Centenarians series here.