At 80, Rose Marie Obey wasn’t sure she was ready to leave the home where she had lived for 44 years.

After her husband passed, Rose Marie began considering a move to an Acts retirement community. She had questions about the financial side of the decision, as well as whether moving would mean giving up the independence and familiar routines she valued.

Instead, she found that life at Gwynedd Estates in Ambler, Pennsylvania, offered something she didn’t expect: more freedom and less to worry about.

After selling her home, Rose Marie no longer has to think about the ongoing expenses and maintenance that came with homeownership. At Gwynedd Estates, she can spend her time the way she chooses — from riding the exercise bike and attending fitness programs to volunteering at nursing homes, cooking in her own kitchen and spending time with her granddaughter.

And while there are plenty of activities and amenities available, Rose Marie appreciates that she remains in control of her schedule.

“They let me know what’s available, and I decide if and when I want to do it,” she told Business Insider.

Rose Marie’s story offers a firsthand look at something many people considering senior living may not realize: moving to a retirement community isn’t about giving up independence. It can be about giving up the responsibilities of homeownership while gaining more time, convenience, and opportunities to enjoy life on your own terms.

Read Rose Marie’s full story in Business Insider here.