We need to come clean—we have something important we haven’t told you. Sure, the food here is delicious, the location is vibrant, and campus is chock-full of enviable amenities and classes, but one of the most crucial parts of life here is the people who will soon become fast friends and the people you look forward to doing life with. 

We might be a little biased, but we believe residents are some of the most interesting, fun-loving people around. And we wouldn’t just expect you to take our word for how amazing The Full Life is at La Vida Llena. Learn more about them and hear exactly why they love it here.

Ever since he was a child, Mike had a special love of model trains. So when he laid eyes on the train room during a tour of La Vida Llena, he knew it would be a perfect opportunity to reconnect with his long-term hobby. Now, Mike lives with his wife Becky in one of the community’s Casitas and serves as the president of the Model Railroad Club. Mike is all about the idea of neighbors helping neighbors and finds fulfillment in helping fellow residents troubleshoot technology issues.

With no children, Mike says he finds the diverse La Vida Llena community to be a great support system for seniors. “It’s different from living just my wife and I together. It’s been quite enjoyable,” Mike says. 

Mike and his wife enjoy independent films, RV road trips, and going on cruises around the world.

If you’re looking for La Vida Llena resident Gerhard, you’ll likely find him in the woodshop. There, he enjoys not just working on hobbies but completing practical projects like gluing chairs or repairing lamps to help his neighbors at no cost.

Outside of the wood shop, Gerhard and his wife Evelyn enjoy the community and many activities offered at La Vida Llena. “It’s an eclectic group of interesting people,” Gerhard says. 

Before moving here, Gerhard didn’t have a circle of friends, but he now enjoys a full social life. He enjoys participating in a walking group with friends, as well as staying active at the fitness center.

He also serves as the president of the Residents’ Association, where he’s active on multiple community planning and advisory committees.

As a former physics professor and National Science Foundation educator, Gerhard continues to find ways to incorporate his love of learning into his life. He participates in an action research project exploring ways to strengthen the communication between the industry and 2-year college faculties in the field of technology. He also recently signed up to audit a History of Modern Art class at nearby Central New Mexico Community College. “Living here gives us the time to be involved in our hobbies. We don’t have to worry about the plumbing or the roof, other people can handle that,” he says.

Resident Elaine considers moving to La Vida Llena the best decision she ever made. After not connecting with anyone in Albuquerque and a decline in her husband’s health, her discovery of La Vida Llena seemed like perfect timing. Now that her husband is in Assisted Living, she’s still able to visit him regularly and is happy to see him so well taken care of. And the community here is exactly what Elaine was looking for. “It’s so easy to make friends here … we all eat dinner together here. 

Eating together is a very social time. For older people, this type of socialization is crucial.” Elaine describes the staff as wonderful, kind, and thoughtful and the food as outstanding. 

Elaine enjoys foreign policy and is involved in several local groups, which keep her connected to the outside world. She also enjoys gardening and grows flowers and herbs on her balcony in the company of her beautiful cat, Lady.

Dalva moved to La Vida Llena with her husband following a foot injury that began to make life more complicated in a house that wasn’t designed to accommodate her needs. After Dalva and her husband’s dream apartment opened up, all the pieces almost effortlessly fell into place.

“We’ve never been happier. We adjusted in no time. We unpacked in 2 days then went on a cruise. We are doing really well!” Dalva says.

Now that she’s recovered from her injury, Dalva stays active with a variety of groups and hobbies at La Vida Llena. She attends 9 exercise classes a week (yoga is one of her favorites) and walks her service dog, Lily, several times a day. She’s a part of the community’s rose brigade, and regularly makes quilts for the animal shelter and hats for the homeless.

 

She also loves traveling to Europe, gardening, and puzzles, which she describes as “mind cleansing and good for the brain.” Her husband stays busy with the local band he started, the Route 66 Revelers, where he plays the drums.

When it comes to food, Dalva has a restricted diet, which she says the La Vida Llena dining room accommodates. “The food is good and I do really well,” she says.

Dalva’s life motto: “I make myself happy. Happiness is a choice.”