Ann’s Choice Resident Continues Her Passion for Teaching

“I am certainly a proponent of following one’s heart,” says Nina Haydel. “My heart is in teaching and writing.”

Haydel has been following her heart for 60 years.

So, when she and her husband, Belmont, moved last November from Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, to Ann’s Choice, an Erickson Living’s retirement community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Haydel continued teaching.

Until this summer she juggled eight courses, two each at four different universities. Haydel taught in the classroom at Rider University and Bucks County Community College, and online at Thomas Edison State University and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

She’s also written two college textbooks and, for fun, two “Creole Cats” children’s books.

“I can’t envision retiring,” she says.

Haydel isn’t unique in her commitment to the profession she loves. Recent news reports reflect that seniors are employed at the highest rate in 55 years. And according to PEW Research Center, close to one in five individuals aged 65 and over continues to work every day.

Haydel has a master’s degree in the teaching of writing and an Ed.D. with a concentration in curriculum design. She does her paperwork and holds online discussions with students at her home office in one area of the Haydels’ large master bedroom. Setting it up required no construction, only additional wiring.

The space accommodates floor to ceiling bookcases, Haydel’s corner desk, and her printers. She’s arranged things so she can work at her desk computer, then swivel around to a table that holds her second computer.

The apartment also suits her teaching philosophy because her office opens to a sunroom where she meets with students for one-on-one counseling.

“I gain happiness and peace with myself knowing my skills are being of use,” she says. “My satisfaction comes from seeing others succeed. I don’t think of what teaching does for me.”

In fact, after scaling down her summer schedule to only teaching her online courses, Haydel launched a twice-monthly memory-writing class at Ann’s Choice.

“Nina’s enthusiasm and dedication to her profession is similar to what we see from other residents who work,” says Ann’s Choice Executive Director Chris Donati. “They tell us often that our maintenance-free lifestyle is an important reason they can continue to do what they love.”

The Haydels were drawn to the Erickson community because of its size, the diversity of its population, and its abundant on-site activities and amenities.

“I have peace of mind when I’m at school because my husband has found people and activities that engage him,” Haydel says. “And if he’s happy, I’m happy.”

The Haydels also live carefree because general services staff handles all maintenance and grounds care.

Haydel has simplified her life even more by switching her primary care physician to an Ann’s Choice staff doctor who practices in the campus medical center.

She and Belmont have made many new friendships and entertain frequently in the formal living room and dining room of their spacious two-bedroom apartment home. He’s the cook, preparing Creole and Cajun dishes from his native New Orleans.

When they’re not entertaining, they dine with neighbors in a campus restaurant. But when Haydel is pressed for time, she gets her meal to go and eats at home. “It’s wonderful to have such a variety of entrees,” she says.

Her husband’s career, twice a Fulbright scholar and later a U.S. diplomat to Latin America, enabled the Haydels to see much of the world. When they lived in the Middle East, Nina taught at the University of Jordan. In the 1990s she taught in Latin American countries.

Trained in ballet and theater since childhood, she’s also a reenactor. Haydel gives first-person presentations as notable women such as Frieda Kahlo. She presented Kahlo some years ago at Ann’s Choice.

“Belmont and I are anything but conservative and conventional,” she says. But as she listens to her campus neighbors’ stories of their interesting and unique life experiences Haydel feels right at home.

And she smiles more now. “It’s having all these people around,” she says. “We see them in the hall, we chat, and we laugh. My life hasn’t changed at all except that I’m happier. This is the best place we’ve ever lived.”

About Ann’s Choice: Ann’s Choice, one of 19 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 103-acre campus in Warminster, Pennsylvania. The community is located in Bucks County and is home to nearly 2,000 residents. Additional information about Ann’s Choice can be found at AnnsChoice.com.

Photo: Ann’s Choice resident Nina Haydel works part time as a teacher and writer. In her hands is one of two children’s books she wrote. (Photo credit: Jacqueline Kimball.)

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Written by Jacqueline Kimball