Life Transitions in Every Season: What We Are Learning as New Neighbors in Sun City
Moving into a new community often opens our eyes to experiences we may not have noticed before. Upon relocating Sanity Center to Sun City, Arizona, we discovered more than a new neighborhood. We entered a community that has been a pioneer in supporting people through one of life’s biggest changes: the transition into retirement. As we settled in, we realized that the lessons from this community are not limited to older adults. They can benefit anyone navigating a major life change. In this blog, we share what we are learning about life transitions, the mental and emotional challenges that come with them, and evidence-based practices that help people adapt and grow.
Discovering a Community Built Around Transitions
Sun City was developed in 1960 as one of the first planned retirement communities in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2023), Sun City has a population of approximately 38,000 people with a median age of about 72.5 years. Many households consist of one or two adults, and the community was designed to provide recreational, social, and wellness resources for people entering a new stage of life after their working years.
For us, seeing how a whole town is shaped around the needs of people in transition has underscored a universal truth. Transitions are part of every life. While retirement is a visible example, there are many other transitions such as changing careers, moving to a new place, starting a family, experiencing a loss, or adjusting to changes in health. Each shift brings challenges and opportunities that deserve attention.
Understanding Life Transitions
Psychologist Nancy Schlossberg developed Transition Theory, which helps explain what happens when we go through significant life changes. According to her framework, how a person adjusts to a transition depends on three main factors:
The Situation: What is changing and how sudden or expected it is.
The Self: Personal resources such as coping style, resilience, health, and past experiences.
Support: The availability of relationships, community, and professional resources.
Research shows that transitions can create stress because they disrupt familiar routines and challenge our sense of identity. However, studies in developmental psychology also highlight that transitions often spark personal growth. With the right support and mindset, people can build new skills, discover new purposes, and strengthen their resilience.
Mental Health in Times of Change
The emotional and psychological aspects of transition are sometimes overlooked. Studies published in the Journal of Gerontology and the American Psychologist have documented that life transitions often involve:
Loss and Grief: Not only related to the loss of loved ones but also to changes in roles, health, or daily routines.
Identity Shifts: A need to answer the question, “Who am I now?” after leaving a job, a role as a caregiver, or a familiar community.
Stress and Anxiety: Uncertainty about the future can increase emotional distress.
Opportunities for Renewal: Many people discover new sources of meaning and purpose during transitions.
Recognizing these emotional patterns as a normal part of adjustment can help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support.
Evidence-Based Strategies for Navigating Transitions
1. Acknowledge and Name the Transition
Research in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) emphasizes that labeling emotions and experiences can reduce their intensity and help us respond with more clarity. Journaling, talking with trusted friends, or writing a narrative of one’s transition can make the experience less overwhelming.
2. Strengthen Social Support
Decades of research, including studies by psychologist Sheldon Cohen on social support and health, show that strong relationships improve both physical and mental well-being. In a community like Sun City, opportunities for connection include recreation clubs, volunteering programs, and peer support groups. For younger people or those in other communities, finding support through faith groups, hobby clubs, or online communities can serve a similar purpose.
3. Develop a Sense of Agency
Studies on resilience, such as those by Ann Masten, have shown that focusing on small, achievable goals fosters a sense of control. This might mean setting up a daily routine, reaching out to one new person each week, or learning a new skill. The key is to take small steps that rebuild confidence.
4. Pay Attention to Physical Health
Transition periods often bring changes in sleep, eating, and exercise habits. Evidence from the National Institute on Aging highlights the link between physical activity, sleep quality, and emotional well-being. Regular movement and balanced routines are simple but powerful ways to support mental health.
5. Seek Professional Help When Needed
Therapists, counselors, and support groups can be valuable allies during times of transition. Research consistently shows that evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and group counseling can reduce stress, improve coping skills, and foster healthier adjustment to change.
If you find that a transition feels overwhelming or begins to affect your daily life, reaching out for professional guidance can make a meaningful difference. Sanity Center is here in Sun City to provide compassionate, evidence-based care both in person and virtually, so you can access extra support wherever you are. Click here to connect with us!
A Shared Human Experience
One of the most meaningful insights we have gained since moving to Sun City is that life transitions are not limited to any age. Retirement and later-life changes bring unique challenges, but so do starting a first job, becoming a parent, adjusting to college life, or facing a serious illness. The common thread is that transitions often disrupt our sense of normalcy and identity, and they call for new coping strategies.
By learning from a community that has decades of experience supporting people through transition, we hope to share insights that are relevant to all ages. Our goal at Sanity Center is to provide tools and resources that empower individuals to face these changes with resilience and compassion.
Moving Forward Together
As we continue to get to know our neighbors in Sun City, we are inspired by their stories of adaptation and renewal. We invite readers from all stages of life to reflect on their own transitions. What challenges are you facing? What new opportunities might be emerging? Who can walk alongside you as you navigate this season?
Our future blog posts will explore specific types of transitions, highlight more evidence-based practices, and feature stories from the community that show the strength and creativity that can come from embracing change.
References and Resources
U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). QuickFacts: Sun City, Arizona. https://www.census.gov
Schlossberg, N. K. (1981). A model for analyzing human adaptation to transition. The Counseling Psychologist, 9(2), 2-18.
Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 310-357.
Masten, A. S. (2001). Ordinary magic: Resilience processes in development. American Psychologist, 56(3), 227-238.
National Institute on Aging. (2020). Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults. https://www.nia.nih.gov
Park, C. L., & Folkman, S. (1997). Meaning in the context of stress and coping. Review of General Psychology, 1(2), 115-144.
American Psychological Association. (2022). Coping with transitions. https://www.apa.org