What Retirement Community Would Benjamin Franklin Have Chosen? - Philadelphia Protestant Home
Independent Living Phone: 215-697-8086 Personal Care Phone: 215-697-8031 Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Phone: 215-697-8005
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What Retirement Community Would Benjamin Franklin Have Chosen?

Posted on: Nov 09, 2020

As a longtime Philadelphia resident, writer, publisher, scientist and inventor, what community would Benjamin Franklin have chosen? Here are ten reasons why The Philadelphia Protestant Home would have been at the top of his list.

  1. Close ties with Philadelphia. Franklin lived in the City of Brotherly Love for most of his life and his many inventions made it a better place for everyone. So, he would likely choose a community that also has close connections to the city – like The Philadelphia Protestant Home, which even has Philadelphia in its name!
  2. A dedication to fostering independence. Franklin was dedicated to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and signed the Declaration of Independence when he was 70. PPH is also dedicated to fostering independence in its residents through its active lifestyle and enriching programs.
  3. A commitment to wellness. Like PPH, Franklin believed in fostering all dimensions of wellness in order to live a longer, better life. A quote that illustrates his passion: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
  4. Lifelong learning. At PPH, we believe in lifelong learning through classes and seminars held in our ACE Education Center and livestreamed during COVID-19. Franklin did too, as his words show: “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” He also said: “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”
  5. A love of creative expression. At PPH, we nurture creativity through our drawing and pottery classes, stained glass workshops and many other creative outlets. Franklin agreed. In fact, he said: “Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What’s a sun dial in the shade?”
  6. A vibrant lifestyle. At PPH, we believe in making the most out of every moment. So did Franklin. He famously said: “When you are finished changing, you’re finished.”
  7. Making time to play. The PPH family is all about having fun: that’s why we offer dozens of games, clubs and social activities (socially distanced during COVID-19). Benjamin Franklin was on the same page, saying: “We do not stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.”
  8. Planning for the future. As a Life Plan Community, we know the importance of thinking ahead by choosing a long-term plan for life. So did Benjamin Franklin. In fact, he said these immortal words: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
  9. The spirit of volunteerism. Franklin was a lifelong volunteer, believing that collaboration could accomplish great things. He helped establish or improve libraries, hospitals, insurance companies, volunteer fire departments, agricultural colleges and intellectual societies. At PPH, our residents and team members also go above and beyond to give back to the community. They put into practice Franklin’s beliefs: “Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle.” and “Energy and persistence conquer all things.”
  10. Seizing the day. At PPH, we believe in moving to a community while you are still healthy and active enough to enjoy everything it has to offer. Franklin agreed, saying: “Never leave till tomorrow, what you can do today.

Follow Benjamin Franklin’s advice and take the first steps toward planning your future! Schedule a safe, in-person visit to our community by calling 215-697-8086, or if you’re more comfortable visiting virtually, we also offer this option. In the meantime, watch our Virtual Information Series, a collection of informative videos about life at PPH.

What Residents Say

"In my nine years at PPH, I’ve grown to like it very much. At first, I felt like a stranger and then as I began to talk to people, we increasingly became good friends. A way to meet people is to join clubs. I’m now part of the PPH Auxiliary. I love helping with their flea markets because you never know what you can find. Recently, I’ve joined an evening quilting class. I love that I can continue to enjoy my life outside of PPH while experiencing the offers here.…especially the pool! Everything is just so convenient.

– Lucille Hite, Independent Living resident

What Families Say

"My mom is sooo happy at PPH, I can’t even describe it in strong enough words. She’s met so many new friends and these ladies do EVERYTHING together! She sees Dad every day in Pathways, but can have her life too. She’s gone to so many activities and I think I’ve already been to Scoops with her at least 15 times. She loves the dining room and Bistro too. My sister, Ilene, and I are so delighted that Mom is happy.......Wow, it feels like Mom’s been there about 2 years—but it’s only 2 months!! That’s how comfortable and natural it feels for her – and for all of us.

– Rhonda Frenkel, daughter of resident Bernice Segal

Philadelphia Protestant Home