From New Beginnings to Impactful Connections, Meet Lana Stevens, Grouper Social Ambassador
Lana Stevens has embraced every chapter of life with an open heart and an adventurous spirit. After moving to The Villages in Florida, a lively and active retirement community known for its countless social clubs, recreational activities, and welcoming atmosphere, Lana found new friendships and endless opportunities for “firsts.” As a Grouper Social Ambassador, Lana is passionate about helping others step outside their comfort zones and discover the joy of connection. In this Q&A, she shares how her late husband’s values continue to inspire her, the power of social connection in later years, and the exciting adventures she has planned for 2025.
You’ve lived quite a life before coming to the Villages. What moments or experiences have shaped who you are today?
For me, it was not a moment or experience that helped shape me. It was my husband of almost 50 years, Hal, who was the most influential figure in shaping who I am today. Hal lived his life with a unique set of values that not only shaped his career but also deeply impacted me. His ability to embrace diversity, his nonjudgmental nature, and his empathy were things I admired most in him. Through him, I’ve learned to listen more, judge less, and approach the world with greater empathy. Looking back, I realize how much these qualities have shaped my own personal growth.
As you’ve carried those lessons and experiences with you, what’s a typical day like now compared to five-to-seven years ago? What changes have brought you the most joy?
This is a difficult question for me to answer as I lost my husband seven years ago. I had gone from being married and doing things as a couple to being a widow. I chose to move to the Villages for a few reasons, one is that I had family in The Villages and knew I would need the emotional support they could offer, and The Villages would afford me more opportunities to stay busy and connected socially with other people who had also lost their partner.
What has truly brought me joy are the “firsts” I get to share with new friends I’ve met in The Villages. For example, this year I invited a few friends and family members to learn the dance steps to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” so we could participate in the global Thriller Night celebration. I also encouraged my niece (SherryAnn) to try her hand at golf, and she turned out to be a natural! There are so many exciting “firsts” to experience in The Villages, but what I’ve found to be even more rewarding is supporting others as they step into their own first-time experiences. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about helping someone push past their comfort zone, watching them discover new talents, or simply sharing in the joy of trying something new together.
What surprised you most about life in the Villages, and how has it changed your perspective on what’s possible in our later years?
When I first visited The Villages, I was immediately captivated by the abundance of activities available all in one place. I was surprised by how active and vibrant the community is. It’s easy to assume that retirement communities are quiet and laid-back, but The Villages defies these stereotypes, particularly the idea that social circles naturally shrink with age. The sheer variety of things to do creates an environment that feels more like a lively, ever-evolving small town than a place where people slow down. The diversity of clubs—whether social, athletic, or volunteer-based—provides countless opportunities to expand my social circle. It’s a powerful reminder that, no matter where we are in life, there’s always room to form new connections
Why do you think social connection is such a powerful force in promoting health, especially in a community like the Villages, where there is a demographic of people who are at-risk of social isolation?
The most immediate and obvious benefit of social connection in The Villages is the emotional support it provides. For older adults, social isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety, which are significant risk factors for mental health problems. In a community like The Villages, where people may be transitioning into retirement or dealing with the loss of loved ones, the presence of social connections offers an essential emotional lifeline. Cognitive decline is a common concern for us as we age, and studies have shown that staying socially active is one of the best ways to protect against it.
As a Grouper Social Ambassador, what impact have you seen in the Villages from encouraging people to stay socially active and involved in group activities?
Social activities offer a natural way to stay mentally and physically active, and the benefits extend far beyond just the activity itself. They create a ripple effect on overall health and happiness and it’s clear that staying socially active plays a huge role in a long and healthy life. I have played golf in one of my golf clubs with people well into their 90s, and if they hadn’t shared their age, I never would have guessed they were in their 90s. They’re not only mentally sharp but physically fit as well. Now, if I could only improve my game—maybe I’ll get there when I’m 90!
Could you share a story about a connection you’ve participated in that particularly moved you?
There are so many stories I could share but the one that sticks out the most is an event I volunteer at – the “A Night to Shine” prom night for people of all ages with special needs. It is an incredibly moving event that creates a strong sense of community and inclusion. For individuals with special needs, attending a traditional prom or dance can often be a challenging experience. “A Night to Shine”, however, is specifically designed to remove barriers by fostering an environment where everyone is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to shine, and the event becomes more than just a celebration—it transforms into a life-changing experience for both the guests and the volunteers. The volunteers who help bring this event to life are also deeply impacted, and many leave with a renewed sense of compassion, humility, and gratitude, having witnessed firsthand the power of inclusion.
What dreams or adventures are still on your horizon? What are you most excited about in this chapter of life?
One of my next big adventures is a trip to Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and England next year with my best friend, Jackie, whom I met in The Villages and is also a Grouper Social Ambassador. We’ve both traveled extensively across the U.S., but next year, we’re setting our sights on exploring abroad. A few years ago, we completed our quest to visit all 50 states. We did it in a very unique way. We both had five states left to explore so we flew up to Milwaukee, took a train to North Dakota, then rode the bus up to Montana and down to South Dakota, where we both experienced Mount Rushmore for the first time. From there we journeyed again by bus through Iowa and down to Omaha, Nebraska. From there we flew back to Florida.
What excites me most about this chapter in my life…..as I’ve mentioned before, I love experiencing “firsts,” and I’m sure Jackie and I will continue to discover a whole new range of them as we explore new places together. It’s the thrill of trying new things and creating memories with a dear friend that makes this next adventure even more special.