Charles and Diane Jacobson have been to more than 130 travel destinations around the world. The couple has collected travel memories that they now share with their neighbors at The Village at Gainesville senior living community.

Their collection includes money from around the world.

Money Memories on Display

They currently have 80 different bills and notes on display inside their independent living home in Gainesville, FL. From Zimbabwe to Japan to Egypt, the senior couple has collected hundreds of pieces of money from around the world.

“It was easy to collect,” Charles Jacobson told WCJB-TV reporter Kristin Chase during an interview.

Charles continued, “When you’re traveling that much, you don’t want to collect a lot of stuff that you have to carry. It was easy to go to a bar, have a beer, and ask for change in local currency. I’d then put it in my pocket. That became more and more what I did everywhere.”

Charles, 81, has always been fascinated by money. It started while working at a concession stand as a teenager.

As he grew older, he found a career in finance that led him to travel around the world. Charles and Diane have been to nearly every country in the world. In 2019, they spent 100 days on a trip around the world. In 2023, they have plans to visit the Great Lakes and Egypt.

Sharing Their Memories With Others

The traveling couple is sharing their expertise as world travelers with their neighbors at The Village at Gainesville. Diane leads a monthly presentation featuring different countries and offering up key travel advice, especially during the summer months.

“Some people like armchair travel, so that’s what inspired us to do these presentations,” Diane said during an interview with Mainstreet Daily News. “When we moved here, we had it in our repertoire, so I just talked to the activities team at The Village to see if they’d be interested in doing it. It’s so much fun for all of us.”

Charles added, “Every month, we share photos and memories from our trips. These one-hour presentations are for our neighbors. We enjoy reviewing the trips. I think people are enjoying traveling with us as we go.”

They say their move to the Gainesville retirement community has allowed them more opportunity to travel because they don’t have the worries of homeownership.

Health Benefits of Traveling for Seniors

Studies show that travel offers many physical, emotional, and mental health benefits and opportunities for older travelers. The National Council on Aging reports that traveling can be vital for mental health, active aging, and overall quality of life.

Whether it’s a trip to a national park or abroad, it’s important to stay active and engaged. The research also suggests that the social interactions and physical activities older people enjoy while traveling may lower stress levels.

Travel with The Village at Gainesville

Enjoy more time to travel with a move to The Village at Gainesville.

Leave the worries of homeownership behind and enjoy being able to go on excursions to local and unique destinations with your new neighbors after calling our community home.

Our prime location in Gainesville offers so many intellectual and cultural opportunities just right outside your door. This is an essential part of our Vitality Program, reinforcing each resident’s well-being.

Jump on The Village at Gainesville bandwagon and enjoy the sights, sounds and freedom of a lifestyle in our community today. The Village at Gainesville offers independent living, assisted living and memory support living options. Learn more about why so many seniors in Gainesville are choosing a lifestyle at The Village at Gainesville and referring to a friend.