Caroline Jacobs’ Spirit of Adventure
Rooted at Home, Reaching the World
Imagine standing amid the dramatic landscapes and natural wonders of Iceland, from the steaming waters of the Blue Lagoon to the awe-inspiring glaciers and geothermal marvels of the Golden Circle. Resident Caroline Jacobs did just that on her recent journey, riding a horse for the first time in sixty years across windswept terrain, visiting black sand beaches and marveling at cascading waterfalls. She joined a traditional bread-making demonstration using an underground geothermal oven and visited a local artisan who dyes wool with natural ingredients, learning the secrets behind each vibrant hue.
Beyond the landscapes, it was the people who made the trip unforgettable. Icelanders welcomed her with warmth and generosity, sharing their culture and way of life. Traveling with neighbors and friends, Caroline discovered the joy of exploring together—laughing over new experiences, sharing meals and creating memories she will carry for years to come. “By the third day, I turned to a friend and said, ‘This is even better than I imagined,'” she recalled.
Finding Home at The Commons in Lincoln
Though her travels take her far and wide, Caroline’s true anchor has always been The Commons in Lincoln. Her story with the community began long before move-in day. In 2007, she and her husband, Norman, placed a deposit before there were even apartment homes to tour, drawn to the promise of a community that would grow with them.
After three decades in Lexington, Massachusetts, Caroline and Norman wanted the security of knowing support would be there as their needs changed—without sacrificing independence. At The Commons, she found exactly that. “You do not have to think about the daily things like roof repairs or appliances breaking down,” she said. “For me, this is my long-term insurance.”
When The Commons opened its doors in 2010, they were among the very first to call it home. When Norman passed away in 2012, the community they had chosen together became a steady source of comfort and connection for Caroline giving her the freedom to pursue her passions.
She currently is a member of the Welcoming Committee, introducing new residents to life at The Commons. She also serves on the board of the Golden Tones Chorus, a group dedicated to bringing music and joy to those who cannot attend live performances. Beyond Lincoln, Caroline leads statewide efforts as the 2025-26 President of the Massachusetts Life Care Residents Association, advocating for residents across Massachusetts’ Continuing Care Retirement Communities.
A Lifetime of Exploration
Travel has long been central to Caroline’s life, often shared with friends and fellow residents. She has explored the coasts of Maine, the Hudson River and the Pacific Northwest on cruises. She has embarked on an African safari, joking that she did not miss the telephone or internet while seeing a remarkable array of animals. She has traveled to the Baltics and St. Petersburg, always eager to discover new cultures and landscapes.
In 2024, Caroline explored Ireland with an old friend from England, visiting County Cork to see her niece. She enjoyed a weeklong cruise along the Tennessee Rivers, including stops in Alabama and a memorable night at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Along the way, she visited the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky, marveling at intricately crafted quilts and toured the U.S. Rocket and Space Center in Huntsville, Alabama, the world’s largest space museum, exploring the history of space exploration after World War II.
Even during quieter months at home, Caroline’s calendar remains full. She is already preparing for a cruise along the Upper Mississippi River next year, demonstrating that her love of adventure is as vibrant as ever.
Home and Adventure in Harmony
For Caroline, The Commons is more than a residence—it is a home base that allows her to live fully, pursue her passions and explore the world. “I love traveling,” she said, “but there is nothing quite like returning home. Being greeted by friends when I return is heartwarming. It is good to be missed.”
Her story is a celebration of life lived fully, with one foot in the comfort of home and the other in the wide world beyond.
