Ashby Ponds Residents Enjoy a Fresh Focus on Well-Being

Residents at Ashby Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Ashburn, Va., have convenient access to industry-leading amenities that are designed to benefit their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Among these residents are Carol and Creston Cathcart, who moved to the engaging community from St. Michaels, Md., last February--accomplishing quite a lot in a little over a year. 

"Once we moved to Ashby Ponds, we never looked back!" says Carol. "I participate in anywhere from five to seven exercise classes a week, including water aerobics, balance classes, and yoga."

Creston participates in fitness classes as well and likes to join friends on the bocce court.

"We love our new home. We're free to do all the things that interest us--while having everything we need for our health and well-being so close," she says. 

Active and engaged

Even before they learned about Ashby Ponds, the Cathcarts were familiar with the engaging Erickson Senior Living lifestyle. 

"Years ago, my dad, a clergyman in Baltimore, decided to move to Erickson's first community, Charlestown," says Carol. "Unfortunately, my father passed away prior to their move to Charlestown. However, my mother went ahead with the move, living at the community for ten years and giving us the opportunity to watch her thrive. That really planted a seed in our heads."

When retirement rolled around for Carol and Creston, they remained active, traveling and boating as much as possible. In addition, Carol worked as a docent at the Academy Art Museum in Easton and Creston volunteered at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels. 

"But we slowly began realizing where we were in our lives," recalls Carol. "Our daughter Jenny lives less than ten minutes from Ashby Ponds, and our granddaughter Phoebe volunteered there. They suggested we come for a visit."

Conducting their due diligence, the Cathcarts explored many retirement communities in Maryland, Maine, and Virginia, but it was their trip to Ashby Ponds--and the vibrant lifestyle they remembered--that left the greatest impression. 

Jumping in

Following their move, the Cathcarts looked for ways to maintain their active lifestyle and well-being. Luckily, they didn't have to look far. 

"I've been doing yoga for thirty years, and Shelly, our instructor at Ashby Ponds, is one of the best I've ever worked with. She's amazing!" says Carol. "In addition to yoga, she teaches a workshop on yoga philosophy, where we work on refining the form of our yoga poses. In such a short time, Shelly has really opened up something different in me. She is extremely gifted with the dialogue that she uses to talk each person through their poses."

Carol, an artist, notes that time spent in her studio--the second bedroom in their apartment home--is quite meditative as well.

"I focus my efforts now on photography and mixed media art," she says. "I joined the group that makes greeting cards. I've donated about 100 cards since June."

The couple's new connections with friends and neighbors have also had a positive impact on their well-being.

"We make connections at dinner and through the classes and activities we enjoy. We have made some wonderful new friends here," says Carol. 

Quality care

In addition to the 200-plus groups and activities that support wellness goals, residents like the Cathcarts also have convenient access to Ashby Ponds' on-site medical center and full-time physicians.

"We understand the importance of finding the right medical care," says Carol. "We had difficulty finding good doctors when we lived on the Eastern Shore. After clashing with a doctor over aging issues, we were lucky to find a doctor we loved in Annapolis. In fact, we intended to keep our doctor following our move."

However, after numerous recommendations from their neighbors, the couple scheduled visits with Dr. Thomas Mancini at Ashby Ponds' medical center.

"Dr. Mancini is a gem who listens and cares," she says. "It's a wonderful benefit, having a medical center right on campus. We have everything we need close by. We both feel grateful, nurtured, and cared for."

Happy and healthy

Looking forward to a full year of new adventures at Ashby Ponds, the Cathcarts and their neighbors know they're right where they need to be to enjoy a rewarding, healthy retirement. 

"Ashby Ponds provides everything you need to take excellent care of yourself," explains Fitness Manager Wendy Garcia. "Whether it's working out at the fitness center, participating in clubs and activities, socializing with friends, or exploring your spiritual side, there is no limit to the number of ways you can achieve optimal wellness."

Invest in your future self at Ashby Ponds. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free apartment homes, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!