Residents Find a Lively Social Life at Ashby Ponds

June 29, 2022

Italian actress Sophia Loren once remarked, "There is a fountain of youth: It is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age."

At Ashby Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Ashburn, Va., residents have tapped into this fountain. With more than 200 resident-lead clubs and activities - in addition to the community's maintenance-free apartment homes - residents have the freedom to explore their passions, discover new interests, and foster meaningful connections.

"Our diverse activities represent an expansive list of hobbies and interests and allow residents to ensure their well-being," says Faith Edwards, Ashby Ponds' senior manager of resident services. "Residents also enjoy a vast social calendar, including live musical performances, lectures, and holiday gatherings. There really is something for everyone!"

Making a move

Since moving to Ashby Ponds just earlier this year, Janet Brown's social calendar is already overflowing with a variety of activities.

"I've always been social. I enjoy meeting with and talking to people," she says. "Living at Ashby Ponds is a joy. There is so much to do and there are so many friendly people."

Janet, who lived in Mississippi for 27 years, says she wanted to be a part of something bigger. She began contemplating a move to a retirement community, but with her three children scattered across the country, her decision proved to be a difficult one.

"My husband died many years ago, and with my children grown, I was living on my own," she explains. "I was very happy, but I knew that, eventually, I wanted to be a part of a larger community. I received the Tribune and enjoyed reading all the articles. I decided to explore the Erickson Senior Living communities in Virginia because my oldest daughter lives here."

Encouraged by her children, Janet scheduled a visit to Ashby Ponds.

"I loved it immediately," she says. "And my children were all happy with the idea of me moving - they did not want me taking a tumble in my townhouse. They wanted me to move somewhere where I would be safe, and I feel really safe here. I have a whole new life ahead of me!"

Writing a new chapter

As a respected author, Janet felt compelled to participate in Ashby Ponds' resident writers festival.

"I wrote for years," she says. "However, now that I'm here, I'm interested in exploring other interests. For instance, I love to paint. Before my move, I took lessons from a teacher in Mississippi. Living at Ashby Ponds, I am able to paint even more. In fact, I just sold two of my paintings!"

Janet also rediscovered a love for table tennis.

"One day, I discovered a group playing table tennis," she says. "I walked in and watched them play. They asked if I wanted to join them, and I shared that I hadn't played in 50 years. They said, 'Neither have we,' and welcomed me with open arms."

Janet now plays table tennis regularly and plans to compete in the upcoming annual Ashby Ponds summer games.

Making connections

Thanks to her involvement in a variety of campus activities, Janet gained a family of friends quickly after her move.

"From the moment I arrived, I started meeting people," she says. "Everyone living here is really nice! In such a short time, I've made some very good friends. I felt right at home from the beginning. Before my move, I lacked company - and I really needed it. Then I moved to Ashby Ponds, and I haven't been lonely since. It's so easy to make those important, social connections here."

And her ambition for engagement at the community has not gone unnoticed. Recently, Janet appeared alongside seven of her new neighbors on an Ashby Ponds TV program called Women to Women: International Women's Day 2022.

"Wow, it was an honor to be interviewed along such outstanding women," she says. "I continue to be amazed by the people who live here. I am so very happy with my decision. If I could change anything, it would be to move ten years earlier. I feel like all of my challenges are behind me. Now, at Ashby Ponds, these are the good years."

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!

 

 

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