Brooksby Offers Health and Well-Being Resources for Residents

When Rosalie Kelleher and her husband Bill made the move to Brooksby Village, an Erickson Senior Living community in Peabody, Mass., in 2017, she decided she wanted to share her favorite activity for unwinding and reducing stress with her neighbors. 

"When I lived in Bedford, Mass., the Council on Aging started an adult coloring group the year before I left," Rosalie says. "I was part of the group and enjoyed coloring--and all its benefits!"

So, after settling into their apartment home, Rosalie started the Coloring for Adults group at Brooksby. 

"It is a very creative time, and the act of coloring has a calming effect," Rosalie says.

With yoga classes at the on-campus fitness center, guided meditations, and labyrinth walks, this group is just one of many ways residents are caring for their health and well-being around the busy holiday season. 

A peaceful time

According to Rosalie, the positives of coloring are many. As a rather meditative process, the activity can calm the mind, and the group setting is a terrific way to meet new people and catch up with friends.

Currently, the Coloring for Adults group has more than 17 members--women and men with a range of artistic abilities--with about a dozen attending the weekly get-togethers. 

Rosalie supplies a variety of adult coloring books and pages. The designs and themes include everything from complex mandalas and intricate patterns to simple pictures, including nature scenes, animals, holidays, seasons, and more.

Members use felt pens, paint, colored pencils, and gel pens on their colorful creations.

"It's very good way to start the week. It is a peaceful and creative time," says Rosalie. 

Get moving

Meanwhile, Fitness Manager Rokia Paone is busy at the fitness center preparing for the next yoga and stretch class. 

"Finding activities you enjoy, like coloring and exercise, can keep the mind and body active and help reduce stress, which can especially occur during the holiday season," she explains. "We always offer a variety of activities to choose from at our fitness and aquatics centers." 

She continues, "If you need an energy-infused break from a holiday to-do list, you can try one of our aerobics classes. Or, if you are looking for something to calm the mind, we offer a variety of yoga and stretch classes--both in-chair and on the floor, depending on what you prefer. We also offer morning and afternoon classes, to fit everyone's busy schedules."

Paone notes that any movement helps with stress reduction. 

"Our bodies were born to move," she says. "I have flyers around campus saying, 'Did you move your body today?' Movement is a necessity for our bodies to function properly each and every day. Getting active with a group or activity is great. All movement counts, so you don't have to visit the gym to reap the benefits!"

Comfort and support

At the Pastoral Ministries department, Manager Rev. Chad Kidd is planning opportunities for residents to tap into their spiritual side to help center themselves for a more relaxed holiday season.

"We recommend folks take a little time, especially during the holidays, to nurture their spiritual well-being," Kidd says. "Many folks will find it helpful to go back to those spiritual practices they've known and loved for many years, as they've always brought comfort and support." 

He adds, "But we also encourage folks to try out something new, and that is the beauty of our community--everything is right at residents' fingertips."

Soothing activities such as guided meditations, drum circles, spiritual art classes, and even calming labyrinth walks can become "Tools in a resident's tool belt," notes Kidd. 

Pastoral Ministries also organizes an annual service of healing and hope, which is held close to the Winter Solstice, the day of the year with the least amount of sunlight. 

"It is a ritual way of honoring the fact that, sometimes, the holidays can be challenging," he explains. "Our service is a place of calm, with soft music and an interfaith liturgy that helps attendees feel supported and uplifted."

Fostering friendships

With the holidays right around the corner, Rosalie and her neighbors have plenty of resources to help them manage stress, relax, and unwind--while surrounded by new and longtime friends. 

"Many members have made friends at our group," says Rosalie of the Coloring for Adults group. "It's lots of fun! And everyone can enjoy all the benefits of coloring."

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Brooksby Village, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.