Multiple Generations Are Drawn to Brooksby's Amenities and Activities

Brooksby Village, an Erickson Senior Living community in Peabody, Mass., is home to maintenance-free residences and an abundance of industry-leading amenities, making it easy for retirees to pursue an active lifestyle. 

As a result, residents of all stages of life--from the Baby Boomer generation (born 1946-1964) and the Silent Generation (born 1928-1945) to the Greatest Generation (born 1901-1927)--are embracing a vibrant, worry-free retirement. 

‘Spoiled for choice'

Carol Shum, a member of the Baby Boom, was initially drawn to Brooksby for its proximity to family and continuum of care. 

After living and working in Texas, Carol and her husband Vitus decided to move closer to their daughter, who lives in Boston, Mass. Brooksby was at the top of their list. 

"We didn't want our daughter to be burdened with our care," says Carol, who quickly learned that the sought-after community boasted a range of other benefits. "Brooksby has so much going on. We're really spoiled for choice here!"

Soon after settling into their two-bedroom residence in 2022, Carol joined the Theater at the Pond group and the Resident Advisory Council as cochair of the dining committee.

"I also use the fitness center, take Monday morning hikes to Brooksby Farm, and often walk our entire campus," she says. Together, they perform in the community talent show, and Vitus often plays guitar and sings around campus.

Thanks to their worry-free lifestyle, Carol and Vitus have more time to snowboard on New England's slopes and travel abroad. But as much as they love exploring Hong Kong, Japan, and Ireland, they agree that there's no place like home. "There are so many things we enjoy and appreciate about Brooksby," says Carol. 

Following footsteps

Fellow Baby Boomer Gay "GG" Williams grew up in New Jersey and moved to Massachusetts for work more than 40 years ago. Brooksby appeared on her radar when a friend decided to move in. 

After visiting the lush campus, she got "a good feel for the place," recalls GG. She appreciated how close the community was to her house in Reading, Mass., as well as the scenery and the array of activities. 

In 2023, GG made the move herself. Now, her two-bedroom, one-bath residence--with a patio and a view of campus greenery--is just steps from all the amenities and activities she loves. 

GG is a pastoral visitor at Braeburn Gardens, Brooksby's continuing care neighborhood, and participates in a weekly drumming activity there. As a watercolorist, she also joins in campus art displays and supports the arts by attending monthly musical events. 

"I thoroughly enjoy the wide range of programming available, like the photography club, resident-led teachings, and more," she says. 

Reaching out

Although Perry Colmore is a member of the Silent Generation, this busy resident is anything but.

Perry, a former first-grade teacher, newspaper editor, and hospital chaplain, and her husband Chuck Medler, a "mostly retired" engineering consultant, have remained active and engaged at Brooksby since their move to a two-bedroom, one-bath home in 2023.

She joined the Recycled Theologians group, has started a cancer support group, and plays pickleball two to three times a week. "I love the saltwater pool," Perry adds. "We also walk our goldendoodle Sigi four times a day, which keeps us going."

Not to mention the couple's 10-by-10 garden patch, boasting two inherited rose bushes. "We planted parsley, a tomato bush, and zinnias for picking," she says. 

Perry also writes for The Villager newspaper and recently launched her "Newcomers Project," which shares photos and short bios about new residents. 

Together, they serve as Brooksby Ambassadors. "You get together with people on the Priority List who want to talk with real people who have recently made the move," Perry says. "It's fun meeting new people, hearing their questions, and helping put them at ease."

Trying new things

Longtime Brooksby resident Betty Lehr is right on the cusp between the Silent Generation and the Greatest Generation. 

Betty moved to Brooksby from nearby Lexington, Mass., in 2004. Since then, she's enjoyed an active lifestyle and a "lovely" residence--a two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath floor plan that suits her needs           perfectly. 

Over the years, Betty has joined bridge groups and church committees. "There's a tremendous number of things to do here," she says. "I don't think the staff has ever said no to anyone forming a new group--that's one of the things I like best about Brooksby. They are so supportive of the residents."

She adds, "I have friends and live in this incredibly supportive community. I am grateful for that."

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