The New Year is a great time to make sure you're doing all you can to maintain your physical health and mental well-being. Living at an Erickson Senior Living community makes it easy to stay fit, engaged, and relaxed; with fitness spaces, clubs, an on-site medical center staffed by experienced providers, pastoral care options, and more.
Let Brooksby Village, an Erickson Senior Living Community in Peabody, Mass., inspire your jump-start for 2022 with its year-round focus on improving residents' well-being.
Residents can choose heart-healthy aerobics classes, meditative yoga, one-on-one personal training, laps at the aquatic center, or walks along the adjacent Danvers-Peabody Rail Trail. Brooksby Village offers these opportunities—and much more—for residents at any fitness level.
And with scores of programs and classes available—from bridge and mah-jongg to movies, crafting, and spiritual activities—life at Brooksby Village keeps residents moving and mindful.
Newcomers find their niche
And if nothing has piqued your interest thus far, you can create your own program!
No matter if you join an existing group or establish a club yourself, it’s important to “hit the deck running,” says resident Carol Bortman.
That’s what Carol and her husband Eli did when they moved to Brooksby in 2017. The Bortmans, both 79, illustrate just how engaging life at Brooksby Village can be.
With four years of experience and knowledge under her belt, Carol is always eager to show newcomers the ropes and answer questions at the Brooksby Village Newcomers Support Group.
You can also catch Carol hosting a quarterly meet-and-greet party for residents, in addition to the biweekly Brooksby Village TV program, More About Us.
“I interview residents about their life before Brooksby,” Carol says. “So, we develop some understanding and get to know you better, which makes the community even stronger.”
Carol also gets in tune with her creative side, thinking on her feet during Brooksby’s improvisation class. “It’s a little out of my comfort zone, but it’s really fun,” Carol says.
To stay fit and mentally refreshed, Carol regularly uses the outdoor walking paths, while Eli enjoys the range of equipment at the fitness center every day.
“I like the fresh air. It’s great for my mental health,” Carol says. “I walk by myself—it just clears my head.”
Making connections
With the brand-new, state-of-the-art fitness center; on-site medical center; and wide array of amenities, services, and programs; living your best life is easy and enjoyable at Brooksby Village—and it’s only getting better.
“As part of our long-range strategic plan, we have major upgrades currently ongoing in our first neighborhood,” says Sales Director Suzanne Davis. “We’re doing two renovation projects in tandem: a new restaurant and a salon.”
Davis adds, “The new fitness center is so important to residents, as it’s become part of their social life and wellness routine—residents often meet up with friends to exercise together, or hang out in the pool or spa.”
That sense of togetherness—fostered by the community’s engaging and active lifestyle—is at the core of Brooksby Village. For prospective residents who may be nervous to make connections or find a new hobby, Brooksby’s programs can help you get back into the swing of spending quality time with friends.
“Some of the stories I hear often is that someone may be living with a spouse in a single-family home, or are living alone, or have lost a spouse, and didn’t realize how much they started to withdraw from the rest of the world,” says Associate Executive Director Justin Paradis. “Once they move into Brooksby Village, see everything we offer, and discover all the people they can connect with, they really feel reinvigorated—and can’t believe how much they were missing.”
Building community
Living a vibrant life at Brooksby Village encompasses all aspects of well-being: physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Pastoral ministries offers residents a variety of mindfulness practices—including guided meditation, tai chi, labyrinth walks, chair yoga, and coloring for mindfulness—at venues across Brooksby Village. Faith-based activities include rosary recitation; Catholic Mass; Episcopal, Protestant, and Jewish worship services; Bible study classes; the Religious Skeptics Forum; and more.
“That’s what we mean when we say ‘build a community,’” Paradis says. “The fitness center, the medical center, our pastoral care—all of Brooksby’s services are a part of the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual pillars that we consider part of wellness and well-being. The many ways that we focus on enriching our lives are also aspects of building community.”
Carol agrees. “People can do as much or as little as they want. At Brooksby, we’re all in the same chapter of our lives, just on different pages,” Carol says. “Brooksby Village is embracing. It’s a way to keep expanding your life as you grow older. And it’s a very safe community. So, it takes stress away from ordinary, everyday things.”
Ready to take a look at the endless wellness amenities offered at Brooksby Village? Schedule a virtual or in-person visit today.