Each Day Is an Adventure at Greenspring

When Alison and Charles "Charley" Tichenor started exploring their senior living options, they were looking for a large continuing care retirement community (CCRC) bustling with resident activity. 

"As Ohio State alumni, we appreciate the advantages of living in a large community. It provides opportunities to find others who share similar interests," explains Charley. "It was an important factor in our decision-making process."

Greenspring, the Erickson Senior Living community in Springfield, Va., checked all of their boxes. 

"With over 100 clubs and groups, we knew it would be easy to find people with common interests at        Greenspring!" he says.   

Since moving into their maintenance-free apartment home in 2016--in their 60s and still working at the time--the Tichenors have enjoyed a carefree lifestyle that affords them plenty of time to pursue their interests and make new friends. 

Out and about

With a jam-packed schedule, you'll find Charley out and about in the community engaging in a number of classes and activities. 

"One of my favorite hobbies is astronomy," says Charley. "There is a very good viewing area here on campus. I invite neighbors to join me whenever I take out my telescopes. Each time, more and more people join me. In fact, I hosted an eclipse viewing party this spring. I was surprised when 110 residents showed up!"

Charley also enjoys visiting the fitness center regularly and taking walks around campus. 

"Our fitness and aquatics centers are first-class," he says. "The excellent trainers lead a variety of classes, teach you how to use the equipment, and can answer questions."

Charley, although retired from his career, enjoyed teaching part-time for their first five years at Greenspring. He continues his love of learning and teaching by attending lifelong learning presentations. Recently, he shared his knowledge of the moon with neighbors. 

"I especially enjoy the history and science discussions," he says. "I find it mentally stimulating to engage in academic discussions with others."

Time to travel

Alison, who retired last year, is just as busy, spending a lot of her time comanaging the Treasure Chest, an on-campus resale store that donates all proceeds to philanthropic efforts across the community. 

"I didn't retire until I knew I could comanage the Treasure Chest," says Alison. "It's very important to me to give back to the community, to pay it forward."

With work and home maintenance off her plate, Alison also enjoys traveling the world--often with her stepmother.

"This year, I've already visited the Middle East and Iceland!" she says. "Nothing holds me back now. I had to wait until I retired to enjoy the time to travel. I'm loving it."

Ashley Walters, Greenspring's resident life director, notes that the community's services, amenities, and activities allow residents to make the most of their retirement years. 

"With the freedom to chart their own course, residents feel more connected and engaged than they did when living in their house," she says. 

Expand your circle

By pursuing their individual interests and hobbies, Alison and Charley have met many new neighbors--and stayed in contact with longtime friends. 

"We've met some wonderful residents, each with a unique background," says Alison. 

"Because we moved from just four miles away, I never left the friends I made before moving to Greenspring," Charley says. "I've just added to my circle."

To keep up with their friends, the couple likes chatting over dinner at one of Greenspring's seven on-campus restaurants. 

"Sitting around the dinner table, we participate in really good conversations, getting to know folks and the very interesting lives they've led," notes Charley, who was pleased to find many Ohio State alumni among their neighbors. 

"We cohost the Ohio State versus Michigan viewing party each year," says Alison. "Our crowd has been anywhere from 27 to 56 people. It's so much fun to witness the rivalry that still exists, even after all these years!"

Enjoying life

Reflecting on their eight years at Greenspring, the Tichenors are so glad they made the move when they did. 

"We didn't see the point in waiting. We wanted to enjoy the engaging Greenspring lifestyle sooner than later!" says Charley. "Our son never has to worry about us. He knows we are very well cared for no matter what the future holds."

"I believe that moving to Greenspring will keep us healthy longer. We enjoy life so much more now, and we enjoy peace of mind too," says Alison. "I can't think of a more wonderful place, at this time in our lives, to call home."

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