Staying Well Together at Linden Ponds

"Wellness is a holistic integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being - fueling the body, engaging the mind, and nurturing the spirit," notes "8 Dimensions of Wellness," published by the University of Maryland. "Although it always includes striving for health, it’s more about living life fully."

At Linden Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Hingham, Mass., residents enjoy a wide range of resources designed to support all aspects of wellness, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, swimming pool, beautiful walking paths and trails, on-site medical center, pastoral ministries, and more than 200 resident-run clubs. As a result, residents can easily care for their physical health and spiritual well-being.

Keeping up a good habit

“Wellness activities are a big part of my life and will continue to be as I age,” says resident Carol Humphreys. “I worked out frequently for many years prior to my move. Linden Ponds gave me the opportunity to continue working out. This was important to me, not only because exercise is an ingrained habit, but also because it is key to my mental well-being. I also enjoy attending classes on memory and nutrition. I even took a pilot training class that focused on mindfulness and meditation.”

At the heart of Linden Ponds’ wellness options is the fitness center, staffed with top-notch, trained professionals. Recently, the fitness center received a complete renovation. Updates include new Matrix treadmills; recumbent bikes with touchscreens; and access to the Wellbeats program, which offers on-demand and live programming on topics like yoga, meditation, nutrition, and strength training.

“The fitness center is just one of many amenities available to residents to help them achieve their personal wellness goals,” says Fitness Manager Mary Whidden. “Everyone, no matter age or ability, has a starting point. My first question is always, ‘How can we help you?’ From there, we devise a program designed to meet those goals.”

A great fit

The fitness center played a critical role in Paul Showstead’s decision to move to Linden Ponds in 2018. “My wife Suzie and I were especially impressed with the pool and the fitness center,” he says. “That, as well as the opportunities for social engagement, led to our decision to move to Linden Ponds.”

Paul visits the fitness center three days a week.

“I use all of the machines, as well as the free weights,” he says. “And the staff is terrific. They work with you to ensure that your workouts are safe and effective.”

Decisions, decisions

Linden Ponds residents also enjoy a variety of other resources that facilitate personal wellness, including nutrition/diet guidance and activity-based clubs and sports.

In addition to spending time working out, Paul is a member of Linden Ponds’ men’s golf league. The group plays at three different local courses.

“One of the great things about Linden Ponds is the variety of opportunities available,” says Paul. “In addition to golfing and working out in the gym, I lead a poker game every Thursday night and take advantage of the lifelong learning events. I tell people that living at Linden Ponds is like a cross between college and summer camp.”

Other popular activity-based groups include pickleball, garden club, and the nature walking group.

“There really is something for everyone,” says Whidden. “And thanks to Linden Ponds’ maintenance-free lifestyle, residents have plenty of time to explore activities they might have put on the back burner prior to retirement or, perhaps, may have always wanted to try.”

Staying healthy

The on-site medical center provides another facet of wellness options for residents. Ellen Curran, practice administrator of Linden Ponds’ medical center, says the staff provides full primary care specialized for seniors.

“The medical center provides exclusive care for Linden Ponds residents who choose us as their primary care,” Curran says. “The physicians are board-certified specialists, and their focus and attention are on the needs and care of community members. Their practice panels are smaller than traditional medical practices, enabling them to spend additional time and attention on each patient.”

Linden Ponds residents are also welcome to keep their current primary care physicians and still utilize the center for flu shots, strep tests, and urgent care options as needed.

Exciting year ahead

Wellness—encompassing physical fitness, socialization, and access to premium health care—is crucial to life at Linden Ponds.

Rounding out the spectrum of wellness offerings, opportunities for worship within different faith and spiritual traditions are provided by the pastoral ministries team.

“As with everything we do at Linden Ponds, our goal is to serve our community members in all dimensions, and that means honoring the diverse spiritual and religious traditions they practice,” says Pastoral Ministries Coordinator Rebecca Mokos.

“We are very happy with our decision to move to Linden Ponds,” says Paul. “The staff and the facilities are terrific. And the social engagement is unbeatable. Everyone is so friendly. We are like a family—all looking out for each other.”

 

To learn more about the abundant wellness opportunities at Linden Ponds, schedule a virtual or in-person visit.