Ann's Choice Residents Benefit from An Array of Outdoor Amenities

A growing body of research supports the connection between time spent outdoors and improved health in older adults. 

This is icing on the cake for residents of Ann's Choice, an Erickson Senior Living community in Bucks County, Pa., who enjoy an impressive range of outdoor amenities and activities on the 100-acre campus. 

"From strolling along landscaped walkways to starting a friendly game of pickleball, there are so many ways for residents to connect with their neighbors in the great outdoors," says Trisha Malabuyo, resident life director at Ann's Choice.

Staying active

The tennis group, which frequents the courts right on campus, is one of the most popular clubs at Ann's Choice. 

"Our tennis courts are exceptional," says Bernie Randall, a six-year resident who discovered his passion for tennis later in life. "They're made of rubberized tiles, which provide a softer feel and require no maintenance. We play for fun and exercise, and the camaraderie is wonderful.”

Recently, the tennis group adapted their game to include six players, allowing more residents to participate at the same time. Two players sit for each set, with each set shortened to four games and each player serving once. 

"This way our two-hour sessions are not exhausting," says Bernie. "Plus, our sitting players can socialize while critiquing the games in progress.”

This spring, the group hosted a tennis clinic for neighbors who have played before and are interested in picking up the game again. 

"There's a good social aspect to it," adds Bernie. "You're playing with people who are around the same age and share similar interests, so there's a lot to talk about.”

Amenities abound

Other popular outdoor amenities on campus include the pickleball courts, putting green, meditation garden, walking paths, and gated dog park, which recently received new shade sails. 

In addition, the beautifully landscaped courtyards and gazebo areas provide serene settings for relaxation and conversation.

Green thumb Ruth Kurtz especially appreciates the community garden, in which residents can plant and tend to a variety of flowers, veggies, and fruits in their personal patches. The garden boasts 120 low beds and 12 raised beds.

"Years ago, my friend and I noticed some patches weren't being used, so we started growing vegetables for the local food bank," Ruth shares. "Today, we manage eight patches and donate over 1,000 pounds of produce annually.”

The campus greenhouse allows residents to start seeds early in the season, making gardening that much more accessible and rewarding. 

"Being out in the air and seeing things grow is incredibly fulfilling," Ruth says. "And the community's support makes it even better. Our maintenance team is fantastic; they deliver compost, pick up waste, and help with setups for events like our annual picnic.”

Future community plans include the addition of native gardens. In the meantime, the resident-led Innovative Native Garden project is working on planting native species that support local pollinators and wildlife while reducing the use of harmful chemicals.

Social connections 

Taking advantage of the community's bucolic backdrop and amenities, Malabuyo and her team organize an array of outdoor events throughout the year. 

Food truck events and seasonal celebrations, such as the Fall Festival, foster a sense of community among residents. And the popular Mutt Strut allows pet parents to bring their furry companions along for some fun. 

"Our outdoor events really bring people together," says Malabuyo. "We are proud to offer a variety of ways for our residents to spend time outdoors. Everything is carefully curated to encourage an active and social lifestyle, benefitting residents' overall well-being.”

‘Very rewarding'

For Bernie, Ruth, and their neighbors, the joy of spending time in green spaces is undeniable. 

Whether joining friends for a game of tennis, cultivating fresh produce, or catching up with neighbors at a celebration, residents of Ann's Choice enhance their well-being and find purpose in the great outdoors. 

"We have a lot of people who take walks through the gardens. It's very rewarding to see all the things growing and everybody working in the garden and enjoying themselves," says Ruth.

Invest in your future self at Ann's Choice. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free residences, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!