"There are so many opportunities to help me achieve my personal wellness goals," says community member Laura Winters. "I visit the wellness center for group exercise classes at least once a week and go to church once a week. I'm currently taking a memory class in the wellness center, and I find socializing with neighbors at dinner both stimulating and fun."
Since moving to Riderwood, the Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Md., in 2006, Laura has had plenty of time to explore healthy interests thanks to her newfound maintenance-free lifestyle. With a state-of-the-art wellness center; three satellite fitness centers; beautiful walking paths and trails; on-site medical center; pastoral ministries department; and over 200 resident-run clubs, the community makes it easy for residents to achieve and maintain physical health and spiritual well-being.
“Riderwood provides everything you need to take excellent care of yourself,” says Fitness Manager Paula Butler. “Our staff works together as a team to offer the best resources available to help our residents achieve their goals. Whether it’s working out in the fitness center, attending a lecture on nutrition, attending a religious service, or spending time with friends, we are there to give support and encouragement.”
Advantageous amenities
Each day, Paula and Riderwood’s team of wellness experts work directly with residents who are looking to add a physical fitness program into their lifestyle. At the heart of these options is the community’s new, state-of-the-art wellness center, staffed by expertly trained wellness professionals.
Since her move, Laura has taken full advantage of the top-notch amenities. She participates in a variety of group exercises, including the popular Moving to the Latin Beat dance class.
“I visit the wellness center at least three times a week,” she says. “I find that exercise helps keep me healthy. As a result, I make a point to exercise as much as possible.”
Impressed by Laura’s healthy lifestyle, her two sisters—Sarah Bishop and Marilyn Gerhard—made the decision to move to Riderwood.
“Sarah and her husband Tom moved to Riderwood, from Cheverly, Md., four years ago, and Marilyn moved from Sacramento, Calif., two years ago,” says Laura. “They both enjoy participating in activities that help keep them moving and healthy. Sarah likes bocce and walking, while Marilyn plays table tennis and pickleball.”
Team spirit
For community member Richard Bennof, his 2016 move to Riderwood opened up an exciting new world of healthy opportunities.
“I’ve always enjoyed walking, playing sports, and exercising,” he says. “Since my move, I visit both the new wellness center and the satellite fitness centers. I like using the treadmill and lifting weights. I sometimes finish off my workout with a brisk walk to the bocce or tennis courts.”
Richard’s frequent visits to the wellness center introduced him to new friends and a variety of team sports.
“I really like playing sports,” he says. “I’m very competitive, but I also like to have fun. In 2020, I started a shuffleboard group. We now play every Thursday in the wellness center. I also play pickleball. We have a very large group of players here. The camaraderie is great.”
“I also play Wii bowling, bocce, table tennis, and even joined the softball team,” Richard adds. “I’m very appreciative of the many opportunities to play a variety of sports, as well as the many other activities I can choose from every day. That’s the thing about Riderwood—there are so many activities and resources. There are outlets for every individual.”
Wellness specialists
The Riderwood medical center represents another facet of wellness options available to residents. The medical center, staffed with physicians who have dedicated their lives to senior health, is available for same-day appointments. All appointments are scheduled for 30 minutes, giving doctors a chance to really get to know their patients. The result is an integrated approach to health care that leads to optimal outcomes for residents.
Lynne Diggs, M.D., director of Riderwood’s medical center, says that she and her colleagues provide full primary care, as well as limited specialty services like cardiology, uroGYN, hematology, dermatology, gastroenterology, and podiatry. The community also has an on-site phlebotomy lab and offers a range of vaccinations.
“To have full-time specialists here, caring for residents seven days a week, is a great benefit for our community,” says Diggs. “We have the ability to follow residents through their various levels of care—if need-be—including independent living, memory care, assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care.”
Riderwood residents are welcome to keep their current primary care physicians and still utilize the center for flu shots, strep tests, and urgent care options.
At the soul of the matter
At Riderwood, well-being encompasses three key components of life: physical fitness, socialization, and access to premium health care. Rounding out the range of wellness offerings, Riderwood’s pastoral ministries staff helps foster spiritual wellness by creating opportunities for worship within 20 different faith and spiritual traditions. Each religious and spiritual gathering welcomes people of all faiths.
Each week, a variety of faith-based groups provides services for residents as well as their family and friends.
In addition to religious services, Riderwood community members also appreciate opportunities to connect with their spiritual side through a variety of mind-body classes such as yoga and tai chi.
As they embrace the New Year, Riderwood community members have the support to make personal wellness their number one goal. And thanks to the worry-free lifestyle, residents have time to explore the opportunities that will help. To learn more about wellness support at Riderwood, schedule a virtual or in-person visit.