Greenspring Residents Enjoy a Fresh Focus on Well-Being

"Living at Greenspring, I'm able to concentrate on diet, exercise, meditation, and journaling," says Kay Hawkins of the Erickson Senior Living community in Springfield, Va.

Kay and her neighbors have convenient access to industry-leading amenities that are designed to enhance their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. 

With a fitness center, swimming pool, and healthy dining options at on-site restaurants, there's no shortage of ways for residents to meet their wellness goals.

"I knew I wanted to spend my time and energy focusing on my health and well-being," she explains. "Once I saw the pool and fitness center here, I knew this was the place!"

Fitness for all

Because all buildings across the 58-acre campus are connected via climate-controlled walkways, Kay finds it easier than ever before to maintain her workout routine at the fitness center. 

In addition to walking for half an hour each day, she teaches four chair yoga classes each week.

"I'm a certified yoga therapist with 25 years of teaching experience," she notes. "Taking charge of your aging process is the theme of my classes. Everyone is enthusiastic, often telling me how much better the classes make them feel. It's very rewarding. I work carefully to help participants find a way to approach yoga in their own way--without judgement."

She continues, "And at campus restaurants, I can access diet and nutrition information on the My Erickson app. That information is so important in order to maintain a healthy diet."

A supportive environment

Wellness has become a priority in Kay's life, but that wasn't always the case. 

"Forty-five years ago, my husband Mick had a premature heart attack," she explains. "We responded by changing our diet and increasing our exercise. In doing so, we changed our outlook on life."

Drawn to the community's amenities and 200-plus activities that support an active, healthy lifestyle, they knew Greenspring was the place to be. 

"Greenspring's fitness center was a big deciding factor when it came to choosing where to live!" recalls Kay. 

Although Kay and Mick had planned to move into an apartment home together, Mick moved directly to Garden Ridge, Greenspring's continuing care neighborhood. After 63 years of marriage, he passed away last February.

"I knew that I wanted to live in a community where I was surrounded by people. This is the first time in my life that I've lived alone," says Kay, who feels grateful for the friends and neighbors that never left her side. 

New beginnings

For Kay, having the support of a caring community has made all the difference. 

"Greenspring is a very friendly community," she notes. "Now, I enjoy meeting new people and I have made many, many friends through shared interests."

Kay likes going to on-campus movie showings and tending to her lettuce and kale in the community garden. She is also serves as a member of the League of Woman Voters and the fitness subcommittee of the Resident Advisory Council. 

"One of the committee's goals for 2024 is to introduce an in-house TV channel that is completely dedicated to fitness classes," she notes. 

She has also started line dancing several times a week. "No one cares that I'm new to line dancing and don't know all the steps," she says, with a laugh. "For me, it's all about the music and movement!" 

Kay also appreciates having the time and freedom to explore her spiritual side, another important aspect of her well-being. 

"I've been meditating and journaling for the last 25 years," she says. "At Greenspring, I've found that there are many, many resources for those interested in spirituality. It's a wonderful way to make connections and to feel like a part of a larger community."

Greenspring's Pastoral Ministries team helps residents foster spiritual wellness by creating opportunities for worship within 20 different faith traditions. Each gathering and celebration warmly welcomes people of all faiths. 

Happy and healthy

Looking forward to a full year of new adventures at Greenspring, Kay knows she's right where she needs to be to enjoy a rewarding, healthy retirement. 

"From what I've read recently about happiness and life, being part of a community is the most important," she says. "We have everything here at Greenspring, which means that it's easy to find your community within a community--that means everything to me."

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!