A Fresh Focus on Well-Being at Oak Crest

Carol Mofran, a California native, loves to exercise. 

When she moved to Oak Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Parkville, Md., in 2015, maintaining her active lifestyle got even easier. 

"I meet a group of friends every weekday morning for a Stretch and Aerobics class," says Carol, who's thankful that she only has a short, indoor stroll to the fitness center, rather than getting in her car and driving to the gym. "It's something to get yourself going for the day!"

With convenient, industry-leading amenities and activities designed to help make living a healthier life easier, residents like Carol find plenty of ways to care for their well-being. 

Fitness for all

Group classes like Stretch and Aerobics, SilverFlex, Zumba, yoga, Senior Fight Club (boxing and agility), tai chi, line dancing, and walking groups are quite popular at Oak Crest. 

In addition to exercise classes, residents can visit the fitness center to take advantage of complimentary fitness assessments and consultations, personalized workout programs developed by professional trainers, and a range of equipment. 

Residents can also participate in recreational sports with their friends and neighbors, including softball, shuffleboard, pickleball, bocce, and disc golf. Wellbeats, an online app free to Oak Crest residents, offers fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes; healthy recipes; and goal-based challenges. 

"Having an exercise routine is beneficial to your entire body because, at some point, you are moving every part. That's why I like it so much," explains Carol. 

"Regular exercise doesn't just help you physically--it has been shown to improve mental health; emotional, psychological, and social well-being; and cognitive function," says Oak Crest Fitness Manager Julie Sega.

Investing in well-being

Sega, who has nearly two decades of experience in the fitness industry working with older adults and holds a master's degree in exercise science focused on active aging, notes that staying consistent is key. 

"It is important to find something you enjoy doing. If you don't love bicycling, it's going to be difficult to stay motivated," she says. "Find something else you enjoy, like walking or jogging, to get your cardio in. If you have a fitness plan that is centered around activities you enjoy, you are going to be more apt to stick with it."

More than ever before, today's retirees are passionate about caring for their well-being. To support residents in living healthier lives as they age, Erickson Senior Living has invested $500 million to enhance programs, services, and amenities at its communities across the country. 

At Oak Crest, a group fitness studio, outdoor exercise stations, and an outdoor meditation garden have been added to campus. 

Enhanced amenities

"Many of the amenities that matter most to residents have been enhanced through Erickson Senior Living's investment, creating even more opportunities for residents to achieve optimal well-being," says Sega.

Across the 87-acre campus, staff members are just as committed to helping residents live better lives. 

"Prioritizing well-being is one of the defining characteristics of our organization's mission," says Sega. "Our health care providers, fitness trainers, and other professionals are always available for support."

Health care on site

The on-site medical center, where dedicated, full-time physicians practice, offers same-day or next-day appointments, telehealth, home visits, and continuing care health services like on-site rehab. Visiting specialists, include audiologists, ophthalmologists, and an on-site podiatrist who can help you minimize foot ailments and aid in the early detection of foot problems related to health issues like diabetes.

"Thanks to Oak Crest's range of services, we are able to help residents embrace all dimensions of wellness: mind, body, and spirit," says Sega. "It's great to see residents thrive. They are able to effortlessly integrate well-being into their daily lives."

A lifetime passion

Looking forward to a full year of new workouts, Carol knows she's right where she needs to be to enjoy a rewarding, healthy retirement. 

"I will never stop exercising!" says Carol, who's thankful that Oak Crest has given her plenty of options to stay active and engaged. "I enjoy walking, and I sing in the chorus. I just love living here and I am so glad I moved. It is the best place you could possibly live." 

Oak Crest's on-site amenities, services, and social opportunities provide benefits that a single-family home doesn't offer. Comfortable, maintenance-free apartment homes give you time to enjoy the benefits that come with living in a community.

To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today.