What are your plans, goals and hopes for the coming year? Perhaps you’ve made resolutions to eat healthier, learn a new language or take up a new hobby. Or maybe after the challenges of these past two years, your aspirations are to spend more time with family, friends and activities you love, take steps to secure your future and truly live each day to the fullest.
Woodlands Retirement Community in Huntington, WV, provides an ideal setting to achieve all of these goals. Here you may find New Year’s resolutions become a thing of the past as you live your life the way you’ve always wanted.
Hear from some of our residents
“If you had asked me last year about my resolutions, I might have said to spend less time on chores and worrying about the future,” Dr. David Duke comments, “and to spend more time doing what I enjoy. But this year … well after moving to Woodlands, I achieved those goals, and I’m so happy with my lifestyle I didn’t make any New Year’s resolutions for 2022.”
David and his wife Lorraine, who are both retired professors from Marshall University, have lived in Huntington for more than 50 years. Feeling safe and secure about their future was very important to them and one of the key reasons they moved to Woodlands Retirement Community this past year. Knowing the Woodlands reputation for exceptional continuing care made their decision easy.
Now they are not only enjoying fewer concerns about the future, but also loving the many other benefits of their new home.
“We are only a couple miles from our previous home, so it’s easy to stay connected to our Huntington life. Plus, now we no longer have to clean and maintain a large house, shovel snow or do yard work, or even cook if we don’t feel like it. We have way more time for what we want to do and have even been inspired to try new things,” David claims.
Like other residents at Woodlands, the Dukes like to stay fit. David has kept up his membership with the local YMCA, but appreciates having a well-equipped fitness facility on-site. He doesn’t have to miss a day even when the weather is bad or the Y is closed. He is also drawn to the paved trails throughout the beautifully landscaped grounds that are perfect for jogging, walking or taking a leisurely stroll.
Lorraine likes to use the fitness facilities every day. “It’s so nice to be able to work out without having to drive to a gym. I don’t even have to go outdoors. In fact,” she adds, “when it’s freezing temperatures or snowing or raining, I can also walk to dining and activities without having to step outside. It’s wonderful.”
“There are lots of activities here, and we’ve only scratched the surface,” Lorraine shares. “David tried croquet for the first time and really enjoyed it. I joined the book club. And we’ve both enjoyed getting to know everyone at the happy hours and Friday birthday dinners. There are also frequent music events on-site performed by Marshall University’s music department. And excursions and movies, lectures, games, just tons to choose from.”
“Maybe that should be this year’s resolution,” David laughs, “to try as many of these activities as we can.”
More free time, more choices, a more rewarding lifestyle
Like the Dukes, Maxine Lewis was also fulfilling a resolution when she moved to Woodlands, a trusted LifeCare community. “My daughter is a doctor with a very busy life. If my health failed, I would not want to become a burden for her or add unnecessary worry and stress to her life,” Maxine explains. “I made a resolution to not let that happen, and now that I’m at Woodlands I’m confident it never will.”
An alum of Marshall University, Maxine returns to Huntington after living in Ironton, OH, for 52 years, teaching in the public schools and serving as an educator with the health department. She moved to Woodlands about a month ago and is excited to be back. “I’m so happy to see Huntington has continued to be a thriving city,” she says. “I’m looking forward to exploring everything, but haven’t had a chance yet because I’ve been distracted by all the choices available on campus. I’ve already been to exercise class, two movies and a musical performance, all on-site.”
Maxine is thrilled to have a spacious apartment on the ground floor with a patio that overlooks the woods. She is an avid gardener and can’t wait to put her green thumb to work this spring. Maxine has many other interests as well and also works part time. A woman on the go, she appreciates not having to spend time on household chores or dealing with maintenance issues. And she especially likes not having to shop and cook for herself.
“I’m not often motivated to cook for just me, so I tend to eat more prepackaged, less nutritious options,” Maxine admits. “But here I have healthy choices, a great variety and the food is delicious.” She adds, “Plus, I don’t have to clean up afterwards!”
Another aspect Maxine and the Dukes value is the friendly camaraderie of this community. “The residents here are wonderful. They introduce themselves and invite you to join them for dinner and activities. I felt so welcome right away,” Maxine says.
Lorraine adds, “I’m not sure how they do it, but the staff all know you by name right from the start. We never felt like newcomers.”
What are you waiting for?
The Dukes and Maxine agree—If you want to live a healthier, happier lifestyle among active, friendly people, spend more time on fun than chores and enjoy peace of mind about your future, then you should make your New Year’s resolution for 2022 to start planning your move to Woodlands Retirement Community.
Come visit us in person and see for yourself. Simply click here or call 304-697-1620 to coordinate your visit. We can’t wait to meet you!