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Author: Sean Ochester

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High Ridge

2023 Multifamily Executive Awards

Inside image of High Ridge Senior Living
Inside image of High Ridge Senior Living

This year’s awards celebrate the industry’s top people, projects, and programs.

In a time of economic uncertainty, multifamily owners, developers, architects, and builders continue to raise the bar for creating innovative and thoughtful communities that cater to residents’ needs. Our 2023 MFE Awards winners exemplify the tenacity and perseverance happening across the nation.

Out of nearly 240 nominations, the jurors selected 12 grand winners and 11 merit winners. In addition, the jurors selected Atlas at Park & Paseo, the grand winner in the mid-rise category, as the Multifamily Project of the Year. Developed by Alliance Residential and designed by AO, Atlas is the third and final phase of Park & Paseo, a mixed-use development that has transformed an 18-acre industrial site in Santa Ana, California.

As part of the MFE Awards, we also honor indusry leaders who are helping move the industry forward:Executive of the Year Lili Dunn, president and CEO of Bell Partners; and Hall of Fame inductee Harry Bookey, founder of BH.

Read more about what these multifamily leaders are bringing to their companies, their communities, and the industry as a whole as well as what makes our grand winners shine.

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Uncategorized Wellesley

Tips To Reduce Holiday Loneliness for Seniors

senior friends celebrating Christmas

Is holiday loneliness making your season feel less than spirited? Fortunately, there are many ways to keep the holiday blues at bay. Getting involved during the holidays is one of the best ways to beat the blues and give a boost to your holiday spirit. Check out these tips on ways to get involved and stay social during the season.

Get Creative

Crafty holiday activities for seniors don’t just bring the fun; they can also help you get involved while interacting with others. Try some of these ideas to lessen your holiday blues.

  • Inspire your creative side with wreath-making or painting with friends
  • Make decorations and ornaments
  • Bake and decorate holiday cookies with grandchildren
  • Try out new holiday recipes before friends and family arrive
  • Journal about all the things you’re grateful for this season
  • Write a seasonal tale with your grandchildren as the main characters (this would also make a great gift!)

Be a Host or Hostess

Holiday-themed parties, clubs and get-togethers are some of the best ways to connect with friends and family during the season. Get inspired with these ideas.

  • Start a seasonal book club
  • Host a cookie or ornament swap
  • Start a weekly holiday movie night
  • Host a holiday cocktail hour
  • Make plans to have a celebration with family

Join a Social Group

There are many opportunities to get social during the holidays, but joining a social group can be a great way to jump-start the creation of your social circle for years to come. Try choosing a group that interests you so you can befriend other older adults with similar interests.

  • Join a holiday choir or a Christmas caroling group
  • Try out a bell group for a holiday performance
  • Begin attending a woodworking class that makes gifts for area children

Stay In Touch

Keeping in contact with those you love can help prevent feelings of loneliness during the holidays. If you begin to feel isolated, try some of these ideas to add a little seasonal cheer. You never know – one of these options could become a new holiday tradition!

  • Call friends you haven’t seen in awhile
  • Video chat with family members
  • Send greeting cards to those you love
  • Write letters to out-of-town family
  • Make an effort to visit those you love, or ask them to come to you

Give Back to the Community

Do you know an adult in your life who needs some extra support? Do you have a passion for helping animals and pets? Do you want to lessen someone else’s holiday stress? Giving back can be a great way to do just that while also giving yourself a motivational boost. Here are some ways that older adults can help other seniors or those going through tough times.

  • Make meals for those in a homeless shelter
  • Donate gifts to a family in need
  • Spend time serving others in a soup kitchen
  • Have a food drive or a coat drive
  • Send packages overseas to soldiers
  • Pack up pet presents for area furry friends in animal shelters
  • Donate and decorate a Christmas tree for a fellow older adult who doesn’t have family nearby to help
  • Knit hats, gloves, scarves and other cold-weather items to be donated to those in need

Discover the gift of Waterstone at Wellesley and say goodbye to holidays full of bah humbugs.

Seniors who live alone often deal with increased holiday depression and feel lonely during the holidays. This is because it can be harder for seniors to maintain connections, especially if no friends or family are nearby. However, if you’re lucky enough to live in a senior living community like Waterstone at Wellesley, you know all the fun things there are to do that make combating loneliness easy. 

With engaging programs and events, life enrichment opportunities, social groups, maintenance-free living and more, the holidays can become merry and bright again.

If you are looking to reduce loneliness for either yourself or a loved one, contact the team at Waterstone at Wellesley. We can help with additional advice on how to get involved while sharing how you can make this season more joyful with a move.

WATERSTONE AT WELLESLEY. NOW THIS IS HOME.

Waterstone at Wellesley offers independent living and assisted living options in Wellesley along the banks of the Charles River. Schedule a visit today to experience our lifestyle and learn how we help seniors thrive.

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WC Gallery

22- Model Bathroom

REFRESH IN A BATHROOM WITH ELEVATED DETAILS

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WC Gallery

20- Model Apartment Hall

WELCOME HOME TO EXQUISITE LIVING

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WC Gallery

23- Model Dining Table

WHERE EVERY MEAL AT HOME COMES WITH A VIEW

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WC Gallery

03- Model Kitchen

DESIGNER KITCHENS WITH STUNNING FINISHES IN INDEPENDENT LIVING

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WC Gallery

17- Model Suite

INDEPENDENT LIVING APARTMENTS DESIGNED FOR ENTERTAINING

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WC Gallery

26- Model Suite

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN YOUR OWN PRIVATE RETREAT

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Westchester

Essential Steps in Building a Retirement You’ll Be Grateful For

Senior couple doing home finances using laptop indoors
Senior couple doing home finances using laptop indoors

Everyone has their own idea of what the ideal retirement looks like. For you, it may mean traveling the world or checking off items on your bucket list. For some, it may mean more time for golf, gardening or a new hobby. And for others, it may simply mean enjoying more time with family and loved ones.

Once you determine what it is that will bring you joy in retirement, it’s time to start building your retirement plan and determining how to get there. Regardless of your financial situation, experts say these basic retirement principles apply: reduce spending, plan for surprises, make conservative decisions on retirement savings and Social Security, and, if possible, continue earning income.

The new year is a great time to review where you stand and to start creating a pre-retirement checklist. Here are some steps experts say to take to ensure you can live the retirement you’ve worked to achieve.

Define Your Ultimate Retirement

The first step in preparing for retirement is to define what the ultimate retirement means to you. A good starting point: List your top five goals. For now, focus on ideas and not your budget. Be as specific as you can. The more detailed you are about what you want to have in retirement – the more tangible those ideas become. Think about where you want to be located, the type of residence you want to have and the lifestyle that you’re expecting.

Review Assets


Likely, you started saving for retirement more than 30 years ago. If so, you should have a good idea of how much you’ve saved up for your retirement nest egg. It’s important to know your total asset amount. How much is your monthly take-home pay? How much do you have in your retirement account or 401k plans? How much is in your bank account?

Consider any nontraditional assets you could potentially use to fund your senior living lifestyle. Nontraditional assets might include valuable antiques or a hobby or skill that could earn you extra cash in retirement.

Evaluate Health

Living well in retirement means making your health a priority. Schedule your checkups and preventive exams now. Think about scheduling everything from an annual wellness physical to a routine cleaning with your dentist. At each appointment, work with your provider on a plan to maintain or improve your health. Commit (or recommit) to eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep.

Stay mentally sharp with lifelong learning, brain games and books. Be sure to stay in close contact with friends and family. Socialization will not only help you maintain your physical and mental health, but experts say it may also help fight depression and anxiety that sometimes arises once retired.

Create a Health Insurance Strategy

Americans are eligible to enroll in Medicare at age 65, but this should be only the beginning of your retirement health insurance strategy. Remember to plan for things like co-pays, additional premiums and other uncovered medical expenses that you may experience in your senior years. Most retirees pay out-of-pocket expenses from their retirement savings account, so be sure to factor those costs into your plans.

Decide How Much You Want To Work

Often, retirement doesn’t mean seniors completely stop working. Many retirees tend to stay in the workforce at least part-time, either continuing in their field of expertise or even venturing into new endeavors that are close to their hearts. Consider how much longer you want to work and how you want to spend the bulk of your time in retirement.

Network via Social Media

AARP suggests including a social media strategy in your retirement plan. Social media is fast becoming one of the most effective ways to build relationships that can help you grow your network in retirement. This strategy may involve spending time on Twitter or LinkedIn, but it’s an easy way to converse with those who share your skills and interests. Be prepared to answer such questions as “How can you use your talents and experience to contribute to an organization or cause?”

Prepare for the Unexpected

Consider how you would respond to a minor issue like an unplanned home repair. Then consider what happens if a more serious issue like a major health crisis arises. It’s especially important to discuss healthcare issues with your family. What care would you want, or what would you want to do if there was an illness in the family?

Consider costs for things like in-home care or senior living. Do you have long-term care insurance, or will you need to take a distribution from a retirement account? Making your plan now prepares you for the unexpected so you don’t get caught off guard later.

A Good Team

Be sure to have a solid team in place so you are well supported when the time arises. Your team should include an elder law or estate planning attorney, financial advisor, accountant and a primary care provider. This multidisciplinary team can help ensure all aspects of your life are addressed: financial, health and overall well-being.

Reflect on Your Lifestyle

For some, the most important consideration is around the lifestyle they want to have during their senior years. Rather than lowering your expectations for what life might look like in retirement – think of how you can elevate your current lifestyle.

At Waterstone of Westchester, residents will enjoy dynamic social, cultural, and recreational opportunities at every turn. They will delight in a gourmet culinary experience. They will take advantage of the first-class amenities designed to make life more enriching. Best of all, they will have all of this with the added benefit of at-your-service hospitality and a luxury, maintenance-free apartment home.

With these steps and ideas in mind, you’ll be well on your way to building a retirement lifestyle you’ll be grateful for – one that matches your goals for the future.

Now Accepting Reservations!

We look forward to introducing you to the definitive, distinctive lifestyle at Waterstone of Westchester and welcoming you as one of the first residents of our community. For more information or to reserve your space, please call 914.295.2177 and discover how you can help shape the future of our premier rental community for seniors 62 and over.

Live the Life You Love. Opening Early 2022.

Welcome home to Waterstone of Westchester – a community that takes the idea of home to an entirely new level. In this premier independent senior living community, you’ll thrive in curated elegance and style in a beautifully appointed apartment with designer finishes. Plus, enjoy connecting with friends and team members in our welcoming common areas.

Located right in the heart of White Plains, Waterstone of Westchester is the perfect sophisticated, urban setting for active seniors. Directly across from the flagship Bloomingdale’s, the community is just a short walk away from the finest shops and restaurants and less than a mile from I-287, making it easy to get away and enjoy everything the area has to offer.

Waterstone of Westchester offers independent living for active, independent seniors while also providing supportive care services through an innovative partnership with VNS Westchester. As a rental community, residents enjoy a maintenance-free, carefree life with no steep entrance fees. Delicious dining, a focus on wellness and engaging programs are always on the menu.

Continue living your dream life here at Waterstone of Westchester. Fill your days with favorite pastimes, delicious and healthy meals, stimulating exercises and educational programs. Enjoy spending time in your beautifully designed apartment, alone or with friends – because everything here is designed to make you feel right at home.

Welcome to Waterstone of Westchester! Join the experience of what life is like at this premier senior living community by calling 914.295.2177.

Categories
Lexington

New Hobbies for Retired Seniors Who Are Ready for Fun

Shot of a woman resting her chin on her hands as she watches a tablet in her kitchen

You’ve likely looked forward to retirement most of your life, and now that it’s here, are you ready? Sometimes new retirees experience a sense of loss in terms of engagement with activities that fill their days with purpose. Many find themselves bored – and even lonely.

“Finding a new hobby in your senior years can be the cure,” says Raymond L’Heureux, Senior Advisor at Waterstone of Lexington. “Now is the perfect time to rediscover favorite pastimes, explore new activities and find creative ways to stay physically active and socially engaged. There are plenty of hobbies to try that will help you stay busy, learn new skills, expand your knowledge and help you fully enjoy your newfound leisure time in retirement.”

Studies also show that those who engage in a new hobby experience a host of health benefits as well as mental and emotional health advantages.

“Every hobby offers a way for beginners to start, and many hobbies require little-to-no previous knowledge,” says Raymond. “Starting a new hobby is all about discovering new joy – and often allows you to connect with others with similar interests.”

At Waterstone of Lexington, it will be easy for seniors to nurture their passions and try something new. With a dedicated life enrichment team, there will be opportunities around every corner – for every interest. Best of all, residents will have plenty of friends to explore with. To help you expand your horizons and get creative in the process of trying a hobby at this exciting time of life, here is a list of unique – and fun – ideas. Start exploring!

Learn (or Relearn) an Instrument

Guitar, piano, drums … It’s never too late to pick up a musical instrument and learn how to play your favorite songs. Whether playing solo or with friends, playing music soothes the soul.

Solving Puzzles

Puzzles regained popularity during the pandemic. And that’s a good thing because puzzles can encourage sharper mental acuity. Whether it’s a jigsaw puzzle, sudoku, word searches or crosswords, puzzles can make a leisurely afternoon more fun.

Cooking

Rather than viewing cooking as a daily chore, look at it as a fun way to perfect your favorite dishes or to shake up your eating habits with bold, new recipes.

Show off new skills by starting a gourmet club or inviting friends and family members over for a themed dinner party. Experiment with unusual ingredients, explore new cultures and taste global cuisines. The possibilities are endless.

Walking

Whether you prefer the city or a serene park, getting outside and walking is one of the best ways to exercise and stay fit. As you gain endurance, try longer trails or routes or tackle more rugged terrain.

Gardening

From starting a vegetable patch to curating an indoor terrarium, gardening provides a satisfying experience from start to finish. With so many vegetables, herbs and flowers to choose from, you’ll have every opportunity to create a garden that’s perfectly curated for you.

Yoga

Yoga is not only relaxing, but it is also a great low-impact way to keep your body flexible, toned and limber. Yoga positions and movements span several levels of difficulty that provide invested beginners a hobby that they can grow into as they practice.

Tai Chi

Tai chi is an ancient martial art that consists of slow, flowing movements designed to produce a meditative experience. This form of exercise is perfect for strengthening and toning through relaxing motions.

Swimming

As a low-impact exercise, swimming is a great way for seniors to maintain fitness. Learning new strokes and techniques can bring both challenges and a sense of accomplishment.

Pickleball

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. It combines the quickness and coordination of tennis – but without high-intensity cardio. It’s a two-on-two game where players try to hit a ball over the net in such a way that their opponents cannot hit it back. It’s a safe and fun way to stay active with a friend or a group of friends.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a popular hobby for seniors and a fulfilling way to spend your golden years. Studies show that seniors who volunteer experience lower rates of depression, higher levels of overall well-being. Volunteering can help reduce stress, offer a sense of accomplishment, and help improve seniors’ confidence and sense of purpose. There are countless ways to give back to your local community. Popular options include tutoring and mentoring, helping out at a hospital or delivering meals for your local Meals on Wheels.

Genealogy

Researching your family history is a fun pastime that not only introduces you to some distant relatives, but it can also help improve cognitive function.

Whatever works for you, finding an enjoyable hobby in your senior years is an important way to meet new people, stay engaged in life and connect with others.

Become One of Our First Residents

We look forward to introducing you to the definitive, distinctive lifestyle at Waterstone of Lexington and welcoming you as one of the first members of our community. For more information, please call ​781.728.3037 and discover how you can help shape the future of our premier rental community for seniors 62 and over.

Welcome Home to Waterstone of Lexington. Opening Late Summer 2022.

For seniors in Middlesex County who desire a luxurious lifestyle, we welcome you to Waterstone of Lexington. The mid-century style of this dynamic community was inspired by the nearby Gropius House and the area’s tradition of innovative, modern architecture. In this classic, beautiful new community, you’ll be inspired by all the amenities and programs to take up a new hobby, exercise in our fitness center and indoor pool, and make new friends while dining and enjoying social events.

Offering independent living and assisted living, Waterstone of Lexington provides myriad ways for seniors 62+ to enjoy their retirement to the fullest. Our rental community draws influence from Lexington, MA’s tradition of innovative, modern architecture and the open, natural environment around it.

Step inside and experience the calming yet engaging atmosphere that our talented architects and designers have so beautifully crafted. Waterstone of Lexington is filled with energizing and convenient amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, salon, underground parking and more. Then, enjoy your elegant living space – a large, sunlit apartment complete with a full-size designer kitchen, well-appointed bathroom, walk-in closet and more.

Our rental apartment community means no steep entrance fees, providing greater financial flexibility. Everything at Waterstone of Lexington was all created with you in mind, where our attentive team members, extensive programs and luxury amenities give you the ability to make life your own – how you like it.

Welcome to Waterstone of Lexington. Join the experience of what life is like at this premier senior living community by calling ​781.728.3037.

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