Active Senior Hobbies at Grace Ridge Retirement Community
We recently read an article on Discovery Health titled, “10 Active Senior Hobbies”. You can read it here. We were inspired and wondered how Grace Ridge stacks up. So we compiled our on list based on the Discovery article. Take a look at 10 similar hobbies and the ways Grace Ridge encourages the passions and pursuits of our residents:
Grace Ridge Hobbies for Active Seniors
1. Playing Golf. Grace Ridge offers a discount membership to Mimosa Hills Golf and Country Club, a premiere golf club in Morganton, North Carolina. Mimosa Hills features a beautiful 18-hole course designed by famed Scottish-born golf course architect Donald Ross in 1929. (As a member, you also get access to tennis, swimming and dining.)
2. Gardening. Passionate gardeners are always welcome at Grace Ridge. Our residents have helped design some of our best features – the rose garden near the entrance, the fountain overlooking our cottages and our gazebo – the perfect place to meditate and enjoy the mountain views. You can look at our balconies and cottage yards to see we have several green thumbs in our midst. We also have raised beds available for residents to grow vegetables or flowers. Plant your heart out at Grace Ridge!
3. Dancing. Yes, we have dancing. A line dancing class is offered every other week, and there are opportunities within the community for various dance classes. There’s even a club for “shaggers” – the beach music dance made famous along the coasts of North and South Carolina. Legendary dancer and choreographer Martha Graham once said, “Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.” Great dancers are great because of their passion.” Come dance with us like there’s nobody watching.
4. Walking. Oh, do we have a walking trail for you walkers! The City of Morganton has built the Catawba River Greenway in our backyard that meanders along the river. The greenway is almost 4 miles long, but it’s great for short jaunts, too, with plenty of overlooks built out over the Catawba River. The greenway has picnic shelters, benches, ADA compliant rest rooms, fishing piers and pedestrian bridges. In 2009, the greenway was designated as part of the North Carolina Birding Trail. Birdwatchers welcome! Information about the trail and the types of birds was published in the N.C. Birding Trail Mountain Region Guide. So bring your walking shoes! We guarantee you’ll wear a hole in them.
5. Travel. Of course you can always travel while at Grace Ridge and we’ll keep an eye out on your property and a light on for you. But one of the more fun activities at Grace Ridge is our “mystery trips.” You show up on the designated day and we take you some place interesting or fun or unbelievable – like a winery, butterfly farm, a play, etc. Seats go fast for our mystery trips. You won’t be disappointed.
6. Exercise. Improves flexibility and prevents stiffness that comes with age. We have all kinds of exercise classes and an in-house fitness area at Grace Ridge depending on your level of activity. We also have a complimentary membership at the 26,000-square foot Phifer Wellness Center with personal trainers, weight machine, Pilates, racquetball, water aerobics and more. Be active as you want to be at Grace Ridge. (And after your work out, treat yourself to an in-house massage.)
7. Restoration. Bringing an old vehicle, piece of furniture back to life. If this is your passion, bring it on. We look forward to seeing your restored piece.
8. Swimming. The benefits are numerous including the lessening of osteoarthritis pain, improving joint health, decreasing risk of chronic illness, decreasing depression and improving mood. As we mentioned earlier, Grace Ridge offers free membership (and transportation) to Phifer Wellness Center which has a 5-lane 25 yard heated indoor swimming pool.
9. Creativity. Be it sketching, taking photographs, woodworking, sewing or performance art. Our residents are talented. We know that whatever you want to create, you’ll find an outlet (and a friend) at Grace Ridge.
10. Serving Others. Helping others provides an emotional uplifting connection. Many of our residents are active in serving others – either through church, civic groups or volunteering. Just ask and we’ll find the right place for you in helping others.
