Blog - Ardendwoods Independent Living Community

How to Have a Sense of Belonging in Your Retirement Community

It is a well-known fact that as people age, they often withdraw from others, whether it be because of health issues, not wanting to be a “burden” on others, or simply think they are too “old” to make any positive or lasting changes. Many older adults may become anxious, depressed, and lonely as they age, and may begin to simply give up on life, choosing to isolate and “stay out of the way.”

There can be a loss of “purpose” as people get older, as their kids are grown and living their own lives, they may be retired from a lifelong career, and diminishing physical abilities may keep them from doing things they love.

Feeling at home in a retirement community can help your loved ones see that there are still people who love and care for them and want them to succeed. People think that living at a retirement community is a sign they can’t do things for themselves, but that is far from the truth.

Retirement communities offer a unique opportunity to get involved with volunteer work, campus events, and classes that focus on specific hobbies. There are many ways to have a sense of belonging at a retirement community and we’re going to discuss that below.

The Three “L’s” for Choosing a Senior Living Community

retired couple drinking wine As you approach your golden years, you may be thinking about what you want out of life and where you’d like to call home. Most likely, your needs have changed as you’ve gotten older — your children have grown and now have lives of their own, you have an accomplished career, and now you’re looking to be able to continue to enrich your life in ways you may not have had time for before. Choosing the right senior living community will be one of the most important decisions you’ll make as you transition into this exciting time. Here are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind as you search for the best fit for you.… Read More

Meet Gene and Helen Banks: A Lifetime of Love!

Gene and Helen Banks have known each other since they were preschoolers. Both natives of Burnsville, NC, Gene’s grandmother lived down the road from Helen’s mother, so the two children often played together and also went to Burnsville schools together. After graduating from Burnsville High School, Gene joined the Navy at 19 years old. Helen, who graduated a year later, went on to Cosmetology school and became a beautician.

The couple were married on February 27,1953, and had two daughters, Kelli and Angel. While raising a family, Gene went back to business school and was holding down several jobs at once. It was a difficult thing, so he felt very fortunate when a friend from church told him about a job at WWNC Radio as the Advertising Sales Manager! Gene landed the job and continued working there until retirement.

Helen, meanwhile, continued her beautician work and was quite busy raising the two girls. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, and keeping a pretty home. The Banks were very active in Macedonia Baptist Church where Gene served as a deacon for many years. Helen worked with the young children’s programs. She especially enjoyed helping with Vacation Bible School in the summers.

Family activities were centered around the church, and they made many friends there. Gene and Helen had fun entertaining these friends at their home. A favorite thing to do at these gatherings was to play Canasta.

Gene and Helen both love the outdoors and are very interested in birds and animals. He enjoys woodcarving and gardening. Her special interests besides cooking and sewing are crafting and decorating.

The couple moved to Heather Glen in January of 2020, and despite some initial adjustments, have found that this is a good place to call home. They miss seeing family and friends but are looking forward to good things to come.

Thank you for being a part of Heather Glen, Gene and Helen. We are glad you are here!

Resident Spotlight: Marcia Bennett Brings An Artistic Influence to Heather Glen

marcia bennett

Marcia Bennett was born in 1935 in Las Vegas, NV, where her parents had bought land in 1920 and built a house on South Sixth Street. The middle child between two older and two younger siblings, Marcia grew up watching the city grow to become an entertainment mecca. As a high school senior, Marcia won a piano contest held by Liberace.

A member of the Mormon church, Marcia attended Brigham Young University and graduated with a teaching degree. She met her future husband at BYU, and they married the day after graduation. The couple moved to California, settling in the Bay Area.… Read More

Around the World to Ardenwoods: The Louttits!

Hailing from not only all over the United States, but all over the world, one can’t help but wonder how Anne and Bob Louttit ended up in North Carolina and, ultimately, at Ardenwoods. The answer? They’d lived everywhere else, but Anne had never lived in the mountains.… Read More