Soak up the great outdoors at Eagle’s Trace
There may not be a surefire way to lift your spirits, boost your health, or give your energy a jolt, but one remedy comes close — spending time outdoors. A study conducted by graduate students at the University of Minnesota looked at the ways “green space,” such as parks and gardens, and “blue space,” like lakes, streams, and fountains, promote the physical, mental, and social health of older adults.
“We zoomed in to everyday life for seniors between the ages of 65 and 85,” said Jessica Finley, the study’s lead author. “We discovered how a relatively mundane experience, such as hearing the sound of water or a bee buzzing among flowers, can have a tremendous impact on overall health.”
You’ll find plenty of both green and blue spaces at Eagle’s Trace, the community in west Houston developed and managed by Erickson Senior Living, where residents enjoy 71 acres of walking paths, gardens, courtyards, gazebos, and outdoor dining patios. The campus also features amenities such as a putting green, shuffleboard, dog park, the new pickleball court, and the stunning Lake Aquila.
“We offer valuable opportunities to spend time outdoors as part of our distinctive lifestyle with a focus on health and well-being,” said Pamela Burgeson, director of sales. “Residents can participate in the outdoor activities they enjoy most, independently or while socializing with other community members, all without the burdens of maintaining their own house and yard.”
Marilyn Black, who moved to Eagle’s Trace in 2010, said the outdoor gardens and amenities provide a welcome extension of the community’s living space.
“The meditation garden near the lake is especially relaxing,” said Black. “There’s a fountain next to the chairs and the trees provide shade, so it’s wonderful to sit and listen to the water.”
Black said outdoor spaces like the meditation garden are another avenue for socialization.
“People will be out walking around the lake, and they’ll sit down and talk for a few minutes,” she said. “It just happens naturally.”
Plenty of things to do
Many outdoor amenities at Eagle’s Trace encourage physical activity and engagement.
Looking for a place to shoot the breeze and sink a few putts? You’ll find it on the putting green in the courtyard outside the Audubon Clubhouse, where the putting club meets twice weekly for friendly competition and fresh air. Or check out the innovative community gardens, where rows of galvanized steel troughs house flowers, fruits, and vegetables grown by residents with an interest in gardening.
“The steel troughs are 8 feet long by 3 feet wide by 2½ feet tall, giving each gardener significant space for gardening,” said Judy Doba, who moved to Eagle’s Trace with her husband Ray in 2014.
To see the beautiful Eagle’s Trace campus for yourself, call 281-496-7676 to schedule a personal tour.