By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

According to a study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Countrywide Home Loans, "75% of people 50 and older want a home that comes complete with yard or ground maintenance so they have more time to travel, relax, and enjoy a carefree lifestyle."

Connie Graham, who lives at Greenspring, a local Erickson retirement community offering 24-hour-a-day maintenance, exemplifies the NAHB findings: "Why would anyone want to cope with a house?" asks Graham, who moved from Rehoboth Beach, Del. "I love living at Greenspring. It truly is a great change from all the responsibilities that come with owning a house."

People seem to feel the same way at Ashby Ponds, Greenspring’s nearby sister community. "Our house required a lot of yard work, and there are always improvements to be made," says Ashby Ponds community member Gayna Dunsmore. "My husband and I now enjoy the time and resources to do everything we want to do."

A majority of community members take full advantage of their new free time by joining clubs, volunteering, taking classes, vacationing, and socializing.

"I’m so happy I moved to Greenspring," says Thelma Ledger. "I now spend my time pursuing hobbies and meeting new friends rather than dealing with the winter weather."

Vera Nugent, who also lives at Greenspring, says she’s happier now than she was in her house. "When I think about all the years that I lived alone in my house, I really feel like I missed out. There are so many wonderful people and exciting things to do."

Shirley Shifflett attests to the active lifestyle at both communities. "A typical day for me would be getting up and playing tennis from 8:00 to 9:30, then swimming, having lunch, and resting before I go dancing in the evening," she says. "That’s a pretty nice day!"