Cedar Crest Residents Benefit from An Array of Outdoor Amenities

For former endurance sport enthusiast John Higgins, the move to Cedar Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J., was greatly influenced by the campus' natural beauty and easy access to outdoor amenities. 

"Because I have a ground level unit, I can just hook onto the trail and go for a walk anytime, which is good," he says. "I can also go out on a challenging walk up a nearby hill and it's a workout."

In fact, a growing body of research supports the connection between spending time outdoors and improved health in older adults--and residents like John agree.

"Being able to get outside and exercise has gotten me through life," John says. "It's always been my ‘healthy drug' because, whenever I exercise, I feel better."

As a result, Cedar Crest residents are always out and about, whether it's dining alfresco with friends, competing with teammates at the bocce court, or strolling along landscaped walkways. 

Home sweet home

Although John was born and raised in New Jersey, he hasn't always lived in the Garden State. John attended college in Connecticut and lived in Manhattan before falling in love with Utah's natural beauty and buying a house there.

"Zion National Park in Utah was my favorite place, but health issues brought me back home," he explains. "My brother, sister, and nieces gave me positive feedback about Cedar Crest," which encouraged him to research the community further. 

Because he was used to having easy access to nature, Cedar Crest's outdoor amenities were a real draw--especially ones that could help him stay active. Prior to giving up cycling to rest his knees, he completed four "century" (100-mile) bike races.

"Now, I lift a little weight and go for walks," says John, who also has six marathons under his belt. "I enjoy using one of the fitness centers and walking the paths around Cedar Crest. I play bocce, as well." 

With more than a dozen teams, complete with official jerseys, bocce is one of Cedar Crest's most popular outdoor pastimes. John proudly plays with The Youngsters team. 

"The bocce tournaments in the fall are very well attended--beyond just the teams that play," says Resident Services Manager Drew Nieuwenhuis. "They get crowds of spectators. It's very competitive!"

Amenities galore

With temperatures warming up, residents are enjoying plenty of other outdoor amenities and activities. 

"We have a well-used putting green behind the Belmont Clubhouse, and we recently installed a disc golf course," says Nieuwenhuis. "Our horseshoe pit is also popular, and our dog park was recently redone with a fenced-in area and an upgraded sidewalk. Residents are really pleased."

And every year, one of Cedar Crest's spacious courtyards is used for the community's Senior Olympics, which includes creative games like the fireman's bucket pass, rubber chicken toss, and pumpkin bowling.

"Our walking club, run by the fitness team, walks every Wednesday morning," Nieuwenhuis adds. "Amblers and Scramblers, the resident-led walking group, uses our scenic pathway adjacent to the Ramapo Mountains. There are so many opportunities to stay active outdoors."

Dine under the stars

Residents also appreciate the outdoor dining options at a couple of Cedar Crest's on-campus restaurants. 

"For instance, residents often sit out on the patio at Mountainside Cafe for lunch and dinner," notes Nieuwenhuis. "There's a fountain in the middle of the patio--it's quite pretty and relaxing. And when it gets a bit cooler, restaurant team members extend the season by bringing outdoor heaters onto the patio."

He adds, "With the bocce courts right next to our new bistro, residents often come inside after playing to have a bite to eat together. While our green spaces and outdoor amenities encourage residents to stay physically active, it also helps them meet others and form friendships."

‘Best of both worlds'

John, who is busy caring for the garden patch he shares with a neighbor, is thankful to live in such an amenity-rich community without the responsibility of landscaping or maintenance. 

"I'm certainly pleased with where I am because it's the best of both worlds," says John. "I can go for a walk anytime, but I'm still centrally located here for my medical care."

Invest in your future self at Cedar Crest. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free residences, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!