Living Well at Wind Crest

People who live in retirement communities are less lonely, more physically active, and more engaged than before they moved in, according to a June 2025 U.S. News & World Report survey.

That certainly holds true at Wind Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Highlands Ranch, Colo., where residents have plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbors through clubs, exercise classes, volunteer efforts, creative pursuits, and shared meals.

For Mike and Teresa Gibson, the chance to form new connections was a key factor in their decision to move to Wind Crest.

A warm welcome

For 20 years, Mike and Teresa lived in Breckenridge, Colo., but the ski resort town was less than idyllic for them in retirement, as the couple had no friends nearby.

"We really didn't have any connections, and I wanted a sense of community," says Teresa.

When they discovered the welcoming, social atmosphere at Wind Crest, they knew they had found the perfect place for them.

Upon moving in, people were greeting them, introducing themselves, and inviting them to a weekly happy hour held on their floor. It was just the kind of connection Mike and Teresa wanted.

"We didn't know a soul here, but it didn't take very long until we knew a lot of people," says Teresa. "I was blown away because everyone was so friendly."

Mike adds, "We probably met most of the people in our building within the first month or two."

Fitness with friends

In addition to new friendships, the Gibsons appreciate the wealth of on-campus activities, particularly those supporting health and wellness.

Teresa loves exercising, so she begins many mornings with Get Up And Go classes at the fitness center, which focus on strength and cardio. Afterwards, she stays for a well-attended balance class. "I really enjoy it because so many people come to that group, so there's a lot of socializing," she says.

Mike, who had once loved swimming, hadn't been in a pool in years due to a health issue. When he saw the aquatic center at Wind Crest, he decided he wanted to swim again. At first, he couldn't even swim one length of the pool. Now, he's in the water five days a week, often swimming 30 lengths of the pool!

Together, they enjoy taking a beginner tai chi class. "We do that mainly because it's good for balance, mental acuity, and more," says Teresa.

Active and engaged

Mike is a member of the popular Learners Group, in which residents teach classes three times a year for their neighbors. Mike has taken "Shakespeare for Seniors" and "The Mothers and Fathers of the American Revolution."

Recently, Mike joined the Reader's Theater, where members perform plays while holding copies of the script, eliminating the need for memorization. "I enjoy that so much. It gives me an outlet to get up and talk to everybody," he says.

Teresa volunteers with the community's Treasure Chest, which sells items donated by residents and donates proceeds to philanthropic efforts. A former Spanish teacher, she also meets with an on-campus group that speaks Spanish. Finally, she is a member of the Wind Crest Chorale as well as The Broadway Project, an informal group that gathers to sing showtunes "for the fun of it."

"Countless other activities are offered here--everything from pickleball and bocce to card games and trivia," says Resident Life Director Terri Dankelman. "And if there's not a group or club for one of your interests, you can start your own with our support!"

Let's do lunch

Yet another avenue for socialization at Wind Crest is dining at the ten on-campus restaurants, where meals are prepared to order by skilled chefs. Mike and Teresa appreciate having the company of neighbors while savoring healthy, delicious dishes.

"Sometimes, we make reservations and invite folks, or someone else does, and they invite us," says Teresa. "It's fun because it enables us to get to know new people all the time or get to know people we've already met even better."

Worry-free living

Residents like the Gibsons are able to maintain such busy calendars--full of fitness opportunities, fun group gatherings, and social meals--thanks to the community's worry-free lifestyle.

"Home maintenance, including appliance repair and replacement, is handled by the expert General Services team. As a result, residents have more time to pursue their hobbies and make new friends," explains Dankelman.

"That's a definite benefit," says Teresa. "There is just so much to do here."

She adds, "We have the community we've always wanted!"

To learn more about the ways you can explore senior living, request more information today.

By Michele Wojciechowski