Living Well at Brooksby

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 Brooksby Village, an Erickson Senior Living community in Peabody, Mass., where residents have plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbors through clubs, exercise classes, volunteer efforts, creative pursuits, and shared meals.

"There are so many ways for residents to stay engaged," says Melissa Luke, Brooksby's resident services manager. "Being involved in groups and going to events not only helps residents focus on what they're passionate about but also fosters connections. They can truly enjoy this chapter of life."

A warm welcome

For Tinka Perry, who moved from Bristol, R.I., to Brooksby in 2022, the community's welcoming, social atmosphere was evident from the beginning.

"I looked at a couple of places in Rhode Island, but there is absolutely no competition to Brooksby," she says.

Eager to test-drive Brooksby's vibrant lifestyle, Tinka joined the Priority List and signed up for the Live the Life program--an overnight stay in a furnished guest suite that allows members to enjoy amenities, dine at on-campus restaurants, and chat with current residents.

She recalls her first meeting with current residents fondly. "They immediately took me in. I had instant community, and that made all the difference!" says Tinka. "Now, I have dinner twice a week with the residents I met."

After moving in, she continued to make new connections.

"I'd been here a few months when a woman I met introduced me to my friend Jean. She taught at the high school that my mother had gone to many years before," Tinka says. "We had an instant connection, instant friendship."

Array of clubs

In fact, Tinka and Jean had so much in common that they started multiple clubs addressing issues they both care about, including gun violence and banned books.

"With over 140 groups on campus, there is something for nearly every interest," says Luke. "But residents also enjoy starting their own clubs, which is easy for them to do with our support."

Residents can take a morning bird walk with the Friends of the Pond group, check out a Current Events discussion, or play cards, mah-jongg, or bingo. There are also musical, craft, and genealogy clubs, and the community's volunteer efforts remain popular.

"I craft and play cards and Rummikub, among many other things," Tinka says, with a laugh.

Luke adds, "Shared passions make it easier to start conversations and deepen bonds over time."

Other ways to connect

In addition to these clubs and activities, Brooksby's wide array of amenities makes it even easier for residents to catch up with neighbors and make new friends.

At the fitness and aquatics center, residents can sign up for Pilates, yoga, tai chi, and water aerobics classes--just to name a few.

The community's walking trails, bocce and pickleball courts, putting green, golf simulator, and three resident-managed gardens are always bustling with activity.

Yet another avenue for socialization is dining at the six on-campus restaurants, where meals are prepared to order by skilled chefs.

"On a rainy day, I can call and ask someone to meet me at Greentree Cafe for a cup of coffee," says Tinka.

The perfect blend

For Tinka, all these convenient choices allow her to stay active and engaged and to meet new people--when she wants.

"The really nice thing about Brooksby is that you can get involved and then come home, close your door, and cuddle with your dog or read your book," she notes.

But what she enjoys most is greeting new neighbors, just as she was warmly welcomed to the community.

"When someone is moving in and their door is open, I'll knock, welcome them to Brooksby, and invite them to dinner," says Tinka.

'Instant community'

She adds, "Living at Brooksby has definitely enhanced my life. At this age, many friendships are deeper than the friendships you made when you were younger. I'm with my peers, doing things that I enjoy, and it gives me community--instant community!"

Request more information today to learn more about the benefits of pursuing an engaging retirement lifestyle.

By Susan Ingram