Retirement community Highland Springs redefines how older adults are approaching aging

Mentoring a student at 70? A Volunteer Leader at 75? Learning New Skills at 80?

Retirement may look a little different than you think.

As September's Healthy Aging Month shines a spotlight on wellness later in life, residents at Highland Springs, the Erickson Senior Living community in Dallas, Texas, are a local example of a national shift in how older adults are approaching aging. Through fitness, lifelong learning, volunteerism, social connections, and a continued sense of purpose, they're showing that growing older doesn't have to mean slowing down.

Residents are staying active, trying new things, building meaningful friendships, and living full, engaged lives well into their 70s, 80s, and beyond. From fitness classes and lifelong learning opportunities to volunteer work and active social calendars, they're redefining what it means to age well and challenging outdated stereotypes along the way.

"At Highland Springs, residents enjoy a wide range of opportunities, from lectures through our partnership with the University of Texas at Dallas to pickleball, art classes, and volunteer programs," said Resident Life Director Caitlin Pruitt. "As we celebrate Highland Springs' 20th anniversary, we see every day that retirement today is about staying active, connected, and engaged. Our residents continue to learn, grow, and discover new purpose."

As perceptions of retirement continue to evolve, Highland Springs residents are helping redefine what it means to live well at every age.