Living Well at Eagle's Trace

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 Eagle's Trace, an Erickson Senior Living community in West Houston, Tex., where residents have plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbors through clubs, exercise classes, volunteer efforts, creative pursuits, and shared meals.

"Moving to Eagle's Trace has opened up a new lifestyle for us," says Jim Beebe, who moved to Eagle's Trace in 2021 with his wife Katherine.

A warm welcome

For Jim and Katherine, the community came highly recommended by friends who had moved there.

"We visited them and saw firsthand the benefits of living there," recalls Jim, pointing to the maintenance-free homes, variety of amenities, and social atmosphere. "We were ready to get rid of our yardwork!"

Upon moving into their new home at Eagle's Trace, the Beebes expected to make some new friends, but they were blown away by how welcoming and kind everyone was.

"We arrived knowing a few people, but that cadre quickly grew as new acquaintances became fast friends," Katherine says. "For instance, we started a First Floor First Friday in our residence building, where all the residents on our floor meet and share experiences of Eagle's Trace living. This expanded into a Sunday picnic."

Active and engaged

Jim and Katherine continue to make the most of their newfound free time, filling their days with favorite pastimes as well as new pursuits.

"I pursued my interest in playing billiards by starting a league. It quickly expanded from one afternoon a week to almost daily," Jim says. "I was also involved in the planning of our new outdoor bocce court, used for open play and tournaments between residents and staff."

Katherine devotes her time and talents to several community initiatives, including the Community Life Committee, which runs a clothing drive, a firefighter appreciation program, and a book drive. She also volunteers at the Treasure Chest, a resident-run resale store that donates proceeds to community philanthropic efforts.

Her busy schedule also includes woodworking, book club meetings, cards and games with friends, and attending on-campus entertainment.

According to Resident Life Director Kristen Kennedy, staying active and engaged--as the Beebes do--is key to living a full, rewarding life in retirement.

"The 140-plus activities and groups at Eagle's Trace provide the perfect environment for connection and engagement," she explains. "Having consistent opportunities to meet fosters a sense of belonging, which contributes to happiness and longevity."

Other ways to connect

In addition to clubs and activities, the array of amenities at Eagle's Trace makes it even easier for residents to catch up with neighbors and make new friends.

At the fitness and aquatics centers, residents can sign up for strength and agility training, yoga, tai chi, water aerobics, and aquacise classes--just to name a few.

"Of primary importance to us are the health benefits of living at Eagle's Trace, particularly the fitness programs. We are involved in classes daily," Katherine says. "It's made a major change in our health."

The community's walking trails, bocce and pickleball courts, putting green, and large resident-managed garden are always busting with activity. And the shuffleboard table recently added to the pub is gaining interest.

"Walking daily around the beautifully maintained campus further promotes our well-being," says Katherine.

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

"Social interaction is important," Jim notes. "We engage with residents daily by dining in the many restaurants here."

Support your well-being

These convenient activities and amenities allow Jim and Katherine to meet new people, explore new interests, and--most importantly--care for their overall well-being.

"An important consideration for the timing of our move was to make the move while we could become active in our new home," notes Katherine. "There's also peace of mind, knowing that we're living in the best place possible for us presently and that we're prepared for the future!"

"Our residents have everything they need to truly enjoy this chapter of life," adds Kennedy.

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

By Susan Ingram