Living Well at Avery Point

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 Avery Point, an Erickson Senior Living community in Short Pump, Va., where residents have plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbors through clubs, exercise classes, volunteer efforts, creative pursuits, and shared meals.

"Residents appreciate being able to focus on the activities and friendships that bring them joy," says Resident Life Director Abby Fuller. "The worry-free lifestyle provides time to explore interests and build connections. When you're part of a vibrant, supportive community like Avery Point, you naturally feel and live better."

A welcoming community

When Patti and Joe McCloskey started exploring their senior living options, they sought a retirement community in the Richmond, Va., area where they could make new friends and participate in an array of activities.

With dozens of amenities and clubs on campus, Avery Point caught their eye. Eager to learn more, they joined the Priority List and signed up for a Live the Life stay--an overnight experience in a furnished guest suite that allows members to enjoy amenities, dine at on-campus restaurants, and chat with current residents.

The community's welcoming, social atmosphere was evident from the start of their stay.

"I chose to do line dancing. One of the gals came over afterward and invited me to come to an extra session on Saturday mornings," recalls Patti. "I began to do that before we moved in, and it was great."

Once they decided to make Avery Point their home, the sales team organized several opportunities for them to meet their new neighbors.

"Community connections began then. Those were positive experiences for us, and it got the ball rolling," says Patti. "I think there is a true sense of community here that is extremely positive and uplifting. For me, that's the most special part of living at Avery Point."

Active and engaged

Since settling into their two-bedroom, two-bath home, the McCloskeys have maintained a busy calendar.

Patti still line dances and Joe plays pickleball. Together, they enjoy swimming in the aquatics center and walking around the community. To get their steps in during the colder months, they stroll through the community's climate-controlled walkways, which connect buildings on campus.

While they continue to visit a local church in Richmond, Patti wanted to nurture her spirituality at Avery Point too.

"I signed up for a Bible study group that's on the Book of Psalms. It's taught by a local, retired minister," she says. "Because it's Old Testament, it's special--Christians, Jews, and other interested folks attend. We have different perspectives, which is great."

The couple also enjoys attending social mixers with their neighbors.

Other ways to connect

"There are so many ways for residents to get involved," says Fuller, noting that Avery Point's most popular activities are its 50-plus group fitness classes, such as Fit and Functional, Cardio Drumming, and yoga. The men's and women's discussion groups are also very well-attended.

She adds, "And if you don't find a club or group that relates to your interest, you can always start one of your own with our help."

In fact, Joe has adapted pickleball and tennis for residents with mobility issues using foam and low-compression balls. In the future, as someone who speaks four languages, he hopes to establish a group for cultural exchanges and also start a spiritual group, incorporating meditation and music.

Yet another avenue for socialization is dining at the five on-campus restaurants, where delicious meals are prepared to order by skilled chefs. "Friends often call asking us to join them for dinner," says Patti.

Worry-free living

Residents like Patti and Joe are able to maintain such active calendars thanks to the community's worry-free lifestyle. Home maintenance, including appliance repair and replacement, is handled by the expert General Services team.

"When talking to incoming residents about why they are choosing to move to Avery Point, one of the most popular answers is because they no longer want to maintain their house and yard," says Fuller. "Without the time--consuming responsibility of maintenance, residents can enjoy all the activities happening on campus."

Patti agrees, saying, "Because you're retired and all your home-related responsibilities have been eliminated, there's more opportunity to focus on your overall life balance!"

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

By Michele Wojciechowski