Displaying items by tag: summertime

Life is Good for Active Older Adults Residing at Award Winning Everbrook 

An award-winning senior living lifestyle awaits you and summer is the time to experience all that the Everbrook communities offer current and prospective residents. 

Let’s start with the accolades… All five of the established Everbrook communities received the 2025 Best of Senior Living award! Recipients of this award stand out for the exceptional care and support provided to older adults in independent living, assisted living, memory care, and in-home care. The Best of Senior Living Award winners represent the top 1-2% of senior care providers nationwide based on reviews from those who matter most: residents and families. Each of the Everbrook Communities are nestled within quaint New England communities that are a “puddle-jump” from the attractions of bigger cities and towns. 

If you’re already residing with us, or if are considering an Everbrook community properties for yourself or a loved one, this article will introduce you to some of the many wonderful summer activities accessible from each of our established communities. Please also visit the community webpage to learn more about the location, surrounding towns and the lifestyle amenities of each.

What’s happening near the Everbrook communities in CT, MA & NH this summer?

Colebrook Village located in Hebron, CT is surrounded by foliage-line, quiet streets, minutes from the central town corridor and Gay City State Park for outdoor activities. Events kick-off in March with Maple Fest and continue through Summer and Fall with Hebron Day, summer concerts, July 4th fireworks, and many other family-friendly events.

Elmbrook Village at Bozrah/Norwich, CT is rich in Colonial-era history, making it perfect for the history buff. Sheltered from the business of city life in nearby Greenwich, CT or Providence, RI, this quiet town is perfect for hiking at Maples Farm Park or fly-fishing along the Yantic River. If the outdoors aren’t for you, enjoy a relaxing retreat at the Norwich Inn and Spa. If you’re a connoisseur of beer, or wine —then the Norwich Beer Festival or Norwich Wine Week are not to be missed. Music, arts, and the usual summer fun for kids of all ages are within reach of Elmbrook Village.

Stonebrook Village at Windsor Locks, CT is embraced by scenic roads and waterways, including Enfield Falls, a large waterfall along the Connecticut River. Trails for walking/jogging, biking and hiking weave through the local area with many scenic spots along the Windsor Locks State Canal. Six Flags New England and the Air Museum are a short drive. June brings “Brewfest” and July brings fireworks, concerts (Bon Jovi night!), and more community events to Enfield and Windsor Locks area. If you enjoy the arts, the Arts Council has something for everyone at “ART’ober Fest”! 

Cedarbrook Village at Ware, MA is a quiet town that embodies all that you might picture about a quaint, New England town:  rolling hills, trails, shops and dining—as you will find near to other Everbrook communities. Ware, though places you in easy driving distance of 3 major cities and all the entertainment, cultural, and foodie experiences you care to enjoy: Boston, MA; Hartford, CT; and Springfield, MA. For the outdoor enthusiasts, Berkshire Mountains offer waterways, trails, and bikeways to explore—and  there’s a variety of seasonal events to keep you as busy as you’d like to be. For kids of all ages, Great Wolf Lodge and Six Flags New England are in your backyard! At the end of long day of outdoor exploring, relax to a quiet porch at a mountain lodge or – if you’ve spent the day leisure reading on that porch, head to one of the fine cities for an evening on the town.

Hillsbrook Village at Allenstown, NH is quintessential with northern New England small town living. Known for a close-knit community, year-round outdoor activities, and plenty of fairs and festivals pop-up through adjacent towns. Allenstown is where you go to unwind and explore at a slower pace. From Bear Brook State Park to Candia Vineyards to the sites and sounds of Manchester or a little further onto Boston… there’s a little something for everyone within reach of Hillsbrook Village.

Everbrook will be opening 2 more senior living communities this summer; Islebrook Village at Wiscasset, ME and Lunabrook Village at Torrington, CT. We will follow up with more information on those new communities in the coming months.

Today’s older adult is often on the move, and summer is prime time for outdoor activities under the sun. Whether you’re beaching, biking, hiking, gardening, or just relaxing, you’ll want to take extra precautions to protect your eyes from sun exposure. That means investing a little time in choosing quality eyewear designed to counter the sun’s UV rays as well as nourishing and exercising the eyes.

Three Ways to Protect the Eyes

• Proper Summer Eyewear
• Nutrients to Support Eye Health
• Yoga for the Eyes

Proper Summer Eyewear for Active Older Adults

UV-protective eyewear is essential year-round for everyone, particularly in the summer months when we spend more time near bodies of water and other reflective surfaces. Summer days are longer and sun exposure increases as we spend more time outdoors. UV light waves are the damage-causing rays emitted by the sun—too much exposure to UV waves can cause serious problems for the eyes: sun damage, sunburn, cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye cancer or blindness.  If you have any health conditions of the eye, or take certain medications, your eyes may be at higher risk for sun damage.

Sunglasses for Older Adults should offer 100% UV protection. Your sunglasses should feel comfortable and, depending on your health history may need to “wrap around” your peripheral vision. You may also want to opt for polarized lenses if you spend a lot of time on the water. Always check with your eyecare health provider about the best eyewear for you. 

Hats Off to Sun Protection! Hats with a rim or visor are ideal to filter out rays that your eyewear doesn’t cover.

Don’t Leave Home Without Them. Older adults should wear their sunglasses on overcast, bright days as well as sunny and clear days. Whether your out for a leisurely stroll, gardening or spending time at the beach—don’t leave home without your sunglasses! 

Nutrients to Support Eye Health

Vitamin A. The most important vitamin for healthy eyes and good vision is Vitamin A. Carrots, are well-known for providing Vitamin A, but the nutrient in carrots is beta carotene, which is different from Vitamin A. The body has to convert carotenoids to retinols before it can actively use them. Also, some folks have trouble digesting raw carrots or may not like them. So, you want to be sure to include a variety of foods that are rich in bioavailable Vitamin A—a form most easily assimilated by the body—including foods such as cod liver oil, king mackerel, salmon, sweet potato, winter squash, turnip greens, sweet red pepper, spinach, mango, and cantaloupe

Antioxidants. The foods richest in antioxidants (vitamins A, C and E) tend to be berries (along with other fruits and vegetables in general). These nutrients support the health of the eyes by way of supporting immunity and helping the body to clear-out cellular debris that results from stress, illness, and exposure to toxins 

Yoga for the Eyes

The eyes are supported by bands of muscles (the extraocular muscles) that control their movement. Exercising those muscles can improve circulation to the eyes, which helps reduce inflammation and minimize eye fatigue. Strong eye muscles also protect against the negative effects of vision overuse patterns such as digital eye strain or frequent night driving. 

Below is one of several eye exercises that nourish and strengthen the musclesand other structures of the eyes.

Figure 8 Eye Exercise

You may have practiced this exercise, sometimes called “yoga for the eyes,” if you’ve ever taken a yoga class. This exercise should be done from a seated position, such as at your desk, while relaxing in your favorite chair, or while in an easy, seated yoga pose.

• Pick a point on the floor about 10 feet in front of you and focus on it.
• Trace an imaginary figure eight with your eyes.
• Keep tracing for 30 seconds, then switch directions.

Remember, keeping the eye muscles strong, flexible, and nourished is essential to protecting eye health as you age.

If you are concerned about changes in your vision, or experiencing any of the symptoms listed, it may be time to adopt healthier habits, make changes in your vision care plan, or consult with an ophthalmologist. The health and wellness team at each of the Everbrook Senior Living communities are here to support and guide you.