Category: News

Since February is both Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month, it’s the perfect time to share a timeless love story from one of our senior residents.

Residents in senior living communities often share stories of their past—snapshots of lives filled with joy, accomplishments, grief, and resilience. One such story is Donalie’s, a heartfelt tale of young love, loss, and the power of reconnection.

Donalie met Corky during their school days, where his kindness and quick smile captured her heart. Their connection was immediate, making them inseparable. But as adulthood unfolded, life took them in different directions, and they lost touch.

Donalie went on to find new love, marrying and building a beautiful life with her first husband. Together, they shared a fulfilling marriage and raised a family, with her children becoming her greatest pride.

Her career was equally rewarding. Moving to Los Angeles, Donalie worked as a television producer, including a role with the legendary Dick Clark. Her work introduced her to the fast-paced world of entertainment, filled with hectic production schedules and encounters with some of the biggest names in show business.

After decades of marriage, Donalie’s husband passed away, leaving her with treasured memories but also an undeniable void. Little did she know the universe had something remarkable in store.

Following a simple Facebook message, Donalie reconnected with Corky—more than 50 years after their last conversation. Despite living on opposite sides of the country, they arranged to meet in San Antonio, Texas. Their reunion was extraordinary. Walking through the Alamo’s historic grounds, they shared stories of their lives apart and realized their bond had only deepened with time. What began as a teenage romance evolved into a love story for the ages.

Donalie and Corky were 73 when they got married and moved in together, cherishing the years spent rekindling their young love until Corky’s passing. Afterward, Donalie relocated to Arvada, Colorado, to be closer to her adult daughter. She now lives in a studio apartment at Arbor View Senior Living, where she enjoys the friendly team members and various community activities.

Donalie’s story is an inspiring reminder that life’s unexpected twists, turns and challenges can lead to new beginnings and beautiful destinations. It is also a heartwarming testament to resilience, hope, and the power of love to transcend time and distance.

Arbor View’s award-winning community is ideal for singles and couples with studio and one-bedroom apartments, private walk-out patios, supportive services, and exceptional amenities. Call 303-268-4747 or visit arborviewsl.com to schedule your personalized tour today.

Whether you live at home or in a retirement community, we all tend to slow down when the chilly weather moves in for the winter. For seniors, staying active – at any level – is one of life’s best secrets. As many active adults say, “move it or lose it” applies.

For seniors living at home, staying active might present challenges as the effort to navigate the snow and ice – and fear of falling – is very real, and developing a home exercise program can feel daunting. It might be easier for those living in a retirement community as most offer a wide range of activities, including wellness programs. At Arbor View Senior Living, our wellness team spends extra time in the winter developing programs and activities for our residents that encourage ongoing movement to help enhance flexibility, prevent falls, and boost mental and physical health.

No matter where you live, here are seven great, safe, and enjoyable options to keep moving:

1. Indoor Exercise Classes

• Yoga, Tai Chi, or Pilates: These gentle exercises improve flexibility, balance, and strength. Many community centers offer senior-friendly classes, and online options are widely available as well. Our senior living community has several regular wellness program options and dedicated space for developing an exercise routine to keep the blood pumping and add to overall wellness.
• Indoor Walking Groups: Malls often have dedicated hours for walkers, which is a great option for a flat, climate-controlled environment. And if you live in a retirement community, walking the halls is a great alternative.
• Dance Classes: Low-impact dance, like ballroom or line dancing, can be a fun, social way to stay active.

2. Home-Based Workouts

• Exercise DVDs or Online Videos: There are many routines specifically designed for seniors, from seated exercises to standing routines.
• Resistance Bands and Light Weights: Small, portable equipment like resistance bands or light dumbbells can enhance strength training routines at home.

3. Swimming and Water Aerobics

• Indoor pools provide a warm, accessible way for seniors to exercise without stressing their joints. Many pools offer water aerobics classes that are gentle yet effective for fitness. While we do not have an onsite pool, the nearby Arvada Aquatics Center offers a great venue and we can support residents with transportation.

4. Join a Gym or Fitness Center

• Many gyms have low-cost or insurance-subsidized memberships for seniors, providing access to treadmills, stationary bikes, and light resistance machines. Some fitness centers also offer senior-specific classes and wellness programs. Our therapy and fitness spaces also offer great views of the Foothills as a bonus while working out.

5. Balance and Strength Training

• Simple home routines focusing on balance exercises can be beneficial in reducing fall risk. Common options include standing on one leg, heel-to-toe walking, and gentle stretching routines. Study after study indicates that weight training, even light weights, can help bone density significantly.

6. Bundle Up and Go Outdoors When Possible

• If it’s not icy, outdoor walks can still be an option. Dress in layers, wear appropriate footwear and choose a safe, flat area. Consider walking with poles for extra stability. Arbor View’s 13-acre campus offers easy access to walking paths in a quiet, neighborhood setting.

7. Stay Social with Virtual Fitness Groups

• Staying motivated can be easier with friends. Virtual fitness groups let seniors connect, set fitness goals, and exercise together via video chat, creating an interactive experience even from home.

Encouraging a mix of social and solo activities can keep winter fitness fun and manageable, boosting both physical health and overall well-being.

Arbor View Senior Living, located in Arvada, Colorado offers independent living, assisted living, and respite care services.  The community encourages seniors, whether they live at home or in a retirement community, to maintain a good level of physical activity during the winter, for both mental and physical wellness. For more information about  Arbor View Senior Living, visit arborviewsl.com or give us a call at 303-268-4747.

Dave H. recently celebrated his first year in a studio apartment at Arbor View Senior Living, calling it a “10 out of 10” experience. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he says, praising the warm community and dedicated team members. “The staff here are incredible—welcoming, loving, and caring. And the food? I’ve never had a bad meal!”

Life in the Studios: A True Community

One of the things Dave enjoys most about Arbor View is the welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community. “It’s a literal community where you get to know new people and expand your horizons,” Dave explains. “We’re all one big happy family.”

Dave also values the caring environment, where he feels a true sense of belonging while maintaining his own private space. The studios are warm and inviting, and Dave thrives in this ideal retirement setting.

Sundays in the Theatre Room: Broncos Game Day

To see Dave light up, just mention football. As a die-hard Broncos fan, Sundays are sacred. Every week, he heads to the Theatre Room to watch the Broncos on the big screen from oversized recliners. “There’s nothing like kicking back in the theatre and watching the game with other fans,” he says.

Staying Active and Engaged

Beyond football, Dave stays physically active by hitting the gym—especially the stair stepper—and walking around Arbor View’s beautifully landscaped 13-acre campus situated atop Hackberry Hill. “The grounds are stunning, and I like that we are in a real neighborhood and not some facility,” he says.

“There’s something for everyone at Arbor View,” Dave adds, highlighting the variety of amenities and services for both men and women. From the fitness room and wellness center to social and cultural programs, the community offers a range of life-enrichment activities that cater to diverse interests. Whether staying active, enjoying a meal with friends, or relaxing by the double-sided fireplace, Arbor View has something for everyone.

A Classy Place to Call Home

Arbor View’s attention to detail hasn’t gone unnoticed by Dave. He describes the community as “classy,” from the tasteful furnishings to the impressive artwork. “The entire environment here feels elevated and special,” he explains, noting how the elegance of the surroundings adds to his enjoyment of living there.

Why Independent Living at Arbor View?

When asked what advice he’d give to someone considering a move to Independent Living, Dave says, “If you’re thinking about moving in, I’d say go for it.” “It’s a wonderful place with an amazing community and so much to offer. You won’t find anything like it anywhere else.”

In a recent review, Dave expressed gratitude for Arbor View’s leadership team, particularly the community’s Executive Director. “She has helped me out in so many ways … so I can stay here for the long-term,” he writes. “I salute her for all her caring for everyone here at Arbor View.”

For Dave, Arbor View Senior Living is more than just a place to live—it’s home, and people are family.

Ready to see if Arbor View is a “10 out of 10” for you or your loved one’s future? Come by, visit, meet residents like Dave, and learn more about our independent and assisted living community. Call 303-268-4747 or visit arborviewsl.com to schedule your personalized tour today.

National Assisted Living Week (NALW) is an annual observance in the United States that celebrates the role of assisted living communities in caring for seniors and individuals with disabilities. It usually takes place in September, starting on Grandparents Day (the first Sunday after Labor Day) and runs through the following Saturday. This year, it will be held Sept. 8-14, and Arbor View Senior Living will host several events, including an end-of-summer BBQ to celebrate.

Seniors seek assisted living for various reasons, primarily related to their health, safety, and overall quality of life. Here are eight factors to consider when assessing whether assisted living is the right choice for you or a loved one.

1. Health and Medical Needs

Many seniors have chronic health issues requiring regular monitoring and care. Assisted living communities help manage medications, ensuring they are taken correctly and on time. Residents also have immediate access to healthcare professionals and different levels of care, crucial for those with medical needs.

2. Daily Living Assistance

Assisted living provides support for seniors who need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal prep. Mobility assistance, regular housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance services are also available.

3. Safety and Security

Assisted living is designed to minimize the risk of falls and accidents, with regular supervision ensuring help is readily available if, and when, it’s needed. Residents may have emergency call devices, such as pendants or call buttons in their apartments, and receive daily check-ins from team members.

4. Social Interaction and Activities

This is often overlooked, but assisted living communities offer social activities and events that help prevent isolation and loneliness. Recreational activities like painting, gardening, daily exercise, and educational forums keep residents engaged and active.

5. Nutrition and Meals

Residents often gain weight when they move into assisted living, thanks to balanced nutrition and regular, chef-prepared meals. Culinary teams can accommodate dietary restrictions as needed, and mealtimes are key socialization opportunities in assisted living.

6. Family Peace of Mind

Assisted living provides families with a sense of relief knowing that their loved one is being well-cared for with ongoing support from professionals who understand their preferences and needs.

7. Quality of Life

Assisted living allows residents to maintain a level of independence while receiving the help they need. Individualized care plans are developed for each resident, emphasizing autonomy.

8. Cost-Effective Option

While assisted living may initially seem more expensive than living at home, it often proves cost-effective when considering home maintenance, taxes, home care, food, and other expenses. A predictable monthly rent that includes amenities and services offers significant value.

Assisted living provides a supportive environment that enhances seniors’ well-being, allowing them to enjoy a higher quality of life while receiving the care they need.

If you would like to learn more about the Assisted Living options at Arbor View Senior Living, please give us a call at 303-268-4747. Our leasing professionals can provide a free consultation, schedule a tour and answer any questions you may have.

Taking simple precautions to avoid overheating or becoming dehydrated is especially important for older adults. As we age, our sense of thirst diminishes and our bodies naturally hold less water. Follow these sun safety and hydration tips to help stay cool this summer.

Tip #1

The best times of the day for outdoor activities in the summer are early morning and evening. Avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day, usually noon until the sun sets. If you are outdoors when temperatures soar, be sure to wear sunscreen on exposed skin, a wide-brimmed hat to shade your eyes and neck and try to stay in the shade as much as possible.

Tip #2

Taking frequent breaks to replenish fluids is important for avoiding dehydration and overheating in the hottest months of the year. Don’t rely on your thirst to alert you to take a drink, try to get in the habit of doing so a few times every hour, especially when you‘re active outdoors.

Tip #3

Staying cool and hydrated does not mean drinking gallons of water. All beverages, except alcohol, count towards your daily fluid intake. Add sparkling water to your apple juice for a refreshing zing and dress up water with a slice of lemon, cucumber, or frozen berries to be more appealing and encourage regular sipping.

Tip #4

Drink up in style by putting your iced latte or sports drink in a stylish colorful water bottle. Insulated water bottles and tumblers keep beverages cool and ice cubes intact longer so you can enjoy every drop.

Tip #5

You can eat to stay cool and hydrated too. Many fruits and vegetables have a heavy water content, like celery, lettuce, cucumbers, oranges, and tomatoes. Snacking on watermelon, grapes, and kiwis is a healthy and delicious way to maintain optimum hydration levels.

Keeping Cool at Arbor View

Healthy, hydrating fruits and vegetables are always on the menu here and residents have a variety of refreshing beverages like iced tea, juice, and milk to choose from. Our numerous community indoor spaces are comfortably cooled to relax during peak hours and every apartment has an individually controlled cooling system. Residents can also stop by the snack bar anytime for healthy and hydrating treats like fruit or applesauce and a cup of iced cold water with lemon or orange slices. We are also fortunate to be surrounded by trees providing ample shaded areas to safely enjoy outdoor activities.

At Arbor View Senior Living, we’re playing it cool this summer. We invite you to stop in for a tour of our newly remodeled community and enjoy a refreshing beverage with our sales team. Call 303-268-4747 or visit our website and make this the summer you start enjoying a new carefree retirement lifestyle.

Since Father’s Day is in June it seems timely to highlight a dad who lives here.

A New Jersey native, Jim moved into a studio apartment at Arbor View Senior Living in December of 2023. He came from another senior community in Arvada, and before that, he had lived in Wheatridge for almost 60 years. He questioned whether living in a studio apartment would have enough space, but says it’s been wonderful. His view is great, and he spends time in other areas within the community and goes outside the community to visit places he enjoys.

Jim feels fortunate to be close to his two adult daughters who live in the area, and he often spends time with them. One of his daughters helped him to find his new home at Arbor View.

Jim has been curious and active all his life. He’s had two careers and lots of hobbies and interests. He was a high school English teacher and later became a realtor. He enjoys gardening, playing pool, and getting out to visit places like the Botanic Gardens. He’s an avid reader and he’s studying Spanish these days. A unique passion he discovered in his 30s was sewing.

After his mom gave him a sewing machine, he realized he loved to sew. His first project? A pair of Bermuda shorts with pockets, zipper, and a lining. He was hooked. During his real estate career, he wore a shirt he’d made to a closing, and it was a hit. From that day forward he had the nickname, “Shirts.”

He’s made clothes for his entire family, one year making pajama bottoms for everyone. He’s sewn the same dress pattern with different fabrics for all his granddaughters, and he made one of his daughters a reversible jacket. He’s even helped others to sew their own tee shirts.

Talking with Jim on the phone, you’d never guess he was 88. And one of the first things Jim tells you is how lucky he’s been in life. It may be true, but it’s also been said that “Luck is quite predictable. If you want more luck, take more chances. Be more active. Show up more often.” (author, Brian Tracy). It’s fair to say that Jim has followed that pattern to the tee.

This Father’s Day, Jim will enjoy two outings, one with each daughter. We wish him, and all the dads out there, a very happy Father’s Day.

Ready to see if Arbor View is a good “fit” for you or your loved one’s future? Come by, visit, meet residents like Jim, and learn more about our tailored approach to senior living. Call 303-268-4747 or visit arborviewsl.com to schedule your personalized tour today.

As a loved one ages, it’s natural to consider alternative living arrangements to enhance their quality of life. Many seniors and families start this process by researching assisted living communities. But what exactly is assisted living, when is it time to consider this living option, and what are the benefits?

Assisted living is a type of residential care that provides support for seniors who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, or preparing meals. Seniors who receive this level of care can communicate their needs but don’t require the intensive and round-the-clock medical care often provided in nursing homes.

This living option emphasizes autonomy and fosters independence while providing extra peace of mind for residents and families who know that additional assistance and personalized care are available if, and when, it’s needed.

Seniors and families should consider assisted living when several factors become apparent: an individual needs help with ADLs; the risk of falls increases; health challenges; cognitive decline; and importantly, social isolation.

If your friend or family member encounters difficulties with activities such as personal hygiene or meal preparation, it could indicate that an assisted living community might provide the assistance they require. Many assisted living communities offer restaurant-style dining and chef-prepared meals to ensure residents receive proper nutrition without the hassles of shopping and cooking.

Safety is always a concern for seniors who are prone to falls and other injuries. In assisted living communities, residents may have an emergency call device like a pendant as well as call buttons in their apartments and daily check-ins from team members to ensure they are generally in good health.

If your loved one’s health or cognitive function has declined, they may require more assistance than you can provide at home. Many assisted living communities offer specialized care services like skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, and memory care for those living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia.

Depression and social isolation are common for seniors who live alone. Study after study highlights that being around others and socializing at some level is imperative to a senior’s health and well-being. Assisted living communities offer an array of life enrichment activities and opportunities for residents to socialize and engage like painting, playing board games, going to live musical performances, daily exercise, and educational forums.

If your loved one is beginning to exhibit signs that they require additional care, assisted living could provide the necessary support within a stimulating and autonomous setting. By researching assisted living communities now, you’ll ensure your loved one has options to age well, even if their needs change. It’s much less disruptive to get additional support in the environment you live in than to move later in life.

Your Senior Care Partner

At Arbor View Senior Living in Arvada, we help families find the best living situation to meet their loved one’s needs. Call 303-268-4747 or contact us online if you have questions about independent or assisted living or would like to schedule a personalized tour.

If you’re transitioning to a senior living community, you are probably excited to start a new chapter of life. However, you might also feel nervous at the thought of leaving a longtime home. Know that it’s perfectly normal to feel the pangs of change, but it doesn’t mean you won’t be happy in your new community. Here are four steps you and your loved ones can take to ease the transition and adjust to your new home.

Get to know your new community

Most of us have our daily routines, so the thought of changing things up and moving somewhere new may feel stressful. One way to get answers to any questions about your new community is talking to staff. At Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living, we invite prospective residents to spend time with our team before moving in, which begins when you visit to learn more about our community, take a tour, and speak to our leasing department about details. You can also ask our team to put you in touch with the community’s residents, which will help you start building relationships right away.

Get involved

Frequent social activities are one of the best amenities senior living communities have to offer, so be sure to take advantage of your community’s social calendar as soon as you move in. Communities like Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living often maintain community social calendars so you can pick activities or events you’d like to attend. Be sure to look into clubs, volunteer opportunities and other community groups that may be of interest, too.

Make yourself at home

When it comes to your home space, your personal belongings tell a story and reflect who you are. For that reason, Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living allows residents to bring their personal furnishings to ensure a comfortable stay. Feel free to adorn your walls with pictures of loved ones and display favorite art pieces and other keepsakes on shelves and furniture. Decorative pillows, throw blankets and rugs will make your living space feel more comfortable as well.

Stay in touch

Senior living communities don’t host activities and events solely for residents. Communities like Arbor View also host occasional gatherings for your entire family and outside guests who may be considering a move. Invite your loved ones to these events and our team members will help you keep in touch with them on a regular basis, whether via phone, email, Zoom calls or social media. Maintaining a bond with the people who provide you with a sense of familiarity will help you continue feeling like part of the family even in a new community.

At Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living, we’re committed to helping our residents live well and age well. This means that from the moment you enter the lobby, we want to ensure you not only feel comfortable but also feel at home. If you have questions about transitioning to senior living or would like to learn more about what our community offers to help ease your transition, call 303-268-4747 to speak with one of our team members.