Lifelong Athletes Remain Active and Engaged, as They Continue to Thrive at Blakehurst
Finding a fitness routine that supports both physical health and overall well-being, forging and maintaining social connections, and living life with purpose are key components of remaining healthy, happy, and independent as we age. At Blakehurst, the premier senior living community in Towson, Md., residents have access to a wide variety of opportunities to keep moving, build friendships, and pursue the activities they love. For residents Dr. Richard, and Cindy and Dave Taylor, that active and welcoming lifestyle was a major reason they chose to call Blakehurst home.
Finding Blakehurst
When Dr. Richard and his wife began considering senior living, they already knew several friends who had moved to Blakehurst and were thriving at the Life Plan community.
“We would come to dinner here for years,” Richard says. “Our friends had such a great time here that they sold us on it.”
Today, with more free time following a long medical career, Richard takes full advantage of the community’s wellness offerings. A typical morning might include strength training, yoga, Pilates, cardio exercise, swimming laps in the aquatic center, or participating in fitness classes designed specifically for older adults.
“I exercise several hours a day,” he says. “This is my playtime.”
Richard especially appreciates the variety available at Blakehurst. Rather than traveling to multiple locations for different activities, everything is conveniently located on campus, from the fitness center and pool to instructor-led classes focused on balance, flexibility, and strength.
Cycling and So Much More
For Cindy and Dave Taylor, fitness has been a lifelong passion as an offshoot of their love of bicycling. The couple met on a bicycle club ride more than 40 years ago and have spent decades exploring the United States and Europe by bike. They have cycled in 17 countries and dozens of states, often leading tours for fellow cyclists.
After spending years in Florida, the Taylors were exploring senior living options when they quite literally stumbled upon Blakehurst.
“We were driving by and noticed there was an interesting campus behind the trees,” Cindy recalls. “We looked it up on the internet, and came for a tour. and fell in love with it.”
The couple was drawn not only to the community itself, but also to the opportunities it offered to maintain their active lifestyle. They also appreciate how living at Blakehurst has encouraged them to diversify their exercise routines. Most mornings they walk Bella, their beloved cockapoo, for about 30 minutes; attend a 9 a.m. exercise class focusing on balance, flexibility, and strength; and then go for a bike ride — all before lunch.
One of their favorite features is Blakehurst’s scenic campus, which includes a walking path winding through beautifully maintained grounds filled with mature trees, wildlife, and natural beauty.
“It’s quiet here,” Dave says. “You feel connected to nature, but you’re also close to everything in town.”
As avid swimmers, both Cindy and Richard praise the benefits of the pool and aquatic fitness opportunities. Swimming provides a low-impact, full-body workout that supports cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility while being gentle on the joints.
“Water is healing,” Cindy explains.
The Fountain of Youth
All three residents agree that staying active is about far more than fitness alone. Exercise helps them maintain independence, support their overall health, and continue doing the things they enjoy.
“Exercise is the new fountain of youth,” Richard says.
Beyond wellness programming, Blakehurst offers residents the freedom to pursue their interests without the responsibilities of home maintenance. Residents enjoy chef-prepared dining, engaging social activities, lifelong learning opportunities, volunteer programs, and a wide range of clubs and resident-led initiatives.
For the Taylors, one of the biggest benefits is knowing they can continue enjoying an active lifestyle while having access to additional support if they ever need it.
“If you’re going to make a move like this,” Cindy says, “do it while you can enjoy everything the community has to offer.”
Their advice reflects a philosophy shared by many Blakehurst residents: staying active isn’t simply about adding years to life — it’s about adding life to those years.
Take a Tour
To learn more about Blakehurst’s wellness-focused lifestyle and comprehensive fitness amenities, visit https://blakehurstlcs.com or call 410-441-5996 and schedule a tour.