Cycling has so many benefits: a cardiovascular workout without stress on the joints, improved joint mobility and improved posture and coordination. At St. Anthony’s Gardens, we add one more benefit: meeting a kindred spirit.
That’s just what Bette McEvoy and Girlie Gary found when they met and discovered they were both cyclists. Just as they would have as young girls, Bette and Girlie have grown their friendship getting to know each other while enjoying the wind in their hair and the sunshine on their face.
The friends both really value the ability to bike around our community. They say our safe and spacious streets are perfect for enjoying their favorite hobby.
“It’s a wonderful place to ride,” said Girlie. “I go around the building and on the circular path. Even though some cars are parked, I don’t feel crammed in. It’s a very nice space to ride. On one side you see nothing but greenery — a beautiful setup, just perfect.”
Bette has ridden for many years and only switched to a three-wheel bike at age 84. Girlie shares this passion and says, “If I have a bike, I’m happy.”
Cycling has become a popular pastime for older Americans, as it does help with flexibility, weight loss, fitness and mobility. It’s also fun! It’s especially a nice exercise to do together, so you can chat as you ride along.
Bette and Girlie also agree on something else: coming to St. Anthony’s Gardens was the right choice.
“I lived in this big house I didn’t need. I asked my husband, ‘If I die tomorrow do you want to come back to this house?’ and he said ‘no.’ We started looking and were very impressed with St. Anthony’s Gardens,” said Bette. She moved two years ago and especially appreciates the freedom she’s found here.
“We don’t have to cook, and we don’t clean – if anything breaks, we call and they come fix it,” said Bette. “When you move here, they set up everything – phone, TV, internet. They even hang your pictures. St. Anthony’s Gardens just covered all the bases.”
Girlie wanted to be closer to her daughter, and her husband knew about St. Anthony’s Gardens. “I thought I would like it, and it’s everything I hoped it would be and more,” she said. Girlie admitted she was nervous at first about moving. However, she quickly settled in, thanks to the staff and her wonderful new neighbors.
“I received so much help, which I really appreciated,” she said. “But it’s not just when you move in, it’s all the time. Any time I need something done, some problem, they’re very supportive about helping. Right away, there doing whatever needs to be fixed.”
Our residents enjoy many services that give them more time to enjoy the activities and hobbies they really love. St. Anthony’s Gardens staff take care of:
Bette and Girlie love the worry-free lifestyle at St. Anthony’s Gardens — delicious food, a friendly atmosphere, a beautiful environment and a variety of activities.’
They say if you can’t find something fun to do, you’re just not looking! St. Anthony’s Gardens offers a variety of activities, including:
Bette said she’s always spreading the word. “We’ve told most of our friends about living here. You just have to go around and see what they offer. When you come here, they give you a tour. We were just very impressed,” she said.
Girlie agrees that the food and staff are outstanding. Additionally, she said, “I like it because they have Mass frequently during the week and confession. The people who live here are wonderful, just marvelous. The staff make you feel right at home. The food is great, the activities, the spiritual life, the people here. I couldn’t ask for more.”
She has lived a couple of other places, but this is the first she likes to call home. Girlie concludes, “It’s like being in heaven.”
Come see St. Anthony’s Gardens for yourself! We’d love to take you on a tour of our beautiful community, located in Covington, close to Lakeview Regional Medical Center. Our residents enjoy affordable luxury apartments with maintenance-free living — without large buy-in fees. Call today to set up a visit: 985-238-4310. You are also welcome to fill out our online contact form and we will get in touch with you. Hope to see you soon!
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