Assisted living can mean getting the support you need to live life to the fullest. At Village on the Park Stonebridge Ranch, our residents stay active with outings to some of McKinney’s most beautiful parks and walking trails. 

If you’re looking for somewhere to spend Father’s Day, our residents like these local parks for a fun and relaxing outdoor afternoon with loved ones. 

Great Parks & Trails to Explore with Dad Near McKinney, Texas

• Dayspring Nature Reserve- This park is not just a stunning oasis, but it’s also fully accessible! This is a lovely natural setting to enjoy gentle walking trails winding through wooded areas and along the creek with family. Keep an eye out for local birds and wildlife in this serene environment.
• Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary– Looking for outdoorsy education and exploration? This is the place to go! Bring the whole family to wander through diverse habitats including prairies, wetlands, and forests with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
• Limestone Quarry Park– Enjoy the unique charm of Frisco’s Limestone Quarry Park, a 17-acre space featuring paved trails and remnants of a former limestone quarry for a touch of history. Enjoy leisurely walks, a playground for grandkids, a basketball court, and picnic areas, making it a pleasant and accessible spot for seniors and families to connect outdoors.

The Benefits of Walking 

Adding gentle exercise like walking into your routine offers significant advantages for healthy aging. This study found people who walk four times weekly for just 15 minutes can live longer and healthier lives compared to those who are more sedentary. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Strengthens muscles and bones to prevent falls and improve balance
• Improves cardiovascular health for a healthy heart
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Sunlight and fresh air enhances mood
• Increases flexibility and endurance

Live Life Well and enjoy more of the natural beauty of local McKinney! If you want to keep it simple, our campus offers beautiful spaces to take a quick stroll too.Want to learn about the many fun opportunities for low-impact exercise, social connection, and family events at Village on the Park Stonebridge Ranch? Schedule a tour.

Looking for fun places to spend time with mom or grandma in McKinney? Finding plans that will appeal to her interests and facilitate quality time together can require a bit of homework. Our residents at Village on the Park Stonebridge Ranch have shared some of their favorite local gems perfect for Living Life Well with the important women in your life.

Our Resident Recommendations Near Mckinney: 

• Visit the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
  • For a day enjoying nature, take Mom to the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. This expansive area offers walking trails through various habitats, a butterfly garden, and exhibits on local wildlife and paleontology. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and learn about nature together.
• Get Breakfast at Layered
  • Located in the heart of downtown McKinney, Layered is a charming spot known for its exceptional coffee, delicious baked goods, and distinctive all-day breakfast and lunch menus. They have a cozy atmosphere and also offer patio seating if you want to enjoy the outdoors. It’s a great place for a more relaxed and artisanal brunch experience.
• Browse and Shop Antique Company Mall  
  • Located in downtown McKinney, the Antique Company Mall is a treasure trove for vintage and antique enthusiasts. With over 100 dealers spread across two floors, you can find a wide array of items, including furniture, collectibles, home decor, vintage clothing, and more. It’s a fun place to hunt for unique finds and nostalgic pieces with mom.

Whether you’re walking through antique finds or getting brunch, McKinney is the perfect place to spend a memorable day with mom. Need even more of a reason to spend time with those you love? According to The National Institute of Aging, staying socially connected offers a variety of health benefits including increased cognitive function, increased ability to cope, decreased rates of depression, and even decrease in certain diseases! Learn more about the health benefits of social connection here. 

If staying in is your preference, enjoy our beautiful campus here at Village on the Park Stonebridge with your family. Interested in learning about social connection and fun activities available every day at Village on the Park Stonebridge in McKinney, Texas? Schedule a tour!

Could the secret to a longer life be simpler than you currently think? Stretching from the sun-drenched hills of Sardinia to the tranquil coasts of Okinawa, there exist five unique places globally—known as the Blue Zones—where individuals not only achieve greater longevity but also Live Life Well, experiencing vitality, purpose, and joy extending well into their nineties and beyond.

What exactly are the Blue Zones?

The Blue Zones were initially identified in 2004 through the collaborative efforts of Dan Buettner, National Geographic, the National Institute on Aging, and the world’s foremost longevity researchers. In these regions, individuals celebrate 100th birthdays at a rate 10x greater than people in the US. They also maintain their vigor well into their nineties and beyond, leading active and fulfilling lives.

Although blue zone communities are located across the globe, Buettner’s team discovered nine common traits shared by these populations that contribute to Living Life Well. 

Intrigued by how they do it? We’ve uncovered nine surprisingly straightforward daily habits these long-living communities share—and how you can integrate them into your own lifestyle, especially right here at Village on the Park Stonebridge.

Spoiler alert: It’s not about trendy diets or endless workouts…it’s about community, meaning, and equilibrium.

Activity

1. “Move Naturally” – Consistent daily movement is an inherent aspect of life in these areas. You can integrate more natural movement into your daily routine by taking stairs, choosing to walk or bike instead of driving, and participating in gardening.

Outlook

2. “Purpose” – According to the Blue Zone Project, having a sense of purpose is worth up to seven years of extra life expectancy! This could involve your family, a volunteer position, or a hobby you are passionate about.
3. “Down Shift” – While stress is a universal experience, regardless of where you reside, it’s crucial to establish daily practices that assist in alleviating your stress. At Village on the Park Stonebridge, we offer guided meditation, yoga classes, and peaceful areas for relaxation.

Eating

4. “80% Rule” – Consuming food until you reach 80% fullness rather than 100% can significantly impact your health.
5. “Plant Slant” – Instead of meat serving as the primary protein source, beans are central to the dietary patterns in The Blue Zones. Explore new recipes featuring fava, black, soy, and lentil beans to incorporate into your meals.
6. “Wine at 5” – Individuals in the Blue Zones consume alcohol in moderation, typically one to two glasses daily with companions and food. Happy hours are a resident favorite here at Village on the Park Stonebridge.

Connect

7. “Positive Pack” – Cultivating a supportive social network can reinforce healthy behaviors that enable you to Live Life Well. Village on the Park Stonebridge fosters a strong sense of community through regular social gatherings and activities.
8. “Loved Ones First” – Prioritize spending quality time with your spouse, children, and grandchildren. We provide ideal settings and opportunities for residents to connect with family.
9. “Belong” – A feeling of belonging is vital for overall well-being. At Village on the Park Stonebridge, our focus is on cultivating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where every individual feels valued and connected.

Passport to Adventure: Insights from Ikaria, Greece

While relocating to Ikaria might not be feasible, we can adopt some of their healthy habits into our own lives. For this month’s Passport to Adventure Destination, we focus on Ikaria, Greece, one of the Blue Zones! Our residents will enjoy a variety of enriching activities here at Village on the Park Stonebridge inspired by this remarkable island.

Interested in participating in the excitement of our Monthly Passport to Adventure destinations? Schedule a visit!

Spring has arrived! And with the change in season comes many opportunities to Live Life Well, including longer days to enjoy the sun. It’s more than just a feeling; the sun’s effect on our bodies is scientifically profound.

The Science of Sunshine

Vitamin D

Perhaps the most recognized benefit, sunlight triggers Vitamin D production in our skin. This essential vitamin is vital for calcium absorption, which is necessary for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis. As we get older, our bodies become less efficient at producing Vitamin D, making sun exposure even more crucial. The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation reports that approximately 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, highlighting the significance of Vitamin D intake.

Mood Elevation

Sunlight increases serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and promotes feelings of happiness and well-being. This can be especially beneficial for seniors who may experience seasonal affective disorder, depression, or other mood-related issues.

Improved Sleep Quality

Sunlight helps regulate our circadian rhythm, the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. By exposing yourself to sunlight during the day, you can enhance your sleep quality at night. This is especially important for seniors, as sleep patterns can change with age.

Enhanced Immune Function:

Sunlight is vital for strong immune function. We all know Vitamin D plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system, but research from Georgetown University Medical Center found that sunlight, through a mechanism separate than vitamin D production, energizes T cells that play a central role in immunity too. Maintaining a strong immune system is essential for seniors to ward off illness and maintain overall health.

Cognitive Benefits:

According to the National Institute of Health, Vitamin D can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Getting adequate sun exposure, and thus sufficient vitamin D, could contribute to keeping minds sharp.

Enjoying the Sunshine at Village on the Park Stonebridge

At Village on the Park Stonebridge, we understand the importance of creating spaces that maximize natural light. Our residences feature expansive windows and thoughtfully designed communal areas that allow you to bask in the sun’s warmth and enjoy scenic views.

Our beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces and activities promote walks with neighbors, outdoor social gatherings, or relaxing with a good book while soaking up the sun. Additionally, we offer outings to local McKinney parks and scenic areas off campus.

Prioritizing Safe Sun Exposure

While the benefits of sunlight are significant, it’s important to practice safe sun exposure. We recommend you:

• Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Wear protective clothing, such as hats and sunglasses.
• Stay hydrated.

Live Life Well: Embracing the Sun’s Golden Rays

At Village on the Park Stonebridge, we’re committed to providing a lifestyle that promotes holistic wellness. By embracing the simple yet powerful benefits of sunlight, you can enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We invite you to experience the warmth and vitality of our community, where every day is an opportunity to Live Life Well.

Come soak in the beauty of Spring with us! Schedule a tour.