The holiday season is steeped in traditions—those familiar sights, sounds, and flavors that connect us to cherished memories and loved ones. When moving to a new home or senior living community, seniors may wonder if and how those treasured practices will translate into a new space and lifestyle.

The wonderful news is yes, they absolutely can!

Luxury senior living communities like Village of the Heights are designed to be extensions of home, providing beautiful settings, incredible meals, and vibrant activities while wholeheartedly welcoming each individual’s unique personality. Bringing personal traditions is essential for making a new residence feel like home, especially during the holidays.

Here are three specific tips for seamlessly integrating personal traditions into a new home and lifestyle when moving to senior living.

Curate Personal Holiday Decor

Each residence is a private sanctuary, the perfect place to showcase the decorations that truly define the season. When moving, be sure to include seasonal and holiday decorations. Instead of bringing every box, select the most meaningful pieces. Choose the small, sentimental menorah or nativity set, the special ornaments that hold family stories, or the cozy holiday throw blanket. These select items will infuse your space with personal warmth without overwhelming it. 

Tip: For larger decorations, consider how they might be downsized. For example, if you typically have a large decorated tree or grand lights display, consider how it could translate a smaller tree or windows.

Share a Treasured Family Recipe

Food is often the centerpiece of holiday traditions, carrying powerful memories through smell and taste. Moving doesn’t mean leaving your famous recipes behind.

Tip: Talk to our culinary team! At Village of the Heights, our chefs curate elegant, seasonal menus, and they often enjoy incorporating resident favorites. Share the recipe for your signature holiday cookies or that special stuffing. You might even be able to schedule time to prepare it with family in a community space, or request the kitchen prepare it for a special holiday meal with your guests.

Prioritize Time for Traditions

The most important part of any tradition is the act of sharing it with loved ones. In addition to our beautiful residences, Village of the Heights offers beautiful gathering spaces perfect for hosting.

Tip: Plan a specific time and place for traditions. If your family always sings carols around the piano, reserve one of our lovely common areas for a small get-together. If your tradition is a quiet afternoon of writing holiday cards, set aside time in your apartment, perhaps inviting a new friend or neighbor to join you. Having dedicated time ensures the tradition continues and creates new memories in your new Austin home.

Maintaining Traditions that Stay the Same

While personal living spaces may change, your family’s favorite destinations and local traditions will continue (and, with less on your plate, you’ll have more time to enjoy them!) With our premier location in the heart of Austin, The Village at The Triangle provides residents  access to the city’s best seasonal events. Nearby Austin Ballet offers performances of The Nutcracker throughout the season, a beloved tradition for many families. 

The holidays are a great time to experience The Village at The Triangle, especially with visiting family. 
Schedule a tour and experience our community firsthand!

Building New Friendships in a Community of Peers

Everyone knows that eating right and exercising are essential for good health. But connecting socially also can positively impact health. According to a 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s report, social isolation increases the risk of anxiety, depression, dementia, and even viruses.

Looking for opportunities to connect with others? Here are a few ways to enjoy social connection in Austin.

Group Fitness Opportunities in Austin 

One of the best ways to meet others who share interests is through wellness activities. Water aerobics, pilates, and yoga both support health goals and foster friendships. The exercise and social connection releases endorphins, boosting feelings of happiness.

The Village at the Triangle features beautiful, purposely designed spaces that accommodate an array of group activities. Classes include:

Looking for less structured activities? Hike along our beautiful walking trails, take a dip in the pool, play a game of billiards, or exercise with a friend in our Wellness and Fitness Center.

Clubs & Workshops in Senior Living

Speakers and workshops in senior living communities inspire lifelong learning and provide a place to meet others with similar interests. There is always an opportunity for residents to find a new subject to ponder, a hobby to try, or a skill to master. Plus, research shows that learning new skills strengthens thinking abilities and memory. Residents at The Village at the Triangle enjoy socializing over workshops, art classes, and bridge club.

Volunteering & Connection for Seniors

Volunteering is a powerful way to build meaningful connections. Working alongside others toward a shared purpose strengthens relationships. Additionally, volunteering often restores some of the structure and social interaction once found in the workplace or other community settings. One report even revealed that regular volunteering leads to greater long-term happiness. At The Village at the Triangle, many of our residents volunteer together at local Austin organizations. 

Experiencing Austin with Friends and Family 

The location of home can play an important role in connecting with others. When considering a senior living community consider how far it is from loved ones, local events, or favorite restaurants. Residents at The Village at the Triangle have easy access to nearby destinations including Austin Opera, Ballet Austin, boutiques and bistros, and Triangle Commons Park. This makes it easy to enjoy local activities with loved ones and new friends.   

Discover the Many Ways to Connect at The Village at the Triangle

With its premier location, well-appointed recreational spaces, and carefully curated programs, The Village at the Triangle offers an active and socially rich lifestyle. Schedule a tour to learn more.f distinction.

Finalizing the decision to move to a senior living community is exciting! The research and decision-making is over, and the enjoyment can begin. For new residents of Village at the Triangle, they’re about to enjoy access to curated wellness programs, chef-prepared cuisine, and resort-style amenities like a salon, spa, and concierge services. However, before Living Life Well can fully begin, there is one more big step that can feel a bit daunting – the move. 

Making a significant move is a common part of retirement years. About 25 percent of home sellers are 60 or older, according to Zillow. Because of the emotional and logistical hurdles, many find downsizing a daunting process. The following four steps can simplify the process, decrease the stress, and help individuals ease gracefully into a new home and lifestyle. 

  1. Determine Apartment Size for Space Planning.

Sorting household items is an important part of the downsizing process. For those who have lived in the same home for decades, sifting through a lifetime of memories and saved items can feel overwhelming and emotional – but it can also be an opportunity to reflect, share stories, and choose the pieces that will make your new space feel like home.

Pro-Tip: Avoid the time-consuming and overwhelming approach of looking at each item and considering if it’s wanted, needed, and fits. Using the floorplan, determine what items are needed then stick to the list and choose items that fit the plan. 

The number of items you bring with you depends largely on the size of your new residence. Luxury retirement options typically offer a variety of floor plans. For example, at The Village at the Triangle, independent living apartments range from 700 to nearly 1,300 square feet. Other care areas offer slightly cozier spaces with the same stylish upgrades. Once you settle on the size of your new home, you can move on to selecting the pieces that will make it both beautiful and functional.

Pro-Tip: Plan for storage space equal to 10 percent of your total square footage.

  1. Consider Hiring a Senior Move Manager.

A senior move manager can help you or your loved one handle every aspect of the move to senior living with ease. These experienced professionals bring organization, compassion, and expertise to the process – simplifying decisions, coordinating logistics, and ensuring a smooth, comfortable transition for those who value extra support or have family at a distance.

Senior Move Managers typically offer services such as:

To find a qualified professional, consult the National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers (NASMM). Member companies carry liability insurance, complete courses on industry best practices, and are required to follow a code of ethics. Choosing a NASMM-certified  company ensures that your possessions receive the highest level of care and “white glove” service.

The Senior Move Manager industry has grown rapidly in recent years, from just 30 NASMM member companies a few decades ago to over 1,000 today, reflecting customer satisfaction with this comprehensive service.

  1. Design for Comfort and Aging in Place.

When designing a new living space that is equipped for enjoyment and safety – perhaps with the help of a move manager or professional designer – you might find decorating is somewhat different than a previous home or condo. 

Plan for both current and future needs. Most senior living spaces include safety features such as nonslip flooring, bright lighting, wide doorways, low-entry showers, and grab bars. At The Village at the Triangle, these safety elements are paired with luxury items like quartz countertops, nine-foot ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows.  

Pro-Tip: Safety features can work cohesively with personal tastes and preferences. Consider the following recommendations:

  1.  Transform Your Space Into Your Home.

Once the furniture is in place, it is time to attend to the details. Whether your style leans toward simple elegance or sophisticated opulence, decor will help a new space truly feel like home. Add meaningful pieces like family heirlooms, art collected during your travels, cherished books, and framed photos of family members. Incorporate warmth and dimension with soft lighting, textured fabrics, and natural elements like plants or woven throws.

Explore the Lifestyle at The Village at the Triangle.

Once the final touches on your new home are complete, it’s time to enjoy your surroundings and meet the neighbors. The Village at the Triangle is an upscale, vibrant community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. It provides resort-style amenities such as an indoor pool, walking trails, fitness center and yoga studio, theater, and beautifully manicured grounds.

Centrally located in Austin, Village at the Triangle sits within a cosmopolitan district, just minutes from shopping, fine dining, and cultural attractions. Schedule a tour today to discover how The Village at the Triangle blends a refined design, luxurious amenities, and personalized care to create a lifestyle of distinction.

Fostering Intellectual Growth and Creativity as Seniors

In luxury senior living, beautiful surroundings with manicured landscaping, tasteful rooms, and robust amenities are just the beginning. Today’s seniors want meaningful experiences — opportunities to learn, grow, and explore the world through immersive cultural programming.

At Village at the Triangle, we host ample opportunities to spark curiosity and connection in our residents. Our programs are more than mere entertainment. They are essential components of a well-rounded community designed to engage residents socially and mentally. Our community is dedicated to creating an environment that inspires curiosity and engages every resident. Learn more about our variety of activities at Village at The Triangle! Contact our staff or schedule a tour to see our luxury community firsthand!

Lecture Series
Through regular presentations and conversations, academics from Austin, business leaders, and other interesting individuals bring thought-provoking perspectives to residents. 

Writing Workshops
Every resident has a story to share. These workshops, taught by Austin area instructors, help them explore the written word through poetry, memoirs, or fiction. Whether they are lifelong writers or just dipping their pen in the ink, it’s a chance to help craft their legacy. 

Museum Visits
Day trips to local institutions around Austin are easily accessible from our prime location at Village at the Triangle. Below are examples of nearby opportunities to engage with the culture of our city. 


1. Blanton Museum of Art 

Home to over 21,000 works of art, the collection at the Blanton ranges from classical European paintings to modern American and Latin American art. Dedicated to presenting diverse artistic voices, regular exhibitions explore art from around the globe. Highlights include Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin, a freestanding building filled with remarkable colored glass. 

2. Bullock Texas State History Museum 

From the state’s role in the American Revolution to the days of the Texas Republic, the rich history of this monumental state is on display at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and more pique the interest of every local history buff. 

3. Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum 

This serene garden brings art and nature together, providing a peaceful way to experience more than 200 sculptures by the American artist Charles Umlauf. This tranquil escape in the heart of Austin has been enjoyed by residents for more than 30 years. 

Art Classes
From oil painting to pottery, hands-on art classes inspire residents to express themselves in many different mediums. Guided by instructors, these experiences spark creativity and inspire creation at any age. 

Not only are creative opportunities fun, they are great for health and well-being. A study by Frontiers Public Health found older adults who engaged in recreational arts had significantly better mental well-being and physical health. 

Whether through writing, learning, speaking, or creating, there’s no better time than now for our residents to pursue their educational and creative interests. Continued engagement does more than spark joy and purpose. These meaningful experiences improve mental and emotional well-being, serving as the foundation for living life well.

Maintaining a vibrant and healthy lifestyle requires a comprehensive approach that nurtures mind, body, and spirit. At The Village at the Triangle, we embrace this holistic view of wellness, providing a foundation for residents to Live Life Well. We’ve put together five practical tips for cultivating a healthy lifestyle.

5 Tips to Cultivate a Strong and Healthy Lifestyle

Here are five practical tips for cultivating a strong and healthy lifestyle that can be incorporated into a daily routine:

How an Independent Living Communities Can Elevate Lifestyles

Choosing a premier senior living community can create a lifestyle where these wellness tips become effortless daily practices. The convenience of a resort-style environment and premier amenities simplifies daily life, allowing for more focus to be put on what matters most.

If you are looking for a way to enrich your current lifestyle and connect with others, consider a move to a senior living community that enhances your overall well-being. Learn more about our elevated approach to wellness at The Village at the Triangle. Schedule a tour.

Moving to a senior living community can mean more freedom to enjoy the things you love. At Village at the Triangle, our residents Live Life Well through active and meaningful moments, including outings to some of the best parks and walking trails in Austin. This Father’s Day, consider going outside and exploring nature in our beautiful neighborhood with your family!

 Our residents love these outdoor spots close to Village at the Triangle! 

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

The Benefits of Walking 

Incorporating gentle exercise like walking into your routine promotes 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 health benefits:

Live Life Well and walk Austin’s best trails with family and friends! If you prefer to stay close to home, our campus also offers beautiful spaces to take a stroll!Interested in learning about the many fun opportunities for low-impact exercise, social connection, and family events at Village at the Triangle? Schedule a tour.

Could the key to a longer life be simpler than you imagine? From the sun-drenched hills of Sardinia to the tranquil coasts of Okinawa, five distinctive global locations, recognized as the Blue Zones, showcase populations that not only achieve greater longevity but also Live Life Well, experiencing energy, purpose, and happiness 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 leading longevity researchers worldwide. Individuals in these regions celebrate 100th birthdays at a rate 10x higher than in the US. Furthermore, they sustain their vitality far into their nineties and beyond, leading active and fulfilling lives.

Despite the geographical dispersion of blue zone communities, Buettner and his team discovered nine shared characteristics among these populations that contribute to Living Life Well.

Intrigued by their methods? We’ve uncovered nine surprisingly straightforward daily practices common to these long-lived communities—and how you can integrate them into your own lifestyle, particularly here at Village at the Triangle.

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

Activity

  1. “Move Naturally” – In these regions, daily physical activity is an inherent part of life. You can integrate more natural movement into your day by using stairs, opting for walking or biking instead of driving, and engaging in gardening.

Outlook

  1. “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, volunteering, or a beloved hobby.
  2. “Down Shift” – Stress is a universal experience, but it’s vital to find daily routines that aid in stress reduction. At Village at the Triangle, we offer guided meditation, yoga sessions, and peaceful areas for relaxation.

Eating

  1. “80% Rule” – Stopping eating when you feel 80% full, rather than completely full, can significantly impact your health.
  2. “Plant Slant” – Instead of meat serving as the primary protein source, beans are central to the diets in The Blue Zones. Explore new recipes featuring fava, black, soy, and lentil beans to incorporate into your meals.
  3. “Wine at 5” – In the Blue Zones, people consume alcohol in moderation, typically one to two glasses daily with companions and food. Happy hours are a favorite among residents here at Village at the Triangle.

Connect

  1. “Positive Pack” – Cultivating a strong social network can reinforce healthy habits that support Living Life Well. Village at the Triangle encourages a robust sense of community through regular social gatherings and activities.
  2. “Loved Ones First” – Dedicate quality time to your spouse, children, and grandchildren. We offer ideal spaces and opportunities for residents to connect with family.
  3. “Belong” – A feeling of belonging is essential for overall well-being. At Village at the Triangle, our priority is to cultivate 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. For this month’s Passport to Adventure Destination, we focus on Ikaria, Greece, a Blue Zone! Our residents will enjoy a range of enriching activities here at Village at the Triangle inspired by this remarkable island.

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

With the onset of spring, a multitude of avenues to Live Life Well, especially through increased exposure to daylight hours. The impact of sunlight on our bodies is undeniably significant.

The Science of Sunlight’s Effects on Health

Production of Vitamin D:

Maybe its most recognized benefit, sunlight facilitates the synthesis of Vitamin D within our skin. This essential vitamin aids in the absorption of calcium, which is paramount for preserving bone density and preventing osteoporosis. As individuals age, their bodies’ capacity to generate Vitamin D diminishes, thereby amplifying the significance of sun exposure. According to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, emphasizing the importance of Vitamin D intake.

Mood Elevation:

Sunlight boosts serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and promotes feelings of happiness and well-being. This can be particularly beneficial for older adults who may encounter seasonal affective disorder (SAD), depression, or similar mood-related challenges.

Improved Sleep Patterns:

Sunlight helps regulate our circadian rhythm, the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to sunlight during the day can improve sleep quality at night. This is especially vital for seniors, as sleep patterns can alter with age.

Immune System Strengthening:

Sunlight is crucial for bolstering immune function. While Vitamin D’s contribution to immune support is well-documented, research from Georgetown University Medical Center also indicates that sunlight, through a mechanism separate from vitamin D production, energizes T cells, which are critical for immunity. Maintaining a strong immune system is essential for seniors to ward off illness and maintain overall health.

Cognitive Advantages:

The National Institute of Health suggests that Vitamin D can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Adequate exposure to sunlight, and consequently sufficient vitamin D, can contribute to maintaining mental clarity.

Enjoying Sunlight at The Village at the Triangle

At The Village at the Triangle, we prioritize the creation of spaces that maximize natural light. Our residences feature expansive windows and thoughtfully designed communal areas that enable residents to enjoy the sun’s warmth and picturesque views.

Our beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces and organized activities encourage walks with neighbors, outdoor social gatherings, or relaxing with a book while soaking up the sun’s rays. Additionally, we arrange excursions to local Austin parks and scenic off-campus locations.

Safe Sun Exposure Protocols

While the benefits of sunlight are substantial, practicing safe sun exposure is crucial. We recommend:

Enhancing Well-Being: Utilizing Sunlight’s Benefits

At The Village at the Triangle, we are committed to providing a lifestyle that fosters holistic wellness. By leveraging the simple yet powerful benefits of sunlight, you can improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We invite you to experience the warmth and vitality of our community, where each day offers an opportunity for a fulfilling life.

Come experience the beauty of spring with us! Schedule a tour.