Discover the Joy of Community Living at Heather Farm
As people plan for the next stage of life, many seek more than just a place to live. They want a setting where they can enjoy rich experiences, develop meaningful bonds, and lead active and fulfilling days. Community living offers a lifestyle that supports these goals. At The Glen at Heather Farm in Walnut Creek, California, future residents will enjoy the benefits of community living through thoughtfully designed spaces, shared activities, and wellness-focused programs.
What Community Living Means
Community living refers to an environment where residents live near one another and share opportunities for engagement, support, and daily activities. Living in such a community can offer both personal enrichment and collective experiences. Residents will be surrounded by peers who share similar interests and life stages, creating natural opportunities to build friendships, engage in activities, and support one another.
The concept of community living goes beyond proximity. It includes opportunities to participate in social, physical, and recreational activities that promote overall well-being. Whether gathering for a group event, joining a club, or simply enjoying a conversation in a common area, community living fosters a sense of belonging and purpose.
Community Living and Well-Being
Research shows that living in an environment that supports engagement and connection can positively impact quality of life. According to USAging, studies show that remaining socially engaged is associated with improved quality of life, including reduced risk of disability, depression, and cognitive decline (USAging).
Community living makes it easier to stay involved and connected. At Heather Farm, opportunities for engagement will be built into daily life. From creative workshops to group fitness and educational events, the community will encourage residents to participate in ways that align with their interests and energy levels.
Recent studies have also shown how deeply social health influences physical wellness. Data from Harvard Health found that loneliness and social isolation are associated with a 29% increased risk of heart attack and a 32% greater risk of stroke, comparable to the risks associated with light smoking or obesity (Harvard Health, 2016). These findings highlight the importance of regular social connection, something that community living naturally encourages.
Staying Connected Through Shared Activities
One of the hallmarks of community living is the variety of shared activities that bring people together. At The Glen at Heather Farm, future residents will have access to planned events and shared spaces that encourage participation and connection. Activities such as group walks, cultural outings, wellness classes, and discussion groups will help residents feel engaged and connected.
Shared activities also support mental and emotional health. Being part of group experiences gives residents the chance to learn new skills, engage in meaningful conversation, and enjoy a sense of accomplishment. These moments of connection can help promote happiness and a sense of belonging.
Physical Activity and Community Living
Community living also supports physical activity, which is essential for maintaining health and independence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes that regular physical activity helps adults 65 and older stay independent longer, improves brain health, lowers risk of heart disease and stroke, and supports mental well-being (CDC.gov, 2025).
In addition, studies show that people are more likely to sustain their involvement in physical activity when they exercise with others in group-based settings rather than exercising alone (PMC, 2022). This reinforces one of the core benefits of community living: shared participation makes healthy habits easier to maintain.
At Heather Farm, amenities such as walking paths, fitness areas, and outdoor gathering spaces will encourage residents to stay active at a level that matches their interests and abilities. Group fitness classes and gentle movement opportunities will also help residents maintain strength and balance, contributing to an active and engaged lifestyle.
Being physically active alongside others has additional benefits. Shared movement fosters camaraderie and gives residents the chance to support one another as they pursue wellness goals. This sense of shared purpose reinforces positive habits and makes staying active enjoyable.
Purpose and Meaning in Community Living
When people live in a setting that encourages connection and engagement, they often find new sources of purpose. Community living brings opportunities to explore hobbies, lead group activities, participate in educational events, and contribute to shared experiences.
Feeling useful and connected to others supports emotional resilience and personal satisfaction. Research has shown that strong social relationships are linked to better health outcomes and a greater sense of well-being. Living among others who share similar interests helps residents feel both independent and supported.
A Community Designed for Life
As a Life Plan Community, The Glen at Heather Farm will combine the lifestyle benefits of community living with thoughtful plans for the future. This means residents will be able to enjoy their everyday experiences knowing that additional support services will be available if needed later on. Having this balanced approach allows residents to focus on what matters most: the quality of their days, the joy of shared experiences, and the confidence that their environment supports their needs.
Every aspect of the community’s design will reflect this approach. From intentional gathering spaces to wellness programs and social events, The Glen at Heather Farm is being created with the idea that connection, engagement, and community living can contribute to a fulfilling lifestyle.
To learn more about our new retirement community opening soon, click here to contact us or click here to view available floor plans.
Works Cited
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Physical Activity Benefits for Adults 65 or Older.” CDC.gov, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/health-benefits/older-adults.html
Harvard Health Publishing. “Loneliness Has the Same Risk as Smoking for Heart Disease.” Harvard Health, 2016. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/loneliness-has-same-risk-as-smoking-for-heart-disease
PubMed Central. “Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity.” PMC, 2022. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9053316/
USAging. “Social Engagement.” USAging.org. https://www.usaging.org/socialengagement
