News and Perspectives on Positive Aging.

Dining at the Woodlands at Furman is about more than just food — it’s about crafting an experience that encompasses memorable dishes, good company and exceptional service. Our commitment to promoting health and well-being through our diverse dining program sets us apart in the world…

At The Woodlands at Furman, “Author Your Life” isn’t just a clever marketing phrase but a central maxim to how we approach residential life in our community. So, this month, we chose to introduce readers to the concepts of “lifespan” and “healthspan,” which have become…

The earth has taken another turn around the sun and that means that yes, we will soon be another year older. What better time than now for a little inspiration about the meaning of empowered aging?  It’s not like it used to be. Today, the…

December is a truly magical time filled with warmth, joy and a rich tapestry of seasonal celebrations. At The Woodlands in Greenville, SC, we embrace the diverse spirit of the holidays and cherish the unique flavors each brings to our vibrant senior living community. From…

As the autumn leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, it’s a natural cue for transformation. This season symbolizes change and reflection, inviting us to clear out the old and make space for new possibilities. In the fall, nature is letting go, encouraging us to…

The Woodlands at Furman stands out in supporting healthy aging in a number of ways. “Well, I accept that aging is a part of life, so I am going to learn to do it the best I can.”   This quote was shared by a…

We all know that talking about planning is easier than doing the planning itself. But what happens if you embrace planning as a tool rather than a chore? As we age, planning becomes one of the most important things we can do to protect ourselves…

Greetings, fellow lifelong learners! Here is some exciting news from The Woodlands to set your autumn spirits ablaze – registration is now open for the fall 2023 OLLI term. Get ready to embark on a new season of knowledge, discovery and camaraderie with a selection…

This is one of the best golf courses for golfers over 60 in Greenville, SC. If golf is a big part of your long-term retirement plans, we have you covered.  Many residents of The Woodlands at Furman love the fact that they can jump in…

We are sharing our favorite summer activities in Greenville including outdoor festivals, cultural activities and dining hot spots. At The Woodlands, we get a lot of out-of-town guests during summer – people who are considering relocating to Greenville for their later years and touring the…

The Woodlands at Furman is creating a Blue Zone in Greenville, SC  “Eat your vegetables, have a positive outlook, be kind to people and smile.” – Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest….

Humans excel at physical endurance. Our ability to travel for hours on foot may not dazzle speedier mammals like cheetahs or even horses, but 2 million years ago it made us formidably persistent hunters and today it makes us naturals at hiking, even as we…

If you’re a senior with a pet, and you’re considering a move to a retirement community, you want a place that’s the perfect fit for both of you. Most senior living communities welcome pets with open arms; some even offer such tail-wagging amenities as dog…

Downsizing offers a host of benefits, including less stress and clutter, and fewer home maintenance chores. Yet you might worry that a smaller home means a smaller life. The good news is, it doesn’t, especially if you’re downsizing to a residence near a college campus,…

If you’re caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you likely devote a lot of energy to tending to their needs. But as their condition progresses, you may find yourself questioning whether you’ll be able to meet the escalating…

A retirement community is for retired seniors, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be. The maintenance-free lifestyle offered in a senior living community gives residents more time to do the things they truly enjoy — and for many older adults, working is enjoyable. In fact,…

Does the idea of going back to college in retirement pique your curiosity? If so, a university-based retirement community may be the perfect setting for the next chapter in your life. There’s no need to brush up on college entrance exams or move into a…

Maybe you’ve noticed your mom isn’t going to her senior exercise class anymore or that your dad is regularly missing a patch of whiskers when he shaves. It’s to be expected that, as your parent gets older, they might slow down a little, or find…

Who says college towns are only for students? Retirees who are looking for meaningful opportunities to learn, contribute and flourish are seeking out college towns to retire in. With fewer than 250,000 residents and a college or university as a central focus of the community,…

“The mind really is a palace. Not only for its perception of symmetry and the outrageously beautiful, but also because it can invent, imagine and, most importantly, it can delve,” said Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison in a 2002 lecture at the University of Toronto….

You may have heard about the movement toward sustainable dining by eating locally sourced foods and reducing food waste as a way of helping the environment. But what do these concepts really mean? How does sustainable dining help our planet? Healthier for the Earth and…

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a form of retirement community that has existed for over a century. The concept has been popular with older adults looking to age in place because it offers exactly what the name implies: continuing care. A resident of…

Each year, Greenville News recognizes the best of local community businesses by inviting readers to vote for their top choices. We’re proud to announce that The Woodlands at Furman was named Best Assisted Living for 2021. So why do local seniors and families turn to…

Life is busy, and even with all the technological advancements that allow us to instantly communicate with each other, people of all ages can still feel isolated. This is especially true during major life transitions like moving to a new place, starting a new career…

It’s estimated that over 6 million Americans are currently living with dementia. Although it affects everyone differently — from the speed of onset to the type of symptoms — here are some common dementia changes you may see in your loved one: Apathy or a…

Moving is never easy, but when it comes to packing up and moving from a home you’ve lived in for decades, things can become overwhelming as you begin the process. The most important thing you can do is to slow down and take the process…

Max and Trude Heller, pillars of the Greenville community and beloved Woodlands at Furman residents, inspired generations of Greenvillians and South Carolinians to be doers and to follow their dreams. From humble European roots, the Hellers came to Greenville in hope of a new future…

Baby Boomers, who are the current group of people retiring in the U.S., have spent a lot of time and money enjoying the pleasures of travel in recent years. One of the main reasons Boomers are traveling is because they can afford to. They’ve spent…

It’s a very common question, one countless adult children have had to answer: How can I talk to my parents about assisted living? Sure, it may be a fairly standard topic for some, but it’s a new one for you. This is the first time…

Science has shown our brain continues to adapt in response to new experiences regardless of our age. When we gain knowledge or practice a new skill, our brain creates new neural pathways. We increase its resilience. And we get better at coping with change. Lifelong learning is…

Own a dog? Considering a move to a senior living community? If you’re a dog owner, you may think leaving your home means leaving your pet behind. Thankfully, in today’s retirement communities, pet ownership is the norm and not the exception. When you’re looking for…

When older loved ones are done with a hospital stay for illness or injury, you and they have one thing in mind: home. But often, a patient is not discharged to home; they’re discharged to rehab. How exactly does this process work, and who has…

As dementia progresses, it slowly diminishes abilities and eventually prevents your loved one from verbally communicating with you and the rest of the world. But research shows art classes for dementia patients can provide a key way for dementia patients to express themselves. That’s because…

The American dream is rooted in homeownership. One thing often left out of the dream scenario is how much time and money owning a home takes. When you’re invested in a community through your job and children’s schools, it’s all worth it. But what do…

IMPORTANT FURMAN INFORMATION Furman University officials have notified us that Woodlands residents are welcome to start walking around the lake on June 1.  I mistakenly mentioned May 1 at the Resident Council meeting this afternoon. We were told that we can’t yet enter the Furman buildings,…

New Organization Chart I had to chuckle when one of my favorite residents mentioned to me she actually missed the Friday COVID communications!  I told her we really didn’t miss writing them, meaning we are hoping the worst part of the pandemic is behind us!  Nevertheless, while…

Retiring in Greenville, SC Nestled against the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the heart of South Carolina’s Upcountry, Greenville boasts a reinvigorated community with the fastest-growing population in the state. If you’re an active senior who loves the mountains, retiring in Greenville, SC, offers charming small-town…

No News is Good News!! We are continuing to test all staff and residents in the Arboretum for COVID regularly. We are pleased to report, we haven’t detected a case of the virus since February 9.  We are also continuing to encourage our unvaccinated staff members…

The Woodlands’ Test Results Again this week, our testing indicated no active cases of COVID in our community. Restrictions have changed only slightly, see underlined information below for changes. COVID Restrictions Following are COVID restrictions for the week beginning March 8, 2021.  Based on The…

Our hunger to learn doesn’t fade with age. For active seniors who want to continue to grow and enrich themselves, a university-based retirement community is one of the best places to retire. Living in a university-based retirement community can provide meaning and value beyond that…

The Woodlands’ Test Results Again this week, our testing indicated no active cases of COVID in our community.   These great results are a tribute to the extraordinary attention to safety by our staff and residents. COVID Restrictions Following are COVID restrictions for the week beginning…

As you research senior living options, you’ll discover that not only are there different types of communities, there are different types of financial agreements, too. Understanding the differences in senior living contracts will help you make an informed decision and create a smarter plan for…

Prisma Health North Greenville A resident notified us of excellent service being provided at the Prisma Health North Greenville campus.  Walk-in Care North Greenville provides same-day care for adults in the Travelers Rest community. No appointment is needed.  The following illnesses and injuries can be addressed at…

Vaccine Update Today is a big day for The Woodlands!  We anticipate that by the end of the day, most of our Independent Living residents will have had their second Moderna shot. The good news is that soon we will be able to lessen several…

Vaccine Update We vaccinated 168 residents and staff members with the second dose of the Moderna vaccine on Tuesday.  I (Mary Lou) called four of our residents who had the second dose to check on them the day after the clinic.  Two of those I…

The residents of The Woodlands at Furman have watched the construction of the 13,000-square-foot Community Village for months and now they can use it every day. To say they are excited would be an understatement. The locally-owned, non-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community, located adjacent to Furman…

Vaccine Clinic Through our CVS clinics held on December 29 and January 8, we’ve vaccinated almost 400 of our community members – a huge step to freedom!  Just a reminder the second dose for those who were vaccinated on December 29 is scheduled for January…

If you’re in one of the 55 percent of American households with a pet, deciding where to spend your golden years can mean finding the right home for both you and a four-legged friend. Whether retirement has given you the freedom to become a pet…

Wednesday, March 7 was filled with music and revelry as The Woodlands at Furman sponsored an evening performance of Ragtime: The Musical at the Greenville Little Theatre. Over 500 people were in attendance to watch the musical, enjoy drinks and light hors-d’oeuvres, and mingle with friends. The audience…

This year, the South Carolina Theatre Association (SCTA) recognized outstanding contributions across the state. The organization awarded actors for their great work on stage, and it awarded producers, directors, set designers, and others for their efforts backstage. As it does each year, the SCTA also…

Thinking about moving into a new retirement villa at The Woodlands at Furman? There are so many great options to choose from! There’s Cottonwood, with its expansive front porch perfect for a pair of rocking chairs. The Hawthorne offers a spacious study area that you…

Though meditation has been quieting minds for more than 5,000 years, it might still seem “far out” if you’ve never tried it. If that’s the case, you might be surprised to learn that scientists have recently linked mindful exercises like meditation and yoga with a…

John Neiswender was a student at Furman University when he and Barbara married. Now, 50 years later, the couple has returned to Greenville to make a home at The Woodlands at Furman. Rewarding Careers and Family Life After they married, John and Barbara lived in Greenville…

At The Woodlands at Furman, you can walk to Furman University to keep your brain fit with an OLLI class and then treat your grandkids to ice cream in one of America’s best small cities, all in the same day. Greenville is a great place to be a…

Mary Pirrallo says she and her husband, Brian Masinick, were hooked the first time they stepped foot on the campus of The Woodlands at Furman. “We came for a visit in January of 2018 and did not want to leave!” Mary says. A Family Connection Mary…