Talk about independence.

Peg M. and Marian O., residents at The Gardens at St. Elizabeth, are happy to do so. And, in the process, they make it clear they're not about to relinquish their rights to life, liberty or the pursuit of happiness just because they're aging.

For Marian, attending daily mass is a must, service on the Resident Council a matter of civic service and the dining, movies and recreation all in a week's living. She's on a Wii bowling team, enjoys cards and bingo and is equally game for any of the day trips available to those who call the Gardens home.

She laughs, "My kids are always saying, 'Mom, where were you tonight? And I say, "I was out!'"

Peg M. enjoys her solitude. She's also still driving. So her social calendar is different from that of her friend Marian, but no less full. Having the freedom to choose whether or not she wants to join a group for an excursion is key for this former high school counselor.

It's time to think about retirement living options.

It was after several falls that Peg's daughter began insisting they explore possible senior living residences around metro Denver. Peg recaps, "She said, 'Mom, if we do this now, we won't have to fight about it when you really need a different place.'"

It took 10 excursions to various settings and encore visits to The Gardens, but Peg gained a clear picture of the differences in senior living residences. "I learned there weren't a lot of higher-quality, assisted living residences available," she notes. "I also realized that each had its own personality, and this was definitely one of the friendlier."

It's that friendly atmosphere that both Peg and Marian cite when talking with prospective residents about their decision to relocate to The Gardens. That, and the fact that their being here brings their respective families much peace of mind.

"The reality is that aging is progressive," Marian states. "Every day we're getting older. So, I really do look at this as a gift that I can give my children. And when they come to visit, they see I have no regrets."

Curious to know if The Gardens at St. Elizabeth might be a positive, freedom-enhancing choice for your parent's next residence...or your own? Call Kristin at 303-964-3813 for your personal tour and learn more about Denver retirement living and assisted living options.