“It’s fabulous!” Atria Resident Describes Life at Her Community

Curious what a day in the life of a senior living resident looks like?

“It’s fabulous,” says Atria resident Barbara R.

Whether she’s chatting with neighbors in the film club or painting in her art studio, Barbara’s days are filled with friendship, fun and fulfillment.

Keep reading to learn more about Barbara’s story and what she looks forward to as a resident at Atria Bell Court Gardens in Tucson, Arizona.

What is a typical day like for you?

Barbara: My favorite thing to do here – I still go to work. I go to work every day in the art studio I rent in downtown Tucson. It’s just the most fabulous space. It’s like a miracle. It’s a 100-year-old warehouse that’s made out of brick with 20-some-foot ceilings and skylights that look like they’re in a European movie. It’s fabulous!

So I go to work, and then I come back here to Atria and meet up with this group of people who feel like family to me. And we have a dinner party – and none of us have to cook. We can talk like mad, have a glass of wine and then go back to our apartments.

Tell us about some of the senior living activities you and your friends participate in?

Barbara: We formed a film club. So, we’re seeing films from other countries every Wednesday night at 6:30. And then usually a discussion happens right after the film. Sometimes we keep talking about the film over the next couple of dinners. But basically, it’s like my ideal life. I get to paint all day and then go to a dinner party every night – that I didn’t have to design – with people I love.

What else do you and your neighbors have in common?

Barbara: These people have traveled all over the world. They all read books. They listen to the news. And they’re just kind. I mean, just the sweetest people. When friends of mine visit me, I try to make sure they meet my little Atria family, because that to me is part of the heart of the place.

The other thing is the staff. It’s like you’re on a cruise because the staff is from all over the world. I would say the pervading feeling is a sense of their kindness and wanting to help you. So basically, dinner parties every night and interacting with the people who work here who love their job.