Outdoor Wellness at Taylor Glen

Spending time outdoors is good for you. That is not just intuition. Research consistently shows that time in natural environments supports physical health, mental wellbeing, and cognitive function in older adults. A study published in the National Institutes of Health's research database found that older adults living in retirement communities who spent more than 30 minutes outdoors daily reported fewer depressive symptoms and better overall functioning than those who spent less time outside.

At Taylor Glen, getting outside is not an afterthought. It is built into the fabric of the campus. Spread across 124 rolling acres in Concord, North Carolina, the grounds include walking paths, a fishing pond with a gazebo, community garden plots, a croquet court, and a dedicated dog park.

Walking Paths

Our 124-acre campus is laced with walking and golf cart paths that wind through green space and past landmarks like the pond, the community garden, and the new cottage neighborhood. Walking is one of the most accessible and effective forms of exercise available to older adults, supporting cardiovascular health, balance, and mood. At Taylor Glen, the landscape makes it easy to step outside and keep moving.

The Pond and Gazebo

There is a gazebo at the pond on our campus, a quiet place to sit, watch the water, and exhale. Residents are welcome to cast a line off the dock and see what's biting. Beyond the enjoyment of it, fishing and time near water are well-documented stress-reducing activities. The simple act of sitting near a natural body of water, with no particular agenda, has measurable benefits for mood and mental clarity. Some of the most restorative moments in a day do not require effort at all.

The Community Garden

Our resident garden plots come alive in the summer with tomatoes, sweet corn, squash, and whatever else residents decide to grow. Gardening supports physical activity, fine motor engagement, and a genuine sense of purpose and accomplishment. It is also one of the more social spaces on campus. People stop to chat, share what is coming in, and compare notes on what worked and what did not. The garden is as much a gathering place as it is a place to grow things.

The Dog Park

Taylor Glen is a pet-friendly community, and that matters more than it might seem. Pets encourage daily outdoor movement, provide companionship, and are consistently linked with reduced feelings of loneliness and lower stress levels. Our dog park gives residents and their dogs a dedicated space to get outside and socialize.

The Croquet Court

Right next to the dog park, the croquet court is another reason to step outside and spend time with neighbors. It is a low-impact, social activity that is accessible to a wide range of abilities and rewards casual play as much as competition.

A Campus Designed for Wellbeing

Each of these spaces is part of a larger whole. Our community life at Taylor Glen is designed around the belief that wellness is not a single program or amenity. It is a way of living. The outdoor campus works alongside our fitness center, heated indoor pool, yoga and balance classes, preventive health screenings, and robust social programming to support the whole person, every day of the year.

If you would like to see the campus for yourself, we would love to show you around. Contact our team to schedule a tour.