Sherry Wolff has been a resident of The Gatesworth for more than five years and loves the convenience of having everything just a few steps away, especially the fitness center and salon. An avid swimmer and a former water aerobics instructor, exercise has always been part of her life. She’s had to transition into different activities because of health issues, but she remains committed to staying active—and hopefully getting back in the pool soon. “I do miss water aerobics, but my knees were so bad I didn’t want to get into a swimsuit,” she says. “I just had a knee replacement, and hopefully I can start my normal schedule again.”

Wolff, 83, had to take a few weeks off while recovering from surgery, but is ready to start up again. Her typical fitness program includes a stretching class twice a week at the fitness center, led by instructors whom she describes as “absolutely wonderful.” She enjoys seeing the same familiar faces every week. “You have to keep moving,” she says. “You just feel better when you exercise. It may not always feel good while you’re doing it, but it helps in the long run.”

Wolff believes it’s important to take care of yourself on all levels, and she follows her own advice. She gets her hair cut and colored every six weeks, her nails done about every three weeks, and schedules regular massages and facials. “It’s all important! You have to keep moving, take care of your skin and take time for yourself,” she says.

She’s been going to the same stylist at The Gatesworth for a few years and loves the convenience of the salon. “I just make my appointment, walk downstairs and there I am!” She stays consistent with her beauty routine, requesting the same style and color for her hair, and always choosing a light color for her nails. Wolff notes that sleep is a big part of her beauty routine, too. “I get lots of sleep,” she says. “I miss a lot of the entertainment here at night because I go to bed so early. I need my beauty rest!”

[the routine]
I attend a stretching class twice a week at The Gatesworth fitness center. I’ve always been into exercise and am under the impression if you don’t use it, you lose it! I get my hair cut and colored every six weeks and my nails done about every three weeks. I also schedule regular massages and facials.

Photo: Charles Barnes