Kate Silsbury has settled seamlessly into retirement at Valle Verde in Santa Barbara, California, using the opportunity to pursue a brand-new sport and put her strong skills as a financial advisor to good use within the community.
When she first laid eyes on the pickleball courts at Valle Verde, she was enthralled by the enjoyment and energy they hosted. She had no experience with the sport before moving to the community, but when she saw others enjoying the game, she decided to give it a go — and she never looked back.
Despite having never picked up a paddle before, Kate was immediately hooked and quickly integrated herself with other players in the community. The group, dubbed the Pickle Pals, meets at the pickleball courts to play together on a regular basis.
“The camaraderie here is so incredible on and off the court, and I have made some wonderful friendships at Valle Verde,” Kate says.
In fact, Kate’s favorite thing about playing pickleball is that it provides her with what she refers to as the three C’s: cardio, camaraderie and competition. But joining the Pickle Pals also illustrates the true meaning of a fourth C: community.
“Everyone is so welcoming, warm and encouraging here,” she says. “I don’t have any family, so I was looking for a strong sense of community, which is why I decided to move to Valle Verde. I most certainly found that here, and I am grateful.”
The support and friendship she garners from the sport can’t be understated. For Kate and her pals, it’s about more than exercise.
“The Pickle Pals have fun during pickleball gatherings and celebrate each other every day.”
The pickleball courts are so much more than just the setting for a simple game — they offer residents the chance to truly experience the meaning of community through shared interests and friendly competition.
Kate is certainly a passionate player, but she also finds ways to uplift and connect with her fellow residents off the court. In addition to being a resident pickler, Kate has put her seasoned skills as a financial advisor to good use, standing as treasurer of the resident council and as a member of the finance committee.
She has her career as a financial advisor to thank for her early exposure to the type of retirement lifestyle that Valle Verde had to offer.
“I had visited many of my clients at Life Plan Communities while working in the financial arena,” Kate says. “I came to know Valle Verde through my work and service on several committees before moving, so I knew the community well and really enjoyed the amazing caliber and diverse group of people who live and work here.”
Kate’s life at Valle Verde is a great representation of the many doors that retirement can open for those who choose a Life Plan Community. Her senior living experience is proof that a meaningful life depends on more than just where you live — it depends on how you choose to spend your days and the connections that fuel you along the way.
Discover more resident stories here.