Ken And Marilyn Anderson Join the Priority List for Emerson Lakes

Ken and Marilyn Anderson last year said goodbye to some neighbors who were moving from Del Webb, their 55-plus community, to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). 

After seeing many of their friends make a similar move, they began to consider whether they should too.

As chair of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a community volunteer organization that provides residents with resources related to next steps in their lives, Ken was already familiar with the CCRC landscape. Emerson Lakes, an Erickson Senior Living community under construction in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., caught the couple's eye. 

So, the Andersons met with Mike Fletcher, sales counselor at Emerson Lakes, who helped further educate them about CCRCs. They came in looking to explore their options and left as members of the community's Priority List, which holds their place in line for their choice of an apartment home. 

Home sweet home

Originally, Ken and Marilyn considered moving closer to one of their children. Their daughter lives in Dallas, Tex., and their son is located in Charlotte, N.C.

"We could relocate to be near them, but we decided we want to stay right here because we love Florida," Ken explains. "We love our church, and we can stay in the same social network. At Emerson Lakes, we will be just a few miles from our friends--and we will also make new friends."

"Plus," adds Marilyn, "Emerson Lakes will truly benefit from lessons learned at other Erickson Senior Living communities. They have a history of building cultures that really bring people together and allow relationships to gel. It is right for Ken and me, at this point in our lives."

Amenities and more

Since Del Webb provides an assortment of on-site amenities, Ken and Marilyn say that some neighbors asked why they wanted to move. But the Andersons note that they'll be able to enjoy an array of amenities and a maintenance- and worry-free lifestyle. 

"We are opting for Emerson Lakes because it allows us to age in place," Ken says. "It takes away the requirement of caring for our property. Even though the homeowners' association where we live takes care of our lawn, I still invest many hours each week. Will I be able to do that several years from now? Will I want to do that versus doing other things?"

He continues, "I'd rather devote my time giving back to the community while investing more time with our children and grandchildren when they come to visit."

Like the Andersons, hundreds of Priority List members are ready to wave goodbye to house maintenance and say hello to schedules filled with friends and fun. The campus will be beautifully landscaped by the grounds team, and regular maintenance needs will be handled by the community's General Services department. 

When residents need appliances repaired or a light bulb replaced, they simply make a phone call. 

Without the hassle of maintenance, Ken and Marilyn will have more free time to enjoy activities--including pickleball, card games, and social groups. They will also have access to a state-of-the-art fitness center with exercise classes, an outdoor pool, game room, and a creative arts studio. 

Forming friendships

Ken, an avid golfer, anticipates starting a golf club and becoming involved in the Resident Advisory Council, which offers input and feedback on issues that affect residents. 

And as active people who played many sports in their lifetimes, the couple can see themselves playing bocce, biking, exercising, taking walks, and returning to a former pastime--table tennis. 

As a retired counseling psychologist, Ken recognizes the value of staying active and making connections, especially as people age. "We truly desire to be in an environment that is lively, active, and engaged," he says. 

Lucky for them, they don't have to wait to move in to make new friends. Thanks to Emerson Lakes' exclusive social events for Priority List members, Ken and Marilyn have already formed relationships with future neighbors. 

"The sales team at Emerson Lakes is building momentum with a sense of anticipation and excitement," Marilyn says. "Even though we have a few years before we move, we're pleased to be exploring our next step with the people who may be our new neighbors and friends."

'Firsthand experience'

If you're interested in getting the inside scoop on Emerson Lakes or reserving an apartment home, Fletcher recommends joining the Priority List. 

"We only require a refundable $1,000 deposit," says Fletcher. "It's a zero-risk way to learn more about all that Emerson Lakes has to offer!"

He continues, "Members have also participated in a charter bus tour to Siena Lakes, our sister property in Naples, Fla., where they met staff and residents, toured an apartment home, and even dined in on-campus restaurants. That kind of firsthand experience is unbeatable."

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Emerson Lakes, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.