Pursue The Retirement Lifestyle You Want

A morning stroll on a scenic nature trail. A delicious lunch outdoors with friends. A peaceful interlude on your sofa or patio with an interesting book. An entertaining concert after dinner. 

Residents at Erickson Senior Living communities have a wide range of options like these to choose from. Whether you are a social butterfly or someone who values lots of downtime, you can experience the lifestyle that’s right for you at our communities.

We recently spoke with Erickson Senior Living’s Director of Vibrant Living Michelle Aguilar to learn how residents enjoy the freedom to connect with neighbors and pursue their interests.

Q: What does a typical day look like for someone who lives at an Erickson Senior Living community?

A: Every day can be different! Our residents thrive on the opportunity to form social connections, close friendships as well as broader groups. At each community, there are so many clubs, groups, and activities to participate in—think a relaxing after-dinner card group, a lifelong learning program, or a pickleball team. Giving back to others is also a common theme, so residents volunteer their time and talent to local schools or community service organizations, for example.

In each case, residents chart their own path, pursuing activities that interest them with new friends and neighbors. Being a part of a community allows easy access to opportunities that they might not experience by being isolated in a house.

Q: How do communities determine what clubs and groups to offer residents? 

A: It’s simple: residents tell us! In addition to programs offered by their community, residents have the freedom to create the groups and activities they enjoy most. In turn, each community has a Resident Life Department, whose team members offer support and counsel to resident groups with logistics like publicizing events, reserving meeting space, and making sure that the rooms are set up properly—in short, making it easier to get your group together or pursue your favorite hobby. These are valuable partnerships that help turn each day into a memorable experience.

Residents also have the opportunity to serve on various committees that help plan entertainment events like concerts, art shows, and more. This sense of engagement creates connections and provides residents with another way to express their voice in doing the things they aspire to do.

Q: Have residents created any interesting new clubs or activities lately?

A: Thanks to the robust amenities like pickleball and bocce courts at our communities, there is no shortage of ways to stay active! At a number of our communities, we have lifelong learning programs where residents keep their minds active by both leading and attending classes on different subjects. We have clubs that focus on interests as varied as genealogy, amateur radio, woodworking, and opera appreciation. There are even a few ukulele clubs! The possibilities are endless, and there’s room for everyone.

Q: Sharing a meal is a great way to connect with friends and family. How do Erickson Senior Living communities make this easier to do? 

A: As I travel to communities across the country, I am so happy to see residents enjoying a good meal with neighbors, family, and friends. These are incredible connection points throughout the day that truly help residents live better lives.

Our culinary teams have done an incredible job of creating a dining experience that centers on variety and choice. The menus are rotated frequently based on resident feedback, and all selections are cooked to order with fresh ingredients. The teams take pride in commemorating special occasions like holidays, religious celebrations like a seder, or local cuisine like seafood on the east coast or barbecue in Texas. 

Q: Why is it so important for residents to have so many exciting options?

A: This is the essence of being a resident at an Erickson Senior Living community: the opportunity to be who you are and experience a vibrant lifestyle! 

So often in life, we put aside our own interests to pursue an education, begin a career, and raise a family. These are incredible and noble pursuits, but in retirement, residents are often ready to give up unsatisfying chores like home maintenance and do what they really want, like travel or simply spend time with family and friends.

I’ve seen lives change for the better at Erickson Senior Living communities! I would encourage you to visit to see for yourself. Our teams are happy to show you the community and introduce you to residents who can tell you more about maintenance-free living.

Find a community near you to learn more about a day in the life of an Erickson Senior Living resident.