Gene and Marge Arnott Embrace Their Passion for Travel

Retirement at Tallgrass Creek, an Erickson Senior Living community in Overland Park, Kans., means living life on your own terms. 

For Gene and Marge Arnott, that includes traveling the globe with peace of mind, knowing that their home is safe and secure.

"One of the main reasons we chose Tallgrass Creek was the ability to simply lock the door and go," Marge explains. "I had known people who were robbed while they were away on trips, and I worried about leaving our home empty." 

She adds, "Here, we don't even think about it! Security is always on-site, and neighbors look out for one another."

Country to country

The Arnotts made the move to Tallgrass Creek in April 2016 from their single-family house in nearby Olathe, Kans. 

Marge, who retired from the pharmaceutical business, and Gene, a former heavy-haul trucking business owner, both had independent lifestyles before they met and married 15 years ago. Their shared love for travel made their decision to join Tallgrass Creek an easy one.

Together, Gene and Marge have journeyed to 74 countries, and they're not slowing down. Their travels include everything from cross-country motorhome adventures to luxurious ocean and river cruises. Most recently, they embarked on a four-month cruise that touched six continents--a feat made possible because they had Tallgrass Creek to return to.

"We didn't have to worry about what was happening at home," Gene shares. "Knowing everything was secure gave us the freedom to truly enjoy ourselves."

For Marge, favorite destinations include Vietnam, the Amazon, and Antarctica. "I love experiencing new cultures," she says. "There's so much to learn and appreciate about the way people live around the world."

Gene is still searching for his favorite place. "I'm not sure I've been to my favorite destination yet," he says, with a laugh. "Every trip is an opportunity to see something new, and we want to do as much as we can while we're able to."

After years of experience on the road and at sea, the Arnotts have plenty of travel tips to share. Marge advises packing clothes in a coordinated color palette for versatility, while Gene emphasizes the importance of packing light. 

"You don't have to be a fashionista when you're on a tour," he says. "Take only what you truly need."

But both agree on the importance of planning certain trips earlier in life. 

"If you want to go somewhere physically demanding, like hiking tours or land excursions, do it while you can," Marge suggests. "Save cruises for later when you might want a more relaxed way to travel."

"Better to be early than late," Gene adds. "If you're ready early, just go on to the next place."

Worry-free living

For the Arnotts, the best part of living at Tallgrass Creek is the freedom it provides--they can indulge their wanderlust without hesitation. 

"You just start talking about a destination or hear something or read about it," Marge says. "[A trip] can be pretty spontaneous sometimes. That's another great thing about Tallgrass. We can be spontaneous."

Once Gene and Marge are packed, all they have to do is let security know that they're headed out the door. The best part? Worries like potential leaks and damage from heavy storms are in the past. Staff members keep a close eye on residents' maintenance-free homes, and neighbors offer to water plants. 

The Arnotts also appreciate that, if they decide to stay at home for a stretch of time, there are plenty of engaging events just a short stroll away on campus. 

Gene and Marge enjoy a variety of activities, from playing bridge and mah-jongg to attending lectures and music performances. Gene is active in the veterans' group, and Marge participates in a retired nurses' association. These connections add richness to their life at Tallgrass Creek, balancing their time at home and abroad.

As they prepare for their next journey, the Arnotts reflect on their decision to move to Tallgrass Creek as one of the best they've ever made. 

"It gives us peace of mind," Marge says. "You don't worry about the what ifs."

"We have a network of people to rely on," Gene adds. "Neighbors and staff are quick to ensure no one feels alone. It's a community in every sense of the word."

For anyone considering a move to Tallgrass, the Arnotts have simple advice: "Don't wait too long!" says Marge. "There's a whole world out there waiting to be explored."

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