Do What You Enjoy Most in Retirement

Retirement is an opportunity to pursue what's most important to you! 

Whether it's expanding your social circle, planning for a financially secure future, prioritizing your well-being, reconnecting with an old hobby, or exploring new places through spontaneous travel, making your retirement dreams come true is both exciting and rewarding.

Time to socialize 

When Joe and Patti McCloskey moved to Avery Point, an Erickson Senior Living community in Short Pump, Va., they were eager to embrace a social lifestyle. 

Joe, active in the U.S. Tennis Association, adapted pickleball and tennis for his neighbors with mobility issues using foam and low-compression balls. He loves sharing his passion with others and is especially glad that his project brought people together.

Patti started attending line dancing sessions, which sparked several social connections. Her circle of friends has only grown since then.

"I think there is a true sense of community here that is extremely positive and uplifting," she says. "For me, that's the most special part of living at Avery Point."

Financial security and a healthy lifestyle

Christopher Williams was looking for a retirement community in New Jersey where he could stay close to friends and family, be financially secure, and have peace of mind for the future. He found all that--and more--at Cedar Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J.

"When I was a homeowner, and even when I was renting, I had to bear the full brunt of the costs of living," he explains. "My strong preference was for a [community] with great financials."

Christopher was drawn to Cedar Crest's monthly service package, which bundles everyday living costs as well as maintenance and repairs into one predictable bill. 

The community's variety of fitness options, medical center, and continuum of on-site health care was another benefit. "Knowing that, should I need assistance as I age, I can remain in the community with highly skilled professionals," granted him peace of mind, he says. 

Now, Christopher is enjoying a worry-free retirement. 

He adds, "Friends wondered why I was moving. I explained that the better question is, 'Why wait to fully enjoy everything Cedar Crest has to offer?'"

Rediscovering a passion

When Bob and Patty Lee moved to Wind Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Highlands Ranch, Colo., they reignited their love for making music. They both played instruments in high school, but as adults, their busy schedules limited them to singing in choirs.

When the leader of Wind Crest's resident band learned that the couple had played instruments, he invited them to join. Soon after, a clarinet and a trumpet appeared at their door. 

Eleven years later, the Lees have participated in many other groups and activities, but they note that playing in the band remains their most rewarding pastime. "It keeps me active," says Bob. "I like getting together and being a part of a group."

"Playing in the band, just getting together with people and being able to entertain--we love it!" adds Patty.

Spontaneous travel

For Liina Ladon, a resident of Oak Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Parkville, Md., being able to travel whenever she wishes is the best part of her retirement. 

"I don't have to worry about my house. I can just go with no worries," says Liina, who now enjoys five to six cruises a year. She playfully refers to herself as a "cruise-a-holic."

Although she used to travel alone, community life has enabled her to bring new friends along for the fun. 

Oak Crest offers her much of the same vibrancy she enjoys on her travels. "A lot of people say that Oak Crest is like a cruise ship on land and, to some extent, it is," says Liina. "I enjoy participating in many of the activities. I'm a resident ambassador, and I join fitness classes. And everything's here, including a medical center and pharmacy."

Request a brochure to learn more about how you can achieve your retirement dreams at an Erickson Senior Living community.