Erickson Retirement Communities founder and CEO John Erickson says he regularly gets two kinds of “universal comments” from residents. The first he says is people who say, “I didn’t do it soon enough,” and the second is, “This was far better than I ever expected.”
“When people move into a social-based retirement community, they find that the engagement, the excitement, and the involvement way exceed their expectations,” Erickson says.
A ‘life-changing’ transition made easier
As Monarch Landing’s director of resident life, Linda Wylder is very familiar with the transition into retirement.
“Retirement is life-changing. It can be as life changing as going off to college for the first time, getting married, enrolling in the armed services or even starting a family,” Wylder says. “Smart and active older adults ease into retirement by moving to Monarch Landing where they can spend their time pursuing the things that they have always wanted to do but never had the time or opportunity.”
Ron Sellberg says his personal transition from a full-time career to retirement has been eased by the wide variety of things to get involved in at Monarch Landing. Already, he’s joined the resident life committee, works out regularly at the fitness center, and plays water volleyball with a group every Friday afternoon.
“If we were still living at out house, it probably would have made the transition a lot harder because there would have been a lot less interaction with other people,” he says.
A former stay-at-home mother and homemaker who volunteered as a teacher’s aide, Ellen Sellberg says she is happy to have more quality time with her husband now that he is retired.
“It’s a little different,” she says. “I had my own schedule before, but it’s nice to have him home for dinner now.”
Ellen Sellberg has joined Monarch Landing’s television crew and participates in the weekly line dancing class for some fun and exercise.
It’s not only the array of activities but the people who make Monarch Landing a great place to retire. Whether it’s at Friday afternoon happy hours or dinner at the Millstone restaurant, residents say they have ample opportunities to get to know one another.
“It’s very nice to have a lot of new friends,” Ellen Sellberg says.
Free time—and friends to enjoy it with
Living at Monarch Landing makes it easier for people to enjoy their free time because they don’t have to worry about things like grocery shopping, cooking, or house maintenance and repairs. All maintenance to the apartment homes and one meal a day are included in the monthly service package.
John Erickson points out that living in your house starts to lose value as you get older. Your kids have moved out, so you are left with a lot of extra space you don’t need. And things like stairs can be difficult for older adults, especially those who suffer from arthritis.
“Then you have all of the maintenance issues,” Erickson says. “There’s much better use of your time and energy when you’re 75 than maintaining your home.”
The Sellbergs agree that if they were still living in their Naperville house, much of their leisure time would be eaten up by chores. Instead, the active couple takes threemile walks together every morning on the community’s landscaped trails, and they have several vacations lined up for later this year.
“Living here just makes [retirement] a lot easier,” Ron Sellberg says.
Tips to get the most out of your retirement
Retirement is an exciting life change, but it can bring with it some unexpected surprises. The lack of structure and social interaction that work provided can leave some people unsure of how to fill their days with meaning. But with some planning, and an appetite for adventure, you can make the most of your retirement.
1. Embrace change: Know that your retirement will be a major life change and prepare for it like you would any other transition—talk to other people who have been through it and maker sure you are ready, both emotionally and financially.
2. Stay involved: Now that you don’t have to report for work every morning, your days are yours to spend as you please. Fill them with activities that you’ve always wanted to pursue—join a book club, volunteer at a hospital, or learn how to sail—the choice is up to you!
3. Get in shape: As you get older, its more important than ever to get regular physical activity. Team up with friends to take a brisk walk every morning, swim laps at your local gym, or enroll in a yoga class. If you’re in good physical health, you’ll be better able to enjoy all that retirement has to offer.
4. You are what you eat: Don’t let your newfound free time be an excuse to load up on junk foods. Consult with your physician to make sure you’re eating a balanced diet that will help you maintain good health for many years to come.
5. Create a routine: Leisure time is great, but you should still maintain a routine when you’re retired. Try to get up at the same time each morning, and fill your week with activities you enjoy so you’ll be more inclined to stick to your schedule.
Source: Dr. Barbara Resnick