Living Well at Siena Lakes

People who live in retirement communities are less lonely, more physically active, and more engaged than before they moved in, according to a June 2025 U.S. News & World Report survey.

This is especially true at Siena Lakes, an Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla., where residents enjoy a wide array of social activities, wellness programs, dining options, and on-site health care--all of which support their overall well-being.

Just ask Louise Howard, who moved into her lovely two-bedroom, two-bath home at Siena Lakes six months ago.

"In my first two months here, I had lunch or dinner with more than 30 new people!" she says. "I appreciate the wealth of friendships, the new opportunities, and Erickson's focus on wellness, happiness, and fulfillment for its residents."

A warm welcome

When Louise lived in a nearby condo, the building was nearly empty every summer because residents traveled north for the season. As a result, Siena Lakes' vibrant, welcoming atmosphere stood out to her.

"As I was unpacking [on my first day], people were walking by and greeting me," says Louise.

Now, she's meeting great people and making friends year-round. "The society here is so exciting. There are a lot of very smart, interesting people who have had fantastic lives, and their stories are so enriching," she says.

Louise notes that the team members she's met are friendly as well. "They smile, greet me, and say, 'Good morning!'" she says. "Initially, I was so surprised, but that's how everyone is here."

Active and engaged

Thanks to the community's worry-free lifestyle, Louise finds it easy to stay active and engaged. Home maintenance, including appliance repair and replacement, is handled by the expert General Services team.

"Our residents get to live a vibrant lifestyle during their retirement. Instead of waiting for repair services, they can be out enjoying all the activities happening on campus!" says Resident Life Director Matthew Verborn.

As a former athlete, Louise works with a personal trainer and utilizes the community's fitness center. She's also learning to play bocce.

Louise has shared knitting projects with neighbors who needlework, volunteered at the reception desk in the Sales Center, and gone to bingo when a friend invited her. "There must have been 60 of us playing," she says. "I didn't think I would like it, but we had so much fun!"

"With dozens of clubs and activities, there's practically something for everyone," says Verborn. "But if you don't find a club you like, you can start one with our support."

Some of the most popular activities on campus are bocce, live performances, art classes, card groups, mah-jongg, pickleball, and the golf simulator, among others.

Feeling safe and secure

Louise also credits the community's hurricane safety plans for her busy social calendar.

Before moving to Siena Lakes, she lived through three hurricanes. When Ian destroyed the ground floor of her condo building, she had to move out for nearly two years while it was repaired. During Hurricanes Milton and Ellen, she was the only person left in her building, as everyone else had evacuated to be with relatives.

"I didn't want to go through that again," she says. At Siena Lakes, she'll never have to, as it was constructed to protect residents against hurricane-strength winds and rains.

"I also like that this is a gated community," notes Louise. With security staff trained in emergency response and her primary care doctor right at the medical center on campus, she feels safe.

'An excellent move'

Louise loves her new home so much that she has already become a resident ambassador, taking prospective and new residents to dinner at the seven restaurants on campus.

She has also invited people from her former condo complex and parishioners from nearby Moorings Presbyterian Church; where she serves as a deacon, usher, and eucharistic minister; to dinner at Siena Lakes.

"Coming to this community and being surrounded by new friends and opportunities, I've had to tell others all about it," Louise says. "I'm so comfortable, happy, and relaxed. This was an excellent move for me!"

To learn more about the ways you can explore senior living, request more information today.

By Michele Wojciechowski