Make Your Dream Retirement a Reality at Lantern Hill

When friends and relatives want to come visit Bill List at Lantern Hill, an Erickson Senior Living community in New Providence, N.J., they have to squeeze into his busy schedule.

"I think it's important to stay busy and active, not just for your physical health but also to socialize and make new friends," says Bill, who enjoys playing pickleball and table tennis, participating in exercise classes, line dancing with neighbors, and gardening.

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Carla Brady, resident life director at Lantern Hill, notes that many prospective residents are impressed by the number of clubs and activities offered at the community.

"We always let incoming residents know about the wide range of activities that may interest them," says Brady. "Even after moving in, they tell me that they are still surprised and thrilled that there is so much to do here."

The right fit

Bill and his late wife, Carol, researched many retirement communities before deciding on Lantern Hill.

"The opportunity to stay active is one of the main reasons why we decided to move to Lantern Hill," he says. "Lantern Hill has the best amenities by far, and I felt like it was the best bang for our buck."

Bill refers to the community's monthly service package, which bundles the costs of most utilities; maintenance, including appliance repair and replacement; regularly scheduled transportation; access to amenities; and more, into one predictable bill.

Lantern Hill's location was also a big draw. "I wanted to keep my doctors, and I have friends that I wanted to stay in touch with," says Bill, who previously lived in Madison, N.J., just five miles away.

Since his children live in Maine, Massachusetts, and Italy, it was important to Bill to move to a community where it would be easy for him to meet new people and socialize. "As soon as Carol and I moved in, we made so many new friends," he recalls.

Sadly, Carol passed away a few months after they moved. Bill notes that he was thankful he had already made new friends at Lantern Hill, which provided a support system he would not have had otherwise.

More free time

Now, without the hassles of homeownership like mowing a lawn, raking leaves, and making ongoing repairs, Bill has more time to participate in engaging activities, make new friends, and enjoy an array of on-site amenities.

Most days, you'll find Bill at the fitness center, but he also spends a lot of time at the community's three restaurants.

Bill serves on the Resident Advisory Council's dining committee, offering input and feedback to keep the dining experience "wonderful for all residents."

"I like how the menu changes every day," says Bill. "For dinner, I get together with different people, which is fun."

As part of Lantern Hill's 10th anniversary, all restaurants are undergoing an extensive renovation. "I'm impressed by the changes that they are doing for the restaurants," he adds.

New opportunities

Brady notes that many residents discover a new passion after settling in.

"I hear residents say, 'I had never played canasta before, and now, I love it!' Or, they join the Bell Choir or Chimes group and tap into their musical side," she shares.

"Bocce is incredibly popular here," she adds. "Many residents start off as spectators and then become avid players."

Residents also appreciate the high quality of the educational and cultural offerings at Lantern Hill.

"We have a highly educated population here; lifelong learning is important to them. We bring in professors from all over the region for lectures and lively discussions," says Brady. "Performers from Carnegie Hall and the New Jersey Symphony also visit campus."

And if you aren't drawn to any existing group or activity, it's easy to start your own. "We can help you find other residents who share that passion and try to make it happen," she adds.

'Feeling of family'

Reflecting on his time at Lantern Hill, Bill is so glad he has all the amenities and services he needs--just steps from his front door--to make the most of his retirement.

"Everyone at Lantern Hill is so nice and friendly. I truly have a feeling of family here," he says.

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

By Gregory J. Alexander