For several decades I have heard key players in the retirement industry, at various association meetings and the like, seek more effective ways to help prospects understand what is being offered at a particular community. In an effort to help us understand differences between communities, I have come up with my own scale. [...]
I love my grey hair. I don’t worry about people saying that I look old. Instead, I enjoy the time recovered from hairdresser appointments. The world has told us that getting older is about decline, weakness, modesty, and withdrawal. Nope, getting older is whatever we want it to be, for as long as possible. I Have Choices! Today, seniors make more choices about activities and schedules. I Keep Doing! I know that continuing to be competent means that I continue to be independent, happy, and satisfied. [...]
One in three adults in the U.S. cares for an aging or disabled loved one. If you’re one of these family caregivers, you know how demanding the role can be. The good news is, there are many ways to avoid caregiver stress and maintain a healthy balance in your life. If you’re noticing irritability, depression, exhaustion, or an increase in health problems, you could be suffering from burnout. Here are some tips to help you cope. [...]
From the Publisher ... This issue, we look at cutting edge designs in new homes designed for the Active Adult, which includes the pre-retiree and early retiree, to the couple that want a home that allows them to age-in-place well into their retirement years. If you haven’t taken advantage of an open house or community tour in recent years, you may find yourself absolutely amazed at what the market offers today for the 55+ crowd. [...]
Life's demands can sometimes feel like an uncomfortable, turbulent flight, and finding a moment for self-care can be quite challenging. A simple guide can help you navigate these waters – the SPAN (Sleep, Physical, Activity, Nutrition) method. Prioritizing self-care is crucial in life's challenges. The SPAN method is a simple guide to ensure that you are fit to care for yourself and others. [...]
A cup of hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows, soft music in the background, and frost on the windows. Sounds like a Hallmark winter! But we need even more for a happy and healthy winter. As the temperatures fall, it’s important to be intentional about navigating the season. The same activities that make us smile can also protect our bodies and brains. [...]
The holiday season is over ... It is a relief for many to have life to return to normal. It is also a time of reflection about what’s next in the New Year and how to cope with the winter blues when the skies are dreary and the days are short. The good news is that life can have happy moments even when the mercury dips. Embrace the Winter Season / Spend Time with Family and Friends / Stay Active / Prioritize Health and Wellness / Relax and Recharge / Make Plans [...]
A properly designed long term care plan may seem small in the grandeur of financial planning, but its’ absence is very real at the time of an event. An unexpected turn of health can cause consequences that one may never financially recover from. Simply put, as you age, your body may require a variety of care options that come at a cost from an accident or a progressive debilitating illness. As you enjoy life today, the thought of an extended care event is not on most radars but you still need to plan if and/or when that event could occur. [...]
In today’s article I address a common question about retirement communities. Specifically Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) which some call Life Plan communities. The question varies but is around which financial plan is best for me or us. CCRC’s are generally available as either: [...]
From the Publisher ... You are likely a "Foodie" whether you realize it or not. In our retirement years, we almost certainly appreciate good food now more than ever before. Retirement communities know this, and as a result, continue to raise the bar ever higher each year as each seek not so much to best each other as to reach culinary "nirvana" for their residents. This issue’s cover story explores the culinary scene at some of the top retirement communities in central North Carolina. [...]
