Courtesy of Dixie Somers [dixiesomers@gmail.com]

Retirement can be a fun and interesting time in your life. The children are grown and the hum-drum routine of a 9 to 5 is over. This is the time to test the waters and find your passion. Get out there and really live. One great way to do this is to learn something new. Here are five great ways to continue your education after retirement.

Join a Community Outreach Program

Community outreach programs are a great way to become familiar with your local area. It provides the opportunity to learn about the history, special events, and social needs of your community. These programs, such as planting trees or mentoring, could also be a nice way to spend time with your spouse or family members.

Volunteer At a Local School

If teaching or mentoring is your passion, there are enlightening and educating ways to volunteer at a local school. Public schools are always looking for stable, trust-worthy adults to help with field trips and educational functions. You can expose yourself to material that you haven’t learn in years while providing a much needed service.

Earn a Degree

Maybe you prefer a more professional approach to your post-retirement educational experience. Join a local community college or enroll in a state university. Computers and the details of modern technology are at the cusp of popular culture, so consider an MIS degree online.

If you aren’t quite ready to actually retire, a degree can also open doors to a new career that you had wanted to explore but just didn’t have time for. Even if you have a bachelor’s degree and are weighing the benefits of a masters degree, think about going back to school just to learn or to open new doors to post-retirement career options.

Discover a Hobby

Hobbies are another great to have fun while continuing your education. Some popular hobbies include trains, model cars, and professional ball cards. Of course, these are only suggestions. Hobbies are one of the few areas where you can customize your education to fit your interests.

Take Time to Travel

Time and time again, experience has proven to be the best teacher. If there is a particular culture that has always piqued your interest, traveling will allow you to completely immerse yourself within that society. This option provides an education that is not easily forgotten.

No matter what route you choose, it would be a waste not to make the most of this time. Retirement does not mean that a person has learned all there is to know. It only strips away the confines of a daily regimen. In fact, this is the time to switch gears and learn something completely new. So have fun!

Courtesy of Madyson Grant [madysongrant@gmail.com]

If you are headed for those golden years, you probably want to find yourself a dream place to spend the rest of your days. After a lifetime of hard work, it’s time to kick back and relax. Pack up the house. Put your treasures in storage, such as Las Vegas NV self storage and Baltimore self storage units. An adventure awaits you and you’re never too old to seize the day! What better way than to choose one of the top five elderly friendly places on earth. Take a peek and consider which location might be ideal for you.

California, Here I Come!

California is definitely a favorite when it comes to the elderly community. Who can argue with sunshine, warm weather, and days spent lazing at the beach? Stay at the southern end for the best in climate or journey north when in need of a change. California has a little bit of everything. Don’t forget the glitz and glamour for anyone who is star struck!

Hawaiian Paradise is the Place for Me!

If you’ve fantasized about Hawaii and island living for all of your life, don’t waste another minute. Make your dreams come true and spend your time listening to the music of the sea. It’s a laid-back kind of lifestyle where everything can slow down for a while. This is the place to be mellow.

Floridians Know What It’s All About!

The elderly flock to Florida and with good reason. It’s less expensive than other parts of the country. There are plenty of companions, gated communities, and activities to keep you occupied. You’ve got the sun and sand to keep you company as well. If you’re tired of being cold, this is the place for you all year round.

Branson, Missouri is Hot!

If it’s music that you love, and entertainment, say no more. Head to Branson to enjoy a wide variety of performers. This booming town has plenty of excitement for everyone. If you want to get out and move, this is a great location for you!

Bella Notte in Italy!

Experience the wonder of beautiful nights and days in Italy. Head for the coast and it’s villas and balmy weather by the sea. You’ll be serenaded by the waves, kissed by warm winds, and enjoy incredible surroundings. Best of all, Europe is at your doorstep too! Finally see all that another piece of the world offers!

Courtesy of Jayla Barnsen [jaylabarnsen@gmail.com]

Retiring early seems like a dream. Instead of coming into work every day, you can spend time with people you love, participate in your favorite activities and even travel the world. Well, this dream can become a reality if you are willing to work for it. Retiring early is a lot more feasible than you think it is. Here are five tips for retiring early.

Figure Out What Your Dreams Are

The first thing you have to do is determine your dreams after retirement. For example, if you plan on just spending more time with your loved ones or working in your garden, you have set some realistic dreams. However, if you want to travel to Europe every few months, you are not being practical. If your dreams are more realistic, you won’t set yourself up for disappointment.

Do Some Financial Planning

It is extremely important to do some heavy financial planning before you retire. You have to think about all of the expenses you have, such as your mortgage, utilities, health care and transportation, and figure out how much money you need to pay them all each month. Also, consider your life expectancy and inflation. Consider hiring an expert from financial planning in Perth to help you.

Start Working More

If you want to retire early, you might have to start working a little more. If your current place of employment allows you to work overtime, you should definitely take advantage of it. You may also want to consider picking up a part-time job that you can work on weekends.

Save Your Money

Your pension or social security check will not likely cover all of your expenses, so you have to save as much money as possible. Instead of going out to eat at restaurants every night, cook at home. Making these simple changes can help you save a lot of money for your retirement.

Pay Off Your Mortgage

It is very likely that your mortgage is your biggest expense, so it is a good idea to pay it off before you retire. When you are retired, you will not have to worry about receiving a mortgage bill each month. If your home is big enough, think about renting out a room to someone.

As you can see, retiring early is not impossible. If you follow these helpful tips, you can retire earlier and enjoy the rest of your life.

When a person retires, he or she opens a new chapter in life that is filled with many changes and new experiences. For some people, including veterans with a VA home loan or other veteran loans, these new and exciting changes may involve moving into a new home upon retirement. Before moving, finding the best home to suit one’s needs is critical. The following six tips can help seniors to wisely choose their home for retirement.

Consider the Home’s Proximity to Family

Retirees with close family ties will want to consider a new home’s proximity to their children. Before selecting a retirement home it is important to decide how far or how close one wants to be to children, grandchildren, and other members of the family. Moving out of state or even out of the same city may make it difficult to visit with family as frequently as desired.

Nearby Amenities

As a person gets older, convenience will become increasingly more important. When choosing a home it is important to select a location that is near amenities such as grocery stores and restaurants. Ideally these locations should be within a reasonable walking distance. If not within walking distance, choose a home that is a short driving distance away from these necessary resources.

Consider Safety

Peace of mind should also play a large role in a person’s decision when it comes to buying a house. The safety of the neighborhood is as important as the home itself. Look for homes in neighborhoods and cities with very low crime rates. Pay attention to the activity in the neighborhood both day and night.

Future Transportation

As a person ages, driving may become increasingly difficult due to vision or health changes. Take this issue into consideration when selecting a home and look for a home in an area that has a good mass transit system. If a person is not comfortable with the idea of taking the bus,look for a home in an area that has a senior transportation program.

Health Needs

A person’s health care needs can change quickly and with age there is often a need for increasing medical care. Look for a home in a city or town that has a local hospital. The location should also have general practitioners who are able to care for the general medical needs of seniors. When verifying the presence of these doctors also, verify that they take Medicare.

Pay attention to the Weather

Look for a home that is located in an area where the weather is mild. Avoiding areas with extreme high or extreme low temperatures can prevent illness due to weather. A person should consider what type of weather he or she prefers and move into an area that reflects that preference.

Courtesy of Dixie Somers [dixiesomers@gmail.com]

There is no time like the warm summer months when it comes to exciting vacations, relaxing getaways, reunions with family members, and any other number of exciting family activities. For seniors that would like to remain as safe and comfortable as possible, however, it is important to take a close look at just how dramatically warm weather could affect them. Here is a closer look at five ways that all seniors can beat the heat and stay safe during the summer months.

1. Hydration

The number one step for seniors staying safe during the hotter months is to stay hydrated throughout the day. Not only does water provide an individual with a huge number of health benefits, but it will also allow the body to regulate heat much more effectively. While individual needs vary, eight cups of water is the absolute minimum for anyone. Individuals can also stay hydrated with a number of other options including sports drinks that will replenish electrolytes.

2. Safely Exercising

Exercising is an important component of one’s life, and this includes seniors. All seniors should work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a workout regimen, but it should be customized for the summer months. This includes avoiding exercise during the hottest part of the day and never over-exerting oneself in the heat.

3. Understanding Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

It is often difficult for anyone to tell if they are experiencing any form of heat exhaustion, dehydration, or even a heat stroke. Many of the initial symptoms are as common as a headache, but care should be taken by all seniors during the hottest parts of the year. Some of the most common symptoms include unusual fatigue, an ongoing headache, dry mouth, dizziness, and nausea.

4. Clothing

Wearing comfortable clothing that breathes well is another essential step during the summer. Seniors can find a number of outfits that will be both fashionable and comfortable at Reem Clothing. By finding clothes that are both light and breathe well, the body will stay protected from the sun while still regulating one’s temperature heat.

5. Sun Protection

The final step is to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. Many individuals relish the warm summer months as it gives them a chance to absorb as much sunlight as possible, but even a single bad sunburn could be devastating. Sunblock should be worn at all times and cover any part of the body that will be directly exposed to sunlight. Hats and other forms of clothing for the head and neck should be worn to reduce one’s body heat.

Courtesy of Kandace Heller [kandaceheller@gmail.com]

An active and busy life brings happiness and contentment, as well as providing a defense against some age-related problems such as Alzheimer’s disease. The list of things you can do to keep your brain active and sharp is endless, depending upon personal interests and abilities. From physical activity to puzzles and hobbies, there is something out there for everyone to do. To give you some ideas of where to start, here is a list of seven ways to keep your brain active:

1.Puzzles

From crossword puzzles found in the daily paper or online to jigsaw puzzles to ponder over in the living room, puzzles of all kinds are a great way to exercise the brain.

2. Reading

Reading keeps the brain active in several ways; the actual process of reading followed by the brain activity as your mind thinks about what you have read even long after you’ve finished actually reading it.

3.Music

Listening to music and learning to play an instrument is great mental activity and can bring many hours of enjoyment. It is never too late to learn to play a musical instrument.

4.Hobbies-

Anything at all that occupies your mind and keeps it active is a good thing. From quilting or golfing to collecting trains or getting involved in compound microscope projects, whatever it is that brings you contentment.

5.Video games

Gaming on the computer or a game system is not just for the young folks. Actively playing Scrabble online or getting involved in a video game are great ways to keep the mind sharp, for your brain is always making decisions and reacting to what is going on.

6.Language

 Learning a new language is good brain exercise for any age. Take a foreign language class, learn by yourself online, whatever works best for you. There are many books and online websites that make doing this from home easy.

7.Physical activity-

From walking with friends or biking to yard work and walking the dog, all physical activity is good for your mind as well as your body. Moving the body is a critical part of staying healthy and active in life.

As you can see, active participation in just about any activity can keep your brain working, keeping it sharp and active. Choosing activities that you enjoy and find fulfillment in doing is a bonus, bringing you happiness while also helping to keep you healthy and active.

The 2013 TGH NICHE Gerontology Spring conference will provide participants with the most current information and best practice solutions for quality care of older adult patients.

Friday
May 31, 2013
8:15 AM – 4:15 PM
www.OlderAmericansMonth.AoA.gov
MacInnes Auditorium
2nd Floor, East Pavilion
Tampa General Hospital
Tampa, Florida
6 Contact Hours

Click here for full details

The Brennity at Melbourne modernizes and redefines the retirement experience. From spacious cottages to independent and assisted living apartments to a memory care community, every need is addressed with style and compassion in our beautiful gated community.

View the full listing here – http://www.seniorlivingguide.com/DB/facilities.tpl?sku=20130423095927

Charlotte, NC.  May 1, 2013

Today’s retirees share a common goal: To stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Until recently, however, it has been difficult to determine which retirement communities best facilitate that goal. Thanks to the results of a new survey conducted by Senior Hospitality International, the task just got a whole lot easier.

A select group of communities in North Carolina is being recognized as The Healthiest Retirement Communities in North Carolina, and honored for providing “Retirement Living at its Healthiest™.” Included in this group is The Oaks at Whitaker Glen, in Raleigh, NC. The whole list may be accessed at www.HealthyRCs.org.

To receive this recognition, The Oaks at Whitaker Glen and the other communities on the list had to achieve a superlative HealthyScore in the following five areas:

1.      Healthy Campus Amenities (Outdoor & Indoor Options)

2.      Healthy Resident Activities (Physical, Social, Intellectual, Spiritual, and Cultural Options )

3.      Healthy Resident Involvement (Resident-Led Clubs, Groups, & Committee Options)

4.      Healthy Resident Dining (Venue & Entrée Options)

5.      Healthy Resident Care (Health Facilities & Service Options)

“The main characteristic that sets these communities apart is their comprehensiveness,” said J. Keesey Hayward, President of Senior Hospitality International. “On a single campus they combine the resort services and amenities of Active Retirement Communities with the healthcare services and amenities of Supportive Retirement Communities. They can provide for the current lifestyle wants as well as the future healthcare needs of active retirees. Both aspects must be present in order for a community to truly provide a healthy retirement environment.”

The communities being recognized in this way represent several quiet paradigm shifts that have been changing the very nature of the retirement community industry over the past decade:

·         A shift from a focus on “Caring for the Elderly” to “Serving Seniors”

·         A shift from a focus on “Physical Health” to “Holistic or Multi-dimensional Health”

·         A shift from a focus on “Getting Well” (cure) to “Staying Healthy” (prevention)

·         A shift from an identity as “Healthcare Communities” to “Healthy Communities”

·         A shift from an industry identity as “Senior Housing” and “Senior Living” to “Senior Hospitality”

Hayward gives the following helpful advice to anyone investigating their retirement community options:

1.      If a community offers “continuing care,” understand that it is an abbreviation for: “continuing care, service, activities, dining, fun, friendship, learning, growth, fellowship, and healthiness.” If a community doesn’t offer “continuing care,” just continue on your way and find one that does.

2.      If at all possible, don’t request a brochure before your visit. Most community brochures don’t come close to capturing their energy, beauty and comprehensiveness. Let your own senses rather than the pages of a brochure form your first impressions.

3.      Although the minimum age for moving to most of these communities is 62, the ideal age-range is generally 70-75. Younger applicants may find it difficult to qualify financially, and older ones often miss out on many of the active amenities, activities and fun. The longer you wait, the more you’ll miss.

4.      One of the best signs of a Healthy Retirement Community is a good number of older residents because the focus on multi-dimensional healthiness allows people to live longer. Remember, the frail resident you see was probably in better shape than you are when he or she moved in! Even if your physical health declines someday, you too will continue to enjoy emotional, intellectual, spiritual and social healthiness.

5.      None of these Healthy Retirement Communities are inexpensive, but your health is worth the investment. It’s definitely cheaper to stay home, but it’s not healthier. If your goal is to “stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible,” do yourself a favor visit some of the Healthy Retirement Communities listed at www.HealthyRCs.org.

Senior Hospitality International was founded with the purpose of serving Seniors. With a motto of “Serving Seniors is our Pleasure,” its stated mission is to “help more Seniors experience Retirement Living at its Healthiest™ by helping them identify Healthy Retirement Communities (HealthyRCs).” To be identified as such, communities had to achieve a HealthyScore of at least 140 out of 150 on an objective annual HealthySurvey. To learn more about Senior Hospitality International, visit their website at www.SeniorHospitality.org. 

Contact Information

Danielle Weeks

Director of Marketing

The Oaks at Whitaker Glen

DaMiller@uhs-pruitt.com

919-839-5604

J. Keesey Hayward

President

Senior Hospitality International

keesey@seniorhospitality.org

704-962-6214

Courtesy of Jayla Barnsen [jaylabarnsen@gmail.com]

Different supplements seem to be especially good at supporting different systems of the body. Some support the blood, or help regulate blood sugar or enzymes or contribute to other health of the eyes, bones or teeth. Here are five supplements that help support the health of the brain:

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is an important supplement when it comes to keeping the brain healthy. Deficiencies in Vitamin B12 have been shown to cause psychological difficulties and changes in cognition. This deficiency might be one reason that older people seem confused and less alert than they use to be. Some older people can’t absorb vitamin B12 because their stomachs no longer make enough acid to absorb it. These people might need Vitamin B12 injections. Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal protein, including beef, pork, dairy products and fish. It’s especially abundant in liver and organ meats, though these shouldn’t be eaten frequently because of their high levels of cholesterol.

Folate

This is a B vitamin that’s involved in just about every biological process in the body. Again, elderly people are often lacking in folate or folic acid. The deficiencies can cause depression, irritability and even symptoms that resemble schizophrenia. Folate can be found in fresh, leafy green vegetables, wheat germ, oranges, rice, brewer’s yeast and liver.

Iron

Of course, iron helps make red blood cells that deliver oxygen to the brain and other organs. So an iron deficiency anemia can cause tiredness, listlessness, depression and apathy. It can also adversely affect a person’s short term memory and his or her attention span. This is especially true in young women, who are at risk for iron-deficiency anemia. In children, a lack of iron can cause learning problems. Iron can be readily found in red meats.

Magnesium

Magnesium is also necessary for many functions in the body, but a low magnesium level can affect the brain and lead to depression, confusion and irritability. Magnesium can be found in sunflower seeds and leafy green vegetables. It’s also found in hard water. Many homeowners dislike hard water because it clogs the plumbing pipes and their water-dependent appliances with scale. But there are benefits from drinking hard water, and magnesium is one of them.

Choline

Choline is a supplement that’s essential for the health of the myelin sheaths that protect the nerves. Without these sheaths, the nerves can’t properly relay signals. A deficiency of choline can lead to dizziness, headaches, ringing in the ears and insomnia. It’s best source is lecithin, but it can also be found in egg yolk, liver, brewer’s yeast and wheat germ.

For more information on the brain, including brain disease click here.