Leslie Newlife

How To Reduce Waste in Nursing Homes

One of the most significant challenges for any healthcare administrator is creating a plan for dealing with the waste that’s generated in their facility. This task is crucial in nursing homes and assisted living communities because patients live in the same place they receive their care. Fortunately, there are several tips for handling the load. Here are some helpful tips for how to reduce waste in nursing homes.

Medical Waste
The most obvious waste any administrator needs to worry about is medical. Many types of medical waste exist, each requiring a unique solution to address correctly. Safe disposal of medical waste is vital for several reasons, including reducing the risk of exposure to the residents. Simple steps like adding trash bins specifically for needles and creating stations to clean bodily fluids can result in a safer living and working environment for all residents, visitors, and staff members. It’s crucial to train staff members on the proper procedures for safely disposing of each type of medical waste.

Solid Waste
Because people are living there as well, solid waste is also a problem that administrators must address. Any plan to manage solid waste must account for the trash produced by residents and staff to prevent the facility from swimming in garbage. This often requires multiple trash pickups each week to deal with the quantity. Things like food, packaging, and certain medical supplies are all likely to end up in a trash bin, spreading germs. Easy methods for ending this threat include anti-microbial trash cans and frequent sanitizing procedures.

Improve Sustainability
When looking at how to reduce waste in nursing homes, staff must consider how to increase the facility’s sustainability. The option to recycle is significant to some residents and could mean the difference between staying or leaving. Another way to improve sustainability is with reusable items in the facility. A great place to start converting to sustainable products is in the cafeteria, where targeted replacements like swapping metal flatware for disposable utensils will cut down on waste while improving the nursing home’s bottom line.

Tips For Selling Your Home To Relocate To A Retirement Community

Retirement is supposed to be something you look forward to. It’s a time in your life when you should be reaping the rewards of all your hard work and dedication to your job and family. Unfortunately, most adults nearing retirement aren’t able to see this concept manifest in their own lives due to inadequate savings and poor planning. Although there are several ways to turn things around before you retire, one idea to consider is relocating to a retirement community.

Why A Retirement Community?

A retirement community is a residential area designed for senior citizens that can essentially care for themselves. For seniors interested in making long-term care arrangements or needing assistance with medical care, a Continuing Care Retirement Community is another option. It offers houses or apartment units for independent living, assisted living, and nursing care.

The units are designed with senior needs in mind. There are single-level units for easy access despite mobility problems. You’ll also find home improvements like grab bars, walk-in showers, and slip-resistant flooring to reduce the risk of falls. For aging adults that need more assistance, a retirement community has options that range from having a home health aide to help with everyday tasks or nursing home experts for long-term intensive medical care. Not to mention, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded adults in the neighborhood.

Selling Your House

If a retirement community sounds like something you’re interested in, you’ll need to sell your house. The cash will come in handy for covering expenses and affording a happy and secure retirement. Here are a few suggestions to get the most for your sale.

  • Get An Appraisal – If you don’t have any idea how much your property is worth, the first step is to have it appraised. An appraisal can give you an accurate account of how much you can sell your house for. It can also assist you in determining if it’s enough to pay off the mortgage (and have cash leftover).

  • Take Care Of Major Repairs – While you don’t want to dump all your money into the house, leaving significant repairs unresolved can lower the offers you receive from buyers. It could also result in your property sitting on the market for months or years. You can use resources like Home Advisors to find reputable contractors willing to take care of the repairs at a price you can afford. If you’ve never used such a platform before, you can always check out Home Advisor ratings to learn more about the benefits.

  • Hire A Realtor – Although you could try selling your house alone, it’s not the easiest process. There are several working pieces that you need to cover, which can be costly and time-consuming. Ultimately, it’s best to hire a real estate agent to assist you. They have the industry knowledge, technological platforms, resources, and network to make things more manageable. You can sell your property without worries and get an offer you deserve.

  • Research Retirement Communities – If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to start looking for the ideal retirement community. Keep factors like affordability, comfort, location, and continued care services in mind as you assess your options.

  • Renovations and Upgrades – Getting the most money for your house will require you to invest in renovations and upgrades. Updating the bathroom and kitchen are the most popular options to increase your property resale value. Since you’ve already checked out a Home Advisor Review or two, you have an idea of where you can turn to find the experts to work within your budget.

Your golden years should be some of the most enjoyable. If housing, long-term care, or socialization are concerns of yours during retirement, relocating could provide an effective solution. Once you’ve completed the steps above, you’re ready to plan your move and prepare for a lifetime of happiness with the support you need as you age.

How To Make Your Home Safe for Aging Parents

Helping elderly parents come to terms with no longer being able to live alone is one of the most challenging and awkward conversations conceivable. One possibility that can make the decision easier to accept is opening your own home to aid in their care. If this is the route your family chooses, there will likely need to be upgrades or modifications to accommodate your new housemate. These four tips will guide you on how to make your home safe for aging parents.

Remove Slip Hazards

Aging adults are more likely to suffer a severe injury due to a slip, so eliminating as many slip-and-fall hazards as possible must be your top priority. Items like throw rugs and power cables quickly become dangerous if not spotted in time. It’s also best to remove clutter or debris when looking for ways to prevent trips and falls.

Keep Emergency Phone Numbers Handy

With the widespread adaptation of cell phones, many seniors are attached to their devices in much the same way as their grandchildren. But even with emergency contacts being just a few buttons away, you should still keep a list of emergency phone numbers handy. This list should include emergency contact information for family members, medical professionals responsible for their care, and poison control for any accidental medication overdoses.

Upgrade the Bathroom

More than any other room, getting the restroom right is essential to make your home safe for aging parents. There are several subtle yet efficient bathroom safety features to consider that allow aging adults to preserve their dignity. Also, access to extra lighting and non-slip rugs outside the shower are worth adding to spot and avoid the dangers of pooled water.

Consider Limitations

Finally, to make the transition to home care easier, consider the factors that led to your parents moving into your home. In the ideal scenario, your place should meet all the needs their old home was unable to satisfy. A few common home upgrades commonly required by seniors include a walk-in bathtub, wheelchair ramps at the front and rear doors, and chair lifts if your home has multiple stories.

4 Reasons to Start Your Estate Planning Early

The only thing that is certain about life is that anything can happen, even the unexpected. No one likes to spend their time contemplating the unthinkable, but putting some thought into what you want for your final arrangements can help prepare your loved ones for any worst case scenario. Keeping in mind that your estate planning should include more details than are covered in your funeral planning, there are many things to consider.

If you are in your 40s, you may not be putting too much thought into your estate planning. Most people in their mid-life years are focused on building their family and career and less about what will happen after they are gone. The truth is that your 40s are a time when you are generally settling into your life, making it the right time to think about protecting your future. Estate planning with the Postage is the best way to protect your family and everything you have worked for. It’s never too early to get started. Let’s take a look at a few reasons to start your estate planning right now.

Protect Your Kids

The priority for all parents is to protect their children. An estate plan will ensure that you have a say in your children’s lives after you are gone. If you have younger children, heavy consideration must be put into their financial protection, their educational future, and who will look after them after you are gone. Estate planning for older children can be complicated, so it’s a good idea to have a conversation about your wishes with all of your adult children. Share your plans and discuss any inheritance plans openly to avoid conflict in the future.

Property

If you own a home, it is likely your largest asset that will need to be included in your estate planning. Upon your death, there needs to be a plan in place for what will be done with your property. If you wish to transfer ownership of your home to a spouse or a child, you will need to include these legal details in your estate planning. If your property is to be sold, you should create provisions in your estate that detail how your heirs will split any profits.

Senior Parents

Many people in their 40s have begun to take on the role of caretaker for one or both of their senior parents. The worst-case scenario is that your parents would outlive you and be left to fend for themselves. The most crucial part of your estate planning that involves your senior parents should be to ensure that they have their final arrangements completed. If your aging parent requires part or full-time care, you will need to make plans for their continuing care. Research your options and inform your parents and family members about the plan.

Investments

As you build your portfolio through your 40s and 50s, you will need to ensure that your family can benefit from your investments once you are gone. When you open a 401K account, you will be required to name a beneficiary. Your other investments may remain unnamed. Work with your financial advisor to ensure that your entire portfolio will be property funneled to the right beneficiary. It’s a good idea to update your beneficiaries every few years to make sure that they are still suitable, in case of divorce or death.

You always want to focus on living life to the fullest, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t plan ahead for the future. To protect your family, investments, and property, now is the time to start your estate planning and get the peace of mind that will help you get the most out of your life.

How Seniors Can Improve Well-Being

Your sense of well-being as a senior depends on how you think, feel, and act. Fortunately, there are many ways to engage in a full life, and they’re right at your fingertips.

Let’s take a quick look at a variety of practical ways that you can implement today, with very little effort or research involved.

Sidestep Scams

The FBI estimates that the elderly population in the U.S. loses over $3 billion each year to unscrupulous scammers. One popular type of scam perpetrated against seniors is phishing.

Phishing is a form of digital communication, such as an email or a phone text message, used to get sensitive information from you, such as your username and password or your credit card number.

Since phishing scams are common and often hard to detect, it’s important to get anti-phishing training to educate yourself on the large variety of cons used to rip off unsuspecting consumers.

Older consumers are often targeted by scammers because they’re more likely to fall for fraudulent schemes. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), seniors are more likely to report larger financial losses than their younger counterparts.

Seniors often fall for the following types of cons:

  • Tech support

  • Prize

  • Sweepstakes

  • Lottery

  • Family or friend impersonators

These scams often occur via phone or email, and con artists like to use gift cards and wire transfers as their payment of choice.

If you fall for a scam, the best thing you can do is to share your story with the FTC. This will alert the agency to investigate the incident and publish a public warning about it.

This serves to help others who are unaware.

Discover a New Sense of Purpose

Well-being starts with having a sense of purpose. It’s important for you, as a senior, to be fully engaged in the business of living.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is as important for seniors as it is for people in the working world raising a family. Long after you’ve met your basic physiological, safety, and belonging needs, you still have to fulfill your self-esteem and self-actualization needs.

You can meet your need for meaning by engaging in life in a way you consider significant.

There are many ways you can still continue to feel as if you are an important part of society.

  • Develop a fascinating hobby

  • Create an online side hustle

  • Volunteer at an animal shelter

It doesn’t matter what you choose to do. What matters is that you find a purpose that fills you with passion.

Besides finding meaning and purpose in life, here are some other practical tips that you can do to ensure a high quality of life.

Join a Senior Living Community

If you decide that a senior living community will serve your needs, then it’s important to consider ways that you can earn enough money from side gigs available on the Internet, such as selling on eBay.

Also, consult with financial advisors and family members into ways that you can budget for a senior living community. Here, you’ll find a variety of activities that put you in the thick of action with like-minded folks.

Practice Healthy Living

Practicing healthy living is a discipline. Consult with a nutritionist to develop a healthy eating diet. Healthy foods include leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Eat broccoli, kale, and avocados. Enjoy blueberries and apples. Consume walnuts, pistachios, almonds, and pecans.

Simple things like avoiding excess sugar, salt, which is often used in packaged foods to improve taste, will make a huge difference to your health and well-being.

A good sign that you’re eating properly is your ability to maintain a healthy body weight. If you have extra pounds, you might be at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, or risking diabetes or heart disease.

Also practice moderate exercises, such as gentle stretching, Tai Chi, or yoga. It’s easy to learn these by watching a DVD and following along. There might also be a fitness studio in your area where you can sign up for classes.

Besides eating right and exercising regularly, maintain regular checkups, particularly for hearing, vision, and dental health.

Remember to put yourself first, because it’s that important.

An Ultimate Preparation Checklist for Retirement

The average American retires at the age of 63, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) says the full retirement age is between 65 and 67. Regardless of your age, you can retire whenever you want—what matters is how you prepare for your retirement.

You need a relaxing retirement that allows you to enjoy a day out on the boat, take a vacation, or enjoy the fruits of your investments. While retirement planning, it’s important to understand how much money you’ll need, make sound investment decisions, and identify your priorities. You should also start planning early—at least 2 to 5 years before your retirement, depending on your financial situation.

Settle Your Debts

Retirement means you’re starting a new life, and you shouldn’t do it with a lingering debt. Having debts will deny you the financially sound life you want after retirement. You should, therefore, strive to pay off your debts while still working.

While it’s tempting to pay off your debt using an IRA, you shouldn’t do it. It’s essentially stealing from yourself, plus it comes with taxes and penalties, costing you even more. As such, you should focus on paying off your car payments, mortgage, or student loans with your income and return on investments.

Many people stop using credit cards after retirement. This prevents you from overspending by accident. The sooner you clear your debts, the easier it will be to make your retirement plans.

Plan for Medical Coverage

Health care needs are very unpredictable. Plus, as we age, we tend to be more vulnerable to different health conditions. As such, it’s vital to plan for medical coverage after retirement since your employer’s health benefits will stop.

As a retiree, you’ll automatically qualify for Medicare if you meet all the requirements. Still, you can apply for Medicaid for dual coverage. Medicare has four parts: A, B, C, and D. The federal government funds parts A and B, while parts C and D are provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies.

Part C combines Parts A and B into a single plan, allowing you to get the benefits of both plans. It is also the most popular route for retirees. Be sure to find more information on Medicare Part C here to learn more about its benefits and features.

While Medicaid is designed for people with limited income and resources, it also covers those aged 65 and above. You must be a resident of the state in which you live to qualify for Medicaid. Your income should also be less than $2,382 per month.

Explore Downsizing

Moving into a smaller and cheaper home is always a wise decision for retirees. It will reduce your mortgage payments, home insurance, and property taxes. This will give you a greater quality of life with the money you have.

However, if your house is paid off, downsizing may not be worth it. You can still keep the home but take into account maintenance costs. Or, you can still sell it and buy a summer home as an investment option.

Save Funds

The best time to start saving for retirement is now, and try to save as much as you can. You can consider different retirement accounts, including Solo 401(k), Roth IRA., 457, IRA, and a 401(k).

Most employers offer 401(k) retirement plans, allowing you to start saving as early as possible. Still, you can sign up for the plan at any time—not just when you get employed. You should have backup funds in case of emergency or delay Social Security benefits, increasing your monthly benefit.

Find Other Opportunities

Retirement doesn’t mean you can no longer work. In fact, it allows you to explore your passions. Finding volunteer opportunities or part-time work allows you to stay active and enjoy your retirement. For example, you can teach at local education institutions or give tours of your town or city.

You should also join social groups or community organizations to stay connected. This is particularly important if you relocate to another area after retirement. Maintaining a good social life can help keep you lively and motivated.

Take the Time to Prepare for Retirement

Retirement is bound to come at some point. That means your monthly paycheck comes to an end, but your financial responsibilities don’t end there. You have bills, probably a mortgage, and other miscellaneous expenses. Start retirement planning as early as possible and help make the transition seamless.

5 Reasons Why Creative Writing Is a Great Activity For Dementia Patients

Let’s admit it: just like most people, you probably think of creative writing as an activity for young budding writers or students who have to do it to get higher grades. However, creative writing is proven to be a great activity even for elderly people who suffer from dementia. In today’s world, a lot of healthcare providers and professionals encourage dementia patients to write memoirs and participate in other creative activities. Becoming a specialist dementia nurse requires nursing school (a good nursing entrance essay will help you easily get into such a school) and additional post-registration training in the condition. The nurse should also, ideally, have at least two years practice experience in dementia care. Usually, people working as a specialist dementia nurse will also hold a registered mental health nursing qualification.

But why would a dementia patient need to write a memoir or story when college essay writing service can do that faster and with ease? Well, in this article, we will show you why creative writing is a great activity for dementia patients of all ages. Ready? Read on.

Writing boosts self-esteem

According to a recent psychological study, suffering from dementia may cause the patients to lose confidence in themselves and their abilities, thereby resulting in a huge blow to their self-esteem. Dementia patients tend not to trust their own judgment as they feel like they are no longer in control.

However, engaging in creative writing or other artistic activities can give this feeling a sharp turnaround. Here’s why: typically, engaging in creative writing on a regular basis brings about a deep sense of personal satisfaction. Subsequently, this feeling of satisfaction will have a positive impact on their self-esteem, especially when they read a story that they crafted from their own imagination.

It can significantly lower anxiety and emotional stress

Usually, dementia in combination with old age can cause a patient’s anxiety and stress levels to shoot through the roof. This can be very dangerous for their health and well-being, especially if they have other pre-existing health conditions. As such, it’s important to help them find a solid distraction from all the stress and worries they may be dealing with. This is where creative writing comes in.

Creative writing, just like any other creative activity, causes endorphins and other feel-good hormones to be released into the body. In turn, this will help them feel relaxed and happy.

This explains why modern care homes often encourage patients to engage in meaningful activities and games.

Writing stimulates cognitive function and keeps memories alive

The human brain mainly relies on stimulation and exercise to keep it alert, and creative activities such as writing have been known to help in this regard. This is because during the creative process of writing, the patient’s brain is cognitively engaged, involving a part of the brain that may not be used during other routine activities.

As such, writing can greatly improve a person’s mental processing speed, making them sharper and more alert. It can also improve one’s memory of their loved ones and past events. For instance, when a dementia patient has to write about themselves, this can trigger a core memory and enhance remembrance.

It can boost social interaction

It is quite common and easy for advanced dementia patients to become isolated or withdrawn from everyone else. Since they are struggling with memory loss, they may find it harder to create and maintain social bonds with other people around them.

Organizing joint, interactive creative writing classes can help them engage with others and socialize through shared interests. This, in turn, can have a significant positive impact on their psychological health and overall well-being.

Stabilizes emotions

Believe it or not, dementia patients may have a lot of negative emotions such as unhappiness, fear and anger bottled up. They typically find it difficult to express their feelings coherently to their caregivers or loved ones.

Fortunately, creative writing can be used as an outlet of expression. With this activity, they can experience freedom of expression by writing based on their mood and feelings.

Pro Tip: Your patients or loved ones don’t necessarily have to write depressing dementia poems. You can encourage them to write a creative piece about anything that makes them happy, like flowers or even a ray of sunshine.

How to Encourage Dementia Patients to Participate in Creative Writing

Whether your loved one is living independently or in a care home, there are subtle ways to encourage them to try out creative dementia activities like writing.

The best way to spark their interest is by making it an interactive session. Let them know that you’re going to write too so that they feel more secure and safe. In some cases, you could even make it a contest of sorts.

Pro Tip: Dementia patients may feel a lot of anxiety when it comes to participating in any cognitive activity like writing. As such, you need to be as patient and encouraging as possible.

Final Thoughts

Creative writing is one of the most widely encouraged free activities for dementia patients. Apart from its psychological benefits, it can also serve as a form of distraction and keep them relaxed. If you’re trying to encourage your loved one to try out writing, start off slowly and patiently. Eventually, they will feel comfortable enough to write more.

About the Author: Amanda Dudley is a lecturer and creative writer with a Ph.D in History from Stanford University. She works as an essay writer with EssayUSA, where she delivers excellent academic essays, term papers and dissertations to students who need them.

The Best Hospice Care for Your Parents: Home Away From Home


The idea that death is the only thing 100% promised to us in life makes living every day to its fullest more encouraging. So by the time you reach old age and cannot move around as actively as you used to, you would have hopefully lived a full life because you knew one day your time would come.

The fact of death makes people uncomfortable about discussing hospice, but death gives life meaning. So when discussing and searching for hospice care, you should do so with the mindset of giving that meaningful life a great closing instead of mourning how little time is left.

With that in mind, there are many factors to consider when looking for the best hospice care for your aging relatives. You may have to figure out life insurance for seniors and if it covers hospice care, consider the sort of meals provided during hospice, research if the service is reputable, and search for facilities with the shortest commute time. 

Even with understanding how death is inevitable and brings life meaning, planning for it can be overwhelming. With the right guidance, finding the best hospice care for your parents can run smoother.

What is hospice care?

When chosen properly, hospice care is a fantastic service for those who would benefit from pain management and a heightened sense of focus on symptoms that hinder their quality of life. 

Not only does hospice care focus on the individual in need of extra assistance, but it also focuses on their caregivers. The point of hospice care is to provide compassionate care to people who are at an age where they are naturally going to rest or for those who are in the last phases of an incurable disease. 

The goal of hospice care is to help them live out the rest of their days as comfortably as possible and for their caregivers (their children or other relatives) to spend this time with them without worrying about the pain they could be experiencing during that time.

Hospice offers a variety of services to make this process easier. For example, families can receive spiritual and emotional support with 24/7 on-call help from certain hospice care providers. Some provide the option of having visiting nurses to prevent the need of driving to doctors’ offices and to help with bathing and other personal care.

Being that this form of care is so personal, who you hire to provide this service is crucial. Not all hospice care providers are the same, and some families have negative experiences because of poor quality of service.

Ways to Find Hospice Care

To find the best hospice care for your parents and any other relatives, start by collecting a list of hospice companies. An ideal way of building a decent list is by asking for recommendations. 

You should talk to doctors, nurses, other family members, and anyone else who may be knowledgeable about hospice care. A medical professional will more than likely give you the best recommendations.

After you formulate your list, you can go through each company to investigate whether it is ideal for your family’s needs. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when exploring each company:

  • Check for accreditation: Hospices do not have to be accredited, but those that are have a third party reviewing their services regularly. Some hospice care options are accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP) or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). 
  • Length of operation: You can get a better understanding of the providers’ reputation based on how long they have operated. Having operated for three years or more shows the company is stable. 
  • Likability of provider: The care provider’s personality, people skills, and level of customer service play a huge determining factor. If you dislike the person providing the service, then you will more than likely have a negative experience with hospice care. 
  • Medicare certification: When a provider qualifies for Medicare certification, it means they offer 16 different core (doctors’ appointments, counseling, food preparation, etc.) and auxiliary services (home care, physical therapy, etc). Even if you are not a Medicare beneficiary, you know you will have a variety of options.

What to Look for in Hospice Care

Taking the time to learn about things to know about hospice care will make knowing what to look for more simple. Aside from providing general comfort like pain relief, they can offer a variety of services specific to you and your loved one’s needs, such as:

Family assistance: Some hospice care providers prepare food, clean the house, change bedpans, and administer medications if you cannot. However, some may not provide the same level of help as others. It is critical that you understand what you need help with and if the company provides that type of help.

Inpatient options: Though most hospice care happens at home, your parents may need more care than can be offered from home. Therefore, hiring a provider that leases beds in a nursing home or hospital would be more ideal.

Spiritual guidance: Finding someone who has the same religious and spiritual beliefs as your loved one can make the process more comforting. Your family may want certain customs observed, and every hospice care may not be able to provide that level of service.

Bereavement services: Dealing with death can take a huge emotional toll on yourself and your parents, so hospices offer standard counseling services and specialized bereavement services including advice for burial insurance. You can even find support groups for both the patient and their families within these hospices.

How to Prepare for Hospice Care

A good portion of individuals within the sandwich generation (a group of individuals who are raising children while also having parents heading into nursing homes or hospice care) must prepare for this stage in life.

Educating yourself on what to expect when a loved one enters hospice care before they actually go into it is an excellent way to prepare for this dynamic switch. 

The sandwich generation is stuck between having to care for their children and their parents, so they may not be in the position to deal with both the emotional and physical time that caring for ill individuals needs. This makes hospice care a great choice. 

However, when researching the hospice care provider, keep in mind that your parents’ comfort is most important.

Imani Francies writes and researches for the life insurance comparison site, EffortlessInsurance.com.

Three Ways You Can Budget for a Senior Living Community

If you decide that you want to spend retirement in a senior living community, or if you have medical problems that require care, finding the right place is only a part of the process. The next step involves having the money to live there. Depending on your wants or needs, senior living communities can be expensive. Unless you have a retirement fund or receive government assistance, you need a way to pay for it. Here is how you can budget for senior housing.

Review Your Expenses

Even as a senior, you still have financial responsibilities. As you begin making your budget, start by going over each and every expense you have. Expenses can range from pretty much anything including:

  • Rent
  • Mortgage or rent payments
  • Insurance payments
  • Utility bills
  • Gas for your car
  • Groceries
  • Medication
  • Entertainment expenses

As a senior, chances are you’re in retirement, which means you have no monthly or bi-weekly paycheck to fall back on. But just because you’re not in the workforce anymore doesn’t mean you can’t make any money. You can do side gigs or part-time jobs to earn money. That money you make can go toward moving to your senior living facility.

You’d be surprised at how you can make money these days. Online surveys, selling on eBay, or even starting an Etsy shop are easy ways to make a fast buck. You may even be tempted to sell your life insurance policy, but before you do, it’s best if you take the time to think about planning for the end of your life. Although bringing up the end of your life is an uncomfortable topic to discuss, everyone passes away. Even as a senior, life can find new ways to surprise you whether it’s for the better or for the worse.

Get your family involved and ask them to help make an end-of-life planning checklist. This ensures your last wishes are fulfilled. Something you need to make clear is your medical and financial history. When the time does come, your family and other people involved have an easier time finalizing your wishes.

Find Ways to Cut Corners

In addition to finding other ways to earn money, you should also eliminate any unnecessary expenses. For example, any unused apps, digital services, or programs that you keep saying you’ll use, but never get around to it, must go. It doesn’t matter if it only costs a few dollars. At first glance, a few dollars every month seems harmless, right? Well, that few dollars can accumulate fast. And when you add up the total of how long you’ve been paying for it, it’s well past its original price. This also applies to buying drinks out, eating at restaurants or splurging at the grocery store. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself here and there, however, when you’re faced with a sudden financial issue or find yourself doing something more than usual, it’s time to start really reconsidering making the purchase.

The 7 Best Cities in the U.S. for Seniors


Ever wondered if where you’re living is the best place for you to live? What if there was somewhere else that you could go? 

Many of the older generations tend to live where they retired, but you don’t have to do that. There are so many great places for you to find your forever home. 

Maybe you’re looking for a home near the ocean or maybe you’re looking to live in a rural area. There are so many options it can be overwhelming to figure out which place is right for you. In this article, we’ll break down the top 7 cities for people ages 55 and up to live. 

#1 – Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota is located off the Gulf Coast and is perfect for anyone looking to escape big city living. There’s a ton of things to do, including exploring beaches, experiencing the city’s diverse cuisine, and enjoying the art and culture.

A lot of attractions that are downtown are within walking distance, but if you need to drive, there is car insurance for seniors that is cheap and affordable in Sarasota.

Sarasota is the perfect place for folks who just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is best known for its beaches, great foods, and fantastic art. This would be a great place for grandchildren to come and visit their grandparents. 

#2 – Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster is a lot different than Sarasota but is just as beautiful. This town is located toward the border of Pennsylvania and Maryland. There’s an endless expanse of farmland, and the county is famous for being the home of the Amish. There’s a lot of history in this city and, as a result, a lot of museums and things to learn. 

The Amish market has amazing produce and goods for sale. You can go horseback riding or ride in buggies. There’s so much to do and explore. 

Just an FYI, Lancaster is hilly and it may make travel difficult for some. Here are some tips for traveling with a cane.

This is a great place for people who are interested in good food and history and are looking for a more rustic and rural lifestyle.

#3 – San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is the closest thing to a big city without actually being a big city. It’s best known for its many attractions. Located in the heart of Texas, San Antonio is a great place to do fun activities with grandchildren. The San Antonio Zoo is a great place for grandparents and their grandchildren to spend time together and make memories.

There are tons of restaurants from Mexican and barbecue to American and Italian. There are museums and parks to learn the history of San Antonio. There’s a lot of art as well. 

For those with adventurous grandchildren, there’s even a SeaWorld and a Six Flags. San Antonio is perfect for those who are retired and have the time to enjoy all of what this city has to offer. 

Need help figuring out how to retire? These four essential retirement planning tips might help you.

#4 – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids is a great place for seniors who are into the arts. This city is located close to Lake Michigan. It is best known for the Grand River and its furniture manufacturing. There are so many theaters and museums to choose from. 

This city is also a perfect place for people who are into boating, paddling, fishing, and golfing. There are beautiful parks to walk in and trails to trek on foot or on a bike. Staying active in Grand Rapids can help you stay healthy so you can find the best life insurance company for seniors.

For those who are not so active, there are plenty of places to eat and drink. Grand Rapids even has a food trail that you can either walk or drive, depending on your physical limitations. There’s also a wine tour available. 

#5 – El Paso, Texas

El Paso — not to be confused with El Paso County in Colorado — is located close to the border of Mexico. This city is known for its 302 days of sunshine and tasty Tex-Mex cuisine. 

Like the different cities listed above, this city has a lot of fun things to do. There’s a plethora of museums, a zoo, and some casinos. There are also a lot of vineyards to explore.

For when the grandchildren visit, there is an Adventure Zone, American Eagle Paintball, and so much more. You can also walk or bike along the Rio Grande. 

You’re not far at all from New Mexico, so you could also take the grandchildren to the White Sands National Monument. 

All in all, this is a great place for people who prefer sunshine and good food. For those of you who need help staying active after retirement, El Paso might just have what you need. . 

#6 – Charlotte, North Carolina

Nestled on the border of North and South Carolina, Charlotte is a great place for those who are looking to find a lower cost of living. Charlotte is best known for sports. Here you can find the Carolina Panthers Stadium and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

This is another great place for seniors to have their grandchildren come to visit. There’s the Billy Graham Library, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, and for more adventurous activity, there’s Carowinds, a fun amusement park. Charlotte might be a perfect place for you if you enjoy the above-mentioned attractions. 

#7 – Chattanooga, Tennessee

At the base of Tennessee, Chattanooga has a lot to offer people looking to retire and find their forever home. Best known for its high-speed internet, this town is great for older people who worked or are still working in the tech field. It’s also a great place to be outside and enjoy nature.

Some of the attractions include Ruby Falls, the Tennessee Aquarium, and the Hunter Museum of American Art. There’s also a lot to do by the Tennessee River. For example, you can go and enjoy a ride on the riverboat.

Chattanooga not only has great attractions, but it has delicious food as well. The city has a wide selection of food to choose from. It even has the Chattanooga Pints and Pedal where you can explore the hotspots of the town just by biking with friends or family. This town might just be right for you if any of these catch your eye.

 These cities are great places to live. Each one has its own character and charm. There are so many places that I didn’t mention that are great places to live if you’re 55 and up. 

Don’t be afraid to do your own research and see which location is best for you. This country is filled with a vast variety of places to live. My best wishes to you as you enjoy your forever home — wherever that might be.


Peyton Leonard writes and researches for the auto insurance site,  AutoInsuranceEZ.com. Peyton is passionate about traveling and seeing new places.