Leslie Newlife

6 Quick Lifestyle Changes to Stay Healthy During Cold & Flu Season

The weather has turned colder, which is an exciting time of year in many ways. We know that fall and winter months are when the holidays occur, which brings a feeling of magic, nostalgia, and joy to our lives. We also know that the fall and winter months go by another name – cold and flu season. While there are simple ways to protect ourselves during cold and flu season, like staying away from friends and loved ones who are ill and getting our flu and pneumonia vaccines, we can also make quick changes to keep ourselves healthy. 

Part of being healthy is making sure that our immune systems are in tip-top and fighting shape. It doesn’t take a lot of work to get to where you want to be as far as immunity goes, so let’s dive into what these changes are. And, as always, if you’re taking routine medications daily, make sure you discuss any changes you want to make with your doctor or pharmacist. 

You Are What You Eat 

You’ve likely heard the adage, “You are what you eat.” While this is not only true, changing what you eat can immediately impact your overall health and well-being. While you’re sure to be tempted during the holidays to indulge in baked goods and heavy meals, remember it’s okay to do so as long as you include balance in the equation. If you’re attending many events where unhealthy food will be served, make sure at home you’re eating whole foods, even plant-based. Try “eating the rainbow,” meaning eat foods in various colors to get the maximum amount of nutrients on your plate at one time. Healthy eating habits are the cornerstone of a healthy life. 

Supplement Where You Need To 

Including supplements with your healthy eating habits will give you the maximum benefits of your wise choices. Vitamins many Americans are lacking are – Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Zinc. So supplement with those after getting your doctor’s approval. If you struggle with sleep, supplementing with things like CBD and Melatonin products is a great way to ensure you’re getting a good night’s sleep. 

Speaking Of Sleep 

Speaking of sleep, they don’t call it beauty rest for no reason! Ensuring you get in eight to ten hours of sleep a night is critical for overall health and wellness. Suppose you’ve tried a more holistic approach to getting better sleep, like supplements and calming routines before bedtime, and still aren’t seeing results. In that case, it’s worth talking to your doctor to know if you need prescription medication to help you catch those z’s. 

Let’s Get Physical! 

Physical activity not only helps your health but also improves your mood. Studies have shown direct links between physical exercise and mental health improvement. The key to sticking with physical exercise habits is making sure you’re partaking in the form of exercise that you enjoy. So, whether it’s walking, biking or swimming, find a physical hobby you enjoy and aim to do it for at least thirty minutes every single day. Not only will you feel good, but it will also help you shed unnecessary weight – which will only improve your overall health. 

Stay Social As Much As Possible 

Being more locked down the last couple of years, we realized how meaningful our social connections were. So, based on your comfort levels, try to remain as social as possible. Sharing intimate relationships is key to our mental and physical health studies show. Loneliness is a bigger killer than heart disease or cigarettes. Make sure you’re making time to spend with the ones you love. Laughter is, after all, the best medicine. 

Seek Treatment When Necessary 

As seniors, it’s essential to guard your health closer than you may have in your younger years. If you’re feeling “off” and unwell, make sure you at least phone into your GP’s office to speak with a nurse. You never know when something that might seem minor to you requires an appointment with your doctor. Don’t delay routine appointments and care, and when in doubt – ask your medical team. If you bury your head in the sand, minor problems become much more significant. 

So there you have it. The tips mentioned above are quick ways to take control of your health this cold and flu season and enjoy the holidays and beautiful winter months feeling great. Here’s to your health!

Top Tips for Improving Your Wellness and Living a Better Life

We all want to live a healthier life. Unfortunately, this does feel like it takes a significant amount of effort which can be difficult to muster after a hard day at work or if you’re already feeling generally unhealthy. First and foremost, you need to find your drive to improve your physical and mental wellness, and this task is down to you. However, learning about the ways in which you can improve your health can help to give you some extra inspiration to get started, so we’ve put together our top tips for improving both your physical and mental wellness so that you can live a better life.

Get Plenty of Sleep
One of the most important parts to living well is sleeping well. Getting plenty of sleep on a regular basis is very worthwhile and can help you to see some improvements to your daily life almost instantly. First off, as an adult, you need to get roughly 7-9 hours of sleep per day, but it’s not just enough to get the hours in. You’ll want to set yourself a regular bedtime that you follow strictly to keep your circadian rhythm in check. Having a healthy sleeping pattern reduces your risk of serious diseases such as stroke, and also provides you with extra energy throughout the day. This extra energy from sleep reduces your desire to eat extra calories to get energy instead, and therefore reduces your chance of gaining excessive weight too.

Drink More Water
Many of our bodily functions rely on the intake of water in the body. To maintain healthy function of some of the most essential tasks inside our bodies, it’s important to make sure you’re staying hydrated. These tasks include digestion, the absorption of vital nutrients, the creation of saliva, and also regulating a healthy body temperature. The amount of water you need to drink generally is impacted by external factors, however it’s recommended that adult men drink 13 and a half cups per day, and women drink 11 and a half cups. This may sound like a lot, but if you get into the habit of keeping a bottle of water with you at all times, it’ll become second nature to keep sipping it over the course of the day.

Exercise More
Staying fit and active is another key element to improving physical and mental wellness. It’s recommended that we all do at least 2 and a half hours of exercise per week to maintain a healthy fitness level. This improves our bodies in many ways, but it primarily increases your heart health. Of course, keeping our hearts healthy is comprised of much more than just exercise, so for more information on how to take care of your heart, check out Dr. Ruscio’s guide. Of course, other than keeping our hearts healthy, exercise is a very good way to keep us feeling happy too. There are strong links between exercise and positive mental health, especially if you’re exercising outdoors or with others. It can give you a moment to contemplate life and mentally digest any issues you’re having while also improving your physical appearance, and ultimately boosting your self-confidence.

Reduce Alcohol Intake
It’s important to remember that alcohol itself is a form of neurotoxin. Luckily, our bodies are equipped to process this and filter certain harmful chemicals like alcohol out of our systems, allowing us to unwind with a drink at the bar and socialize with friends, without feeling too guilty. However, our liver and kidneys, which predominantly serve to clean our blood and remove these harmful toxins, are limited in how much they can handle. You don’t necessarily have to give up alcohol here, although it’s definitely beneficial to do so. However, it’s worthwhile thinking of ways to cut down on the amount you drink. For example, if you were to drink 2 to 3 alcoholic beverages per day, you could end up causing damage to your liver which can lead to serious complications. Binge drinking can also harm your liver. This generally means drinking to get drunk, by consuming a lot of alcohol within a short space of time. Of course, everyone has different alcohol tolerances, so the limits are varied, but it’s generally stated that binge drinking is when men drink five our more drinks or women drink four or more drinks in a space of around two hours.

Talk About Your Mental Health
Speaking about our feelings and being open with those we care about is incredibly healthy and can help us to deal with mental health problems or lead us to seek more professional assistance. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 20.6% of US adults experienced some form of mental illness in the year of 2019. This accounts for about 51.5 million people. If you are struggling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or some other serious mental health disorder, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in those struggles and there are also many ways to find help for these problems. After speaking to those you care about for support, it can feel a whole lot easier seeking out further assistance from your doctor or a therapist. Ultimately, remember not to suffer in silence, and admit when you need help.

Sleep Tips for the Elderly

Getting enough sleep is important for everyone, but it is especially crucial for older adults. Unfortunately, many older adults have a hard time getting enough sleep due to a variety of factors such as insomnia and aches and pains that make it difficult for them to fall and stay asleep.

If you are an older person who has trouble sleeping or you know someone in this situation, here are seven sleep tips for the elderly designed to help you get better rest.

Get the right mattress

If you are an older person, there’s a greater likelihood that your aches and pains could make it difficult for you to fall asleep. An uncomfortable mattress can worsen these problems, so it is essential to get a bed that helps alleviate these aches and pains. As a result, you should invest in a mattress that is comfortable and supportive enough for you so that you can sleep soundly at night.

Keep a consistent sleep schedule

A consistent sleep schedule can go a long way toward helping you get the rest you need. You should go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. 

To help you stack on track, you will probably need to use an alarm at first. However, over time, your body should train itself to feel tired and wake up at your regular bedtime and wake-up time.

Avoid caffeine late in the day

Another helpful tip for improved sleep is to avoid caffeine late in the day. Caffeine is a stimulant, which means that it can prevent you from falling asleep hours after consuming it. 

A cup of coffee in the morning is fine, but steer clear of having caffeine as an afternoon pick-me-up. Instead, if you need an energy boost, try to splash some cold water on your face or go out for a walk.

Limit screen time before bed

If your bedtime routine includes sitting in front of the TV or computer, then you may need to adjust this habit. Watching television or using a computer close to bedtime can be stimulating and keep you from falling asleep. 

The blue light from these tech devices can suppress melatonin production. Melatonin is a critical sleep-inducing hormone that is triggered by light. While this does not mean you have to avoid screen time altogether in the evenings, you should plan to turn off your tech devices at least an hour or half-hour before your scheduled bedtime.

Create a comfortable sleeping environment

To get better sleep, you need to create a cozy and comfortable sleeping environment. Invest in soft sheets and blankets, and make sure your room is at a cool temperature. If the room is too warm, it could make it harder to doze off, or you might wake up from overheating in the middle of the night.

Establish a relaxing nightly routine

As mentioned earlier, you should avoid screen time right before bed. However, you can replace it with a relaxing nighttime routine that’s screen-free. By helping yourself wind down, you should fall asleep easier.

A healthy, calming bedtime routine might include taking a warm bath or shower, reading your favorite book, or drinking some decaf tea.

Get regular exercise during the day

Regular exercise during the day should also improve your sleep quality at night. Exercise is a natural stress reliever that releases endorphins in the body, making you happy and relaxed. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day, preferably early in the morning or later in the afternoon, so it does not interfere with your bedtime routine.

Conclusion

If you are an elderly person who is having trouble sleeping, try incorporating these tips into your daily routine. These helpful sleep tips include buying a comfortable mattress, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, not drinking caffeine in the afternoon or evening, cutting back on screen time, creating a relaxing sleep environment, establishing a calming nightly routine, and exercising regularly. You may have to get used to incorporating some of these changes, but the good news is that you will lead a much healthier life by getting more quality sleep.

Best Ways to Reconnect with Your Grandkids

Social interaction is an essential part of life, and that doesn’t change as you get older. Luckily, there are quite a few ways for seniors to stay connected in retirement communities, but no one can bring you joy quite like your family, especially your grandchildren. Unfortunately, it is easy to lose touch with them, and the pandemic has made that even more of a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together some of the best ways to reconnect with your grandkids. We don’t want you to miss out on any more time than you have to with them.

Set Up a Video Call

There’s a good chance that some of you have already tried video calls, but if not, now is the time to do it. Kids are big on visuals—that’s why they usually don’t like talking on the phone. However, if they can see you, they will be much more willing to stop what they’re doing and say hi.

Plus, there will be benefits for you too. Many kids enjoy showing people the weird things they can do, and they can’t do that if you are only using audio. Making the switch to video chat will help you see all of the fun stuff that they do every day, making it feel more like you live right there with them.

Plan a Day Visit

As long as you’re either vaccinated or take the proper precautions, our next suggestion is to plan out some time to visit them and spend the day together. Make sure it’s just you and the grandkids—no parents. If you aren’t close, this might feel awkward for a bit, but as long as you have some fun things planned, it should help them open up a bit.

There are plenty of things outside for you all to do together, but it would be best to ask them what they want to do before you start making plans. That way, you won’t have to constantly worry about whether or not they’re having a good time.

Go to Their Events

If you can’t seem to figure out something to do together, the least you can do is go to their events and support them. Whether they’re in a school sport or like to perform at the local theater, the more you go to these things, the more they will start to open up and grow closer to you.

Take an Interest in Their Interests

By far, the best way to reconnect with your grandkids is to learn more about the things they’re interested in and talk to them about them. Simply ask them what they like to do in their spare time, and they’ll likely go off on a long tangent about their friends or the games they enjoy playing.

Be sure to listen carefully to what your grandchildren say. If you don’t understand something they mentioned, don’t be afraid to ask for more info about it. Really show them that you’re interested in the things they like. You can even go the extra mile and find out more about those things in your spare time, then come back and talk to them about what you learned. We’re sure that will excite them and get them to speak with you even more.

How Seniors Can Save on Car Insurance

Teenage drivers tend to have auto insurance premiums that are more expensive. However, premium rates will start to come down with each passing year. This occurs as you gain more experience on the road and prove yourself to be a safe driver.

However, seniors who have tons of driving experience are often subjected to skyrocketing premiums. The average rate seniors pay for auto insurance is at least $2,500 per year. Typically, auto insurance companies view seniors as risky clients. This is because eyesight and reflexes get poorer with age. And, therefore, seniors are thought to be more likely to get into accidents.

While you can’t stop the aging process, there are a few things you can do to get the best car insurance premiums possible.

 Enroll in a defensive driving course.

 As earlier stated, older drivers pay higher premium rates because they deal with difficulties such as poor eyesight, slower reflexes, and reduced mobility. All these contribute to the likelihood of getting into a car crash when you’re behind the wheel.

So, what if you proved to your insurer that you’re still a safe driver who’s eligible for lower premiums? One way to do this is to take a defensive driving course to polish up your driving skills.

AAA is one of the many insurers that offer defensive driving lessons at cost-friendly prices year-round. You can enroll in these classes either online or in person. Once you complete the course, you may be eligible for a discount of up to 10% off your auto premium rates.

Consider the option of higher deductibles.

 With most insurance policies, policyholders can choose the tradeoff between monthly premiums and the deductible. A deductible is the maximum amount of money that a policyholder pays out of pocket for an insured risk.

Typically, higher deductibles translate to less protection and lower monthly charges. On the other hand, lower deductibles translate to comprehensive coverage but higher monthly premiums.

When you’re old and want to reduce the amount of money you pay to your insurance monthly, choosing a higher deductible makes perfect sense. However, keep in mind that this exposes you to more risk when driving. This is because you’ll be less protected by the insurer in the event of an accident and you’ll have to pay a lot of cash out of pocket.

Look into a low mileage discount.

 Generally, seniors drive less compared to other drivers. A retiree doesn’t have daily commitments that rack up miles on the odometer. Most insurers take into account mileage when deciding your monthly premiums. More miles mean higher premiums.

And, because you don’t drive as often as before, you can ask your insurer for a low mileage discount. You only need to prove to your insurer that you’re driving fewer miles than you used to.

Choose a pay-as-you-go policy.

 Switching to a pay-as-you-go policy will give you an even bigger discount. With this policy, you pay a specific base rate, after which you pay for every mile you cover.

This is an affordable option for senior drivers who spend less time behind the wheel. Ask your auto insurance company about this option, or search around from other providers about a pay-as-you-go policy.

Turn to technology.

Technology is here to make our lives better. In fact, it can lower your insurance premiums. Some insurers use technology to decide on your premium rates based on your actual driving behavior. They use telematics monitoring devices to check your driving speed, the number of miles you drive, as well as how smoothly you step on your brake pads.

Ask your insurance provider if you’re eligible for discounts when you install these monitoring devices in your vehicle. If you’re a safe driver, you might get better premium rates.

Look into specific senior auto insurance.

 Some insurance providers offer auto insurance policies designed specifically for seniors. One such auto insurance company is The Hartford, which has an auto coverage policy for seniors and special incentives for drivers aged 50 and above.

The Bottom Line

There’s stiff competition in the insurance sector. This means affordable rates for senior policyholders. You don’t have to stick with your insurer if they’re not offering the best rates. There’s no harm in comparing quotes from several providers in your area with a view of getting the best deal out there.

Ultimately, you want to keep your finances in check, and your car insurance rates are a starting point. But, before you settle for an insurer, make sure to look online for reviews just to make sure that you’re working with the best company in the market.

How to Start a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly

During the past few decades, the demand for elderly care facilities has been constantly on the rise. Society is suffering from having fewer available caregivers in the family circles to take care of the elderly, disabled, or people in need of assistance conducting daily life activities. Starting a business in the residential care industry can be a considerably rewarding experience, and not just in a financial way.

Many people find it hard to stay alone at home, and with people being busier than ever, the distressing situation is not likely to get better. The aging population projections state that there could be about a hundred million people older than 65 by 2035, which would be a 60% increase since 2016.

The average lifespan is increasing, and if you want to make the most significant contribution to improving the quality of life in the later years, here is a guide for starting a residential care facility for the elderly.

First Steps in Starting a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly

Once you develop your business plan, look for options to best insure your business property because it is the principal contributor to the functioning of your business. Your insurance plan should cover each facet of your residential care facility business plan. You can make further adjustments depending on whether you are inclined to operate an independent or assisted living facility, a memory or specialty care center, or a continuous care retirement community, also known as CCRC.

Residential Care Facility License

If you want to be a certified administrator of a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly, Adult Residential Facility, or a Group Home program, apply for the Initial Certification Training Program (ICTP), where you must complete 40-hour training. If you want to opt for NH or Nursing Home Administrator, there are an additional 12 hours of classroom instruction. After completing the training program, you have to pass a test administered by the Department of Social Services with a score of 70 or above within 60 days.

Once you pass the test, you will receive a congratulatory letter from ACS or the Administrator Certification Section, after which you have to submit a completed initial administrator application packet within 30 days of receiving the letter. You have to submit a  LIC 9163 Request for Live Scan form for a statewide (Department of Justice) and national (Federal Bureau of Investigations) criminal background check. You also have to submit a LIC 508 Criminal Record Statement, and in the event of a criminal record conviction, provide a written statement describing the circumstances regarding the crime.

Premises and Furnishing

When choosing a location for your residential care facility, location plays a key factor, so opt for a quiet environment away from the city noise but not too far for visitors to drop by. Look for different financing options whether you purchase or lease the facility premises, and consider giving advantage to prospects with existing furnishing pieces when evaluating your options and their potential. 

Multi-functional furniture can be incredibly useful in a residential care facility, although the overall design should be focused on safety while incorporating a homey touch. Explore different furniture arrangement options, and make room for residents to be able to enjoy their hobbies.

Residential Care Facility Staffing and Training

Residential care facilities for the elderly usually have licensed administrative workers, medical staff including a medical director and director of nursing, housekeeping and janitorial staff, cooking and dining staff including a dishwasher or wait staff. Hiring positions like landscaping staff and someone to remove the leaves or snow can significantly contribute to the overall attractiveness of your premises. 

The employees you hire should have credentials matching your clientele’s needs, including physical therapists. As the manager of a residential care facility, you have to plan ongoing training and include volunteering activities to present and optimally manage an effective program for the occupants of your premises.

Advertising Your Residential Care Facility

Whatever you do, if you neglect the marketing aspect of your business, you will never see the true potential of your effort. Make sure to include different marketing types in your strategies, like print leaflets and cards, for example, but do not undermine digital advertising like TV and the radio. Your residential care facility should have a website as its dedicated corner on the Internet, and you can run ads to advertise it.

Conclusion

With the rise of living standards and technology, business entities that focus on residential care facilities have to recognize the potential for improvement and raise the standard quality of life for people in all assisted living facility types. Whatever your motive for starting a residential care facility, it is virtually impossible to fail if you closely follow the best practices and guidelines outlined.

The Best Cities to Live in After Retirement

Are you getting ready to start the journey of retirement? You probably already know that there are a lot of things to consider. One of the main things you should think about when you are retiring is where you will live. With so many factors like the cost of the rent, the facilities of the home, and what you will be surrounded by, it’s important to spend a lot of time thinking about your life after work. One of the most crucial details to consider is where you’ll live. Below are some of the best cities to go to after retirement.

Miami, Florida

Miami is a young city in a state where people routinely go to retire. If you want to stay young and enjoy some beautiful weather, there is no place better than Miami. Not only will you have plenty of beaches, sunshine, and eccentricity, you will have a diverse set of neighbors and things to do in your retirement. Miami is probably the most expensive city in Florida, but compared to many of the major cities in the United States, it is more affordable. If you’re living in New York, Chicago, or LA, you will be able to get a nice home and save some money for your retirement.

Phoenix, Arizona

Another great city for retirement is Phoenix. Arizona’s capital city is hot, accessible, and a bit strange. It is a great place to settle down when you want to retire in an affordable city. It’s not exactly a small city for Arizona, either, as it hosts a large chunk of the state’s population. It is quite affordable compared to other cities like LA, Seattle, or New York, which makes it a great place to retire. You can save more money and live in a place where you won’t have to worry about getting too cold. Phoenix is dynamic and has a lot to offer. Look at your options, you just might take the plunge.

Santa Monica, California

If money isn’t an issue, you should think about settling down in Santa Monica for retirement. You can be minutes from the beach, the pier, and all that Los Angeles has to offer. Santa Monica is far enough away from the city but close enough to give you the ability to take advantage of LA’s restaurants and entertainment. If you start looking at Santa Monica homes for sale, you will likely fall in love with what you find. The homes are beautiful and charming. They offer an amazing location secluded from all the madness. If you want to be in a city but in your own creation, why not choose Santa Monica?

Lisbon, Portugal

What about retiring outside of the United States? If you haven’t done enough traveling and want to spend the rest of your life immersing yourself in another culture, Portugal is tough to beat. Not only is it one of the most romantic countries in the world, but the food is also amazing, and the people are friendly and self-deprecating. Lisbon is a great city for retirement because it is affordable, everyone speaks English, and you won’t be paying out the nose for rent. A city full of great people, beautiful music, and saudade, it’s hard not to love Lisbon. When you’re thinking about going abroad for retirement, consider Portugal and Lisbon.

Augusta, Georgia

Augusta, Georgia routinely makes the best places to retire lists for a few reasons. First, the cost of buying a home is very cheap. You can purchase a nice property with some land for a reasonable price, offering you a way to save money you have for other things. Another reason that people retire here is that the population is small and the pace is slow. People are friendly. There is that classic Southern hospitality. You will get along just fine. Are you thinking about heading to the South for a new era of your life? If you do some research on the best cities to retire in, Augusta will pop up.

When it’s time to stop working and plan the rest of your life, people often want to move somewhere new. It provides a fresh start and the ability to create your perfect retirement scenario. Whether money is an issue or not, the best places to retire are usually affordable and accessible. They are typically warm and inviting. Depending on your style, you will surely be able to find the perfect city to retire in.

5 Benefits of Independent Living Communities for Seniors

So, you’ve reached that point in life where the kids are grown and your days of working (full time anyway) are behind you. You now have the freedom to choose where and how you want to live. If flexibility and peace of mind are important to you, consider moving to an independent living community.

Also known as 55 plus, senior communities, or active lifestyle communities, independent living facilities offer the benefits of living in your own home, while having access to services and assistance that older adults may need. There are many reasons why this type of housing is rapidly becoming a popular choice amongst retirees. 

Focus on life, not maintenance 

As you  get older, it’s normal that your needs and priorities change. The dream house that was perfect for raising a family may not be suited to your needs as you enter their golden years. Likewise, a fifth-floor apartment in the city center might start to lose its appeal if you crave a different type of lifestyle. 

Even if you wish to remain at home, it can be tiring to keep up with the demanding maintenance schedule. Aging in place can be difficult in a multi-story home, and remodeling projects can be costly. 

The homes in independent living communities are already designed with useful accommodations, such as grab bars and widened doorways. You can even find facilities that offer additional services, such as housekeeping and prepared meals.

Independent living communities also allow seniors to embrace the new chapter in their life by eliminating the need to devote time and energy to home maintenance. In most communities, outdoor spaces and exterior features are managed by a maintenance team. That means you’ll never have to mow the yard or clean a gutter ever again. 

The option for continuing care

One hidden benefit of choosing an independent living facility is the possibility of continuing care. These communities house different levels of assisted senior living in one location. 

Continuing care facilities also offer enough flexibility for couples to live together, even if they require different levels of support. It also eliminates the likelihood of being separated should either partner experience significant changes to their independence. 

Since these communities have an on-site medical and caregiving team, it also provides safety and security for all residents. Should you need emergency medical attention, help is always nearby. 

There are more than 2,000 continuing care communities in the U.S. and chances are, there is one near you. If you love your neighborhood, you don’t have to move, even if your care needs increase. 

Built-in Community

Maintaining social connection is important for everyone, but it is especially important for seniors who are more likely to experience loneliness. Independent living communities create an environment where it’s easy to meet and interact with people from your generation. 

Independent living offers the best of both worlds when it comes to socialization. You can continue to host your family and friends in your own home for dinners and barbeques. At the same time, you can choose to attend events organized by the community and get to know your neighbors. 

Many communities have common spaces where residents can take classes, watch movies, or play games together. Most communities are well-connected to public transit or will arrange transportation to bring residents to interesting nearby destinations. 

Active Lifestyle

The CDC recommends that people over the age of 65 engage in at least two and half hours of moderate exercise per week. Independent living facilities make it easy for their residents to reach this goal.

For example, many communities have onsite tennis courts, swimming pools, and pickleball fields. You can also join an activity club and go hiking or golfing with other residents. 

It’s not unusual to find communities with excellent amenities like fully-equipped gyms. Otherwise, many independent living communities will offer their residents free or discounted passes to local sports clubs or fitness courses. 

Convenience

Perhaps the biggest selling point of an independent living facility is the emphasis on convenience. Most communities offer turn-key properties – many even fully furnished- that make moving and downsizing a breeze. 

To maximize the independence of their residents, these facilities are often situated in well-planned communities that incorporate everything you need in your daily life. Supermarkets, hairdressers, and shopping centers are usually a short walk away. 

Other independent living facilities are ideally located near economic and cultural hubs, so there’s always plenty to do and see. 

Next Steps

If independent living seems right for you, start researching communities in your desired location. You can schedule a tour of the community, or even stay overnight to see if the lifestyle is a good fit for you.

A Florida Survival Guide for Snowbirds

Florida is a super hot travel destination for seniors during the winter for many reasons, both for fun and health. So if you are considering becoming a snowbird, find out if Florida is a good choice for your winter stay. You can also discover how to handle your car insurance if you store your car for extended trips and other car scenarios for prospective snowbirds. 

Is Florida the best fit for my winter escape?

There are many perks to vacationing in Florida for the winter. The Sunshine State can range from fun, exciting, social, and charming to calming, beautiful, relaxing, and serene. 

It is frequently listed as a number one winter destination for the elderly population as compared to even other similar destinations. This is in part because seniors can readily find a blend between city and nature. There are also many activities that are exciting, healthy, or an ideal combo of both.

Staying active after retirement is very important.  So, as a senior, you may want to know which of these activities is right for you. Fortunately, Florida is rich with activities that are beneficial to physical health, as well as activities that keep you more energetic and lively. The following list provides some great suggestions to get a feel for Florida.

11 Senior-Friendly Activities Found in Florida

#1 – Yoga

There are many studios for yoga found throughout the Sunshine State. And even more exciting is that it is highly popular for groups to get together on the beach to enjoy the sunset and ocean breeze. Yoga is known to help with age-related muscle issues and can also bring a sense of inner calm from meditation.

#2 – Aqua Zumba

If you are looking for a smart workout that blends yoga, stretching, and dancing, look into aqua Zumba. It is an aerobic workout, but because it is in the water, it is softer on the tendons and joints. 

#3 – Dolphin cruises

There is an abundance of prime locations for sighting dolphins and other sea life. You can look into cruises that specialize in finding the best spots for frequent dolphin spotting and even grab dinner and go shelling on the same trip.

#4 – Dance classes

A great way for seniors to stay social and active is to sign up for dance classes.  Florida has a large elderly community, and so it is easy to find a community of like-minded people looking for a fun opportunity to dance and keep engaged.

#5 – Massage

Along with yoga studios, there are many massage studios (or studios offering both) in Florida. Types of massage include reiki, deep tissue, chiropractors, and less intensive types. Find out what is right for you, as a massage might be the perfect thing for your health.  

#6 – Hiking

For those looking to stay fitter and enjoy a more intensive activity that is still outdoorsy, scenic, and calming, Florida has great hiking trails. These trails can be hiked solo or in groups, making hiking available as a social activity as well as a meditative one. 

#7 – Tennis

Another perk of Florida is that many communities will have their own outdoor tennis courts because the weather is so nice. So it is very easy to find local tennis courts, which is a great way to meet your winter neighbors and keep fit.

#8 – Snorkeling

The Florida Keys offer the best snorkeling if you wish to view vibrant, colorful tropical fish, conchs, urchins, sea turtles, coral reefs, and more. But you can even find sand dollars, crabs, and beautiful shells on more northern beaches in Florida. 

#9 – Fishing

Fishing is a great way to get outdoors, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and relax in a less strenuous outdoor activity. Florida has both freshwater and saltwater fishing, a variety of places you choose from, including piers, boats, and chartering, and many species of fish.

#10 – Golf

Golf courses are a very popular amenity in many retirement communities throughout Florida. Some of the biggest golf courses are located in Florida, such as the courses in The Villages retirement community, just north of Orlando. This community boasts 50 golf courses and almost 700 holes.

#11 – Shopping

After long days in the sun, sometimes retreating to a cool, indoor mall is just the thing you need. You’ll find plenty of name brands to choose from, including high-end retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton, and Burberry. And of course, charming local boutiques abound.

In fact, these activities can help combat the growing issue of loneliness among seniors. So allowing yourself to indulge in these types of things can truly help your sense of well-being and enrich your quality of life. 

If you find Florida to look highly appealing for your winter stay, the next question is how to take care of seemingly complicated car and travel logistics to make your dream a reality. 

Ways Snowbirds Can Store, Ship, and Insure Cars for Florida

There are multiple routes you can take when it comes to making arrangements for your car. It is much more effective and safe to have at least one car with you during your winter stay. Uber and Lyft can get you around on a vacation, but it is not a feasible long-term solution. They are often too expensive and less flexible in where they can take you. 

So you’ll want to have your vehicle in Florida. 

Some snowbirds have been known to drive themselves on a long, cross-country road trip. However, this may not be the easiest route, as it can cause a lot of wear and tear to do annually. And it is definitely not the safest route either. Furthermore, overnight stays can get expensive on the road trip, so this is not the most cost-effective option.

Another option is to ship your car through a car shipping service. With these services, your car is attached to a trailer, and then someone drives the trailer south to Florida. Then you can fly by plane for a much quicker, safer, and cost-effective trip. And there are thousands of routes between U.S. cities in the North and Florida.

If you’re on the East Coast, a second way to ship your car is by train, such as Amtrak. This requires driving part of the way to the station in Norton, Virginia. Then you can board the train for the rest of the journey, in addition to shipping your car on the train as well. This option reduces the length of the trip by about a day and reduces any wear and tear on your car. 

Whether you choose to ship or drive your car, Florida requires anyone with a car to register it if they have been there for more than 90 days. And according to Florida law, any vehicle with a current Florida registration must have a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) as well as a minimum of $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL).

Also, snowbirds will often have multiple vehicles. If you have multiple vehicles, naturally you’ll want to find a way to save on insurance if you store one at your northern home. A great option is to look into parked auto insurance, which is a pause on your regular insurance.

Parked auto insurance is cheaper and covers a variety of scenarios that can occur with a car in storage. These scenarios include a limb falling on your vehicle while parked, vandalism, natural disaster, and more. They do often require that you own a second vehicle; additionally, the stored car cannot be driven for the duration of time it is in storage. 

Travel can be both exhilarating and a little daunting. But the more familiar you are with the logistics you need to take care of to have a smooth trip, the more fun it is.

Dorothea Hudson writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, BuyAutoInsurance.com. She has extensive travel experience and lives in Florida.

Your Ultimate Retirement Finance Guide

Growing old is inevitable. All working adults will at one point in time reach retirement age. One thing is certain—you need more care in old age. You get to decide how you will spend your retirement years, what you will do, and how to finance it. Life after retirement does not have to be boring; you can finally do the things you did not have time to do while working. If you plan your retirement finances well, you can have a blast during your retirement years and not be a burden to your family and friends. In this article, we share a few tricks that you can use to achieve your retirement goals.

Even the professional investment advisors will tell you that retirement planning is ideally a lifelong process, and it is never too late to get started. One way you can start planning for your retirement is to start keeping track of your finances.

Keep A Record of Your Assets, Debt, and Net Worth.

Keep a detailed record of your savings accounts, stocks, mutual funds, and bonds. Once you have all of them listed down, you can decide which funds can be used as your emergency funds or reserve accounts. This exercise is a way of determining which funds you are willing to forego in the future and which you want to keep permanently. The investment industry is constantly shifting, and your emergency reserves may occasionally change, which is why you need to stay up to speed on your financial status. If you have trouble taking stock of your assets, it would be advisable to seek the advice of a financial expert.

List Your Retirement Accounts.

Most people have multiple retirement plans running consecutively. Some employers can have the 401(k) plan or 403(b) plan for their employees. An individual may also decide to have a personal retirement plan such as the IRA plan. Make a list of these accounts to get a clear picture of your retirement finances. If you have an annuity titled IRA, add it to this list. The purpose of this exercise is to gauge your retirement finance soundness. If you find that you might have enough put away by the time you retire, you can:

Consider Supplementing Your Income Sources.

Increasing your income will allow you to keep more money aside for your retirement. There are a few ways you can increase your income, including investing in high-return projects. You can also start working on an extra passive source of income. It is important to consider the growth that your current sources of income may have over the years. Another option you may consider is to work on growing your current sources of income. Growing your income allows you to stay focused on what you are working on and presents a welcome challenge if you like a good challenge.

Use a Retirement Calculator.

Not sure about how to gauge your retirement finances? A retirement calculator will help you narrow down how much you should have saved, invested, and insured. When estimating your retirement needs, it is important to know the following things;

  • What do you want to get done when you retire? What will your retirement involve?
  • How much will you need to meet your retirement target budget?
  • Where will your retirement check come from primarily?
  • At what age do you intend to start taking out Social Security benefits?
  • How many years do you anticipate having in retirement?
  • Are you interested in having a financial legacy of any kind?
  • Do you intend on supporting adult children or grandchildren?

Once you have all these different aspects figured out, you can begin mapping out your retirement financial needs.