Blog Posts

The Importance of Community for Seniors

Community. Camaraderie. Connection. Like other species from the animal kingdom, human beings thrive when we have a pack to run with. Or in the case of seniors, briskly walk. This social interaction and sense of belonging sometimes referred to as the “proximity effect,” is important at any phase of life, but absolutely critical as we age. In fact, for seniors aging in place alone, the isolation can be devastating, leading to an increase in depression and physical ailments. Here are a few of the many reasons socializing for seniors is pivotal to mental, physical, and spiritual health. Social Seniors are Happier Seniors who are socially active are mentally healthier and enjoy a more positive outlook. Social engagements create a sense of purpose and lower the risk of depression, one of the biggest challenges facing seniors living on their own. Engaging with others gives us a reason to get up in the morning and look forward to the day with excitement. Socializing Keeps Seniors Active Social seniors are also more likely to be physically active. Just getting out with others means you are getting off the couch. Joining friends in a workout class at the gym, or becoming part of a regular Physical activity reduces the risk and impact of illness and can have a profound effect on overall health. Friends who inspire you to get moving can literally extend your life. You Belong A community for seniors means never having to feel alone. Now that the kids have flown the coop and there is no more office gang to meet for drinks after work, seniors can feel displaced. Living in a 55+ apartment community comes with a busy schedule of inclusive activities to enjoy with a welcoming community of 55+ peers. You will feel that special sense of belonging before unpacking your boxes. A Community that Supports Each Other As seniors face the many challenges of aging it is important – and comforting - to be surrounded by supportive friends and neighbors. Staying socially active with other members of your community and nurturing those relationships means you have people around you who are tuned in and care about what’s happening in your life. Friends Lower Stress Discussing our concerns with friends helps us work through issues and see things more clearly as we navigate life’s treacherous terrain. Friends who listen and offer a fresh perspective are invaluable and can actually lower stress and improve mood. Socially Active Seniors are Smarter According to a study conducted at the Center for Healthy Aging at Penn State, seniors who socialize show an increased cognitive function. They tend to perform better on cognitive tests than those who had less social activity. The study confirmed that the best interactions are those that involve give and take as well as trying new adventures together. It also concluded that meaningful relationships and social events helped stave off dementia. Be Social. Live Longer The math is simple. Interact with others and live longer. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that older adults who are socially active tend also to be physically active, which can add years to a person’s life. Overture’s premier active adult communities offer 55+ apartment living designed to promote that spirit of community so vital to wellness. Book a tour of the community of your choice today. The proximity effect means whichever community you choose will be a perfect fit. Your pack is waiting for you.

Tips on How to Stay Safe Online as a Senior

There is a good chance your days of bungee jumping are at an end. High-wire walking? Probably also a thing of your past. In other words, those 55+ understand the need to be a little extra cautious these days. But thanks to the world we live in, it is not just our physical safety at risk. Our cyber security is equally important and requires vigilance. Statistics indicate seniors are a force to be reckoned with on the internet. Some 75% are online every day, keeping in touch with family, using online dating apps, banking, shopping, and investing, making travel arrangements, logging onto personal medical portals, sharing photos, and keeping up with current events. And that number grows every day. Social media for seniors is not a luxury. It is a necessary tool to make sure those 65 and older remain relevant and part of the conversation. That said, There are real risks - and the stakes are high. Falling prey to scammers and those who seek to steal your identity can be debilitating to you – and your bank account. The key to safe web surfing is following these simple, common-sense guidelines. How to Surf the Internet Safely Passwords Your passwords are an important piece of your cyber security. Make sure they are long – experts suggest at least eight characters – and unique. Never share those passwords with anyone. If you have trusted family members managing accounts, make sure they know never to share your passwords with anyone claiming to want to “help you out” by wiring “you” money. It’s a common scam that is too often successful. Privacy Settings When posting and receiving on social media, make sure to turn on your privacy settings. That way you control who sees your posts. Check out the privacy settings on your platform before pressing send. If it Looks Too Good to be True… Fraudsters on the internet are smart. Their emails and texts look amazingly authentic. The rule is: If an offer, email or message sounds too good to be true, go with your instincts and just delete it. One of the common scams is emails or posts that appear to be from someone you know, saying that person is in distress and needs your financial help. If you get such a message, reach out to your actual friend for verification. Chances are this is a hacker who is after your money. Another tried and true fraud is the very official-looking email that says you owe money to a government agency. Social security scams are notorious. Also beware of the infected computer scam. The hackers will seek to take control of your computer to “fix” it. They will really be planting viruses and extracting all your personal information. Cyber Love Dating websites have transformed the social scene for all age groups. The senior set is no different. Apps that match couples who share common interests can change lives. But as with every interaction on the internet, caution is advised. Too many seniors looking for romance have instead been fleeced by online scam artists. Hence the first rule of online dating: Never send money to potential dates. That’s never. Also, make sure your first meeting with someone you meet online is in a public place, like a restaurant. Make sure at least one friend knows where you are going to be and have them call you during the date to make sure all is kosher. Look for red flags like someone who professes instant feelings of love, or someone who urges you to get off the dating site and communicate privately. And delete anyone who continues to communicate with you but is never available to meet in person. Social media for seniors can be a wonderful, empowering link to the larger world. Become part of one of Overture’s premier active adult communities and improve your tech savviness at a class designed to keep you actively involved – and cyber-safe. Staying offline is simply not an option. So be cyber smart and enjoy.

Ways for Seniors to Welcome Spring

Ernest Hemingway "When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest." That Hemingway sure had a way with words. Spring is all about renewal, rebirth, and revitalization for the planet and all its denizens. As Mother Nature orchestrates her spring symphony, so do seniors burst forth from whence they’ve hunkered for the winter and emerge into the sunshine. Yep. It’s time to take this party outside. Thinking spring means different things to different people. Check out these spring activities for seniors and maybe one or more will inspire you to, um…spring into action. Laura Ingalls Wilder "Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat." Go the Extra Mile There is one spring activity for seniors that checks every box. It’s loaded with sunshine and fresh air. It will invigorate your body and spirit, helping to stave off depression and improve muscle tone. It will provide social opportunities, it’s available any time – and it’s free. So, where do you have to go to participate? Nowhere. Just open your door and step outside. No other spring activity offers all the benefits of a good walk. Whether you enjoy a solo sojourn or are more motivated by the presence of others, walking is the simplest way to combine exercise with an appreciation of the outdoors. Start a walking club and get your steps in on a regular basis. Virginia Woolf "I enjoy the spring more than the autumn now. One does, I think, as one gets older." Time for Trivia When it comes to spring games for seniors, there is nothing like a live trivia tournament. As those of, let’s say, a certain age, you’ve accumulated more of a wealth of knowledge than you realize. Spring is the time to put all that trivia to the test. Grab a trivial pursuit game tailored to info from your favorite decades on Amazon and plan to meet a group of friends in the park or recreation space in your active adult community. You are guaranteed an afternoon of laughs and memories. Leo Tolstoy "Spring is the time of plans and projects." Spring Cleaning It may not be the most fun spring activity for seniors, but it does have its purpose and benefits. As you consider “rightsizing” into an Overture premier active adult community, it’s important to begin the process of clearing out the clutter and streamlining your possessions. Once you’ve waded through the accumulation of decades, you’ll feel lighter, more organized, and ready to step into this new chapter of your life unencumbered. John Muir "Spring work is going on with joyful enthusiasm." Be Crafty Whether you are into scrapbooking, or needlepoint, or love to gather old photos and make wall collages, spring craft projects for seniors abound. Two friends who enjoy the same creative outlet can be a group. Three friends, a craft project, and a bottle of wine? Well, that’s a party. Book a tour at the Overture active adult community of your choice and make this season your own personal springboard into your active adult adventure. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the friends who want to meet you are waiting.

Fun Activities for Seniors in Colorado this Spring

There is a transformation taking place. The winter wonderland is in retreat, making way for the drama of spring splendor. That’s Colorado for you. Every season is a unique showcase of Mother Nature’s special magic. The earth comes alive after its long sleep, nudging flora and fauna back to life. Exotic wildflowers fill the landscape. They don’t call Colorado the Colorful State for nothing. In the warmer months, the long list of things to do in Colorado for seniors is even longer. Here are a few options to consider now that spring has sprung. Follow the Wildflowers Always high on the list of spring activities for seniors in Denver is a wildflower hike. Take in breathtaking scenery along the way as you witness the rebirth of magnificent wildflowers. There are tons of trails to explore all over the state. From Denver, it’s a few hours to Crested Butte, notable as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado. But, if you are looking for a trail closer to Denver, your best bet is Willow Creek Trail in Roxborough State Park. Willow Creek is a 1.4-mile loop known for its wildflowers as well as its bird-watching opportunities. Try a Relaxing Soak Hot springs, those geothermally heated natural bathtubs, are high in mineral content and long believed to be good for what ails us. Colorado is literally swimming with soaking opportunities. The closest to Denver is historic Indian Hot Springs. Its main mineral water swimming pool is covered by a translucent dome and surrounded by an indoor tropical forest. It’s heated to a delicious 90 to 100 degrees. There are also outdoor Jacuzzis filled with hot springs water as well as men’s and women’s geothermal caves. Fun fact: Those caves were carved into the mountainside in the early 20th century. Another fun fact: Caves are bathing suit optional. Relax and rejuvenate as you celebrate spring. Ahhhhhh The Broadmoor Pikes Peak Railway Drive a short 90 minutes from Denver to experience an unforgettable spectacle. Climb aboard the Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cog Railway and ascend over 14,000 feet up to Pikes Peak. The train wends its way around waterfalls, cascading streams, and lush forests of aspen and pine. It’s a 3-hour and 10-minute trip of a lifetime. As a senior activity in Denver, this one is outstanding. Spring Festivals Colorado is famous for its festival culture. There are spring celebrations that showcase food, art, music, and shopping all over the state. Whether you’re looking for a local outing or an overnighter, grab some buddies and become part of the festivities. Old Colorado City High on the list of fun activities for seniors in Colorado is a day trip back into the past. A little over an hour outside Denver is Old Colorado City, an authentic western town boasting buildings erected a century and half ago. Today those landmark buildings house shops, restaurants and a wide variety of art galleries. Every first Friday of the month, the town hosts FirstFriday ArtWalk which showcases the galleries and open artist studios. Book a tour today at Overture 9th and Co, or Overture Central Park , Overture’s premium active adult communities in Denver. Fresh air, 300 days of sunshine, and a community of enthusiastic welcoming peers await. Spring is the perfect time for new beginnings - for wildflowers and seniors.

Hidden Gems of Houston for Seniors

H-Town. Magnolia City. The Big Heart. Those are just a few of the long list of nicknames for Houston, the Capital of the Sunbelt – another well-known moniker. And, of course, there is Space City, an obvious choice since the late 60s. Who can forget “Houston, Tranquility Base Here,” the first words spoken on the moon? Well…maybe a lot of people. But, clearly, when it comes to finding ways to appreciate the magic that is Houston, there is, well…no problem. Houston is a city of superlatives. Start with an extraordinary culinary scene that boasts more than 10,000 restaurants, and represents American and international cuisine. Then consider the incredible 54,000 acres of green spaces to appreciate the outdoors. Don’t forget one of Houston’s key selling points, The Texas Medical Center, considered the largest in the world. With its 1000-acre campus and 54 medical institutions, this globally acclaimed facility treats over 7 million patients annually Throw in the unlimited array of senior citizen activities in Houston and the glorious weather in which to enjoy them, and there is no doubt Houston is the stuff retirement dreams are made of. When it comes to things to do in Houston for seniors, you can’t ignore the big attractions like the Space Center, and the iconic Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. But it’s also fun to venture off the beaten path and discover Houston’s many hidden gems. Lankford Grocery and Market A Houston landmark, Lankford’s started as a grocery store and has morphed into a local eatery and stomping ground. With its homey environment and menu filled with comfort food, this is a fan favorite and a great place to gather with friends for a casual bite. Moorehead’s Blueberry Farm Get a group of seniors together and enjoy some sweet fun at Moorhead’s Blueberry Farm, the oldest pick-your-own blueberry farm in Texas. Pick from 20 varieties of berries on more than 20 acres. What a great way to merge exercise and a social outing. Keep this place in mind for the grandkids. They will love a berry-picking day with you. Lucky Land You don’t need an expensive airline ticket or a passport for an authentic Asian experience. Lucky Land, just 20 minutes outside of downtown Houston, is a 2-acre park showcasing Chinese culture and history. Featuring large-scale replicas of the Terracotta Army, recreations of traditional Chinese villages, sculpted gardens, and Kung Fu statues, Lucky Land is both entertaining and educational. Orange Show Center for Visionary Art Originally an art concept that transformed Houston’s East End, the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art is now a sponsor for an ongoing series of exhibitions, concerts, films, and other performance art. It also offers classes and workshops at various locations across Houston. The Orange Show Center is celebrated as a living example of how one person’s vision can dramatically impact the culture of a community. Houston CityPass 55+ life in Houston can be significantly enhanced by taking advantage of the Houston CityPass. It provides both admission and priority access to Houston’s top attractions and is good for 9 days. Book a tour at Overture Sugar Land, Overture’s premier active adult community outside Houston, and find out why seniors are flocking to this retirement mecca. Look out Houston. This time it is not the Eagle, but the seniors who have landed.

Activities for Seniors Moving to Plano

Plano is the 9th largest city in Texas. Literally translated from Spanish, its name means “plain,” but this quintessential little big city, a mere stone’s throw from Dallas, boasts a sophistication all its own. From upscale shopping destinations, to an outstanding art district, thousands of acres of green spaces and unlimited dining opportunities, small wonder Plano is repeatedly mentioned on the list of the top 100 places to live in America. The city is also home to an impressive list of corporate headquarters, which means potential job opportunities for seniors’ second acts or family members of those who are enjoying independent senior living in Plano. So, nope. Definitely not plain. Check out these Plano attractions and find out why so many active adults are enthusiastic about calling retirement communities in Plano home. Shops At Legacy Conceived as both town hub and shopping mecca, the Shops at Legacy is a destination that serves many masters. Filled with trendy boutiques, restaurants, coffee houses for people watching, bars for drinking – and people watching, and multiple entertainment venues, the Shops at Legacy is the Plano community’s unifying landmark. No need to actually shop, or eat. Just take a stroll down the town alleys and you will eventually reach Baccuss Park, one of Plano’s historical sites. Walk down Shawnee Trail, formerly the main route for the Texas longhorns’ northern journey. Instead of cattle, you’ll see life sized bronze sculptures of cowboys and cattle cast by famous Texas artist, Robert Summers. Enjoy the Festivities Plano Balloon Festival Life on the ground at retirement communities in Plano is filled with social and recreational opportunities, but in the fall, all eyes turn upward. Every September, the Plano Balloon Festival transforms the skies above into an enchanted spectacle. More than 45 colorful, whimsically shaped balloons hover over Plano, taking those who dare on a magical ride. The 3-day event features balloon rides, parachute jumpers, inflatable rides for t he kids, live music and dance, martial arts exhibitions, and plenty of food and drink vendors. When the sun goes down, the glow in the dark balloons go up, accompanied by dazzling fireworks. International Festival Plano’s October highlight is the International Festival, an event designed to celebrate Plano’s cultural diversity. Its mission is to strengthen the community by raising awareness of the city’s many ethnic communities and building bridges between cultural groups. Green Spaces Retirement living in Plano Texas comes with over 4,000 acres of open areas, designed to put the “active” in active adults. With over 150 miles of biking trails and roughly 100 miles designated for walking and jogging, the perfect exercise route awaits. Enjoy the beauty and serenity of the outdoors while accumulating those all-important steps. The Crayola Experience When you tell the grandkids you’ve chosen a retirement community in Plano, Texas, they may not share your excitement at first. But, when you tell them Plano, Texas is the home of the Crayola Experience, let’s just say, that’s a crayon of a whole different color. Your coolness factor will soar when you take them into a world that celebrates the magic of color with a unique, hands-on, creative experience. Featuring attractions like the 4-D Coloring Adventure and the Live Crayon Manufacturing Show, the Crayola Experience is a Plano favorite. Bring the kids – or just celebrate the kid in you – and enjoy 60,000 square feet of colorful fun. Overture Plano is Overture’s premier active adult community in Plano, Texas. Book a tour today. Once you’ve experienced Plano up close - and in living color – you’ll never want to leave.