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What to do for Seniors Moving to San Antonio

From the oldest miniature golf course in the United States, now a historic landmark, to its own version of England’s ancient Stonehenge, to a pair of - what else - the largest cowboy boots ever made towering outside the local mall, San Antonio boasts an eclectic treasure trove of destinations to discover. Unique and charming, San Antonio is the Lone Star state’s most widely visited city. But the tourists are not the only ones who give it an enthusiastic thumbs up. By the steady influx of residents joining the active adult communities in San Antonio, it’s clear, those lucky enough to call Texas’ second largest city home are even bigger fans. Independent Living in San Antonio Independent senior living in San Antonio offers the best of all indoor and outdoor worlds. An abundance of green spaces creates the perfect backdrop to the city’s vibrant cultural and culinary scenes. There are also plenty of attractions to lure the grandkids in for a visit. Check out these things to do for seniors in the Alamo City. It’s easy to see why seniors are flocking to over 55 communities in San Antonio. River Walk The San Antonio River Walk is a magnificent urban park, complete with wide walkways, shops, restaurants and entertainment. This city centerpiece was the vision of architect Robert H. H. Hugman. His design serves two masters, functioning as both a hub of social and commercial enterprise, while managing heavy seasonal rains to control flooding. Bustling day and night, the River Walk is the place to see and be seen. San Pedro Park Officially christened a public park in 1852, San Antonio’s San Pedro Park is the oldest park in Texas, and the second oldest in the nation. Its 46 acres includes a swimming pool, tennis courts, a skate plaza, and over 60 hiking trails. The park is also home to the San Pedro Public Library and the San Pedro Playhouse, home to The Public Theater of San Antonio. Fiesta San Antonio What began in 1891 as a parade to honor the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, has morphed into one of the nation’s premier festivals. Celebrating the city’s rich and diverse cultural history, Fiesta San Antonio hosts upwards of 3 million people every year. The event is an April highlight, but its substantial financial impact provides year-round services to San Antonio residents. Historic Market Square Ask any member of over 55 communities in San Antonio where the cultural, crafty and culinary purposes intersect, and inevitably the answer will be Historic Market Square. The three-block outdoor plaza is lined with shops and restaurants, and features “El Mercado,” an area of 32 specialty shops honoring Hispanic artistry. No apartment in any over 55 active adult community in San Antonio Texas is complete without an authentic piece of décor from here, the largest Mexican market in the US. Altitude Trampoline Park When the grandkids give you the old “What are we going to do today?” look, you’ll be ready. Just take them to the Altitude Trampoline Park and you will guarantee a return visit. Trampolining may not be your first choice of activity, but it will be a treat to watch the kids soar. And you will be the coolest grandparents ever! Overture had the whole family in mind when they built Overture Stone Oak 55+, a premier active adult community that offers stress free, turnkey, resort style living at its finest. Check out Stone Oak today. Seriously, if San Antonio makes you remember only the Alamo, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

How to Enjoy Life in Fort Worth

Some people call it Funkytown. Some argue for PantherTown. But most proudly refer to Fort Worth as Cowtown, or the City of Cowboys – and, by the way, cowgirls. Not the cheerleading kind. The real kind. Fort Worth is a study in contrasts. On the one hand, in an homage to its roots, it’s the only city in the world that drives cattle not once, but twice daily through the Stockyards National Historic District. On the other hand, emerging as a cultural and culinary hub, this small, big city is proudly stepping out of the shadow of neighboring Dallas to claim its own identity. That said, with its proximity to Dallas and all that larger cosmopolitan center has to offer, retirement communities in Fort Worth offer the best of both worlds. Enjoy the benefits of a less hectic environment with easy access to the hustle and bustle of The Big D when the spirit moves. Check out these things to do in Fort Worth and see why seniors are flocking to retirement communities in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Nature Lovers With over 200 parks and maintained community spaces, Fort Worth has parks and recreation to spare. There are endless opportunities to learn about and enjoy the outdoors. Fort Worth Botanical Gardens and Botanical Research Institute of Texas Appreciate the splendor of Fort Worth’s natural beauty with a trip to The Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. Share its splendor and tranquility with friends or pull up a bench on your own for some quiet meditation. Enjoy the gorgeous, manicured gardens or take advantage of any of the many and varied events throughout the year. You’ll enjoy the senior discounts as much as the surroundings. After you stroll through the gardens, explore the nearby Botanical Research Institute of Texas. This great natural resource center hosts a full calendar of programs that focus on the latest developments in conservation. Fort Worth Water Gardens The Fort Worth Water Gardens are a unique and architecturally remarkable urban oasis. Visitors are treated to a variety of mesmerizing water features including a quiet pool in a beautifully situated shady sanctuary. Hear the Music Senior living in the Dallas/Fort Worth area comes with your choice of music. Fort Worth boasts several world class musical venues. Enjoy a Broadway show or a performance by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra at the breathtaking Bass Performance Hall , and, only a few short blocks away, experience the musical drama of the Fort Worth Opera. Additionally, thanks to the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, established in Fort Worth in 1963, some of the top young piano artists from around the globe can be found in venues all over town. Fort Worth Stockyards and National Historic District Authentically preserved, the Stockyards represent the true history of Texas’s livestock industry. A visit here is a perfect blend of the old and the new. Experience the quintessential Old West adventure right alongside chi chi shops and restaurants. Cultural District Fort Worth’s long list of museums have something for everyone. Whether you are a Civil War buff, art aficionado, or a science enthusiast, Fort Worth’s cultural district has a museum with your name on it. Start with these impressive collections: The Texas Civil War Museum The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth Amon Carter Museum of American Art Fort Worth Museum of Science and History Don’t wait to arrange a tour of River District, Overture’s premier over 55 community in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Live this chapter of life to the fullest. How exciting to be able to say - literally - this IS my first rodeo!

Senior Activities in Greenville

Yes, Greenville, South Carolina is surrounded by hills that are lush, and well…green. But that is a happy coincidence having nothing to do with its name. The name of this cultural and entertainment center, with its award-winning walkable downtown, thriving economy and unlimited array of outdoor activities is in fact an homage to Revolutionary War hero Nathanial Greene. How pleased he would be to see the army of seniors flocking to communities in Greenville. They come bearing not muskets, but a desire to embrace this special chapter of life with energy and enthusiasm. For the 55 and over brigade, it’s more of an evolution than revolution, but just as significant. Check out a few of the many reasons retirement communities in Greenville South Carolina are raising the bar for senior living to new heights. The Next Big Food City of the South Esquire Magazine called Greenville “The Next Big Food City of the South.” Zagat agrees, calling Greenville the “#1 Under the Radar Southern Food Destination. Southern Living named Greenville one of the “South’s Tastiest Towns.” Sensing a theme? More than 110 restaurants in downtown Greenville and over a 1000 in the surrounding areas create a deliciously diverse restaurant scene that features the talents of world class local restaurateurs. Game On Greenville is a sports town. A host of college and popular minor league teams draw exuberant fans across all sports. If you love baseball, football, basketball, soccer, or ice hockey, your weekends will be filled with cheers and beers. You Can Always Go…Downtown Dubbed a national model for a pedestrian-friendly city center by none other than The New York Times, Greenville’s downtown is a vibrant hub of streetside dining, outdoor plazas and entertainment. Ranked one of the top 10 best downtowns in the country, its unique blend of charm and sophistication has all the ambiance of a European city. Location, Location, Location Perfectly situated between Atlanta, Charlotte, Asheville, and Columbia, Greenville is but a short drive to unlimited culture, arts, historical sites, shopping, sports and entertainment. When you feel like a change of scenery, hop in the car, pick a direction, and explore. Take a Hike With lakes, rivers and mountains in its backyard, Greenville is surrounded by natural splendor. Recreational opportunities abound at picturesque parks like Paris Mountain State Park, Caesars Head, Table Rock State Park and Lake Placid, to name a few. A particular gem is Greenville Falls Park, an oasis that features a pedestrian bridge that curves around a waterfall on the Reedy River. Lace up your walking shoes to get your requisite steps and revitalize your spirit in the majesty of the outdoors. A Day at the Museum After you’ve had your fill of sunshine and exercise, check out one of Greenville’s many museums. Whether you are a history buff, art aficionado, music lover or total science geek, Greenville has a museum for you. When the grandkids visit, they will love a trip to the city’s 14-acre zoo. And That’s Not All Add mild weather, outstanding healthcare and financial incentives that include tax exempt social security to the mix and it’s no contest. Senior living in Greenville, South Carolina is the gift that keeps on giving. Schedule your tour at Overture Greenville 55+, Overture’s premier active adult community in Greenville. Become part of a warm, welcoming community in one of the best small cities in America. The rewards will be huge!

Benefits of Keeping an Indoor Garden

A very wise – albeit apparently unknown – person once said, “Gardening adds years to your life and life to your years.” Ah, music to senior’s ears. Providing a sense of purpose and focus while inspiring creativity is just part of the magic that makes gardening for seniors the perfect pastime. Gardening’s real superpower is reducing stress and enhancing physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing . And in further good news, if your idea of gardening projects for seniors involves climate control, you’re in luck. Whether your garden grows indoors or outdoors, you will reap equal benefits. That Mother Nature is a crafty one. You may be looking to cultivate a few indoor pots to brighten up your new active adult apartment or envision a more elaborate array of indoor greenery. Either way, gardening ideas for seniors abound. Here are a few tips to get this indoor garden party started. Where? Before embarking upon your indoor garden, you will need to decide on location. Do you have a sunny windowsill? If not, place a plant stand or a side table near the window that gets substantial light. Keep all walkways clear and make sure your plant stands or tables will support the weight of the plants. Make the most of your available space with hanging plants or plants that can live happily ever after on a mantle or bookshelf. How? You will need some basic tools to get started. Keep in mind, newer ergonomic hand tools are designed to reduce stress on the hand and wrist. Small watering can A mixture of potting soil appropriate for your chosen plants Gardening gloves Containers Plants, seeds or bulbs Pruning shears Small handheld shovel What? Your indoor garden's success will pivot on selecting the right plants for your environment. Remember, those dramatic flowering plants you love need full sun. They will not thrive in your shady kitchen, but there are plenty of other fun options that will. For full sun: Tropical Hibiscus will yield large showy blooms. Succulents and cacti like the sun but need very little water so maintenance is easy. Display a single plant in a small pot, or fill a large, shallow container with multiple plants. These hardy specimens do best with their own special potting mix. You can also cover the surface with grit or sand. African violets are low maintenance and bloom almost constantly. Put them near a sunny window and water only when the soil is dry. When it comes to easy gardening for seniors, mint plants check all the boxes. They are super easy to grow and will flourish indoors. Plus, once the plant is growing, you can snip a few leaves and garnish afternoon tea. Indirect Sun: Snake plants like bright sun but will thrive in indirect or low light. Spider plants appreciate bright to moderate indirect sunlight. These are great plants to hang or put on a shelf. Low Light Philodendrons will grow in low light but be careful to water only once a week. Dieffenbachia and ferns will also do well in low light. Think Outside the Plant Box Always a popular gardening idea for seniors: Terrariums. Instead of planting in pots, try creating an artistic collection in a terrarium. All you need is a glass container, sand or decorative rocks, some charcoal, a few small plants and a little imagination. Talk about the perfect accessory for your new apartment in the Overture active adult community of your choice. Once you join a welcoming community of like-minded garden enthusiasts, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your plants – and your new friendships – bloom.

Decorating Tips for Those Downsizing

Something's not quite right. The house that was so perfect in the past is not really working in the present – and is suddenly not where you see your future. You can envision a living space that is efficient and comfortable, where you can live a carefree, turnkey lifestyle in a community with like minded peers. And there you have the very definition of rightsizing. The concept of shedding the ungainly, old money pit in favor of stress free, cost effective, low maintenance living used to be known as “downsizing.” But the term has evolved into a word that more accurately describes the mission: Rightsizing. It literally means living the right life, at the right time, in the home that is exactly right for you. Overture’s premier active adult communities are laser focused on every aspect of rightsizing for seniors. From resort worthy facilities to unlimited opportunities for physical, mental, and social enrichment, Overture exists to accommodate this exciting chapter of life. Nowhere is senior fun taken more seriously. Once you’ve made the decision to embrace the 55+ life, the first order of business on the downsizing home checklist is wading through decades of accumulation to streamline your possessions. This can be a challenging undertaking, so give yourself ample time to figure out what will be trash, what will be donated and what will become part of your new life. Most important downsizing tip for seniors: Do the math. Apartments are smaller than houses. Less is more. Remember, as you clutch your grown children’s old 4th grade art projects, clutter is not a design motif. But there are lots of other imaginative ways to maximize your space and create a rightsized environment that is, well… just right for you. Here are a few rightsizing design tips to get you started. Maximize the Space At its core, apartment decorating is about space planning and tricking the eye into thinking there is more square footage than there actually is. For example, careful furniture arrangements that leave walkways between living areas clear, glass or mirrored accent pieces that offset heavier furnishings, and a darker accent wall in a white room, can create the perception of more space. Pick a Statement Piece Create a focal point with a splashy rug or fun painted bookshelf. One or two statement pieces are all you need to set a mood. Photos or Personalized Artwork Hanging photos of your kids, grandkids and friends is a great way to fill an empty wall. You’ll be able to display meaningful photos without adding clutter, while lending a personal touch to the surroundings. Area Rugs Area rugs are a simple and elegant way to anchor your furniture but also create boundaries between living spaces. That’s especially important in an apartment with a combined living and dining area. To change a room’s perspective try shifting that rug 90 degrees and angling the furniture. Little Details Can Make a Big Impact Small changes like refreshing bedding, and adding colorful accent pillows or plants and flowers are inexpensive and go a long way toward setting the desired ambiance. Overture professionals are standing by to schedule a tour of the Overture active adult community of your choice. Find out what Overture’s excited residents already know: Now is the right time to rightsize.

Top Activities for Seniors Near Albuquerque

It is the hot air balloon capital of the world, the backdrop for the hit series “Breaking Bad,” and the fictional hometown of Ethel Mertz, bestie of Lucy Ricardo. Quirky and fun, Albuquerque, New Mexico is a unique blend of hip, happening and historic. Located in the shadow of the Sandia Mountains, this big city with the small-town vibe comes with stunning views, endless sunshine, over 22,000 acres of parks, and miles of hiking trails. Independent living in Albuquerque is the gift that keeps on giving. That’s because the list of fun things for adults to do in Albuquerque does not end in the city proper. There are also loads of attractions nearby that are perfect for day tripping. Check out these senior activities in the vicinity of Albuquerque. Petroglyph National Monument Take a 20-minute ride from downtown Albuquerque to explore over 7,000 acres of dormant volcanoes known as Petroglyph National Monument. Discover images etched into boulders by Pueblo, Apache, and Navajo people over 7 centuries ago. With your cell phone, you can listen to the park ranger audio tour to learn more about the history connected with this ancient site. Santa Fe Hop on the train and take an 80-minute ride to Santa Fe, the nation’s oldest capital. From the 17 th century Palace of Governors, a National Historic Landmark, to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, to the New Mexico Museum of Art and galleries around Santa Fe Plaza, it’s no wonder Travel + Leisure Magazine ranks Santa Fe as a great cultural getaway. White Sands National Monument Spend a day off the beaten path at the White Sands National Monument. This natural wonder is the largest gypsum dune field in the world and is only 90 minutes south of Albuquerque. Take a ranger tour of the dry lakebed where the sands formed. You’ll gain insight into the wildlife that calls the constantly moving sands home. Take the scenic 8-mile-long Dunes Drive. If the grandkids are with you, they will love sliding down the dunes on plastic sleds. That part of the tour is grandparent optional. Taos Pueblo It’s a 2.5-hour drive to the 1,000-year-old native community of Taos Pueblo, but a visit to one of only 10 cultural sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage list is worth the trip. Take a tour and learn about the historic architecture and culture of the oldest continuously occupied place in North America. FYI Make sure your phone is charged. The pueblo still functions without running water and electricity. The Valles Caldera National Preserve Head south for about an hour and a half and you’ll find the Jemez Mountains and their dramatic centerpiece, the Valle Caldera National Preserve. Put on your hiking shoes and explore the 13.7-mile-wide collapsed volcanic crater. Then take off on one of the trails and you might catch a glimpse of the elk, black bears, and golden eagles that reside there. Ranger-led wildlife viewing tours and fly-fishing classes may be on your list of activities. It can be a day to commune with the outdoors however you choose. Independent living in Albuquerque affords easy access to all of the great senior activities in Albuquerque and beyond. Check out Overture Albuquerque and embrace the best of senior living. Spectacular sunsets that light up the skies in a blaze of glory are a nightly bonus. Don’t miss another one.