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How to Help Avoid Fitness Injuries When Working Out at Home

To call active adults creative and resilient is a gross understatement. So, clearly, it takes more than a little worldwide pandemic to keep active adults from staying fit. That said, for most, working out looks a little different than it did this time last year. Instead of breaking a sweat at the gym, it’s either walking endless laps around the neighborhood or finding ways to exercise at home. The shift in locale comes with both good news and a caveat. The good news: There is no traffic on the way to the living room. The caveat: An improvised environment makes safety even more important. Here are some tips for working out at home to help prevent injury during exercise. Clear the Clutter Before beginning any home workout, make sure you have the space to do the workout you plan. Do a 360-degree turn in the designated area and spread your arms both up and out to the sides. Nothing worse than flinging out your arms in the heat of the workout and banging them into a wall. Check the floor for any extraneous items. Grandkids’ toys, books, weights, and other random, normally harmless items become objects of peril that can send you to the ER if you trip and fall over them. If your workout involves lifting weights, keep them in front of you so you can keep a constant eye on them. Sack the Socks Slip-on some workout sneakers for both traction and support, or exercise in bare feet. It’s best to avoid socks that can be dangerous on slippery floors. If you must wear socks, try to find a pair with grips on the bottoms. Know Thyself Have you been working out regularly? Are you kick-starting your fitness program after a long layoff? There are so many great free virtual workout programs to choose from. It’s important to find one that is compatible with your fitness level and any existing injuries. If you are just beginning to exercise, take it slowly to gradually build up your strength and stamina. If you’re trying to recreate the benefits of your regular gym routine—without the benefits of the actual machines--resist the instinct to push harder. Do…but don’t overdo. If you find a workout online that looks appealing, watch it first to determine its appropriateness. A little caution at the beginning can avoid a serious injury at the end. The Old Switcheroo High on the list of workout safety tips is to avoid stressing the same muscles every day. In fact, experts recommend taking off a day or two a week to rest and recharge all the muscle groups. If you are a 7-day a week workout enthusiast, varying your workouts will protect your body from wear and tear and overuse injuries. Strengthen with a Smile With all the different types of fitness programs available online, working out at home can and should be fun. For company and camaraderie, join a zoom class and share the experience with other senior workout aficionados. Work out with your favorite music or TV show in the background or facetime the grandkids and show them how Grandma and Grandpa shake their booty. We have risen to the challenge of finding imaginative workouts for seniors at home. With a little planning, we can safely continue to do so, stretching, strengthening, and aerobicizing our way to fitness without even leaving the house.

Tips for Planning For Healthcare Costs in Retirement

There are things in life that are well worth the anticipation. Like a refreshing pool on a sizzling summer day. .And then there are things in life that just don’t live up to the hype. Like finding out Medicare is not actually free. It is a common misconception that once you turn 65, Medicare will cover all your healthcare needs. The truth is there will still be premiums and out-of-pocket costs that—according to the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate—will add up to $295,000 per couple over time. That number includes Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments, or coverage to fill in the gaps. Those figures will of course depend on issues like your health, longevity, when and where you retire, and which accounts you use to pay for healthcare. Medicare Costs To prepare for retirement healthcare costs, it’s important to understand the breakdown of Medicare expenses. 40% 40% of the expenses cited in the Fidelity study translate into Medicare premiums. Though Medicare Part A, which covers hospitalization is free for most people, Part B which covers physician services and outpatient care costs $144.60 per month. 20% Medicare does not cover prescription drugs so you will have to buy Part D prescription drug coverage which averages about $32.00 per month but can be more or less depending on which drugs you need and the plan you choose. And there may still be out-of-pocket costs for medicines not completely covered, which according to the Fidelity data will be 20% of your total. 40% According to Fidelity, the final 40% of expenses comes in the form of Medicare deductibles and copayments. The 2020 Medicare Part A deductible is $1,408. There may also be a $352 daily copayment for long-term hospital stays of between 61-90 days. Medicare Part B has a $198 deductible which generally means you are responsible for 20% of the cost of doctor services. Most Medicare subscribers buy a Medicare supplement policy to mitigate those costs. Prices for that coverage vary, but according to eHealth Medicare, will average around $152 per month. Medicare Advantage There is another Medicare option called Medicare Advantage that is sort of a Medicare one-stop-shop. You would not need a supplementary plan or Part D prescription coverage. There are pros and cons to consider with your medical financial planner. On the plus side, premiums are much lower, and can even be zero. But on the other hand, you may deal with a limited network of providers and hospitals and more out-of-pocket costs per year. Stockpile Your HSA If you currently have a health savings account (HSA) eligible health insurance policy with a $1,400 deductible for self-coverage and $2800 for family coverage, you can make tax-deductible contributions of specified amounts and use it at a later date after Medicare has kicked in. You cannot make any contributions to the HSA account after you enroll in Medicare but whatever money you have leftover in the account can pay Medicare expenses—as well as dental and vision costs that are not covered by Medicare—until it runs out. Think Long Term Though long-term care insurance has become more expensive over the past few years, under certain circumstances, it is worth considering to mitigate costs down the road. An unexpected long-term illness can deplete your resources. You and your healthcare expert may decide it is the right path for you. The best plan for retirement is the one that carefully considers your personal circumstances. Consult an expert who can take the sum of your health and finances to create the perfect equation for your retirement healthcare.

8 Life Events That Require a Change in Your Estate Plans

What is estate planning? Think of it as an opportunity to honor a life well-lived. With a well-conceived estate plan in place, you can leave specific instructions for your heirs and create exactly the legacy you envision, while sparing them undue heartache at an already stressful time. The first step is to organize all your assets and sign each important estate planning document on the dotted line. But the process does not end there. Experts advise reviewing your estate plan every couple of years to make sure all the information is current. Just how often you actually sit down to update your estate plan will also depend on your life’s path. There are many milestones that can alter your finances or your plans for distribution. When planning your estate, any of the following life events can potentially lead you back to the drawing board. Expanded Family As your kids grow up, get married, and have families of their own, you may want to make changes in your estate plan to include gifts to the grandkids and sons or daughters-in-law. Health Issues A new diagnosis may require a change in the directives to your health care power of attorney. Your loved ones need to know how far you wish to go with your care and treatments should you become unable to make those decisions for yourself. A Change of Heart Over time, your relationships with those you’ve appointed trustee or power of attorney may change. You may discover that you and your chosen medical power of attorney see issues like palliative care very differently. Or you may have met someone new whom you would like to put in place as a trustee. It’s important to make those amendments sooner than later. Change in Marital Status Whether divorced or widowed, a change in your marital status can impact critical components in your estate plan. Issues like beneficiary, trustee and powers of attorney may need to be reconsidered. Altered Finances Whether in the plus or minus column, changes in finances must be addressed in your estate plan. Selling the family home or business or suffering a financial reversal can dramatically alter your circumstances, making updating imperative. Relocating Estate laws vary from state to state. If you have moved to the mountains or the sunshine, or to the active adult community of your choice, be sure to consult an estate planner who is familiar with the laws of your new residence and can update your plan as necessary. Re-Tying the Knot If you are newly struck by Cupid’s arrow, congrats. But keep in mind that re-marriage will impact existing estate plans. Update your plan as soon after the wedding as possible to avoid any conflicts between your children and your new spouse later. Losing a Loved One A death in the family, or of a close friend can significantly impact your existing estate plan. Be sure to replace any trustee or executor and update your list of beneficiaries. Let’s be honest. Nobody is going to put estate planning at the top of their most fun things-to-do list. Try to remember it’s like a gift you order and carefully wrap today that will be deeply appreciated tomorrow.

Best Movies and Shows for Seniors

What do you do when life hands you lemons? Well, you make lemonade, of course. It’s true our activities outside the home are somewhat restricted for the moment. Hence, the lemons. However, delicious lemonade is flowing freely and abundantly from our small, medium, and large screen devices in the form of an unlimited selection of TV series, movies, and documentaries. Actually, the “freely” part may be an overstatement. Some will cost you, but nominal subscription charges are worth access to an unprecedented assortment of TV for seniors. Whatever your mood you can pull up a chair and click on apps like Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video to enjoy new releases or old favorites from the safety and comfort of your own space. Very tasty lemonade indeed. Check out some of the best TV shows, senior movies, and documentaries your peers are raving about. Netflix Grace and Frankie In six seasons' worth of brilliant writing, you’ll love the journey of Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, AKA Grace and Frankie. Without giving anything away, the show centers around two women—polar opposites in lifestyle and personality—who learn they do actually have something in common. Their long time husbands are in love with each other. The series is about the evolution of Grace and Frankie”s friendship as they navigate the terrain of their new reality as single seniors together. The Kominsky Method Move over Jane and Lily! Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin are outstanding in The Kominsky Method, a dramedy that focuses on their friendship and the issues and challenges of senior life. This is TV for seniors at its finest. Outlander Based on the Diana Gabaldon Outlander novels, this romantic drama series will keep you riveted as you travel through time with Claire and experience 18 th century history through the eyes of a 20th-century woman. Alongside Jamie, her swashbuckling hunk of a husband, Claire experiences adventures that span two continents. A perfect choice to curl up to on a cold night. Planet Earth When it comes to nature documentaries, Planet Earth is the gold standard. The most expensive documentary series ever produced, it is filled with breathtaking footage of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. Armchair traveling at its best. The Crown In this series, meet a young Queen Elizabeth and watch her grow into her role as sovereign. The show begins in the 1940s and follows her personal and political life while giving a historical perspective of the 20 th century. Becoming Becoming is an intimate documentary featuring Michelle Obama. Touring for her best-selling book of the same name, the former first lady celebrates her connection with others as she opens up about her personal life and hopes for the future. Amazon Prime The Wire Though originally aired in 2002, The Wire has attained classic status, putting it on a par with iconic shows like The Sopranos and Sex in the City. Those in search of a gritty police drama will be instantly hooked. Five seasons will keep you busy for a while! A Place to Call Home Available on Amazon Prime Video through the Acorn subscription, A Place to Call Home is six seasons of irresistible television. Think Dynasty meets Downton Abbey—on the Ponderosa. Romance and intrigue abound in this beloved Australian series. 800 Words It’s not a great time to travel, but 800 Words, also available through Acorn, will take you to New Zealand and you’ll come to love the quirky natives of this tiny seaside town. Bomb Girls This series takes place in a Canadian bomb factory during World War II. Constructed around the lives and loves of the young women who risked their lives to create dangerous weapons, this series is part soap opera and a part history lesson. Movies The Goldfinch Based on the best-selling novel, The Goldfinch is a beautifully crafted movie that follows the path of a young man whose life is shaped by a traumatic event. Richard Jewell Richard Jewel is a Clint Eastwood-directed movie about the man falsely accused of setting off the bomb in Centennial Olympic Park during the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. The Bucket List An oldie, but goodie from 2008, The Bucket List chronicles the adventures of two senior cancer patients who escape from the hospital and embark on a road trip armed with bravado and a wish list. Don’t forget there are tons of movies on HBO, Showtime, and Starz, free with a subscription. Once you decide where you want to find your viewing entertainment, your biggest problem will be juggling all the options. Whatever you choose, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll learn something new—and you’ll never have to leave the couch. Enjoy!

Popular Food Delivery Options for Older Active Adults

As older adults, we occasionally get nostalgic for a time when technology wasn't pivotal to all aspects of our daily lives. Ah, the good old days. But let’s get real. It’s fine to bask in those wistful memories — as long as nobody tries to take away our ready-made meal delivery apps. For active adults who have better things to do than stay home and cook, healthy meals delivered to the front door are an empty nester’s dream. Enjoy happy hour with friends at one of Overture’s active adult communities and then go home to enjoy a healthy, delicious meal that’s already prepared. Food delivery for seniors is a win/win. There are sites that’ll deliver regularly, and there are delivery services that bring you takeout from your favorite restaurant whenever the spirit moves. Consider these delicious options. Freshology Designed by dieticians, Freshology menus focus on taste and nutrition. Managing your account online is easy and gives you access to modify your plan, pause or restart your service at will. There are four basic plans to choose from: · Balance: Heart-healthy and calorie-controlled · Vegetarian: beans, dairy, and some soy, with or without seafood · Diabetes: Focus and heart health and keeping blood sugar in check · Keto-Carb30: keto-friendly, low carb If you opt for two meals five days a week, the cost breaks down to about $12.20 per meal. The first thing to do when you go to the site is to plug in your zip code to make sure delivery is available in your area. Diet To Go Diet-To-Go offers complete meal delivery as well as free access to a supportive health coach via phone or email. With portion controls, this company is all about healthy eating providing appetizing portion-controlled meals designed for weight loss and management. The four menu plans and cost structure are basically the same as Freshology, plus in some areas, they offer the option of picking up food to save on delivery costs. Silver Cuisine With menus developed to offer balanced nutrition for the over 50 set, Silver Cuisine takes delivered meals for seniors seriously. Their repertoire includes over 150 different meals, including specialty options like gluten-free, low-carb, low-sodium, heart-healthy, dairy-free, vegetarian, diabetic, menopause-friendly, or Mediterranean. There are choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they offer an AARP discount. Breakfast will run around $9, and you’ll pay $12 for lunch or dinner. FYI Silver Cuisine has a $19.95 shipping fee on all orders. Magic Kitchen Boasting meals free of artificial preservatives, Magic Kitchen offers a wide assortment of healthy choices. The menu is a la carte, which means you can mix and match mains and sides as you please. Programs are flexible, and customers can start and stop service at any time. Magic Kitchen has specifically designed menus to promote senior nutrition , including diabetes-friendly, low-fat, low-sodium, dairy-free, and gluten-free options. Costs vary depending on the plan you choose. According to their site, if you order three meals a day for seven days, it will cost between $246 and $275. Delivery Dudes Maybe you want to get takeout from your favorite local restaurant. Check out Delivery Dudes to see if they service your neck of the woods. You can set up an account on their site and have your favorite pizza or the gourmet meal of your choice show up at your door right in time for dinner. Choose the plan that works for you and then start thinking about what you will do with all that newly acquired free time. Bon appetit!

Top Things to Do Before You Move

Congrats! Now that you’ve decided to rightsize into an environment that is conducive to maximizing your active adult lifestyle, you’ve cleared the first hurdle. Next Challenge: Moving. Rome Wasn’t Moved in a Day There’s no way of getting around it. The task of wading through a lifetime of accumulation and paring down your possessions will never make the top ten most fun things-to-do list. Deciding what to sell or give away and what to bring with you to your new home can be daunting. Give yourself plenty of time to tackle the process. We’ve created a downsizing home checklist to help you prep for moving day. The simple answer to the questions of how to plan a move is: Be patient and set realistic daily goals. Moving: A Family Affair If possible, enlist the aid of family members for both the more physical aspects of packing and to help evaluate and decide the destiny of your stuff. If the home you are leaving is the place the kids grew up, chances are there will be items from their childhood for them to either relocate to their homes or get rid of. Put out some snacks and have some fun together as you stroll down memory lane. Make sure you allot more time to enjoy laughter—and possibly a few tears—as you rummage through boxes filled with old pictures. Address Your Change of Address To avoid missing any important mail, take a break from sifting and sorting and apply for a change of address well in advance of the move. This will involve either going to your local post office and getting a mover’s guide packet or accessing the forms online. If you are not comfortable navigating your post office website, just grab a tech-savvy grandkid for assistance. Move Forward—Even Before the Move For those lucky enough to be rightsizing into one of Overture’s premier active adult communities, your moving checklist should include plenty of visitation. Talk with Overture team members who will help you choose areas of interest and you can begin getting involved with community events and activities even before you officially move in. A little pre-move in recon can go a long way toward a smooth transition into your exciting new active adult life. And that includes becoming familiar with your new neighborhood and all it has to offer. Moving Day Your moving list should include specific plans for the big day. Confirm your appointment with your moving company so you know exactly what time to be ready. Keep a boxed lunch handy, in case the move goes through lunchtime and you have to eat on the run. Pack a box or suitcase of essentials that will remain with you instead of the movers. While the new apartment is in chaos, your life will be under control. For example, include: a couple of changes of clothes sleepwear personal care items medications and medical supplies cleaning implements paper products bottled water snacks coffee phone charger Yes, there will be a lot of things to do before moving, and some extra precautions to take during this particular time. But with a little patience and planning, you’ll be firmly ensconced in your new active adult life before you know it. As soon as you turn the key in your new fully appointed, state-of-the-art Overture apartment , you’ll know you are home.