Blog Posts

Planning a Summer Visit to Your Parents in an Overture Community

The evolution of the parent child relationship is easily summed up. It’s all about the jacket. At the beginning of your life, your parents will buy your jacket and put it on you when necessary. As you get a little older, you will put your own jacket on, and your parents will help you fasten and zip. Eventually, you will be perfectly capable of donning your jacket and no matter how many times your parents tell you to put it on because it’s cold, you will assert your authority and refuse. A little farther down the road, you will buy your own jacket. You will wear it when and if you feel like it. It won’t occur to you to wonder if your parents are wearing their jackets. Then suddenly you will reach a point where you are concerned that your parents may need to be reminded to wear their jackets. Finally, you will conclude your parents need help putting their jackets on. It’s a full, very complicated circle. It’s not easy coming to terms with the fact that your parents are moving into a new stage of life. Sometimes it takes a little attitude adjustment. These are still your parents. They are just, well… in a new jacket phase. Supporting your senior parents as they age is about acceptance, respect, and involvement. If they are lucky enough to have sold the family home and are now embracing the turnkey, stress free Overture senior apartment lifestyle, they will look forward to your visits. They will want to show off their new, state-of-the-art digs - and show you off to their new community of friends. Simply put: It’s important you visit as often as you can. If your parents are local, try to set up a schedule of visits so they know when they can expect you. If you live out of town, it’s more difficult to find the time, but it will be well worth the effort as little or often as you are able. Connection to loved ones is critical to seniors’ health and wellbeing. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a quick visit to say hello, you will find the atmosphere at Overture warm, welcoming, and perfect for enjoying quality family time. Enjoy Resort Worthy Facilities From fitness classes to card rooms, to state-of-the-art gym and Olympic sized pool, Overture has the facilities of a 5-star resort. Why not take a class with Mom? Or swim some laps with Dad? If the little ones are with you, they will love splashing around. Maybe after lunch in your apartment, you can take in a family movie at the Overture theater Take a Walk – Down Memory Lane Next time you visit your parents, bring some of the old photo albums and spend some time reminiscing about the past. Sharing memories can be a real bonding experience complete with lots of laughter. Take a Real Walk Overture’s pristinely manicured grounds provide the perfect backdrop for a long walk or a picnic. Get your steps in and then pull up a blanket in the sunshine for a relaxing lunch. It’s a great way to reconnect after some time apart. Make it a Game Day Head to one of Overture’s designated activity rooms for cards or a board game or even a super-sized jigsaw puzzle. Whether you choose backgammon, monopoly, canasta or a 500-piece puzzle, you will enjoy your activity time in style and comfort. Get Creative If the kids are with you, your parents will adore sitting down with them for a craft project. It’s a great way for your senior parents to connect with grandkids without having to chase them around. While they are busy working on their masterpieces, you can take a nap on the couch! Overture senior apartment communities are designed to facilitate every aspect of your parents’ retirement lifestyle. Urge them to book a tour at the community of their choice today. Watching your parents grow older can be challenging, but once you come to visit them at their new Overture apartment, you will know they’ve found a new place to call home.

Low Salt and Low Fat Summer Recipes for Seniors

Ever wonder why all the foods that taste so yummy are so unhealthy? The answer is simple: The universe likes to play cruel jokes. Hence, we yield to the temptation of those delicious high fat, high sodium choices, only to learn the older we get, the longer the list of reasons we cannot eat them. See, a wicked sense of humor. The fact is, too much salt in your diet can increase your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Too much saturated fat can lead to high cholesterol, coronary artery disease and stroke. It can even be a contributing factor to the onset of Alzheimer’s. So, take the saltshaker off the table and ease up on the burgers. Salt and fat are not doing you any favors. They are more like those frenemies who hold themselves out as loved ones but are in fact out to get you. The good news is, with a little thought and creativity, you can thumb your nose at the universe and have the last laugh. There are plenty of fun summer recipes that are both tasty and healthy for seniors. Maybe one of these easy to make meals will work for your next dinner party in your new Overture apartment. One Pan Salmon and Vegetables When it comes to low fat and low salt recipes, you can’t do better than salmon and vegetables. Combine your low-calorie protein and an assortment of veggies and voila! A meal that is easy to prepare and full of good stuff. Ingredients 1 squash or zucchini, sliced into rounds ½ onion, cut into wedges 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes 1 bell pepper, sliced 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 teaspoon of your favorite fish-seasoning blend 2-3 salmon filets, about 4 ounces each 1 lemon, optional Instructions Preheat the oven to 450 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Toss the veggies in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and your favorite seasoning. Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Put your salmon filets, skin side down on the baking sheet. Brush with remaining olive oil. Roast for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon is flakey and mostly opaque. Berry Chicken Salad Bake chicken tenders for a quick 15 minutes or ransform leftover chicken into a light and lovely chicken and berry salad. Instead of grapes which are so high in sugar, add fresh, antioxidant rich berries. Ingredients ¼ cup olive oil mayonnaise (lower in cholesterol than regular mayo!) 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon dried tarragon 1½ cups chopped or shredded leftover chicken (about 1 breast) 1 cup quartered fresh strawberries or whole fresh blueberries ½ cup fresh or frozen peas, thawed ¼ cup chopped celery Torn salad greens or spinach Instructions Whisk the first three ingredients together in a large bowl. Add chicken, berries, peas, and celery, and stir well to combine. Scoop chicken salad over salad greens or spinach and enjoy. Garlicky Roasted Eggplant with Creamy Yogurt Sauce Eggplant is center stage for this easy low sodium meal for seniors. This recipe combines phytonutrients – memory boosters – with fiber that enhances digestive health. Ingredients 1 eggplant, cut into ½-inch slices 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped (use pre-chopped from the jar if easier) ¼ cup olive oil 1 teaspoon Mediterranean spice blend or your favorite blend Instructions Place eggplant slices on a baking sheet. Let them sit for a couple minutes while your oven preheats to 400 degrees. Mix garlic, olive oil, and spice blend in a small bowl. Brush both sides of eggplant with the olive oil mixture for a dose of heart-healthy fats. Roast eggplant for about 30 minutes, until caramelized, flipping once about halfway through. For the Creamy Yogurt Sauce 1 cup Greek yogurt (a great source of probiotics for digestive health) 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon honey 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, like basil or mint (optional) Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Your roasted eggplant with yogurt sauce is the perfect Mediterranean dish. Brown rice or chopped cucumbers make a great side dish. Overture’s premier senior living apartments are designed to support and enhance every aspect of this exciting chapter of life. Book a tour at the property of your choice today. A vibrant and welcoming community is waiting to trade delicious, healthy recipes with you. Who’s laughing now?c

Windy City Wonders: Engaging Senior and Family Activities in Chicago

It was 1893. Chicago was abuzz with the World’s Columbian Exposition, its first world fair. But, fun fact, it was the appearance of the first brownie that took Chicago - and the fair - by storm. Yes, Bertha Palmer, wife of renowned developer and hotelier Potter Palmer, created those delectable chocolate squares just in time to debut at the fair. It was love at first bite. Deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches – and now famous brownies. The list of reasons compelling seniors to flock to the Windy City never ends. As the cultural hub of the Midwest, Chicago is in a class by itself. From its iconic restaurant and music scenes to its sports teams, magnificent architecture, and stunning natural surroundings, Chicago just excels. Period. When it comes to senior activities in Chicago, the choices are unlimited. Your only problem will be finding enough hours in the day to do it all. Here are a few ideas to get you started. A Day at the Museum Chicago boasts an eclectic assortment of exceptional museums. A few at the top of the list: The Field Museum of Natural History Starting with SUE, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered, and including nearly 40 million artifacts and specimens, the Field Museum of Natural History is a not to be missed senior event in Chicago. Their mission is to document new species, conserve ecosystems, educate science enthusiasts of all ages, stimulate cross cultural interaction, and generally promote the wellbeing of our planet. A trip to the Field Museum will be a day to remember for you – and your loved ones when they visit. Art Institute of Chicago Located in Grant Park, along with the Museum Campus and Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of Chicago’s most visited attractions. The museum showcases 300,000 works of art from masters of the past and present. Once you’ve gotten your fill of artistic excellence, take a stroll through Grant Park, the city’s primary park in the downtown Loop. The American Writers Museum Opened in 2017, the American Writers Museum is designed to enlighten visitors about the impact of American writers – past, present, and future – on our history, culture and daily lives. Unique to Chicago, this interactive showcase focuses on over 400 years of American writing of all genres, and includes a collection of vintage typewriters, word games, and a surprise bookshelf that includes sounds, smells, videos and dioramas. The Adler Planetarium Adler Planetarium was the first planetarium opened in America and remains a recognized leader in science education. This Chicago mainstay features immersive theater programs, and special exhibitions and events that let you explore the wonders of the universe. Explore during the day or make a night of it at events such as Adler After Dark or Doane at Dusk. Discover the mysteries of space with your loved ones. It will be a hands down hit. Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower Though the Willis Tower is no longer the tallest building in the world, once you step out onto the Ledge, Skydeck Chicago’s enclosed glass balcony on its top level, you may challenge that fact. After you catch your breath from the height, the view will take it away again. On a clear day you enjoy panoramic views that extend into Indiana, Michigan, Iowa and Wisconsin. Wrigley Field You don’t have to be a diehard baseball fan for Wrigley Field to be a bucket list destination. Built in 1914, it is the oldest baseball venue in the National League. When it comes to senior activities in Chicago, Wrigley Field is always a home run. Chicago Cultural Center Originally built as Chicago’s first public library, The Chicago Cultural Center is now doing double duty as a renowned architectural monument and art and events venue. This popular Chicago mainstay features more than 1000 free concerts, films, art exhibits and other cultural events every year. Overture Yorktown , Overture’s premier active adult community in the Chicago area, is conveniently located to provide easy access to all the Windy City has to offer. Book a tour today. Palmer House Brownies and an enthusiastic community with whom to share them. Senior living doesn’t get any sweeter than that.

Pride Month Book Club: LGBTQ+ Literature Recommendations For Seniors

“When all Americans are treated as equal, no matter who they are or whom they love, we are all more free.” — Barack Obama It was June 27, 1969. Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar, was crowded and lively. Nobody will forget the violent NYPD raid that wreaked chaos and horror and sparked 6 days of protests. It is a milestone moment in our history. Today, over two decades later, we spend the month of June, designated Pride Month, honoring and celebrating activism within the LGBTQ+ community while promoting inclusion, education, and understanding for all. Hope, said the late activist Harvey Milk, will never be silent. Pride month is the perfect time to check out LBGTQ+ books pertaining to the senior experience. Whether you are looking for LGBTQ+ retirement and aging tips, or just some great queer fiction, here are a few choices to add to your summer reading list. 4 Steps to Financial Security for Lesbian and Gay Couples by Harold Lustig This is the first financial guide exclusively tailored toward helping lesbian and gay couples protect their assets.Drawing on his twenty years of experience as a financial advisor to the LGBTQ community, Lustig offers easy to follow steps to financial security. Gay Men’s Working Lives, Retirement and Old Age by Peter Robinson Robinson examines the working lives, retirement plans and aging experiences of three generations of gay men. It is the compilation of data from interviews with 82 men from around the world. Comparing and contrasting the men’s stories, Robinson highlights key differences and recurring themes that cross generations. The Lives of LGBT Older Adults by Nancy A. Orel and Christine A. Fruhauf LGBT older adults have unique physical and mental health issues that have often been ignored in gerontological studies. This book explores the needs and challenges of this population as well as their incredible strength and resilience. Queer Aging: The Gayby Boomers and a New Frontier for Gerontology by Jesus Ramirez-Valles Older gay men who faced AIDS and survived social stigma and discrimination, are now facing the challenges of aging. Ramirez-Valles focuses on their unique approach to the aging process, including their perspectives on friendship, caregiving, romance, sex, illness and the loss of a loved one. Late Bloomers: Awakening to Lesbianism After Forty by Robin McCoy This book will make you laugh and make you cry. It follows the journey of 38 smart, funny women over 40 as they share their lesbian awakening. The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris This epic novel portrays a forbidden romance between two confederate soldiers in the waning days of the civil war. Gripping and moving, this is a story about finding love and humanity in the most harrowing of circumstances. Never Too Late For Heroes by A. L. Brooks This fun romp has it all. Superheroes, villains, lesbian cops and feisty retirees. Though agent Geena Fox is counting the days to her retirement, she did not count on the new young rookie cop who will turn her life upside down. Fishwives by Sally Bellerose Fishwives chronicles the lives of two women, eighty-nine-year-old Regina and ninety -year-old Jackie. They met in 1955 and their enduring love survived historic political and cultural change. Becoming Eve by Abby Chava Stein Becoming Eve is the autobiographical story of an ultra-Orthodox rabbi who was certain from a young age that she is a girl. Though she knows her journey will lead her away from her family and her way of life, it is the only road to a life of fulfillment. Overture’s premier senior living apartments communities are focused on inclusion and acceptance. Book a tour at the property of your choice today. A welcoming community is at Happy Hour waiting to compare reading lists with you. “Love is never wrong.” — Melissa Etheridge

Supporting Your Parents' Social Engagement in a Senior Living Community

If your childhood memories include a regular Saturday night babysitter, you’re not alone. Your parents worked hard all week, balancing the demands of work, home, and the endless schlepping of you and your siblings. Saturday night was their time to cut loose with their friends. It was their secret, grownup world. You were not invited. You may have resented it then. But you sure get it now. Your parents’ social life was important then and it is even more important now. In fact, at this stage of life, interacting with peers is critical to health and wellbeing. Studies show that seniors who maintain an active social life have: A decreased risk of depression and dementia. Improved cognitive function. Better physical health. Overall enhanced quality of life. Your parents’ version of “partying” may have evolved somewhat, but the need for social interaction remains the same. Regular dinners with friends, nights of cards or movies, or even babysitting the grandkids are the social fuel that will keep your parents firing on all cylinders. That sounds simple enough - if your parents have access to people and activities. What if you live out of town and hanging out with the grandkids is not usually an option? What if the old neighborhood has changed and the neighbors who used to drop by are gone? What if old friends have given up their family homes to move to active adult communities in warmer climates? You want your parents to stay vital and engaged. You also want them to jettison the family home that has become an endless money pit. Supporting your aging parents means it’s time for a gentle nudge toward community living. It’s not easy to detach from the house that holds your childhood memories. But once they see how enthusiastic you are about their journey forward, they may surprise you with their own excitement. The prospect of joining a whole new community of potential friends may be just what it takes to get that for sale sign out. Overture’s premier senior apartment communities are purposefully designed to provide unlimited opportunities for social interaction and the amenities in which to enjoy them. Dedicated Spaces Overture properties have dedicated spaces like theaters, card and activity rooms, demo kitchens for cooking classes, state-of-the-art gyms, and Olympic sized pools. Vast and Varied Activities At Overture, the only issue facing your parents will be finding enough hours in the day to pursue all their interests. Daily schedules are filled with fitness classes, continuing education, card games, and of course happy hours to properly celebrate the events of the day. Join the Club The Overture community offers opportunities to be involved with friends who have mutual interests. Whether your parents are avid walkers, readers, history buffs or techies, they will find a place to belong. Upscale Apartments Overture apartments are designed specifically for senior safety, comfort, and socializing. Living spaces are perfect for intimate dinner parties and casual get togethers. Nothing to do on a Tuesday? Invite a few neighbors over, break out the popcorn and voila! It’s movie night! Inclusive Atmosphere The best part of the Overture magic is its welcoming, inclusive spirit. Think of Overture as the antidote to loneliness. Your parents can have as much privacy as they want, but they never have to feel alone. Book a tour with your parents at the destination of their choice today. Their soon to be new friends are already living it up. Time for them to join the party. The good news: They will embrace their active new social life. The bad news: You may have to find a new babysitter.

Golden Guides: Crafting Unforgettable Summer Adventures for Seniors

Remember when that last bell rang, and school was out for the summer? The air was crackling with the excitement of potential adventures.Though the concept of what thrills you may have changed a bit since then - ie, the bungee jumping equipment may be memorialized in the back of the closet, you are still ready to rock. And no, there will be no rhythmically moving chair involved. The winter is long and the summer short. So, you don’t want to waste one beautiful moment. Time to throw open the doors and get out there to discover summer’s magic. Suitcases are optional but not mandatory. Now that you are retired, you don’t have to explore the world with the hordes of summer vacationers. You have the luxury of planning those bucket list trips during shoulder seasons, when both prices and crowds are reduced. You really don’t need to get on a plane to find tons of fun summer activities for seniors.Here are a few options to get this summer party started. Outdoor Fitness Summer fitness means taking the exercise regimen outside. Grab a few loved ones and make an event with physical and social benefits. Join an outdoor yoga class. Or if you are lucky enough to live in an Overture senior apartment community, grab a few buddies and enjoy yoga, or meditation anywhere on Overture’s pristinely manicured grounds. Get out into the garden. Gardening is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s great exercise and your efforts will be rewarded once you notice the fruits - and flowers - of your labor. Golf Checks All the Boxes No list of summer activities for seniors is complete without golf. Whether you’re already a devotee or have never picked up a club, golf is a game of personal goals that can be enjoyed at every level. Golf will get you outdoors, keep you moving, and make you laugh – or cry- as you ponder the mystery of why one shot can go in the air and the next ten do not! There are lots of public courses to play. It’s never too late to get in the swing. Dining Al Fresco Celebrate the summer by dining al fresco. There are so many restaurants that feature lovely outdoor settings to make any lunch or dinner feel like a party. You can also find picnic areas in your local parks. Invite a few loved ones, pack a basket, and make an afternoon of it. Culture Under the Stars Local outdoor concert venues have packed summer schedules: Enjoy music, theater, and dance performances featuring stars on stage and up above. Instead of Being in the Audience… If you’ve always dreamed of strutting your stuff on stage, but never had the time, explore local summer theater companies. Throw off those inhibitions and try out for a summer production. Just auditioning will present a new challenge. Hey, you never know when a star will be born! Take the Game Outdoors Whether you enjoy mahjong, bridge, canasta or are anxious to lose a few bucks at poker, playing outdoors adds a new dimension of enjoyment. Give Yourself a Nudge Ever been in a hot air balloon? Gone whitewater rafting? Paddled a canoe? Spent the day speed boating? Summer is the time to push the boundaries and get your adrenaline pumping. You don’t need to risk life and limb to try something new that gets you out of your comfort zone. There are plenty of safe, senior appropriate activities that can uplift and exhilarate. Think of living in an Overture senior apartment community as the never-ending summer vacation. Book a tour today. School’s out, and your adventure is just beginning.