Blog Posts

Time for a Change: A Dog's Perspective on Right-Sizing

Hank and Marla had reached a crossroads. Their big townhouse with its multiple floors was just not working anymore. Could they modify the home with an elevator and stay put, or had the time come to move? Finding themselves between an elevator and a hard place, Hank and Marla quickly realized when it comes to downsizing for seniors, there are a lot of issues to consider. When to downsize and moving into the right type of environment takes planning and research. Like Goldilocks, Hank and Marla discovered there is some trial and error necessary before finding the solution that’s “just right!” Chancey, their beloved, blind dog was so inspired by their quest to find the perfect next chapter he decided to write a book about it. In this excerpt, he explores the ups and downs—of elevators and other things. I had finally adjusted to the house when Hank and Marla had to make a critical decision. They would either have to do something about the stairs or move. Unhappy at the prospect of being uprooted and exposed to some alien living space, I was relieved when Hank and Marla chose renovation over relocation. The duplex Hank and Marla lived in was supposed to be “elevator ready.” What exactly did that mean? Turns out it meant the house was built with three closets on top of each other and a place on the electrical box designated “future elevator.” Hank called a company to come out and give an estimate for the installation of an elevator. How cool would that be? I always loved riding up and down in those things! But before there could be an estimate for the elevator unit, the representative had to examine the closets, the electrical box and the base of the first-floor closet. The findings were less than optimal. First of all, there was no pit in which to house the elevator equipment. That meant the equipment would have to be in the attic. And that meant the attic would require a $75.000.00 expansion. The elevator cab would run another $25,000.00 and the permits, electrician, and annual maintenance contract another $15,000.00. There would, of course, be an additional cost for the requisite emergency phone service so Hank and Marla could get us out if we got stuck! All that added up to—you guessed it—no elevator and for me, a new living space to deal with. So, Hank, Marla and I set out to find our new home. I was thrilled to be out in the car after being confined to the den. Riding in the car was always one of my favorite activities—as long as we weren’t going to the vet! We started out looking for places close by. Hank and Marla thought it would be better for me. But, between us, that was all in their heads. It really didn’t matter to me, which was fortunate since all the homes near us were basically like ours and not what we were looking for. We wanted to rightsize into a home with no stairs, less square footage, and no homeowners association fees. The farther we drove the more condos we saw that appeared to be just what we wanted. The good news: An 1800-square foot condo in the Museum district in downtown Houston was selling for an average of $400,000. The sale of our duplex would generate enough to pay for more than half of the condo and interest rates had dropped to an all-time low. Hank and Marla were on board and as long as it had a yard and elevator, I was in! Then came the bad news: Yearly condo fees of $40,000.00. The condo was out. Next, we looked at a new apartment project down the street from our duplex. It was a really nice, roomy apartment on the second floor with a gym, mail room and little dog park for yours truly in the back. The apartment was furnished and at the end of the lease term, Hank and Marla would own the furniture. I was only interested in the elevator and dog park, so it was fine with me. Hank wanted to see the gym, so we were taken to the main floor where the gym is located and were greeted by a group of twenty-somethings working out. Hank overheard them planning a party for later that evening. The festivities would be in an apartment on the same floor as the one shown to us. When Hank asked about apartment parties, he was told that tenants were allowed to entertain in their apartments or around the pool. Hank took a copy of the lease to review and then he and Marla came up with a plan. They would come back later, unannounced to get a sense of what it would feel like to be at home with a party going on down the hall. Their scouting mission revealed full-on partying complete with loud noise and blaring music. The verdict was a no brainer. This scene was not for their generation. Even though the apartment was already off the table, they did go back a few days later to observe the activity at the pool. I heard Hank say he didn’t mind the young girls in those skimpy outfits at all. I think he was kidding although, it didn’t seem like Marla thought it was funny. Humans. So, no condo. No apartment. We were right back where we started. Were they going to consider the elevator again? All fine with me. I was ready to go up and down. As the journey continues, Chancey, Hank and Marla find out that downsizing for seniors can be a joyous adventure in a community designed specifically for them. In his next installment , Chancey gets excited by a long, fun car ride and the perfect apartment at the end of it. ABOUT AUTHOR Henry Radoff Henry (Hank) Radoff is a recently retired attorney in Houston, Texas and author of the book, “Taking Chancey”. He has always been a pet lover. He authored a movie script entitled “The Guide” which features a dog that guides survivors to safety during the Holocaust, has authored a second book entitled “Breaking Free, a Journey for Survival”, and is working on his third book, “Chancey’s Overture”. He and his wife Marla, adopted their dog, Chancey, who is officially the boss of their home.

Winter Safety Tips for Older Adults

Mother Nature’s winter wrath presents challenges at any age, but for older adults, freezing temperatures and the ice and snow they bring can be much more than a minor inconvenience. In the brutal winter months, the outdoors can become treacherous terrain that can increase your risk of injury and illness exponentially. That said, there is also much to enjoy in the winter wonderland, as long as you bundle up and pay attention to these winter safety tips. Dress the Part Older adults lose body heat faster than youngsters, making them prime candidates for frostbite and hypothermia. Don‘t let indoor temperatures dip too low, and dress in layers even when inside to keep your body warm and cozy at all times. If you’re going outside, be sure to generate warmth from head to toe. Warm socks, a heavy coat, good gloves and a scarf are a must. In extreme cold, leave no skin exposed and cover your mouth to protect your lungs. The Ice is NOT Your Friend Far too many seniors wind up in the ER with ice-related injuries. All it takes is one misstep on unseen ice to wind up with a fracture, head trauma or major laceration. If you must venture out into the ice and snow, be sure to wear shoes with non-skid soles for better traction. Re-tip a worn cane to keep it from slipping out from under you. Leave the danger outside by taking off your shoes when you return home. Wet shoes can create dangerously slippery conditions indoors. Cabin Fever is Also a Threat Being trapped inside may not be detrimental to your physical health but it can have a profoundly negative impact on your mental and emotional wellbeing. Isolation can lead to a serious case of winter depression. It is important for family members to be aware of this potential problem and stay in close contact with their loved ones through the winter months. To proactively combat loneliness, more and more seniors, are choosing designated active adult communities to guarantee that whatever the weather, there will always be plenty of company, things to keep you active, and emotional support. Is Your Car Snow Worthy? Winter driving is always hazardous but can be even more dangerous in a car that has not been properly serviced. Be sure to get the car inspected before winter hits to make sure the battery, oil, tires, wipers, and defroster are up to the task. If you feel uncomfortable driving in inclement weather, avail yourself of one of the many transportation services, like Lyft. (can we add the link to Lyft that is on our website? We have a partnership with them.) Or, enlist the help of family or friends. Keep the Flashlight Handy Winter weather makes power outages a very real possibility. It can be a fun adventure or a scary nightmare, depending on how prepared you are. Keep flashlights and extra batteries handy, as well as plenty of extra blankets. Lengthy outages can lead to spoiled food in the fridge so be sure to stockpile plenty of emergency, non-perishable food. Dress in layers and keep moving to keep your body temperature stable. Follow these simple winter safety tips and surviving the cold will be a breeze.

Why Aging Alone is a Growing Public Health Risk

The kids are grown. Retirement is a reality or within shouting distance. Nothing left to do but get this active adult party started. And nobody does it better than the Baby Boomers. Just as they did decades ago, America’s huge group of Baby Boomers are profoundly impacting the culture of their present, redefining what it means to be a senior. Far from passively observing from the sidelines, the former activists of the 60s are actively pursuing the good life as older adults. One is the Loneliest Number The good news is there are more and more people living longer and enjoying a better quality of life than ever before. The not so good news: The number of Baby Boomers aging alone without close friends or family around is staggering and continues to increase. Statistics point to about one in 11 Americans over 50 growing old without a spouse, partner or living child. That translates to roughly eight million aging people who lack the support of close family. With social isolation responsible for an estimated $6.7 billion dollars of Medicare costs per year, policy experts have concerns about boomers straining the federal budget. Loneliness Stresses the Body, Mind, and Spirit Burdening the body in a way that is similar to stress, loneliness raises cortisol levels, which impairs immune responses and contributes to inflammation, mental illness and chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. It is as closely linked to early mortality as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day or consuming more than six alcoholic drinks per day. And according to a study published in the Journal of American Medical Association Psychiatry, loneliness may also be a factor in brain changes associated with preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. Another interesting study indicated that loneliness is not only debilitating for seniors, it is self-perpetuating. The lonelier the person, the more they tend to isolate themselves by disengaging and pushing people away. Active Adult Living: The Antidote to Loneliness There are definitely ways to stave off loneliness later in life. For example, it is clear older adults will reap huge benefits from healthy social interaction . Physical activity is critical to maintaining physical and mental health. Taking classes will stimulate the brain and help keep seniors interested and engaged. But all of those solutions require access to like-minded peers. Or transportation. Or motivation. And there you have the reason active adult communities are becoming the go-to rightsizing option for the over 55 crowd. A community meticulously designed with the specific needs of 55+ active adults in mind offers a complete smorgasbord of anti-loneliness remedies under one roof. Active adult communities focus on every aspect of your, or your loved one’s health and wellbeing. It’s a lifestyle that will both enhance and prolong life as it inspires, involves and invigorates. After working hard, raising a family, and paying all those dues, you or your loved one deserves the support of a warm, caring community. Active adult living: The antidote to loneliness.

Home Safety Checklist for Older Adults

Remember when you were a kid and your parents told you not to run with scissors? To be careful jumping off the swings? Not to eat glue? There’s a good chance your current home safety checklist would not need to include those warnings. But, as we move through the various stages of our lives, the way we interact with our environment continues to change, along with the inherent risks to our safety. Whether living alone or in an active adult community, home safety must be a high priority. When you compile your home safety checklist, make sure you address the concerns below. Be Prepared with Emergency Numbers Keep in mind you may or may not be the one dialing an emergency number. If you are making the call, chances are you will be upset and possibly injured. Be sure the information is written in large print and easily accessed. Include 911 for ambulance service, and numbers for poison control, a family member and your doctor’s office. Reduce Your Risk of Falling Many fall injuries could be prevented with a little extra attention and care. Carry a cordless phone with you so you don’t have to rush to answer. If you can’t get to the phone safely, just let the answering machine pick up and call back later. No call is urgent enough to risk falling. Smooth, slippery floors and stocking feet are a lethal combination. Keep non-slip slippers handy so you can be both safe and comfy. If you have a cane or walker, arrange furniture to allow plenty of room to maneuver so your living space does not become a dangerous obstacle course. If your physical condition puts you at a high risk for falls, think about a special alarm bracelet or necklace that has a button to push to contact emergency services. Keep Walkways Clear Nothing ruins a relaxing day like falling over a poorly placed pair of shoes on the floor. A trip to the closet is a lot less aggravating than a trip to the emergency room. Keep hallways, stairs and open areas free of potentially harmful clutter. Make sure all area rugs are securely taped to the floor, so they don’t slip when you walk on them. Where There is Smoke… Check smoke detector batteries regularly. Change at least twice a year. Don’t overload sockets with too many extension cords. Candles are lovely and romantic. Make sure to put them out when you leave the room. Never go to sleep with lit candles in the bedroom. If there is a fire, get out first and call 911 second. Make the Bathroom a Hazard-Free Zone Rubber mats in the bathtub will prevent slipping If physical limitations make it difficult to get in and out of the bathtub or shower, it’s easy to install grab bars. There are also special shower chairs and benches and raised toilet seats if necessary. Avoid scalding by keeping the water heater no higher than 120 degrees F. Carbon Monoxide: The Silent, Odorless Killer Make sure there is a carbon monoxide detector near all bedrooms. Test batteries regularly and replace at least twice a year. Manage Medications It’s a good idea to keep all medications in their original containers to avoid making mistakes. Ask the pharmacist to put large print labels on them to make them easier to read. Stay Fit, Stay Safe Maintaining physical fitness is important for senior health and wellbeing. Avoid injuries that will put you on the sidelines by choosing activities that are appropriate to your skill level and respect your limitations. Enjoy this exciting chapter of life in an environment that supports home safety for seniors. And even though you’re all grown up, when you’re running after the grandkids, don’t forget to put those scissors down first.

How to Cultivate A Healthy Social Life

Remember the first time you faced the challenge of any first-time social situation? First day of school, first date, first time walking into a room full of strangers at a school meeting or party for the kids? Putting yourself out there socially always requires a little bravado, but the rewards are more than worth it. In fact, as an active adult, the health benefits of social interaction go far beyond fun and friendship. Statistics show your social life has a critical impact on both physical and emotional wellbeing. Active adult communities take your social life seriously, offering full schedules of activities that facilitate and nurture relationships between residents. But even in that kind of supportive environment, if you are dealing with the loss of a spouse, coping with physical ailments or limited mobility, or processing the major life changes that come with active adulthood, facing a new social scene can be daunting. Here are a few tips to get you socially motivated. Once you get your feet wet, you’ll be ready to dive in off the high board. Just Say Hello A friendship starts with hello. Chances are there are people that you see on your daily errands or in the neighborhood that are potential friends. When you recognize regulars at the market, don’t be afraid to smile and strike up a conversation. If you have just moved into a new active adult community, knock on your neighbor’s door and introduce yourself. You may not be the most outgoing member of the group, but if you show interest in the people around you, they will respond. Be Open Minded Would your kids say you’ve become set in your ways? It’s too easy to get stuck in a rut that leads to life by default. After all, you’ve been around the block and have definite opinions about what you like and don’t like. The good news is, new opportunities may bring out new sides of your personality. When it comes to trying new experiences, just say yes! You may surprise yourself with your newfound joy and enthusiasm as you explore new avenues. The great news is you will be sharing these new adventures with like-minded peers who will soon become new friends. Log On If you’ve ever seen two young adults on a date so focused on their phones they don’t even know they have company in front of them, you know technology has its downside. However, when it comes to staying in touch with out of town family and old friends, technology can be an indispensable tool. Facetime with the grandkids and set up a Facebook profile to see pictures and stay current on what’s going on in their lives. Don’t forget, as more and more active adults are discovering, technology can also be a great resource for romantic connections. Exercise Your Mind Broaden your horizons with a book club, community college class or lecture series. You will receive the double bonus of sharpening your mind while meeting others who share your intellectual curiosity. After the event, join other participants for a cup of coffee or cocktail to discuss what you’ve learned. Fake It ‘Til You Make It At first, being proactive about getting socially involved may feel like a huge effort. But once you gain confidence, that positive attitude will be the key to reaping the health benefits of social interaction. So, take a deep breath, put a smile on your face, and get ready to make this the time of your life.

Experiencing the Community: Tips on What to Prepare, Questions to Ask, Things to Look For

Now that you are ready to execute your plan to rightsize, it’s time to get serious about finding the perfect active adult community . Brochures, websites and phone calls, though informative, can only take you so far in your decision-making process. Once you have nailed down your geographical preference, the next important step is setting up tours of your favorite properties. To make the most of the experience, be sure to pack enthusiasm, a positive attitude and a well thought out list of questions. Questions to Ask on a Senior Community Tour Dollars and Sense Make sure you are totally clear about the price of living in the community . You don’t want any hidden, unexpected costs to rear their ugly heads later. What is included in your rent, and what is available for an extra fee? Is there an extra charge for fitness club classes and other community sponsored activities? Is your deposit refundable? And if so, under what conditions? It is important that you and your new lifestyle are financially compatible. 55+…What Does it Really Mean? Ask your tour guide to explain the parameters of 55+ restrictions. Are there any rules for overnight visitors, like grandkids, who are clearly under 55? What if you are 55+ but your spouse is not? As you tour the community, make sure their age-related policies are the right fit for your household. Four Legged Friends? Will your dogs, and cats be welcome in your new digs? And if so, will there be any special accommodations for them, like doggy parks or events with other pet owners? If the plan is for your furry best friend to be part of your new adventure, make sure your chosen community is pet forward and friendly. Community Spaces Your living space includes the entire community, not just your apartment. You might want to find out the last time areas like the fitness center, card room, theater or community kitchen were updated. Do they look pristine and well maintained? How often do those spaces undergo renovations? Are there dedicated public rooms available for private gatherings? At what cost? You are looking for a well-cared for environment that you would be proud to both live in and show off to others. Home Sweet Home…For How Long? It would be helpful to study a leasing agreement before the tour to be prepared with any rental questions. Are there options for different lengths of occupancy? Are there any conditions under which you will have to move? If you start off as a single occupant and meet a significant other, can you stay in your apartment? Will the rent increase? Activities and Opportunities Every active adult community features different schedules of activities and educational opportunities. Does this community have a dedicated theater? A kitchen for cooking classes and chef demonstrations? How often do class schedules change? Is there access to your favorite sport, fitness regimen, or area of interest? Will there be special events to welcome newcomers and facilitate your social adjustment? A manicured, well-kept community is important, but you also want one that makes the social, physical and mental wellbeing of its members a top priority. Those Intangibles Once you’ve toured the premises, there will be questions to ask yourself. Did the style and personality of the community feel like a good fit? Did you see happy, smiling people who seem to be enjoying their surroundings? Most importantly, did you envision yourself becoming one of them? Or a better question: Do you wish you already lived there?