Blog Posts

How to Live a Longer Life: 5 Keys to Longevity

Though we have no control over our genetic makeup, we can control our attitudes and behavior. It is well within our power to make conscious choices that enhance both the longevity and quality of our lives. The key, say the experts, is a holistic lifestyle that integrates physical, mental, intellectual, and social wellbeing. Equally as important is an environment with the right facilities to support and promote healthy aging. As we ponder how to live a longer life, it’s important to consider all the factors that influence our total wellbeing. Keep Thinking Brain health is a critical piece of the aging puzzle, but maintaining it requires more than just the daily crossword. Engaging in activities that challenge the mind, like learning a new skill, taking a class or taking part in a vigorous debate helps preserve memory function and keeps those brains cells firing on all cylinders. You Gotta Have Friends Isolation is a serious threat to our physical and mental health as we age. Active adults with strong social networks have a lower risk of depression and are less likely to develop dementia in later years. Staying connected to family and friends, even virtually, can be hugely beneficial. But becoming part of an active adult community that offers unlimited in-person social opportunities can lead to new and enriching relationships and better health. Keep Moving A sedentary lifestyle is not what the doctor ordered for our golden years. Physical activity for 30-45 minutes a day will lower your risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer. You don’t have to run laps around the track. Natural movements while gardening, walking, swimming or biking to your errands will yield results. A Reason to Get Up in the Morning Studies show that older adults who feel a sense of purpose live longer, happier lives. Whether it's painting in the garden, meeting with a book club, sharing your favorite workout class with friends or volunteering to help others, engaging in activity that is meaningful to you is central to your health. Nourish the Spirit Spirituality means different things to different people. For some, it may be the practice of religion. For others, it may be meditation, yoga, tai chi or a moment of solitude in the garden. Taking a moment to stop and smell the roses and get in touch with your inner self lowers the risk of chronic illness and depression. We are What We Eat Healthy eating choices will improve strength, and balance, boost the immune system and contribute to overall well being. As we age, it becomes less about how much we eat and more about the quality of our meals. Aim for a colorful plate filled with fruits, veggies, nuts, and protein and stay away from sugary drinks and desserts. Location, Location, Location Where we live is as important as how. A home that was once perfect for the family may not be as senior-friendly as it should be and can increase the risks of serious injury. A turnkey environment that is completely stress-free and created to accommodate the needs of the 55+ community can significantly improve not only our enjoyment of life but our overall wellness. When the question is how to live a longer life, the answer is both simple and complex: Be proactive about nourishing the mind, body, and spirit and you’ll be paid back in both extended time and happiness.

Top Things To Do in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a city of endless shopping, an eclectic restaurant scene, miles of unspoiled beaches, luxury 55+ communities , championship golf, and an ambiance infused with old world elegance. If you’re looking for retirement travel ideas, look no further than this gem at the intersection of hip and historic Those who visit the former colonial seaport quickly learn what residents already know: There is no shortage of things to do in Charleston. Check out a few fan favorites. Walking Tours Experience Charleston’s vivid past by taking to its historic cobblestone streets and exploring its significant landmarks. Organized tours generally last about 2 hours and some require reservations. Pack sturdy shoes and plenty of water and sunscreen. For details and tour options, check out the Charleston Convention and Visitor’s Bureau website. The Battery A waterfront park extraordinaire, Battery Park offers scenic relaxation and an intriguing history of its own, complete with war stories and pirate lore. You’ll enjoy the graceful southern mansions lining the harbor as well as the exceptional views of Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney and the Sullivan Island Lighthouse. Middleton Place Once the home of Arthur Middleton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Middleton Place is preserved as a microcosm of United States history. Its story focuses on the Middleton family as well as the enslaved Africans and African Americans who worked there. Visitors can view the impressive collection of historic furnishings and portraits and experience reenactments of 18th-century plantation life. The piece de resistance: The French-inspired gardens brimming with camellias, azaleas, magnolias, and myrtle year-round. Charleston City Market Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, the Charleston City Market buzzes with residents and tourists. It’s fun to shop or just get a taste of the Old South. The basket ladies (and men) who have been weaving baskets in the south African tradition for centuries are a market highlight. Fort Sumter No visit to Charleston is complete without a tour of Fort Sumter, the infamous location of the first shot of the Civil War. War-era cannons are still in place to provide a backdrop of authenticity. The small but enlightening museum provides a closer look at the fort’s role in the war. Boat Tours After exploring the city on foot, consider a boat tour to enjoy some time on the water and get a close-up view of the Charleston Harbor as you learn more about this city’s colorful maritime history. Nathaniel Russell House A National Historic Landmark that has been restored to its former glory, the Nathaniel Russell House was built by Nathaniel Russell, a wealthy southern merchant, over a five- year period and completed in 1808. Construction cost $80.000 at a time when the average home cost $272.00. The home is known for its exceptional 3 story staircase, geometrically shaped rooms, formal gardens and extensive collection of 18th-century fine art. Overflowing with southern charm and hospitality, Charleston has been dubbed by ABC news the “most polite” city in the nation. Just one more reason so many retirees are flocking to its active adult communities and calling it home.

Steps to Choosing the Right Community that Meets Your Loved Ones’ Needs

After much discussion, your parents have finally decided to rightsize! It’s a milestone for the whole family to celebrate! Now that it’s official, the only thing left to do is figure out where they will be spending this new and exciting chapter of their lives. When choosing the right senior living community , there are several major areas of criteria to consider. Are your parents moving together? Or will this be a single parent situation? Is your geographic location a factor in their choice? It’s time for a family sit down to explore the possibilities. Here are a few conversation starters. Location, Location, Location The first and most important question: Where? Will your parents want to stay close to their current location or move to a different part of the country? A warmer climate, maybe? If you and your children live out of town, will your parents consider relocating to be closer to all of you? Some communities are more suburban or bucolic. Others provide easy access to major cities and all they have to offer. There are also options that offer more proximity to beaches or scenic mountains. This decision is all about choosing the environment that will stimulate and inspire your loved ones. Who Are They? Each active adult community features slightly different layouts and amenities. Each has its own draw, whether it is the proximity to championship golf courses , an active tennis facility or a fitness schedule that appeals to residents’ inner gym rat. There are also variations in living spaces. As you explore the options, think about what type of home and community would best suit your parents’ personalities. Ask to see class schedules and check out fitness facilities. How Are They? Choosing the right type of senior housing is as much about how your parents are as who they are. If they need care or support, there are assisted living options that provide varying level of services. If they are looking for the freedom of a stress-free, turnkey lifestyle, an active adult apartment community could be the perfect fit. Providing the endless social opportunities that are so critical to maintaining health and well-being at this time of life, an active adult community is designed to enhance both the quality and longevity of life. Go Where the Action Is For a vibe geared toward the young at heart, look for a community that is age qualified to the 55+ crowd. The last thing right-sizers need when taking a daily power walk is to dodge teenagers whizzing by on skateboards or bikes. An active adult community designed with your parents and their needs in mind will provide an atmosphere that is safe, welcoming, fun, and filled with potential new friends. Don’t Rely on Brochures Once you and your loved ones have narrowed down the choices, make appointments to visit each one. Encourage your parents to hang out for a Happy Hour to get a feel for the neighbors. Maybe they can sit in on a lecture or participate in a fitness class. It’s will be easier to picture fitting into a community once they’ve experienced it up close and personally. Make it a point to join them so you can feel confident they will be living in a safe, friendly environment. Explore the surrounding neighborhood to get a sense of life outside the community as well. Choosing the right senior living community will maximize your parents’ enjoyment of this exciting chapter of life. Make it a family adventure!

When is the Right Time to Move - Signs Your Loved One is Ready

The signs are subtle. Your parent or parents may not actually come out and say the words. But if you are paying attention, it’s not hard to see they are ripe for rightsizing. And seriously, though you are trying to be supportive and make sure their living situation meets their current needs and goals, it’s possible you may be part of the problem. Too often a single parent or couples are chomping at the bit to shed the family home but keep hanging on for fear the kids will be crushed at the thought. Watch for these signs your parents are ready to downsize. Then, instead of enabling a less than optimal situation, be part of the solution. Let it be known you are enthusiastically on board with a move forward to experience the fun and freedom of an active adult community . A Lot of Sighing Are your parents constantly looking around at the overwhelming accumulation of stuff and just shaking their heads at the thought of dealing with it? They may be staying put just to avoid the nightmare of decluttering. Offer your services to help streamline the process and watch those sighs turn into smiles. Declining Invitations If you find your parents are reluctant to join you at restaurants or other activities that involve cost, it could be the house is becoming a money pit that is creating financial pressure. Sit down with them and discuss the benefits of selling the house and getting out from under the burden of home maintenance. At active adult communities, the numbers add up to fun and freedom. Talk of Travel If it seems all conversational roads lead to travel, clearly your parents are ready for the turnkey life. But their house may be impeding their ability to spontaneously pick up and go. Ask about their fantasy trip and suggest rightsizing into a new active adult lifestyle that would support their desire for adventure. Bye, bye house. Hello turnkey, stress free life and the ability to explore the world at a moment’s notice. Did You Hear About So and So? The old neighborhood has changed. New young families are living in the homes once occupied by your parents’ peers. How often do you hear how one or other old friend has moved away to some fabulous active adult community closer to their grandkids? Lamenting a dwindling social circle is a sure sign your parents are ready for a change, even if they don’t realize it yet. The Stairs Are your parents constantly complaining about the stairs? Even though their legs are up to the task, a two-story lifestyle at this stage can be hard on the knees. Discussing how many trips they made up and down the steps on any given day is a sure sign they are ready to live life on one floor. Grandma Who? If your parents live out of town, you and your kids may not see them often enough. This may be the perfect opportunity to help them relocate to an active adult community in your neck of the woods. Facetiming is great, but it doesn’t take the place of quality, in-person time together. When grandparents start making jokes about having to re-introduce themselves every time they call, they may indeed be ready to join a community closer to you. Keep your eyes and ears open for the signs your parent or parents are ready to downsize. Your support and assurance that you will be part of the process will go a long way toward motivating them to pull the trigger on this major life change. Once they are happily ensconced in the active adult community of their choice, they will thank you—and wonder why they waited so long.

Uncover Your Family History Online

Who are you and where did you come from? In the digital age, tracing family roots has become a new and fascinating national pastime. Summoning your inner Sherlock Holmes’, you can use your own detective skills as well as the plethora of online resources to discover surprising details about your lineage and relatives. All you need is some old photos, and documents, plus a healthy curiosity to begin unlocking the secrets of the past. Here are some tips to help you get on the case! The First Clue: Old Photos This mission begins by taking a wonderful walk down old photo lane. Gather every old photo and document you have and search them for clues. Enlist the help of family members and make it a group project. If relatives are uncomfortable parting with original material, ask them to photograph whatever is in their attic and email it to you. Start Talking Get out your inspector notebook and start asking questions. You’ll be amazed at what you can find out when you ask relatives for their versions of your family history. There may be stories you never heard before that can point you toward the answers you seek. Be sure to ask if any of your relatives have ever compiled their own family trees so you can compare notes. Begin Building Your Tree Making a family tree is as simple as getting a family tree chart . Start by filling in what you know and add information as you unearth it. This chart will help you track your progress at a glance. Will you focus first on Mom’s or Dad’s side of the family? Flip a coin and get started. Your Family’s Paper Trail There are a variety of record types that can reveal your family’s saga. Wills, birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, land deeds, military service, and immigration records can all provide pieces of your puzzle. The Family History Library Catalog is an online aid that can be a good place to start . Take a Field Trip Find out if your city has a Family History Center and if it does, go there. If you live in the vicinity of Salt Lake City, or plan to be there anytime soon, take yourself and your inquisitiveness to the Family History Library, home of the world’s largest collection of genealogical information. For those who can’t get to Utah, the library has a free Family Search website. Head Home Though much of your journey will happen remotely, your investigation might just include a visit to the place your ancestors lived. If possible, visit the cemetery where they are buried. Check out the local courthouse to see if there are any local records too dated to be online. Online Resources There are many genealogy websites to choose from. Some offer DNA testing. Here are a few options to check out. FamilySearch.org MyHeritage.com Ancestry.com Geneology.com Share the Process with Friends Join an ancestry class , one may be offered at your Overture community, and share the family history adventure with friends. Exchanging stories and research can add a whole extra dimension to solving your mystery. Remember, first and foremost, this is a journey meant to be fun. The game is afoot!

A Season of Gratitude

“Gratitude shifts your focus from what your life lacks to the abundance that is already present.” – Marelisa Fábrega Our daily existence can be so busy and hectic. It’s easy to take the wonderful gifts of love and friendship we receive from those around us for granted. During this holiday season, as you embark upon an exciting new active adult adventure, why not spread the joy by showering the special people in your life with gratitude and appreciation? These inspirational giving thanks poems and messages that celebrate friendship, family, and the beauty of our own individuality may provide just the inspiration you need. A Thanksgiving Toast By Susan Pevaroff Berschler As Thanksgiving approaches and the year ends Let’s take a moment to be grateful for dear family and friends. To all of our loved ones, it’s an opportunity to say, Thank you for the love and joy you add to our lives every day. The winds of change continue to blow and often we are apart, But that doesn’t change the deep connection that comes straight from the heart. Friends old and new make life’s journey easier to bear, Everything is sweeter just knowing how much they care. The generations of our family are forever linked and strong, United in solidarity, we can face whatever comes along. We cherish our relationships as constant as the stars above And toast to a bountiful Thanksgiving filled with companionship and love. Unique By Abimbola T. Alabi Because I know who I am, I'm at ease and free. I can't be like others, And they can't be me. I've got fading scars, An unusual physique, But it all works together To make me unique. I've got hidden strengths, Some obvious flaws. Still I am who I am, For better, for worse. I don't have to blend in; I won't live a lie. I can't please everyone; I won't even try. Some call me proud; Others stare at me in alarm. But I'm not one to bother, Because I know who I am. Thanksgiving Delights By Joanna Fuchs On Thanksgiving Day we're thankful for Our blessings all year through, For family we dearly love, For good friends, old and new. For sun to light and warm our days, For stars that glow at night, For trees of green and skies of blue, And puffy clouds of white. We're grateful for our eyes that see The beauty all around, For arms to hug, and legs to walk, And ears to hear each sound. The list of all we're grateful for Would fill a great big book; Our thankful hearts find new delights Everywhere we look! Be Thankful Poet Unknown Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference. It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. “A basic law: the more you practice the art of thankfulness, the more you have to be thankful for.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale