Blog Posts

Best Wine Destinations Outside Napa

Scenery. Comradery. Great spirits—literally and figuratively. When it comes to retirement travel ideas, a trip to wine country checks all the boxes. That’s the good news. The even better news: You don’t have to invade your savings and fly to France or Napa to experience the joys of wine tasting. There are some less well-known wine destinations—possibly right in your own backyard—that are exactly what the sommelier ordered for a perfect, affordable, wine adventure. Texas Hill Country To most of us, Texas is more about cowboys, than cabernet. And yet, its mid-state hill country is a well-established wine producing region with over 50 stunning wineries scattered throughout. With its dry climate, comparable to Australia and Spain, Texas features wines like Cabernet and Syrah, made from grapes that flourish in the heat. If you like a little hiking with your tasting, the hill country’s untouched wilderness will add to this wine destination’s appeal. For active adults enjoying the culture and sophistication of daily life in Austin , Texas wine country is but a short drive away, making it the perfect getaway. Lancaster Valley, Pennsylvania Where only three decades ago there were a mere handful of wineries in Lancaster Valley, today there are more than 20 and their wines are beginning to give competitors out west a run for their money. This emerging wine region is located in the heart of Amish Country, an area oozing with old world charm, as well as exquisite cuisine and contemporary art. See the sights of Philadelphia and then hop in the car and head out to Lancaster for a day in wine country, and well…just the country. Virginia Though Thomas Jefferson is remembered as many things, a vintner is not one of them. Though he tried to harvest wine-worthy grapes at Monticello, he apparently did not have a green—or purple—thumb. Imagine his surprise at learning his beloved Virginia is now a major up and coming wine region with nearly 300 wineries and dozens of popular wine trails. The scenery is lavish, the views breathtaking, and the small quaint towns and historic sites make Virginia wine tasting much more than sniff, sip, swish and swallow. In fact, a day out on the wine trail can include live music, hot air balloon rides and culminate in an exclusive winemaker’s dinner. If you are lucky enough to be living the good life in Virginia Beach , there are plenty of wineries nearby that can be a delightful day or weekend trip. Colorado Colorado is a fixture on the craft beer scene, but its wines, and spectacularly located wineries, are worthy of note as well. Nestled in the high altitudes of the western slope of the Rockies, where warm days and cool nights create ideal conditions for Merlot, Chardonnay and Riesling grapes, Colorado’s wineries are some of the highest in the world. Nature lovers will be thrilled by the stunning views and great hiking that provide the backdrop for this wine destination. For active adults living in the Denver area, there are also dozens of wineries and tasting rooms within shouting distance. It will be a day trip you and your buddies will remember! Plan an outing to any of these hidden gems, and you’ll be the envy of the gang at Happy Hour as you share the fruits of your new discoveries.

Tips to Start Planning for Retirement

Retirement. Ahh. The good life of fun, relaxation and leisure time. That precious commodity so elusive in our younger years. But don’t be fooled. That laid back, less structured, carefree lifestyle requires planning. Preparing both emotionally and financially for this exciting new adventure will pave the way for an easy, stress-free transition. Here are some guidelines on how to plan for retirement. You’re Thinking About It As your target retirement date approaches the 5-year mark, it’s time to take a realistic look at your savings and retirement accounts to see just how much money you will have to live on once the regular paychecks stop rolling in. Be sure to consider taxes in that total. If that amount is considerably lower than what you are currently living on, it might be a good idea to start cutting some expenses. Utilize our senior living calculator to create a budget estimate and try living on your retirement budget for a month to see exactly which adjustments will need to be made. This is also the time to begin thinking about creating a more conservative portfolio that will deliver a dependable stream of investment income. As you enter this stage of planning your retirement, it’s time for the rightsizing conversation. It’s very possible your current house no longer suits your needs and is more a source of aggravation than enjoyment. This is the time to consider becoming part of an active adult community . While you’re still receiving a paycheck, try increasing the amount you put aside to start creating that retirement cushion. It’s Around the Corner Discuss your social security options with your spouse and financial advisor. The earlier you take it, the smaller your check will be. Study the numbers to see if it works to wait a little longer and take home a larger check each month. Your current employer may allow you to retain health insurance benefits when you retire. But, if that is not the case, now is the time to make sure you have a post-retirement health insurance plan firmly in place. You might want to think about taking care of any elective procedures before your benefits situation changes. Planning for retirement is a great opportunity to get organized. Make sure all your important documents are updated and easily accessed by loved ones should the need arise. Now is the time to consider any major expenditures you’ve been putting off. They will make much less of an impact on your daily life while there is still money coming in. You’re Counting the Months Now that you’ve moved all the financial pieces into place, it’s time to consider how you will spend your newly acquired free time. Think about the hobbies you’ve always wanted to pursue or the new skills you’d like to learn. Explore new outlets to expand your social horizons and make new friends. It’s possible leaving your current position does not necessarily mean you are ready to stop working altogether. Should you need or desire to embark on a new work path, this is the time to seriously check out the options. This is your time and with a little effort and attention to the details, it can be joyous, filled with enlightenment, discovery and new relationships. The golden years can be truly golden if you—and your checkbook—are ready.

How to Start a Walking Club

If you can put one foot in front of the other, you can improve your heart health, increase muscle tone, and get an invigorating dose of fresh air and sunshine. But if you can take that same walk with a group of enthusiastic individuals, the experience will be elevated to a whole new dimension. Surrounded by eager friends and neighbors, members of active adult communities all over the country are seeking out the comradery of Walking Clubs, reaping social, spiritual, and emotional rewards that are as important as any physical benefits. It’s free, it’s easy, and according to the American Heart Association, joining a Walking Club is highly motivational. The stats show participants are 76% more likely to stick to the walking routine because others are counting on them. They also walk faster and farther in a group than on their own. Follow these 5 easy steps for guidance on how to start a Walking Club and soon you’ll be hitting your stride with a group of your own. Who? When choosing your walking buddies, consider your fitness level and the walking speed at which you feel most comfortable. Will you be strolling or power walking? Or somewhere in between? If you walk at a good pace, you’ll want at least a few friends who can keep up. Otherwise, instead of relaxed conversation, you’ll have a shouting match with walkers 50 paces behind you. And speaking of conversation, are you interested in a Walking Club that focuses on a shared interest? For example, if you are a history buff, is your dream club a group of Civil War aficionados? Or are you looking to take your book club on the road? Perhaps you are a person with a certain physical limitation or condition and would prefer to enlist walkers with similar circumstances. Or, if you are a newcomer to an active adult community, you may want to spearhead a newcomers Walking Club and create new relationships as you maintain fitness. Think about 5-15 members. Less than 5 could easily fall apart when people have other commitments, and more than 15 becomes difficult to navigate. If you want a sunrise walk, be sure to choose walkers who are morning people. Otherwise, they’ll push the snooze button and you’ll be walking alone! When? Commit to a time that works for the group, and your starting line will be filled with eager walkers every time you meet. Consider changing the routine with the seasons. Walks during the steamier summer months may need to start a little earlier or later to avoid the heat of the day. Whether your group decides on a morning, afternoon or evening walk, you will want to aim for a frequency of at least once or twice a week for at least an hour of moderately intense walking. Where? Consider a meeting place that is conveniently located. That 30-minute drive to your favorite scenic spot will get old quickly and walkers will be less inclined to show up. That said, a walk with a view is always enjoyable, so look for hiking trails, waterfront walkways or neighborhoods with historic homes. If you are going to a park, make sure your path is both free and safe. Find out if the area is patrolled and well maintained. Don’t forget to scout out restrooms and water fountains. If you’re evening walkers, make sure the path is lighted. When dealing with a spectrum of fitness levels, it’s important to keep the hills to a minimum. You will also want to avoid heavily trafficked areas that will make the walk less tranquil. How? It’s likely your group will consist of walkers who exercise at different speeds. There will be a natural rhythm as you walk, with some group members in the lead and some bringing up the rear. Some groups practice “looping,” which means the faster walkers double back at some point to rejoin the stragglers, so everyone can mix and mingle again. This keeps the slower walkers from feeling they are holding up the works and gives the faster members the extra steps they are looking for. Why? Yes, you are out there pounding the pavement to maintain fitness. But creating a Walking Club is also about having fun with contemporaries, nurturing relationships, and sharing new experiences. As the leader, you can keep the group smiling and engaged by instilling team spirit with plenty of cheering and encouragement. Recognize achievement milestones like 25, 50, or 100 miles. Share group triumphs on Facebook. A little incentive goes a long way and makes Walking Club an important, fun, memorable activity that members always look forward to. The right Walking Club is waiting for you at the Overture community of your choice. Act now to join a welcoming community of active adults to celebrate this exciting new chapter of life.

Our Favorite Exercises for Older Adults

Exercise is a key ingredient in a healthy lifestyle at every age, but it is especially important to the well-being of older adults. Staying active into the senior years can contribute to cardiac health, prevent diabetes and reduce the pain and immobility of arthritis. It will also positively impact mental health, keeping the mind alert and staving off depression. Whether you are just beginning to embark on a fitness regimen or seeking to maintain the progress you’ve already made, consider incorporating these exercises into your active lifestyle. A is for Aerobics Aerobic exercise is beneficial on many levels, including burning off calories, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improving heart health and increasing overall energy. The goal is 30 minutes of aerobic activity at a time, but you may need to work up to that. Start with a 5-minute cardio session a few days a work and increase the session as your endurance improves. Briskly walking, playing tennis, and swimming are all great moderate exercises for older adults. For those who are fit for more intense activity, hiking and running are great options. Strength Training Maintaining strength will keep you actively participating in the activities you love and help prevent injury. Work your lower body with some basic low impact exercises like: Squats in front of a sturdy chair. Bend your knees as far as you comfortably can without having your knees pass your toes, then return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times. For a more advanced version try the half-squat against the wall: perform this against the wall and bend your knees to almost 90 degrees as if you were sitting on an invisible chair. Incorporating free weights will help develop upper body strength. Wrist Curls Place your forearm on a chair’s armrest with your hand hanging over the edge. Hold a weight with your palm facing upward. Slowly bend your wrist up and down, then repeat 10 times. Switch sides and perform 10 reps with your other hand. Bicep Curls Choose a dumbbell heavy enough that you can only complete 10-12 reps. Begin sitting in a chair with one dumbbell in each hand, with your palms facing forward, keeping your elbows close to your sides. Bend your arm at the elbows to lift the dumbbell ¾ of the way to your shoulders, without moving your elbows away from your side. Do 10 to 12 repetitions per arm. Sidearm raises Hold weights at your sides—palms inward. Raise your arms out to the sides Front arm raises Hold weights at your sides—palms down. Raise arms to shoulder height. Modified Push-Ups While traditional push-ups may be a bit out of your wheelhouse, modified push-ups are a great way to work arms, shoulders and chest. Face a blank wall and stand about arm’s length away. Lean forward pressing your arms against the wall. Bend your arms and slowly bring your upper body toward the wall. Hold for a moment. Push yourself back until arms are straight again. Aim for two sets of at least 10 reps for each of these exercises. Find Your Balance Leg raises are great multi-taskers. Not only do they help strengthen thigh, hip, butt and lower back muscles, they help improve balance as well. Side Leg Raises Stand behind a chair For better balance, hold on. Lift one leg out to the side keeping it completely aligned from heel to hip Maintain a straight back and a slight bend in the supporting leg. Slowly lower the leg. Back Leg Raises Using the chair for balance, without bending forward, slowly lift one leg behind you. Hold for a moment. Lower the leg. Do not bend the lifted leg or point the toes. Keep the standing leg slightly bent. Aim for two sets of ten with each leg. Flexibility is Key Safe and proper stretching helps maintain flexibility which is important if you want the biggest bang for your exercise buck. Shoulder Stretch Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms at your sides. Bring both arms behind your back and grasp hands. With shoulders open and pulled back, hold the move for about 30 seconds. Neck, Shoulders, and Upper Back Stretch Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and clasp your hands in front. Turn your hands so the palms face the ground. Bring arms to shoulder height. Press palms outward, away from the body and hold for 30 seconds. Low Impact Can Have Great Impact Low impact exercises for older adults offer the best of all activity worlds. Swimming, gentle yoga, walking at any speed, Pilates, and tai chi, along with the moderate stretching and light weight training mentioned above will keep your body moving and improving without stress and strain. Taking the necessary steps to increase endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility is an investment in both the quality and longevity of the golden years. Contact the Overture community near you today to join other active adults who are staying fit, involved and healthy by taking advantage of Overtures long list of fitness opportunities .

Bowling League: Wii Got a System

The crowd is on the edge of their seats. The players are determined and focused as they square off for the championship. It is virtually as thrilling as any sporting competition—and it’s virtual. Virtual sports , especially Nintendo’s Wii system, have been a hit with kids and families for years. By mimicking the movements used in various sports, players can simulate great moments in sports, like hitting a baseball into right field, driving a golf ball down the fairway, or throwing a bowling ball down an alley. Wii Bowling is the Fan Favorite Of all the Wii sports, it is virtual bowling that has taken active adult communities by storm. Wii bowling offers the best of all bowling worlds: The thrill of knocking down the pins without the strain or impact of heaving a 15-pound ball down the alley. You may have hung up the bowling shoes years ago, but join a Wii senior bowling league and you can recreate the magic. For those who have never bowled, here is an opportunity to get in a new game. The motions may be imitation but the challenge, camaraderie and fun are totally authentic. Not to mention the benefits. Lose Calories, Find Connection Studies show that Wii bowlers burned between 20 and 176 calories in 30 minutes. Results also confirmed that virtual bowling improved balance, increased hand-eye coordination and muscle strength, and reduced anxiety and depression. The perfect outlet for socialization, Wii bowling promotes conversation and connection. Between strikes and spares, new and lasting friendships are forged. A No Brainer Part of Wii bowling’s appeal is its simple and user-friendly operating system. All players are required to do is hold down a button while swinging their arms in a bowling motion. To release the ball, just release the button. Your bowling persona—aptly called a Mii (pronounced Me)—will do the rest. No Need to Curb Your Enthusiasm According to those who participate in senior bowling leagues, the competition is intense with players and spectators cheering and shouting. Yelling directions at the balls. Yelling at the pins for not going down. High fiving each other to celebrate success. The enthusiastic atmosphere rivals any pro sports arena. A Tip to Impress Your Friends Improve your odds of throwing a strike by releasing the ball when it reaches slightly past your leg and your Mii character is at the line. He or she will probably take about three steps. Go to the third dot to your right (or left depending on which way you bowl). Once you get into the game, you’ll know what that means! Got time to, um…spare? Pick up a controller and join the team !

Top Gifts for Mom This Mother's Day

Remember when you came home from elementary school with a Mother’s Day gift made by your own two little hands? How excited was Mom for that macaroni art or slightly lopsided clay pot? It was all about pulling out all the stops to show that very special woman how much you cared. The fact that elementary school is a speck in your rearview mirror and Mom has transitioned into active adulthood does not change your desire to celebrate Mother’s Day with a gift that shows love and appreciation. Is your mother still working? Or is she busy creating new relationships and experiences as a retiree? Whatever her circumstances, there are plenty of great senior gift ideas to consider. Digitize Photos If Mom has downsized into an active adult community , there is a good chance you will find a box full of photos she has collected over the years. Assuming she has a computer, bring over your scanner and create a digitized slideshow for her that she can view anytime. Imagine the fun of strolling down memory lane and bonding with Mom as the two of you relive childhood memories. It’s a win/win for both of you as you enjoy quality time together. Tune into Social Media Bring over Mom’s favorite lunch and then sit down for a serious social media session. Help her create a Facebook page, and Instagram and Twitter account. She will thank you for this valuable gift of time and practical information, as she becomes better connected to family and friends. A Day of Beauty Nothing says I love you like sharing a Mother/Daughter spa day. Mom will be doubly thrilled to spend time with you while being pampered. This is a great gift for sons too—minus the spending time part! Unlike the first two options, this one will not be free, but it will be a cherished memory. Photo Bouquet Well, macaroni art may no longer be your thing, but homemade gifts for Mom can still be more meaningful than store-bought items. For example, unlike real flowers, a photo bouquet will last forever. Cut construction paper into floral shapes. Copy images of childhood photos and cut them into matching shapes. Glue photos to construction paper and create a unique memory bouquet. Mom will love the sentiment. Wireless Headphones While Mom may rock an iPad and smartphone, she may not have discovered the joy of wireless headphones. She will love the freedom of movement that comes with being totally unplugged while exercising, or just talking on the phone—while it’s in her purse! Tasty Treats Mother’s Day can be delicious with a treat that perfectly suits Mom’s tastes. Varieteas will deliver three new teas a month for $10. For $23, the Wine of the Month Club will send her a new bottle of wine every month. Graze offers a variety of healthy treat boxes and retailers like Harry and David can provide all kinds of gourmet specialties, fruits and desserts. A Robotic Helper Cleaning is a necessary evil at any age, but it can become even more challenging for seniors. The Roomba is a robotic vacuum that can be programmed to clean the floors up to seven times a week. When it’s finished, it docks itself and recharges. Though definitely not the cheapest option, this is a senior gift idea that keeps on giving. Mom can kick back and relax while the Roomba makes life easier. Choose to give your time and talent or buy Mom a gift that will perfectly enhance her current lifestyle. As long as it is a gift from your heart, it will create a perfect Mother’s Day!