If you have a balcony, you’ve got your own little outdoor haven where you can soak up the sun, dine alfresco, entertain friends, or greet the dawn as you sip morning coffee. To make your outdoor space even more cozy, consider customizing your oasis so it suits your style. Here are some balcony design ideas to get you started. Create a Solid Foundation Whether you’re lounging, dining, reading or entertaining, you’ll want somewhere to sit in your outdoor space. Choose furnishings that are made for the outdoors and can withstand […]

If you’re looking into senior living options, you’ve likely encountered a jumble of terminology. And if you’re bewildered, you’re not alone. Adding to the confusion is the fact that terms like CCRC and Life Plan Community are often used interchangeably. What does each term mean? Here are some definitions to give you a clear picture as you navigate senior living choices. Same Community, Different Names Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) and Life Plan Communities are different names for the same type of community. The name CCRC was widely used until […]

As we age, managing our health requires more than staying physically active, maintaining a nutritious diet, and keeping up with preventive care appointments. Did you know your daily interactions and social connectivity also play a pivotal role in keeping you healthy as you age? Senior loneliness and isolation have been shown to contribute to many health and wellness problems, including a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and even premature death. In contrast, consistent social interactions have been shown to improve mental health and help seniors avoid issues such […]

Gone are the days of “one-size fits all” when it comes to senior care and living options. Today’s senior living communities offer a wide array of care, living, and retirement lifestyle options, as their owners and operators have come to more clearly understand and prioritize the importance of personalized care and a well-rounded lifestyle. Depending on where you live, you may find a number of senior living communities that offer far more than basic senior care. But finding the senior living option that fits you the best doesn’t have to […]

For many aging adults, there’s an almost unavoidable decision that must be made: choosing between aging in place or moving to an assisted living community. Without question, aging in place is a natural preference and may seem desirable to most. But it’s important to also think about what the future may hold with changing needs and wants – including  your health care needs, physical limitations, desire to socialize, and much more. To help you make an informed, confident decision for the long run, we’ll further  discuss aging in place and […]

Book clubs for seniors are a great way to keep your mind sharp and stay socially engaged with other seniors — or with book lovers of all ages. The easy part might be finding fellow bibliophiles in your neighborhood or senior living community. The challenging part can be coming up with great book club books to read. Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of eight must-read books in 2022. It covers a wide range of topics and interests, and includes both fiction and nonfiction selections. With our list, you should have […]

Though senior living communities have been around for decades, there are still many misconceptions about them. Many older adults and their families don’t fully understand what a Life Plan Community offers, or what the continuum of care is. They also may not know how Independent Living   differs from Assisted Living  or Skilled Nursing, and what the benefits are of a Skilled Nursing facility versus a nursing home. Many people may think there are no differences between any of them — perhaps you’re even wondering if you know the differences.    Educating […]

If you’ve begun looking into your Independent Living  senior living options — or started visiting and comparing Independent Living communities — you’ve probably become familiar with this comparison: They’re like cruise ships that never leave port. While you might think that’s hyperbole, there’s actually a great deal of truth to the comparison. Like cruise ships, Independent Living communities have amenities and services very similar to what you might find on a high-quality cruise ship.  Multiple fine dining venues and menu options, a salon and spa, a calendar of entertainment options, fitness centers […]

It’s a fact: Human beings are hard-wired for social relationships.  A 2013 book written by a UCLA neuroscientist found social connection is as important to humans as food and shelter. In essence, connecting with others socially is our brain’s lifelong passion. This helps explain why single seniors who stay engaged socially as they age are happier and healthier overall than their more socially isolated single counterparts.  This isn’t a phenomenon limited to single older adults, of course. People at every age simply want to be connected to other people — and […]