I just returned from a trip to Nebraska to visit relatives. I was delighted to experience balmy weather, emerald green fields, and a riot of flowers that make Nebraska springtime so glorious. Omaha is a wonderful city with its Old Market shops and dining, and the pedestrian bridge that spans the mighty Missouri River and allows joggers and strollers to walk to Iowa. Retirees would enjoy an affordable lifestyle in this midwest state with its quiet beauty and wide open spaces. Small towns abound, where the quality of life is enriched by close relationships with family and neighbors. You can read more about retirement options in Nebraska on our upcoming retirement directory, www.RetireUSA.net.
The thing that was most profound to me about this trip was the connections with my family and childhood friends. I realize how important it is to be near our loved ones as we enter our retirement years. Home is truly where the heart is! And if our careers have taken us to geographic locations where we have been isolated from our roots, perhaps it's time to consider returning "home" to retire!
Showing posts with label retirees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label retirees. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Better balance: an important issue for retirees
As we age, our balance is affected (and not in a good way!) by several factors. Gravity takes its toll on our posture, as does sitting at a computer or in a recliner chair for most of the day. Poor posture causes our spine to be out of alignment which therefore affects our balance. Loss of flexibility and strength also contribute to a decline in the body’s responses to situations in which balance is challenged. Decreased circulation can negatively influence the brain’s ability to recover from loss of balance. Declining sensory input such as hearing, vision, and sensation are additional factors that contribute to falls. Muscles that are deconditioned from inactivity are less efficient in preventing falls.
The good news is, that many of these physical and neurological losses can be compensated for. Other factors that can help us avoid falls have to do with how we manage our physical environment.
As a Certified Senior Strength Trainer and specializing in age-associated issues, I would like to offer some helpful suggestions in my next several blogs. Some are aimed at basic home safety, while others include exercises and balance drills.
As always, before beginning any kind of exercise program, be sure you have cleared this with your family physician. And if you want to try some of the balance activities, be sure you have someone to spot you, or are in an area where you can be safe while performing them.
The good news is, that many of these physical and neurological losses can be compensated for. Other factors that can help us avoid falls have to do with how we manage our physical environment.
As a Certified Senior Strength Trainer and specializing in age-associated issues, I would like to offer some helpful suggestions in my next several blogs. Some are aimed at basic home safety, while others include exercises and balance drills.
As always, before beginning any kind of exercise program, be sure you have cleared this with your family physician. And if you want to try some of the balance activities, be sure you have someone to spot you, or are in an area where you can be safe while performing them.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Keeping your retirement home safe
Some of us retirees have lived in our family home for 30 years. Others have opted for a more carefree lifestyle in one of the many types of resort-style retirement communities or some variation of a continuing care retirement community (See April 5, 2009 post). If you're one of the former group of retirees who just can't let go of the big family home and yard, then you need to think about keeping your retirement environment safe.
As a Home Health Physical Therapist, I have gathered up a lot of ideas for home safety for seniors, and will share some of them with you in the next several blogs. While retirement communities and assisted living apartments have often designed their units with home safety for seniors in mind, many of these principles can also be applied. These may seem like pure common sense, but if you gain even one bit of knowledge that will prevent a fall, I have done my job!
The first area I will address is the bathroom. This is probably one of the most common places that falls occur.
1) Make sure bathroom rugs are securely attached to the floor or have rubberized non-slip backing.
2) Install grab bars in the shower. Make sure they are anchored into studs.
3) Use a tub transfer bench or a shower chair if appropriate.
4) Put non-skid tape or decals on the floor of your tub or shower.
5) Install night lights in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
6) Keep trash receptacles emptied so debris does not accumulate and spill over onto the floor.
7) Keep shower curtains inside the tub so water doesn’t spill out onto the floor.
8) Wipe up spills promptly.
9) Keep soap within easy reach while you are in the tub or shower, and make sure soap dish is located so soap does not fall out of tub or shower stall onto the floor.
10) Install a fan in the bathroom so steam from the bath or shower does not build up.
11 Organize cabinets so you don’t have to stretch and reach overhead.
12) Use non-skid floor wax, or none at all.
13) Consider using a bedside commode if you have to get up frequently in the night to go to the bathroom.
14) Use a toilet riser or install grab bars if you have difficulty arising from a low toilet seat. Make sure they are securely installed.
As a Home Health Physical Therapist, I have gathered up a lot of ideas for home safety for seniors, and will share some of them with you in the next several blogs. While retirement communities and assisted living apartments have often designed their units with home safety for seniors in mind, many of these principles can also be applied. These may seem like pure common sense, but if you gain even one bit of knowledge that will prevent a fall, I have done my job!
The first area I will address is the bathroom. This is probably one of the most common places that falls occur.
1) Make sure bathroom rugs are securely attached to the floor or have rubberized non-slip backing.
2) Install grab bars in the shower. Make sure they are anchored into studs.
3) Use a tub transfer bench or a shower chair if appropriate.
4) Put non-skid tape or decals on the floor of your tub or shower.
5) Install night lights in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
6) Keep trash receptacles emptied so debris does not accumulate and spill over onto the floor.
7) Keep shower curtains inside the tub so water doesn’t spill out onto the floor.
8) Wipe up spills promptly.
9) Keep soap within easy reach while you are in the tub or shower, and make sure soap dish is located so soap does not fall out of tub or shower stall onto the floor.
10) Install a fan in the bathroom so steam from the bath or shower does not build up.
11 Organize cabinets so you don’t have to stretch and reach overhead.
12) Use non-skid floor wax, or none at all.
13) Consider using a bedside commode if you have to get up frequently in the night to go to the bathroom.
14) Use a toilet riser or install grab bars if you have difficulty arising from a low toilet seat. Make sure they are securely installed.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Slower is better
This is probably the best news you’ve ever heard: Walking slower is actually a better fat-burning technique than speed-walking or jogging! The research suggests that more vigorous bouts of exercise tend to stimulate the appetite and slow your metabolism. A moderate-paced walk reduces the production of certain appetite-stimulating hormones, and helps you avoid those post-workout binges. A slower pace also triggers your body to burn fat, where exercise with increased intensity burn sugar since it is a faster source of fuel. Even small amounts of exercise signal the body to burn fat from the abdominal region.
As a Baby Boomer who has worn out both knees from running and skiing, this is music to my ears! To think that there is a way to lose weight and belly fat by a moderate walking program is something I can really incorporate into my retirement exercise program.
Other benefits of a walking program include: Sounder sleep, more energy, less anxiety, better moods, improved confidence, increased libido, and sharper thinking. Do any of these conditions resonate with my fellow retirees? It seems aging can be a process that chips away at all the above quality of life issues, so why not fight back with a walking program?
Please consult your Primary Care Physician before embarking on a walking program to make sure it is appropriate for you.
As a Baby Boomer who has worn out both knees from running and skiing, this is music to my ears! To think that there is a way to lose weight and belly fat by a moderate walking program is something I can really incorporate into my retirement exercise program.
Other benefits of a walking program include: Sounder sleep, more energy, less anxiety, better moods, improved confidence, increased libido, and sharper thinking. Do any of these conditions resonate with my fellow retirees? It seems aging can be a process that chips away at all the above quality of life issues, so why not fight back with a walking program?
Please consult your Primary Care Physician before embarking on a walking program to make sure it is appropriate for you.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Walk away the pounds
Retirees face a never ending battle of the bulge as our metabolisms get more sluggish and our activity levels decrease. Retirement means more time to play tennis or ski or run marathons for some lucky folks who still have healthy joints. For others whose joints have been damaged over the years by overuse or arthritis, those vigorous activities are no longer tolerated. So we have to find other ways to exercise and maintain fitness in retirement.
In an earlier post, I mentioned how my sedentary husband Mark has started a walking program in a last ditch attempt to lose some weight. He proudly announced to me yesterday that he has lost 8 pounds in the past 7 weeks! And this with very little effort in terms of dieting. Basically the only thing that has changed about his daily routine is the inclusion of a moderately paced 30-minute walk.
There is research to back this up, but somehow anecdotal reports are even more convincing! Mark is certainly a believer now.
An interesting bit of research suggests that three 10-minute mini walks are even more effective than a 30-minute walk. This has something to do with waking up your metabolism and encouraging the body to burn fat more efficiently.
Sounds simple, and indeed it is! And here is a great idea: Use walking poles to help support your body weight, decrease the stress on your joints, and improve balance and stability on uneven surfaces. Using poles makes you feel more secure, and therefore makes walking feel easier.
But here’s a very exciting finding from some new research out of the Cooper Institute in Dallas: Using poles actually boosts the number of calories burned by 40%! Your body has to recruit muscles from your core, abdominal muscles, upper body, arms and back when you use the poles. This is such an easy and inexpensive way to add more oomph to your workout! You can just use a pair of old ski poles (there are usually some lurking somewhere in your garage or your neighbor’s), or make a modest investment in a pair of poles that are specific for hiking. These are adjustable in length, which is a useful feature for hiking up a long incline – you can shorten the poles for the ascent, and lengthen them for the descent. They can also be used as a weapon to fend off unfriendly dogs!
It is always important to consult your Primary Care Physician before beginning any new exercise program to make sure it is safe for you.
In an earlier post, I mentioned how my sedentary husband Mark has started a walking program in a last ditch attempt to lose some weight. He proudly announced to me yesterday that he has lost 8 pounds in the past 7 weeks! And this with very little effort in terms of dieting. Basically the only thing that has changed about his daily routine is the inclusion of a moderately paced 30-minute walk.
There is research to back this up, but somehow anecdotal reports are even more convincing! Mark is certainly a believer now.
An interesting bit of research suggests that three 10-minute mini walks are even more effective than a 30-minute walk. This has something to do with waking up your metabolism and encouraging the body to burn fat more efficiently.
Sounds simple, and indeed it is! And here is a great idea: Use walking poles to help support your body weight, decrease the stress on your joints, and improve balance and stability on uneven surfaces. Using poles makes you feel more secure, and therefore makes walking feel easier.
But here’s a very exciting finding from some new research out of the Cooper Institute in Dallas: Using poles actually boosts the number of calories burned by 40%! Your body has to recruit muscles from your core, abdominal muscles, upper body, arms and back when you use the poles. This is such an easy and inexpensive way to add more oomph to your workout! You can just use a pair of old ski poles (there are usually some lurking somewhere in your garage or your neighbor’s), or make a modest investment in a pair of poles that are specific for hiking. These are adjustable in length, which is a useful feature for hiking up a long incline – you can shorten the poles for the ascent, and lengthen them for the descent. They can also be used as a weapon to fend off unfriendly dogs!
It is always important to consult your Primary Care Physician before beginning any new exercise program to make sure it is safe for you.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Snowbirds
Even with the price of fuel, a very popular retirement option is to fly away south in the winter to escape the cold and gloom of northern climates. Many folks do this in their RV’s which allows them the freedom to sample different areas. It’s as simple as hooking up and heading on down the road when you feel you have explored a region to your heart’s content. In fact, for some, the call of the open road is irresistible, and they just can’t wait to see what’s around the next corner! Others like to return to the same RV park year after year, and look forward to joyous reunions with friends who come back each winter from all over the U.S.
So, what is an RV (recreational vehicle)? If you can answer this question, then you are already out there having fun in the sun! For those who are not familiar with the various options, I will give you a little background information.
RV’s come in all sizes and shapes! That is a gross understatement, but important to realize. Here are a few of the most popular types of RV’s.
A motor home is a self-contained unit, with the engine included. These can be huge “diesel pushers” which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Rock stars travel in these things! They could have fireplaces, washers and dryers, and elegant furnishings. The really big ones are called “Class A” motor homes. Driving them is similar to a Greyhound bus. Smaller motor homes which sit on a regular pickup truck chassis are called “Class C”. They usually run on regular gas, and drive like an oversized pickup. Motor homes usually have generators, so you can “dry camp” (without having to hook up to electricity) for several days at a time, and have all the comforts of home (TV, hair dryer, microwave). The disadvantage is if you want to run down to the corner store for a quart of milk, you need another vehicle unless you want to drive your rig. So often you see these units towing another car.
Then there is a 5th Wheel. This is a unit that is towed by a pickup truck, with part of the RV extending over the bed of the truck. Many retirees like the way these units tow and find them easy to park and maneuver. The bedroom and bathroom are usually in the front of the rig in the part that extends over the back of the pickup, so you have to walk up a couple of steps to get there and sometimes “crawl to your bed” in the smaller units. Again, these can be large and magnificently appointed, or smaller and more affordable. You must have a pickup to tow them, but the advantage is that you can unhook the unit and now you have a regular vehicle to drive around.
Another more traditional type of RV is the travel trailer. Remember the Airstream? They still make them, and they are very luxurious! These can be towed with a regular full-sized SUV (with a large enough engine and towing package), or a pickup. These also come in all sizes, even tiny ones that can be towed with a regular car! The advantage of the trailer over the 5th Wheel (in my opinion) is that they are all on one level, and you don’t have to climb up steps to get to your bathroom and bedroom. They are also more aerodynamic than the big 5th Wheels which can loom over the top of your pickup and be rather scary to drive if there are severe crosswinds. As with a 5th Wheel, you have the advantage of being able to unhook and drive your car for shopping or exploring. Again, these come in all sizes and price ranges.
For camping (vs. actually living in your rig), there is the cab-over camper which sits in the bed of your pickup. These are not readily detached from the pickup, but they have the advantage of being compact and easy to drive. As with all RV’s, there are many price ranges and styles.
One feature of all the above RV’s that makes a huge difference in how you can enjoy your space is the slideout. Some of the big 5th Wheels and motor homes have up to three of these room extensions. But even small trailers and cab-over campers are now being made with at least one slideout. It’s really amazing how a little extra room can make such a difference.
There are many decisions to be made, but hopefully this gives you some vocabulary to begin your search. You can read many articles on-line about RV'ing in retirement, and I would encourage a lot of shopping and talking to RV owners, in addition to RV sales people, before you even consider buying one. As with any vehicle, there is a huge depreciation factor the moment you drive it off the lot if you buy a new RV and then decide to trade. Once you know what you want, you can buy used RV’s for significant savings, especially in this down economy.
Enjoy the freedom of the open road, and saying goodbye to winter!
So, what is an RV (recreational vehicle)? If you can answer this question, then you are already out there having fun in the sun! For those who are not familiar with the various options, I will give you a little background information.
RV’s come in all sizes and shapes! That is a gross understatement, but important to realize. Here are a few of the most popular types of RV’s.
A motor home is a self-contained unit, with the engine included. These can be huge “diesel pushers” which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Rock stars travel in these things! They could have fireplaces, washers and dryers, and elegant furnishings. The really big ones are called “Class A” motor homes. Driving them is similar to a Greyhound bus. Smaller motor homes which sit on a regular pickup truck chassis are called “Class C”. They usually run on regular gas, and drive like an oversized pickup. Motor homes usually have generators, so you can “dry camp” (without having to hook up to electricity) for several days at a time, and have all the comforts of home (TV, hair dryer, microwave). The disadvantage is if you want to run down to the corner store for a quart of milk, you need another vehicle unless you want to drive your rig. So often you see these units towing another car.
Then there is a 5th Wheel. This is a unit that is towed by a pickup truck, with part of the RV extending over the bed of the truck. Many retirees like the way these units tow and find them easy to park and maneuver. The bedroom and bathroom are usually in the front of the rig in the part that extends over the back of the pickup, so you have to walk up a couple of steps to get there and sometimes “crawl to your bed” in the smaller units. Again, these can be large and magnificently appointed, or smaller and more affordable. You must have a pickup to tow them, but the advantage is that you can unhook the unit and now you have a regular vehicle to drive around.
Another more traditional type of RV is the travel trailer. Remember the Airstream? They still make them, and they are very luxurious! These can be towed with a regular full-sized SUV (with a large enough engine and towing package), or a pickup. These also come in all sizes, even tiny ones that can be towed with a regular car! The advantage of the trailer over the 5th Wheel (in my opinion) is that they are all on one level, and you don’t have to climb up steps to get to your bathroom and bedroom. They are also more aerodynamic than the big 5th Wheels which can loom over the top of your pickup and be rather scary to drive if there are severe crosswinds. As with a 5th Wheel, you have the advantage of being able to unhook and drive your car for shopping or exploring. Again, these come in all sizes and price ranges.
For camping (vs. actually living in your rig), there is the cab-over camper which sits in the bed of your pickup. These are not readily detached from the pickup, but they have the advantage of being compact and easy to drive. As with all RV’s, there are many price ranges and styles.
One feature of all the above RV’s that makes a huge difference in how you can enjoy your space is the slideout. Some of the big 5th Wheels and motor homes have up to three of these room extensions. But even small trailers and cab-over campers are now being made with at least one slideout. It’s really amazing how a little extra room can make such a difference.
There are many decisions to be made, but hopefully this gives you some vocabulary to begin your search. You can read many articles on-line about RV'ing in retirement, and I would encourage a lot of shopping and talking to RV owners, in addition to RV sales people, before you even consider buying one. As with any vehicle, there is a huge depreciation factor the moment you drive it off the lot if you buy a new RV and then decide to trade. Once you know what you want, you can buy used RV’s for significant savings, especially in this down economy.
Enjoy the freedom of the open road, and saying goodbye to winter!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Retirement in Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountians. It is because of this combination of mountains and rivers that Birmingham has such a wonderful climate. It is said that it is a favorite for retirees who golf, because you can be on the links year-round! In retirement, one must consider carefully thier finances, and Birmingham is amongst the most affordable cities in the Southeast for housing and cost of living. It was also in the top 11 on "America's Most Livable Communities. When we retire, we also must think of accessing good health care, and this city boasts world class health care facilities, including the Birmingham VA Medical Center. Retirement also is the time for fun and pleasure and Birmingham offers an abundance of entertainment, sports events and recreation.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Financial Planning for Retirement
Financial planning is not always the easiest thing to do and understand. However, when considering retirement, it is a must. Retirees and future retirees have a multitude of resources to access to build their plan. One option that is really set up for retirement is a reversed mortgage. Those retired folks who want to investigate this opportunity, should make sure you have a reputable person to work with. Our local YMCA had a workshop for retired people who wanted to learn more about reverse mortgages. The presenter was a woman who had a great deal of knowledge and told us she got into the business because her mother was retired with very little income, and this option was her ticket to financial stability and a joyful retirement. The website for this mortgage broker is www.golfsavingsbank.com/loanofficers/triciasmith.htm The federal government will also send you a free information packet, just go to www.financialfreedom.com
Sunday, December 16, 2007
What I Am Going To Do When I Retire
I often ask people why they chose the retirement community that they did. One woman told me it was because Ashland is a town that loves Art. Now this woman retired from academics, but she aways told herself "when I retire I am going to pursue my passion of art". She is now retired, and living in her favorite retirement community, and is painting away! Her website www.cafepress.com/rdunndalton shows how a retiree can have fun and make some extra retirement dollars at the same time. Retirement truly is the time to explore new ways to live and living in a retirement community that supports your interests is an important factor in making that decision
Friday, December 14, 2007
Choosing the Retirement Location
Retirement communities can also mean the geographical location that one wants to live in. And, then the question;how do I choose where I want to retire? One way to search out that retirement location is to do what a retired couple from South Dakota is doing. They told me that they were considering retiring in Ashland, but wanted to really "feel" the town. So, what they did is to find a small, furnished place to rent for a couple of months to see it this community fits all their retirement needs. They found a cottage on www.ashlandextendedstay.com I know that www.vrbo.com is also a good site to find temporary houseing. I think the exploration of the perfect retirement location can be an adventure in its self. Happy hunting, fellow retirees.
Karen
Karen
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Bargain dining in Ashland
Retirees on a budget are frequently clipping coupons and looking for special offers in order to find affordable ways to experience Ashland's fine dining. One reason people from larger cities love to retire in Ashland is that they don't have to sacrifice this enjoyable aspect of life when they move to a small town. We believe that Ashland has at least 30 restaurants that rival any in San Francisco, Portland, or Seattle, with another 30 casual dining cafes, pubs and wine bars. Last night Mark and I took a bottle of our favorite wine to Omar's, where corkage is free on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Check out their web site http://www.omarsrestaurant.com/ for directions, hours, and a sample of their menus. Additionally, they always feature an extensive list of daily specials with some of the finest fresh seafood and steaks around. Also on their web site you can sign up for their newsletter which included a $10 coupon last month. So we were very pleased to have a fantastic dining experience and not have to take out a second mortgage on our house!
For listings of many other of Ashland's great restaurants, visit our web site www.oregonretirement.info
Stay tuned for more tips from the Frugal Fork Wielder.
Marty
Check out their web site http://www.omarsrestaurant.com/ for directions, hours, and a sample of their menus. Additionally, they always feature an extensive list of daily specials with some of the finest fresh seafood and steaks around. Also on their web site you can sign up for their newsletter which included a $10 coupon last month. So we were very pleased to have a fantastic dining experience and not have to take out a second mortgage on our house!
For listings of many other of Ashland's great restaurants, visit our web site www.oregonretirement.info
Stay tuned for more tips from the Frugal Fork Wielder.
Marty
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Retirement USA
This morning I am thinking about community service. This is one of the very best parts of retirement! One has time to volunteer! Marty and I are both eager volunteers, especially around feeding the hungry. Yesterday we had a shift together at Uncle Foods Diner, which is the local "soup kitchen". It is such a simple concept that is set up in the Methodist church kitchen, here in Ashland. We receive food donations from Southern Oregon University, the Growers Market, Market of Choice, and others who can give food. We chop, peel, clean, and get more inventive than you can imagine. The talented chef from one of our local resturants , Larks in the Ashland Springs Hotel, can make a meal out of anything! We feed 60 to 80 folks on Tuesday afternoon. I get so much out of helping on this project, and am so grateful that now I am retired I can do this sort of thing. Many retirees say that they don't want to have another schedule and are reticent about stepping into the volunteer world, but there are many ways to do it. Marty and I are a team in this particular effort, and if one of us is out of town, the other can fill in.
We believe that volunteering in our communities is so important, not only for those who receive, but also the ones giving (good for your mental health, my friends) that we have included volunteer opportunities on our website www.oregonretirement.info
I would love to hear from some of you who will share your volunteer stories with us.
Bye for now, Karen
We believe that volunteering in our communities is so important, not only for those who receive, but also the ones giving (good for your mental health, my friends) that we have included volunteer opportunities on our website www.oregonretirement.info
I would love to hear from some of you who will share your volunteer stories with us.
Bye for now, Karen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)