Blog Posts

Exercise Your Brain With These 10 Activities

We walk , we bike , we swim , we stretch, we lift weights, all in the pursuit of keeping our bodies fit and functional. However, research suggests we are not addressing our overall health unless we include healthy brain activities as well. Incorporating brain exercises into our workout regimen will help make sure we stay sharp both physically and cognitively. Here are a few basic brain exercises to improve memory and help keep your brain as well-toned as your body. 1. Solve the Puzzle Puzzles like crosswords and sudoku, and word games like scrambled words and cryptograms are great brain stimulators. All you need is a newspaper or a puzzle book and your brain will get a workout. 2. Test Your Memory Make a grocery list, or a list of friends or things to do or state capitals and memorize it. Put it aside for an hour or so. Then try to recall as many items on the list as you can. The less familiar the subject matter, the more challenging it will be to remember. 3. Make Some Music Studies show pursuing something new over an extended period of time is a great way to engage the mind. Learning a musical instrument or joining a choir will help keep you and your brain in harmony. 4. Math on the Go While you are taking your morning walk outside or on the treadmill, create math problems in your head and solve them without the benefit of a pencil or computer. Talk about maximizing your workout. 5. Cook for Cognition Cooking is a delicious way to exercise the brain. Not only will you be stimulating multiple parts of the brain including smell, touch, sight and taste, but you’ll also come away with new meal ideas. 6. Parlez-Vous Francais? Learning a foreign language requires your brain to fire on all cylinders. You’ll improve your listening and hearing skills while supporting memory, 7. Create Words In much the same way you would create math problems in your head, try visualizing the spelling of different words. Make a game of it by spelling a word, then thinking of synonyms or words that start with the same two letters. 8. Map it Out Get a blank map of the United States and try filling in the names of all the states. Once you’ve done that, try adding the capital cities from memory, or the names of airports in the big cities. There are unlimited ways to test your memory. 9. It’s the Little Things As we age, our decreased brain function interferes with our small motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Try a new skill like knitting, drawing or assembling a jigsaw puzzle to hone your dexterity. 10. Combine the Mental and Physical There are many sports that integrate mental and physical activity. Yoga, tennis, and golf are a few great examples. Though these days there is a plethora of brain training software out there, the jury is out on its effectiveness. Experts suggest the best results will come from real-world activities. Even something as simple as completing a routine task with a different hand can challenge your brain and help maintain its acuity. However, you choose to exercise your brain, remember, it’s the thoughts that count.

10 Budgeting Tips That Will Help You Enjoy Retirement

By the time you’re ready and able to retire , it is well-earned. Retirement is a stage of life full of free time for developing your hobbies and interests after putting in years of hard work. While you enjoy this new-found freedom, it’s important to prioritize your post-retirement savings and have a solid budgeting system. Here are some tips for staying on financial track after you’ve retired. Budget Around the Must-Haves Based on your sources of income, whether that’s Social Security and/or other investments, create a budget around essential, fixed expenses. Focus on the big picture of what you need to survive rather than luxury items that you’d like to have. Items to think about include: Healthcare Housing Transportation Food Once you’ve addressed the concrete expenses – as well as debts and taxes – you can work on your discretionary budget for travel, gifts, entertainment, and more. Know Your Spending Patterns To get a solid idea about what essential and discretionary items to incorporate into your budget, review your purchase patterns. Does your spending go up during certain times of the year such as holidays? What about the cost of cable, internet, and utilities? Sometimes, these expenses can fluctuate. Check your credit card statements and summaries to identify your ongoing monthly bills and expenditures. Create a Budgetary Cushion As you’re planning your budget and taking into account all aspects of your spending, it never hurts to allow for some wiggle room – a financial cushion to help smooth the transition into retirement. The change from bi-weekly income to monthly income requires a mental shift, but a cushion can help create a seamless adjustment. Limit Your Retirement Withdrawals Avoid giving yourself unlimited access to investment funds. Set up a “retirement paycheck” of some kind as an automatic deposit into your spending account on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. This systematic approach to withdrawing funds will keep your income consistent and help you stay on budget. Retirees are encouraged to limit withdrawals from retirement savings to 4% to 5% for the first year of retirement, with increases in the following years to account for inflation. Have Your Taxes Automatically Withheld If you’re taking income from an IRA or other retirement account, make sure that federal and state taxes are automatically withheld before you receive your income. This way, you have one less expense on your mind – and you don’t get behind. Retirement is about freeing up mental space for more fun activities, not remembering to put away money for taxes. Meet with a Financial Advisor If possible, get with your financial advisor to consolidate any retirement accounts you may have as a way to simplify your life and organize your income. This enables you to review your earnings and spending in a more streamlined way, while possibly even reducing fees. While visiting with a financial services provider, consider estate planning to get it out of the way and free your loved ones from having to deal with it later. Make Sure You’re in the Right Housing You’ve worked hard to get here. Now, it’s your turn to relax and smell the roses instead of worrying about home maintenance. At this time in life, many active adults will trade in the burden of property ownership for life in an upscale, convenient 55+ active adult living community . With so many options available at Overture, retirees are living life to the fullest in amenity-rich communities. Take Advantage of Senior Perks Discounts for certain age groups are available for a reason: The world knows how hard you’ve worked and contributed to the economy and society. Take advantage of bargains, benefits, and programs that are designed to make your life easier in these retirement years. Whether it’s discounted matinee movie tickets or lower-priced meals at your favorite restaurant, these perks will add up. Just make sure you always have your ID on hand for age verification. Programs such as AARP are also great sources for information, deals, and advice for properly approaching retirement and making the most of it. Secure a Relaxed, Post-Retirement Job A little supplemental income is never a bad thing, especially if you’re someone who enjoys working. Many active adults will seek part-time work in their post-retirement days to earn a little extra money while staying busy doing valuable work. If this sounds appealing to you, and your circumstances call for it, there are plenty of fulfilling options for employment out there. Just be careful that this extra income doesn’t interfere with the money you are receiving from Social Security or other government programs. Live and let live during this exciting time. Spend your days doing what you love and reaping the benefits of an active community’s amenities rather than fretting about finances. Explore personal growth every day, at your own pace and on your budget.

Moving vs. Staying – What’s the Difference Between Aging in Place and Moving to a Senior Living Community?

Senior living communities have come a long way. Yet many 55 or better active adults are afraid of the prospect of downsizing to active living community because of common misconceptions, finances, and/or the emotional impact of change. That’s why it’s important for you to have all the right information about the true potential of an active senior community experience . The Benefits of Rightsizing When you look closely at the numbers and benefits of rightsizing , you can better imagine a life free from many everyday responsibilities. You’ll begin to see a vision of leisure and adventure, where you will have more mental and emotional space for activities and events you can actually enjoy. Moving into the right active adult community can mark the next exciting chapter of your life, and here’s why so many have made the move. Financial Pros and Cons A common reason why people “age in place” at home is affordability. Many believe that living at home with an in-home caregiver is more cost-effective than moving into an active community, but this isn’t always the case. Here’s how the two differ when it comes down to dollars and cents. Cost of Living Ideally, many seniors would like to downsize to a nice community, where things are taken care of and maintenance is minimal, but they don’t believe it’s financially viable. This myth is easily debunked when you think about how aging in place means aging with all the separate bills, maintenance costs, and miscellaneous expenses that stack up. Expenses can include: Mortgage (unless it’s paid off) Electricity Cable / Internet Homeowner’s Insurance Property taxes HOA fees Home repair costs Snow removal Trash removal Lawn and landscaping services Gym memberships The list goes on. At an active adult community, however, these things are worked into the streamlined monthly fee. By this point in your life, your home is likely paid off, and yet at-home expenses still add up a lot faster than if you lived in a community. With a paid-off home, you can actually use the equity from this asset to pay for the easier, more enjoyable life at an amenity-filled community. Cost of Care A major aspect to consider when deciding whether to move or age in place is the cost of care services, which tend to be the most expensive part of in-home care. According to the insurance company Genworth’s 2019 survey on the cost of long-term care, the national average cost for a paid in-home care provider is $4,385 per month . So why not ask for the help of an unpaid family member? Unfortunately, that can cost even more (and not just financially). The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP report that unpaid family caregivers lose an average of nearly $304,000 in wages and benefits over their lifetime (women being on the higher end of financial loss). Evidence even shows that assuming the role of caregiver in midlife may increase the risk for a woman to live in poverty in old age. The more you weigh the list of expenses between in-home care and community life, the clearer the financial benefits become – for everyone involved. Making the move will more than likely save you and your family money in the end. Here’s a living cost calculator to give you a better idea of what life at a community like Overture would look like financially. Social Side of Things It’s been proven that socializing is good for you. Several studies have shown a strong correlation between social interaction and health and well-being , especially among older adults. When living at home and aging in place, it’s a lot easier to become socially isolated and lonely. In a community, it’s exactly what it sounds like – a community filled with neighbors, activities, freshly prepared cuisine that’s right for you, and avenues for personal development. An active adult community like Overture is designed to support your social, emotional and physical preferences and needs along with others who are looking for the same thing. Mental and Emotional Wellbeing Without the burden of your house maintenance and finances, you have more time and mental and emotional space for doing things you love. In this way, you’re able to pursue passions, friendships, and personal growth at your own pace, stress-free. Contrary to popular belief, rightsizing to an active community for adults 55+ is more likely to increase your independence. At home, you rely on others to help you complete certain tasks, whereas in a community, you are discreetly and appropriately supported in your daily tasks and interests – without the fear of plans or people falling through. You’re also near the medical care you require, which not only provides relief for you, but also for your loved ones on your behalf. Physical Health It’s hard enough to incorporate exercise into a daily routine, let alone if you have limited access to equipment or a gym. Unless you have an at-home gym and the right safety measures in place, it can be cumbersome to do your exercises in-house. On top of that, gym memberships are costly, and getting there isn’t always the most convenient task. At an active adult community like Overture, you have access to many fitness and exercise opportunities, as well as equipment, training, and programs to support your physical health goals. It’s important to us that you feel good and experience the highest quality of life possible. Aging in Motion Change is hard, and we know that entering a new chapter can be very exciting and stressful at the same time. Deciding whether to move or stay at home brings its own emotional moments, but it’s important that you know the truth about active community life . In short, you can save money and stress by making the move, and thus, gain reliable support, relationships, and a fulfilling lifestyle in one place. To us, home is where your heart is happy and healthy. If you need more details regarding potential pricing, please contact us at Overture. We’d love to walk you through the proper steps to aging in motion.

How To Update and Refresh Your Apartment Home

There are so many easy ways to update, refresh, and personalize your apartment. Choose just a few special little touches and voila! You will enhance your living experience and uplift your spirits. Easy Tips to Decorate Your Apartment For a little inspiration, check out these ideas . You’ll be amazed at how even small changes can have a significant impact. Clutter Control What better time to wade through any extraneous junk in the closet, pantry, office, or spare bedroom than the present. Cleaning out the clutter will enhance your mental space as much as it improves your physical space. Clear home, clear mind. Update Soft Goods Bedding Decorating on a budget can be both easy and fun if you focus on soft goods. For example, nothing spruces up a bedroom like a new comforter and matching pillow shams. Go online and start scrolling through the extensive choices at every price point. Add bold colors or go with a softer, neutral flavor. The options are endless. Pillows Decorative throw pillows can make a couch look like a different piece of furniture. Mix and match colors and patterns to add new personality to any space. Rugs A new rug may be just what you need to perk up your apartment. Make a splash with intense colors and patterns. Or get your Zen on with muted tones. As a focal point of a room, your new rug will make a big difference. Your friends will walk in and think you’ve redecorated the whole place! Kitchen Upgrade Ideas When it comes to the kitchen, there are loads of decorating DIY options. How about a new table and chairs? Fresh flowers and plants can add life to the room. Change out the hardware on your drawers and cabinets. Creative knickknacks and even new something as simple as new placemats can add sparkle. With a little effort, you can transform your apartment into a warm welcoming place you enjoy calling home. Are you thinking that this may be the right time to rightsize from your house into an apartment home? Overture active adult living communities offer move-in ready apartment homes with resort-style amenities.

Still on the Fence About 55+ Active Adult Living? See What Our Residents Say About Living at Overture

Does the thought of residing in a 55+ active adult community make you feel old? It definitely shouldn’t. In fact, Overture is way more than a place to go and grow “old.” It’s a place to live and stay young. If you don’t believe us, here’s what some of our residents have to say: You’ll Always Feel at Home “I walked into my apartment and I knew I was home.” That’s what Overture Plano resident Ann Garrett said as she remembered her first experience in her apartment home . With plenty of space to display your family treasures, as well as a gourmet kitchen and private balcony or patio, you’ll easily be able to make your apartment home feel like your own. Apartment homes range in size from studios to two bedrooms with up to two bathrooms, so it’s your choice as to what size you choose to fit your needs. There’s Always Something to Keep You Busy “We’re so impressed with the opportunities they give us to meet other people.” That’s one resident’s thoughts, followed by another who chimed in to note how much he hates seeing the days end. While your apartment will certainly feel like home, you may opt to spend more time out and about around the community. From continental breakfasts and cooking classes to a fitness center and yoga studio, there will always be something to keep your interest. It may sound hard to believe without seeing it for yourself, so let our photos and videos paint an incredible picture as to what awaits you as an Overture resident. There’s Always Incredible Staff On-Site to Meet Your Needs “The most important thing about living here is the staff. They really care about us. Anything that we bring to their attention, it’s quickly handled. It’s like a family.” As some of our residents have put it, an Overture community feels like living on a cruise or in a five-star hotel. It’s paradise. Some residents say they feel like they aren’t even aging. This easy-living experience is due to the abundance of activities and amenities that await you in addition to the attentive and caring staff members who keep life maintenance-free so you can live the way you desire and deserve. It’s these reasons, and many more , that have us asking: What are you waiting for? Contact Overture today so you can start the first day of the rest of your carefree life. *Not all amenities and activities are available at every Overture community. Please contact an Overture leasing specialist for details.

6 Ways Staying Positive Impacts Overall Health

Is it a rainy, miserable, depressing day? Or is it a great day to get some stuff done around the house? When you’re stuck in a long line that isn’t moving, are you upset and crabby? Or do you strike up a conversation with the person next to you and turn an annoyance into an opportunity to make a new friend? Life is full of ups and downs, and though we can’t control what the universe throws at us, we can choose to react with optimism instead of pessimism. The power of positive thinking can be especially beneficial to the aging process. It helps us cope with the challenges and stressors associated with advancing years. A positive outlook can impact our health and wellbeing in a myriad of significant ways, both enhancing and prolonging our lives. Benefits of Positive Thinking According to research, a positive attitude can: Increase longevity Reduce the risk of depression Lower stress Support the immune system Boost cardiovascular health Enhance your psychological well being and coping skills Motivate a healthier lifestyle How to be a Positive Thinker Recently our lives have been affected by a dark cloud, the likes of which most of us have never seen. Now, more than ever, we need to look for the silver lining. Here are a few suggestions for rising above the negativity out there and focusing on going forward with hope and happiness. Start Small When approaching a task that generates negative feelings, take a moment to refocus and look for a positive spin. We can change our own small piece of the world one positive thought at a time. Smile Laughter is the best medicine. When times are tough, remind yourself to smile or laugh and appreciate life’s humor. Laughing with a friend, or even laughing at yourself is a great stress reliever. Get Moving Nothing creates positive energy like exercise. Even a 10-minute walk can positively impact mood and outlook. Negativity — Just Say NO Try to surround yourself with positive people who are supportive and give you thoughtful advice and feedback. Try to avoid those Negative Nellies who think misery loves company. Be Kind to Yourself Give yourself positive pep talks that are gentle and encouraging, not punitive and critical. If you are feeling particularly negative, shower yourself with positive affirmations. Get in your own face with appreciation. Find a Purpose Whether it’s finding a hobby or donating your time to a local hospital or animal shelter, pursuing activities that promote positive feelings of self-worth and accomplishment will generate positive thinking. A positive attitude cannot eliminate all unpleasantness. But when the glass is half full instead of half empty, we have a better shot at creating our best possible lives.