Blog Posts

5 Alternatives to New Year’s Resolutions

Looking forward to the new year with energy and optimism? Then, by all means, take that list of traditional New Year’s resolution ideas and toss it immediately! Creating a list of unrealistic goals for the coming year is like shooting your spirit in the foot. Instead of enhancing your wellbeing, you become your own judge and jury. Inevitably when you fail to follow through on promises to change who you are, the verdict is: Guilty - of disappointing yourself. Instead of focusing on what you perceive as negative spaces that need filling, take stock of all the positive pieces of your life. Contemplate the types of changes that are compatible with who you really are. Here are 5 suggestions to consider, as you ponder ways in which you can enrich yourself and your life in the coming year. Recharge Social Connections The older we get, the more critical it is to our health and wellbeing to spend time with people who lift us up. Make a list of the friends and family members who bring out the best in you, the people who make you smile even as you think of them. Make it a point to reach out to them regularly and make dates to get together for dinner, coffee, cocktails or an exercise walk. Why not plan a weekend excursion? Resolve to be present in existing relationships and commit to pursuing opportunities for new ones as they arise. Take a Moment to Reflect Sometimes it takes a deeper understanding of the past to create a better future. Take a realistic look at this past year; the good, the bad, and the ugly. Sit quietly and write your thoughts in a journal. You may be surprised at what appears on the page. Or if you don’t want to put pen to paper, meditate on your year’s journey to see where you were, where you are, and how you got here. Be kind to yourself, not judgmental. An Attitude of Gratitude While others are burdening themselves with promises they can’t possibly keep, why not resolve to regularly express gratitude for the many gifts in your life. Actively showing gratitude creates positive energy that impacts self-esteem and stress levels. Make a list of all that you are grateful for, including the people who add beauty to your world, and don’t forget to let them know how you feel. Gratitude is like a boomerang. Put it out there and it will always come back to you. Make Changes in Baby Steps Exercising and eating healthy are not really New Year’s resolution ideas. They are more pervasive lifestyle goals. Unfortunately, resolutions that seek to dramatically alter existing food and activity habits will most likely fizzle out quickly. So, don’t resolve to cut your favorite food out of your diet, or expect yourself to jump up off the couch and run a mile. Instead, commit to baby steps like adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet, and taking a walk with friends around the neighborhood. Those little victories can eventually lead to significant permanent change. You Deserve a Break Every so often it’s nice to jump off the merry-go-round of life and take some time off just to focus on someone or something you love. This could mean taking a day in the country with a family member, relaxing by a pool with a great book, grabbing an afternoon movie with a friend, or signing up for a yoga or meditation retreat. Make it a point to indulge yourself occasionally to renew your spirit. Paying attention to your own needs makes you better able to be a supportive friend, parent or colleague. Successful New Year’s resolution ideas are not about becoming a different person. They are about supporting your efforts to be your best self. So, don’t bemoan the stranger you think you should be. Instead love who you are and be proud of achieving your personal goals. Happy New Year!

How to Practice the Five Dimensions of Wellness

Wellness: The state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort. A simple word that literally translated means the absence of illness has evolved into a committed lifestyle that integrates all the dimensions of wellness. Addressing our physical condition is always a critical component to wellness, but as we age, it becomes imperative that we adopt a more global approach that pays equal attention to our emotional, spiritual, intellectual and social health. For many, the answer lies in moving to an active adult community where the environment is specifically designed to facilitate all aspects of wellbeing. No matter where you live, the pursuit of wellness is an ongoing, dynamic process, that is fluid and constantly changing to optimize each phase of our lives. As you ponder the best way to embrace the five dimensions of wellness and make the most of this exciting new chapter, here are a few tips to inspire. Physical The importance of exercise as we age cannot be overstated. Nothing good happens sitting on the couch all day. Try to keep it moving for at least 30 minutes a day three times a week and you will feel the difference in your strength, flexibility and endurance. Integrate plenty of fruits, veggies, fish and nuts into your diet. Try not to overdo red meat, fried foods, sodas, alcohol and sugary stuff. Don’t skip meals. It can slow your metabolism and lead to weight gain. Try to get 6-8 hours of sleep a night. Stay current with your health screenings and maintain a regular relationship with your medical professional. Social Isolation is a proven threat to seniors’ well-being. Continued effort to build strong, healthy relationships will reward you both physically and mentally. Staying involved with others will keep you sharp and engaged. Join clubs to meet those with similar interests. Maintain a sense of purpose by sharing projects, helping others through volunteering or just joining a group for happy hour or a cup of coffee Take a step out of your comfort zone and try a new hobby, activity or class. You never know who you will meet. If your neighbors have moved and your home is feeling lonely and isolated, consider relocating and becoming part of a welcoming, 55+ active adult community. Emotional A positive attitude can impact your life and the lives of those around you. Try to maintain optimism and manage your responses to life’s up and downs. Explore different methods of stress relief like yoga, tai chi or meditation. Emotional control is the key to how we deal with the world. Appropriately expressed emotions are healthy and important. Inappropriately expressed emotions can derail the other four dimensions of wellness. Find someone you trust to share your feelings with. Seek professional help if you find your emotions are getting the better of you. Intellectual The more you continue to learn and use your intellectual capabilities, the sharper you will be. Take a class or join a group to pursue an interest you’ve never had time for until now. Join a book club and expand both your mind and your social circle. Go to a lecture on a subject you enjoy or with which you are completely unfamiliar. Seek out new experiences to continue to grow and change. Spiritual Take a moment each day to center yourself and appreciate the world around you. Enjoy the gifts of nature by taking a walk or simply sitting on a quiet park bench. Take a yoga or meditation class. Practice gratitude for all the gifts in your life. Integrating practices into your lifestyle that address all the dimensions of wellness is the key to a longer, healthier life. This is your time. Make the choices that empower you and it will be the time of your life.

Refresh Your Space With Easy Care Indoor Plants

If you’re looking for a design element to spruce up your living space , low maintenance indoor plants are a great option. Not only do they add color and beauty to the environment, but they also make it healthier. Add in the minimal cost and you’ve got a home improvement that checks all the boxes. If you are all thumbs when it comes to gardening—and none of them green—have no fear. There are plenty of great choices that will survive with minimal effort. Aloe Known for their plump leaves filled with a soothing gel that can relieve cuts and burns, aloe plants can grow as high as 3 feet and become a significant part of your décor. There are also smaller varieties that work great in limited spaces. Aloe likes sunshine and room temperatures of about 70 degrees. Typical of a succulent, it thrives in dry soil so it’s best to avoid overwatering. Depending on your home’s humidity, your aloe plant may only need watering once every two to three weeks. Snake Plant The snake plant, or mother-in law’s tongue, is another succulent that flourishes in pots and is happy to be ignored for weeks at a time. It prefers dry air and soil. Its thick waxy leaves grow upright, and some varieties have yellow or white edges. Its small white flowers bloom only occasionally. In spite of its mother-in-law moniker, it could not be easier to deal with and thrives in a wide range of lighting and temperatures. Jade Jade is another great low maintenance succulent that adds interest to the décor with its thick lush leaves and attractive branches. This slow growing plant is yours for the long term and looks great in a pretty pot next to other succulents. If you keep the soil on the dry side and provide bright light, your jade plant will be a permanent fixture for as long as you want it. Pothos Pothos is a fast-growing member of the philodendron family that has trailing leaves and works well in a hanging basket. Its ability to strip and absorb toxins makes it a favorite air purifier. You’ll have to cut back its fast-growing stems every now and then, so they continue to look full and healthy. Your pothos will survive at normal room temperature, as long as you allow the soil to remain somewhat dry between watering. Bright light is preferred as low light will not kill it, but it will diminish the leaves variegation. Rubber Plant For a burst of greenery that makes an impact, try a rubber plant. Easy to grow and attractive, your rubber plant can grow into an 8-foot-tall focal point. For a less dramatic statement, create a smaller shrub shape by pruning long stems. Happy in medium to bright light, and room temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees, your rubber plant need only be watered when the soil is completely dry. Dieffenbachia or Dumb Cane The large colorful leaves of the dieffenbachia or dumb cane plant add a tropical flair to any space. They can grow to up to a foot in length on a plant that can reach a six-foot height. For best results, place in low light, prune regularly and keep the soil evenly moist. Think of greenery as the decorative accent with Mother Nature’s seal of approval. With minimal TLC, any one or combination of low maintenance indoor plants will add a fresh new ambiance to your living environment.

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 senior living community 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 wellbeing 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!