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Fun Things to Do in San Antonio with Your Grandchildren

San Antonio has a secret. Sure, everybody knows the second largest city in Texas boasts a rich and diverse cultural life and an ever-expanding culinary scene. But here’s the surprise: It’s also a kid’s paradise with loads of big fun for the little folks. Entertaining visiting grandkids will be a breeze. In fact, they’ll never want to leave. Check out these top 5 choices for fun things to do in San Antonio, mere minutes from Overture Stone Oak , and get ready to make your grandkids’ day! The DoSeum A true fan favorite, the DoSeum is where kids play to learn, and adults learn to play. Providing an engaging, hands on experience, the DoSeum will inspire and intrigue both young and young at heart. You and your grandkids will have a ball exploring together. 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209 The San Antonio Zoo The kids will be wide eyed with wonder at underwater views of a hippo and crocodiles as you see all the sights of Africa at the San Antonio Zoo. Between the Freidrich Aquarium, the reptile house and the petting zoo, the kids will have an outing they’ll never forget. Make sure to wear your comfiest sneakers. 3,500 animals on 35 acres will keep everybody moving. 3903 N. St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio, TX 78212 Altitude Trampoline Park Trampolining has evolved from a tool for pilot and astronaut training to an Olympic sport. The kids will jump for joy at this new indoor trampoline park that features trampolines as well as a foam pit, and tumble tracks. 11075 IH-10 W Ste 126, San Antonio, TX 78230 Magik Theatre The perfect blend of culture and fun, Magik Theatre stages kid-friendly productions that bring classic and contemporary children’s stories to life. What better way to introduce your grandkids to both theatre and literature? 420 South Alamo, San Antonio, TX 78205 Six Flags Fiesta Texas Six Flags San Antonio puts the amuse in amusement park. The smallest small fries, the most bored teenagers, and every kid in between will get their thrill on at Six Flags, home to eight world class roller coasters and a huge water park. 17000IH-10 West, San Antonio TX 778257 Next time the grandkids call and ask if there are fun things to do in Stone Oak, you can answer with an unequivocal YES!

The Benefits of Volunteering

“The human contribution is an essential ingredient. It is only in giving of oneself to others that we truly live.” So said Ethel Percy Andrus, the first woman high school principal in California and the elder rights activist who founded AARP in 1958. Those words resonate powerfully with the huge contingent of seniors volunteering today. Statistics show that close to 20 million older adults contribute over a billion hours of community service per year, aiding other seniors, tutoring and mentoring at-risk youth, providing education and job training for veterans and their families, and pitching in for disaster relief. Typically, it is the seniors who put in the most hours, more than any other age group. But grateful communities are not the only ones reaping the benefits of this volunteering. A recent study proves that when active adults are giving, they are also receiving big time. The results are conclusive: Older adults who volunteer are happier. They live longer. The enhanced self-esteem, sense of purpose and stronger identity derived from helping others creates a reserve of emotional resources that helps them cope with personal loss in a healthier way. Without a doubt, the social, emotional and even physical benefits to senior volunteers makes giving to others, well…the gift that keeps on giving. The University of Pittsburgh study, led by researcher Fenyan Tang , involved more than 200 volunteers, aged 50 and over. Each member of the study contributed an average of 6 hours per week to a nonprofit or government program. Their tasks ranged from legal consultation, to meal preparation to computer tech assistance. The study also assessed the level of support offered by the organizations involved and to what extent it impacted the volunteer experience. Fast forward a year later to researchers following up with the volunteers to evaluate their progress. The consensus was that senior volunteers are happy campers indeed. Participants reported significant improvement in mental and emotional health, a heightened sense of productivity, increased social activity and a general feeling that life was better. In relation to their non-volunteering peers, older volunteers were less lonely, less depressed and more satisfied with their place in the world. Beyond the social and emotional benefits, senior volunteers also experienced increased levels of physical functioning, enhanced muscular strength, and decreased pain, all of which helped delay mortality. The study revealed one of the keys to successful senior volunteering is the training and support offered by the organization. The more flexible and inclusive the staff, the more responsive and happy the volunteers. Once you are inspired to volunteer: Get a clear sense of how the organization of your choice runs its volunteer program. Be sure you will be adequately trained to carry out your responsibilities. Find out how to contact a staff member in the event you have questions during your shift. Look over the hours required carefully. Be cognizant of overscheduling yourself. Try to find a volunteer opportunity that is compatible with any physical limitations you may have. Be aware of the environment you will be working in. It’s clear that emotionally meaningful volunteer opportunities for older adults can impact their lives as significantly as it impacts the lives of others. It’s a win/win.

Get In Touch With Your Creativity Through Painting

“I can't think of anything more rewarding than being able to express yourself to others through painting. Exercising the imagination, experimenting with talents, being creative; these things, to me, are truly the windows to your soul.” So said the late painting instructor Bob Ross, famous for his 11 year run as host of “The Joy of Painting.” Ross clearly understood that at its core, pursuing paint activities is more about freeing the mind more than controlling the hand. Current studies in the field of art therapy agree that creative modalities like painting can enhance our quality of life as we age, nurturing overall wellbeing and promoting healing. Who knew a paintbrush could be that powerful? Often older adults shy away from paint classes fearing they bring nothing to the easel. A savvy instructor will create a welcoming, judgment free zone in which even those with two left hands are free to joyously explore the creative process. It’s not about the art. It’s about the artistry and the multitude of potential benefits tapping into your inner Picasso can yield. Paint the Stress Away Activities like painting, sculpting, and drawing are automatic stress relievers that will relax you and leave you feeling mentally clear and calm. Once you become immersed in your creative endeavor, you will find focus and flow and be amazed at how the cares of the day just fall away. You can achieve a state of meditation that is refreshing and renewing. Painting activities will also reduce anxiety and depression. You’re Not Getting Older, You’re Getting More Creative While it’s true our brains age, research shows that creativity and imagination can actually flourish later in life. It’s the gift that keep on giving. The more we exercise our creative options, the more we produce new neural pathways that improve cognitive function. Keeping the creative juices flowing for a lifetime will help keep you both interested and interesting. Beyond the Canvas Your art may not wind up hanging at the Met, but participating in paint classes will provide a great outlet for socializing with fellow art enthusiasts. As your peers find their own inner voices, you will have the opportunity to learn more about them and really get to know them. You will feel an increased sense of identity and purpose. It’s Okay to Drink and Draw For an extra boost to the spirit, try combining art and spirits in a paint and wine class. How do you think Michelangelo survived that ceiling? According to Bob Ross, “All you need to paint is a few tools, a little instruction, and a vision in your mind.” And don’t forget to have fun. Live Overture offers an array of creative services as part of our Soul Services, including drama clubs and jewelry making. Contact us today to explore how Live Overture can enhance your everyday living.

Not Ready to Retire? 5 Job Hunting Tips for Seniors

Retirement from long-term employment is a pretty decisive conclusion to one phase of life. But, just what the next chapter looks like to each retiree is anybody’s ballgame and depends on a variety of factors. Many retirees embrace their new found free time to travel, pursue long tabled interests, and spend time with the grandkids. However, active adults who are not comfortable with so much leisure time, or find themselves in unexpected, less than optimal financial circumstances, may want to retire the idea of retirement. Either way, pursuing new employment at this stage means coming face to face with a job hunting experience that will require some fortitude. Finding opportunities in the golden years has its own set of unique challenges. Here is some strategic job hunting advice to help channel your hard-earned wisdom, expertise, and passion for life into a meaningful new career path. 1. Streamline Your Resume As a more mature job seeker, be judicious about your job history. There is no need to include every job you’ve held since graduation. Nor does the year of that graduation need to be mentioned. Better to let your most recent accomplishments intrigue a potential employer into inviting you in for an interview. Face to face, your skills and enthusiasm will assuage any issues there might be about your age. 2. Create a LinkedIn Profile Establishing a presence on Linkedin will serve the dual purpose of giving you access to scores of active job posts and letting employers know you are comfortable with 21stcentury internet strategies. 3. Network like Crazy Linkedin is a great resource, but so is your own personal network. After years in the workforce, you’ve made connections that can be vital in your quest for a new position. Don’t be afraid to tap those contacts for job possibilities, as well as personal recommendations. A glowing endorsement by someone inside the company can be critical to getting your foot in the door. 4. Computer and Technology Training It is imperative for job seekers at any age to appear relevant and current. Unfairly or not, many employers assume older applicants are not as computer literate as they should be. A little computer and technology training will go a long way toward demonstrating your competence and busting through that bias. 5. Flexibility is Key Chances are the job you left after 10-20 years far exceeded an entry level position, with a commensurate salary to prove it. While you definitely do not want to undersell yourself, it’s important to let employers know you are flexible and willing to consider less prestigious positions—and the pay cut that goes with them. Your advanced level of experience, combined with your willingness to adapt to a new role, will be an asset in your favor. The best job hunting advice? Stay positive. Remember, your attitude matters as much as your aptitude! Good Luck!

Ideas for Apartment Home Decorating to Refresh Your Space

Apartment design is an art form unto itself. At its core, it’s about creative space management and transforming less square footage into more charm and comfort. Here are a few ideas for apartment home decorating to give your space a fresh new look for 2019. Set Your Budget Now that you’ve taken the plunge and rightsized into the perfect active adult community, let the interior design process begin. All it takes is dollars and sense to create a space that reflects your taste and personality but does not break the bank. If you are realistic about your finances and take the time to do a little research and leg work, apartment decorating on a budget will be both fun and successful. Before You Buy, Rearrange Arrangement and spacing are every bit as important as picking out the perfect furnishings. Consider rearranging your existing pieces before replacing with new furniture. You would be amazed at how a new design layout can make a bigger impact than a new couch or piece of artwork. Area Rugs In an apartment setting, area rugs serve two vital functions. They anchor your furniture but also create room boundaries in big open spaces like an apartment living/dining room. Before buying a new rug, try swapping existing rugs and see if that improves the ambiance. If that doesn’t work, it will be fun to shop for a new solid or colorful rug that will completely recreate the mood. To change a room’s perspective, try shifting the area rug 90 degrees and angling the furniture. Less is More Clutter is never your friend, but in an apartment, it is the mortal enemy. With limited space, clutter can make rooms feel crowded and messy . No doubt you jettisoned much of your extraneous stuff before rightsizing, but now that you are living in your apartment, you may realize more knick-knacks and furniture must go. Once you’ve narrowed the space down to the essentials, it will be easier to find an arrangement that does not overwhelm. When it comes to apartment decorating tips, getting rid of the clutter is at the top of the list. Refresh Your Bedding As a major color field, duvets and bed linens define the décor of the bedroom. The easiest way to update a bedroom is to introduce new linens. Pick a new color, pattern, or style and you’re adding a whole new design element into the bedroom. Go Green Plants and flowers are an apartment’s best friend. They are inexpensive, they don’t take up a lot of space and they will add color, scent, and texture to a room. Green plants can provide permanent support to any décor and flowers can be changed as often as the mood dictates. Accent Pillows Add Flair Accent pillows are the quintessential portable décor. Instead of replacing a couch that feels dated, change the accent pillows. It’s a simple step that can alter the color scheme and overall look of the room. Switch from florals to a cleaner more modern look, or move into a different color family altogether. More than one person will be sure to ask if you got a new couch! Change Up a Lampshade Lampshades are highly versatile and can be mixed and matched quite easily with different bases. Getting rid of a tired old lampshade and replacing it with a boldly colored or patterned shade can be the difference between blah and beautiful. Check Out Your Local Thrift Store They say one man’s trash is another’s treasure. Nowhere does that ring more true like it does at the thrift store, a wonderland of light fixtures, furniture, and accessories. Thrift store apartment decorating will give you great bang for your buck, while adding charm and warmth to your space. Maximize Small Spaces The object of apartment home decorating ideas is to make the best possible use of the available space. Choosing the right size and amount of furniture and devising a floor plan that leaves open floor space is the first step. There are also tricks for creating the illusion of extra space. White walls reflect light, vertical decorating, useful wall art, and furniture that multi-tasks as storage are all helpful tools to make your apartment feel uncluttered and spacious. Your former home was all about your family. This time around it’s your turn. Apartment home living for seniors is about surroundings that make you happy and comfortable and enhance the active adult experience. When it comes to both the function and aesthetics of your space, small changes can make a big difference.

Date Night Ideas

As the formidable Bette Davis famously remarked “getting old is not for sissies.” Same can be said for dating—especially for those who have actually heard of Bette Davis. Returning to a dating scene that bears no resemblance to the one you left decades ago can be daunting. But making new connections, whether they lead to romance or not, is well worth the effort. As the smarter, more experienced version of your 20-something self, you’re certainly not going to let a few first date jitters stand in the way of potential future happiness, right? Below are a few dating suggestions for sharing a meaningful, relaxing, fun day or evening with a new prospect—or somebody already special. Learn Something New To break the ice, try a new activity that takes you out of your respective comfort zones. If you are both fleet of foot, make it a night of dancing at a local dance studio and learn a few new moves like the cha-cha or tango. Cooking classes are always fun and will certainly spark conversation and a few laughs. Also, many cities offer painting classes that are stress free and engaging. A Multiple Restaurant Experience If your city has multiple restaurants within walking distance, split the evening at different venues. Try one location for appetizers, one for the main course and another for dessert. Take your time over each course and use the time in between to get to know each other better. It takes some advance planning, but can add some pizzazz to dining out. A His and Her Joint Planning Mission Split the planning responsibilities with each of you tackling half the event. You could wind up starting the evening at a high-end eatery and finishing up at a bowling alley. Be sure to give your partner a heads up on appropriate dress and keep an open mind. Brunch is Beautiful If this is a first outing, there is no law that says it must be in the evening. Every city has great brunch places and you can enjoy a casual, fun daytime encounter to see if the two of you are a good fit. Popular brunch spots get busy, so a reservation would be advisable. Keep it Moving If both you and your date are exercise enthusiasts, you may enjoy connecting through your favorite sport or physical activity. A friendly game of tennis or golf between two like-minded participants is a great way to spend relaxing time together. A long stroll through a scenic park would facilitate natural communication. Whether you begin your senior dating experience through internet sites, get fixed up by a friend or strike up a conversation at the grocery store that leads to an evening out, remember, the basic premise is as old as time and unchanged. Girl meets Boy. They go out on a date. It doesn’t work. The End. Or, it does work. The Beginning.