Blog Posts

Top 6 Blogs That Every Older Adult Should Follow

Do you remember going to an airport with no security checkpoint, driving a car without a phone in it, and using whiteout to correct typos? If so, congratulations! You’re either headed for imminent retirement or already actively enjoying its perks. You’ve also witnessed an explosion of tech and the emergence of a little concept called social media that has dramatically altered the way we live, love, and learn. Rising to the tech challenge, more and more active adults are now fully engaged in social media fever , taking advantage of senior websites and blogs that are enhancing every aspect of this new and exciting chapter. Check out some of these top senior blogs. Whether you’re looking for lifestyle advice, news and current events, or just some info to make your days more fun, there are plenty of sites for you. Health and Nutrition While the New York Times no longer has a dedicated senior health blog, its other two sites have valuable info and tips for living well, staying healthy, and avoiding injury while exercising. One is the New York Times Health section , and the other is their “Well” blog . Love and Stuff It’s no secret that AARP is an excellent resource for all things senior. But you may not be aware of a little blog called “Sexology. ” This site tackles love and intimacy-related issues for the 55+ in a straightforward, helpful manner. Its focus is to assist seniors as they navigate the challenges of relationships. The Good Life Elder Chicks is a senior lifestyle blog run by two senior women. The site features opinion pieces, guest authors, advice on a range of topics, and a forum that invites viewers to share their thoughts with the blogging community. Tech Tips Senior Planet is a lifestyle site with a focus on digital technology, aimed at making seniors an active part of the digital conversation. Topics range from news and health to sex, dating, art, senior travel, and entertainment. It’s all about aging with attitude. News You Can Use AARP offers news and current events blog that is specifically designed to keep seniors informed, safe, and healthy. Bulletin Today helps keep you both informed and safe from the scammers out there who target your demographic. Travel Be prepared when it’s time to start traveling again! The Roaming Boomers is an online luxury travel magazine geared toward providing you with unique adventures and memorable experiences. There is no time like the present to turn on the power button and become connected to the online community. These great websites are literally at your fingertips. Overture Active Adult communities, or their parent company Greystar, are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with the companies listed in this blog post. This blog post is designed to be a resource and in no way guarantees the quality of service or content of the companies included.

How to Practice Gratitude During an Uncertain Season

“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” – Albert Schweitzer Literally speaking, the definition of gratitude is the state of being grateful. Under our current conditions, it’s tempting to pack up our suitcases and move out of that state, focusing only on fear, anxiety, and where to find our next roll of toilet paper. Though we’re all stressed and uncertain about the immediate future, rising above that negativity and shining a light on what is positive and meaningful in our lives can provide nourishment to our flagging spirits. According to the American Health Association and the National Institutes of Health, gratitude for the gifts of the present will improve both mental and physical wellbeing. Even simple gestures like taking a few moments each day to count our blessings can have a profound impact on our immune systems, lower the risk for depression, and reduce stress levels. So, yes. Life may be restricted at the moment, but there’s no limit to the inner peace a moment of gratitude can elicit. Here are a few suggestions on how to practice gratitude. Start the Day with a Smile Every morning when you wake up to face the new day, try to find three specific things for which you’re grateful. Whether it’s waking up to beautiful sunshine, opening an email with a picture of your grandkid, or opening the door to find you received your long-awaited Amazon delivery, take a moment to enjoy the little pleasures as you start your day. Write it Down As the day progresses, try to write down thoughts of gratitude as they come to you. Maybe it’s finding a place that feels safe and relaxes you or focusing for a moment on one thing that is going well in your life. Try writing down something you are looking forward to or someone you’ve been thinking of with love. Recognize and Reflect Try to press pause when you’re enjoying a particular moment and take the time to reflect on the joy you’re feeling. It could be while having a conversation with a loved one, hearing a favorite piece of music, or just playing with a pet. Recognize the beauty of the moment and appreciate it. Pay It Forward Part of practicing gratitude for the good in your life is reaching out to those who may need your support. Now more than ever, there are people who would love to hear a friendly voice or see a kindred spirit on Zoom or Facetime. Nothing is more satisfying than knowing you’ve connected with a friend or loved one in need. End the Day With a Smile As the day comes to an end, take a moment to think about the joy you experienced or brought to others. Did you do something you really enjoyed? Did you hear your grandkid laugh? Did you accomplish a task you’ve been putting off? Did you finally finish that 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle? Before you turn out the lights, appreciate what the day has given you and what you have given others. Times of crisis remind us to make every moment count. An attitude of gratitude can be a powerful tool that helps strengthen our reserves as we face the challenges ahead. As self-help guru Melody Beattie says, “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

What Amenities are Available at Overture Active Adult Communities?

As you get older, a large, empty house can start to feel less and less like a home. The kids have moved out, and some of your time is likely spent traveling. Has your house become too big for your needs? Our active adult communities offer apartment homes with everything you loved about your house and none of the daily chores or unneeded space, allowing you to seamlessly move on to the next chapter of your life. Apartment Home Features Regular home maintenance will be a thing of the past when you take up residence in one of our move-in ready apartment homes. Plumbing, electrical, and appliance repairs become the responsibility of Overture, allowing you to focus more on attending a Yoga class, meeting a friend or neighbor for lunch, or simply relaxing on your patio with a good book.. If you want to visit family or go on an adventure, you can simply lock your door and leave, knowing your apartment home is taken care of. Depending on the community you select, our apartment homes range in size from studios to two bedrooms with up to two bathrooms, enabling you to rightsize efficiently . Individually controlled air conditioning and heating systems mean you can set your ideal temperature and be comfortable any time of year. Food-lovers will rejoice when they see our kitchens. Each apartment home features a gourmet kitchen outfitted with an island, GE appliances, and glass-tiled backsplash to give you the perfect space to prepare your favorite home-cooked meals. Select kitchens even feature wine refrigerators and glass-paneled cabinets to give your new home that extra dash of personality. Now you can host a birthday dinner or holiday celebration without worrying about having enough space or the right appliances. Keep your kitchen fully stocked with ample storage space in your spacious kitchen cabinets and pantry. If that doesn’t sound like enough space, you’ll find even more room for your belongings in the walki-in, linen and coat closets. Community Amenities Live life the way you want in our active adult communities with over 12,000 square feet of amenity space. Each community boasts a number of ways to enrich the lives of our residents . If you strive to maintain your physical fitness, Flex, your community’s state-of-the-art fitness center, provides the perfect place to fit in a workout. Find relaxation at your Namaste yoga studio or in the sparkling waters of your resort-style heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. Wake up feeling refreshed and renewed with continental breakfast at Nosh Coffee Bar and Bistro while enjoying a gorgeous sunrise on a serene courtyard. Large gatherings are often held in The Scene, and smaller events can be found in Relish, our demonstration kitchens that are often used for cooking classes, guest chefs, and wine tastings. Movie buffs can catch up on some of their favorite films in The Reel Room, our on-site theater, or appreciate playing billiards and a variety of other games in The Pad. For additional social time, our outdoor kitchens and Sizzle grill stations are ideal for having a barbecue with friends, family, and other loved ones. Ready to experience carefree living in the city of your dreams? Discover all of the amenities you desire and deserve at an Overture community. *Not all amenities and activities are available at every Overture Community. Please contact an Overture leasing specialist for details.

A Guide to Improving Gut Health For Older Adults

Get two active adults together, and sooner or later, the conversation will involve some facet of the digestive process. The digestion and absorption of our dietary intake is controlled by a sensitive ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms in our stomachs. Or you can just call them our guts. The importance of gut health cannot be overstated. Acting as the command center for the body, this complex mix of bacteria actively influences our well-being. A healthy mix of bacteria keeps harmful inflammation at bay and bolsters our immune system. But as we age , our gut microbiome has a tendency to change, creating an imbalance that can cause annoying changes in bowel habits and is also linked to a wide variety of chronic and autoimmune disorders. Are You Pro Probiotics? Probiotic supplements contain healthy bacteria believed to support digestive health. If you’re considering taking these supplements, consult a health professional who can assist you in deciding whether or not this is the right course of action. If so, they can help you wade through the tons of choices out there. How Do We Improve Gut Health Naturally? Maybe your, um…gut tells you that you’re not comfortable taking supplements. Here are some easy guidelines for how to improve gut health naturally. Fermented Foods Fermented foods are a natural source of probiotics – or good bacteria – and can support a healthy gut population. Examples of fermented foods include: Fermented vegetables Kefir Kimchi Kombucha Miso Sauerkraut Tempeh Prebiotics Prebiotics – not to be confused with probiotics – are found in certain foods. Eating them initiates a digestive process that encourages beneficial gut bacteria to multiply. A few prebiotic-rich foods are: Asparagus Bananas Chicory Garlic Jerusalem artichoke Onions Whole grains Just Say No to Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners Steering clear of sugar and artificial sweeteners is one of the best actions you can take to prevent digestive issues. Both are believed to cause a condition called gut dysbiosis, which is a critical imbalance of gut microorganisms. Studies suggest that the overabundance of sugar and fat in our diet adversely affects gut bacteria, which can negatively impact brain function . Based on research, the artificial sweetener aspartame is believed to increase harmful bacteria that are associated with metabolic disease. Manage Stress Stress can negatively impact our health on many levels, including what’s happening in our gut. Research suggests that psychological or environmental stress can disrupt the makeup of our intestinal tract. The same goes for sleep deprivation. Relaxation exercises like meditation and yoga will result in less stress and better sleep. Antibiotics Are the Good News and the Bad News While antibiotics save lives and are often necessary to cure bacterial infections, overuse can lead to harmful changes in the gut and immune system. To promote gut health, avoid taking antibiotics unless necessary. Keep It Moving Exercise is a critical piece of a healthy, active adult lifestyle for several reasons, including heart health, strength, agility, and weight control. But studies indicate it may also be a factor in maintaining diverse and well-balanced gut flora. Don’t Smoke It’s no surprise that smoking is hazardous to our health. But did you know that it’s also been shown to alter our gut bacteria by decreasing our levels of beneficial strains and causing an increase in the growth of harmful varieties? If you needed yet another reason not to smoke, here it is. Go Vegetarian There is evidence that a vegetarian diet may improve gut health. Studies suggest the high levels of prebiotic fiber in the vegetarian choices promote the growth of healthy bacteria, decreasing harmful gut inflammation. A strictly vegetarian regime may not appeal to your taste buds, but altering your diet even slightly to include more vegetarian choices can have a positive impact. Watch one of Overture’s creative cooking class videos and discover new and delicious ways to maintain good health. The equation is simple: A healthy, diverse gut population equals enhanced overall health and immune function. Talk to your doctor to create a plan that will keep you – and your microorganism population – flourishing.

Internet Safety Tips and Facts for Adults

While there’s an overwhelming misconception that older generations don’t know how to use technology, studies show that over 67% of people age 65 and over use the internet regularly. Whether for social media or streaming entertainment, it’s become an everyday occurrence that has just as much of an effect on the lives of older adults as it does for younger generations. It’s important to note, however, that older adults grew up without the internet, and therefore, may be unaware of some of its inherent risks. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when spending time online. Create Unique and Secure Passwords It’s tempting to make your password something simple, such as your name or birthday, but those are also the easiest passwords for potential hackers to guess. A strong password should never include personal information or common phrases. It’s always best for your password to include a combination of lower and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This way, your password is even more difficult for hackers to obtain. One of the most common mistakes people make is using the same password for all of their accounts. While this makes it easier to remember passwords, it also makes all of your accounts vulnerable. By having a unique password for each of your accounts, even if someone is able to gain access to one, they will still be locked out of the others. Install Anti-Malware Software Sometimes, it can be easy to accidentally download a file that seems normal, but actually contains a virus or other impairment, known as malware. Anti-malware software scans every item on your computer to ensure that your device stays secure. This way, you can download virtually whatever you want without risking your peace of mind. Avoid Unknown Attachments When first going digital , it can be difficult to realize that not everything on the internet is well-intentioned. Even with anti-malware software installed, it’s always best to avoid downloading unknown files or email attachments. If you don’t know what they are or where they came from, don’t install them or open them. This extends to any form of documents, images, or software. Often, scammers will create a seemingly helpful or interesting piece of content, only to secretly implant it with malware. Unsuspecting internet-users then find these attachments, download them, and are left with a device compromised by malware. If you are going to download an attachment, make sure it is from a trusted or verified source before adding it to your device. Identify Scams Outside of using ill-intentioned attachments to get your information, scammers may also reach out to you directly disguised as someone or something else. If you see something online that seems too good to be true, such as a free vacation or medicine, it usually is. One of the most popular forms of scams is called phishing. It involves a scammer building a fake site designed to look like a trusted source and trick you into giving them your payment information. Be especially cautious of any site with multiple grammatical errors or a URL that is different than what you’ve seen in the past. A big red flag to look out for is sites that ask you to enter your financial information. Scammers may even pose as friends or family in an attempt to gain access to your accounts or finances. For this reason, you should never send payment information or funds to an email address you don’t recognize, even if the sender claims to know you. Double-check with your friend or family member via a trusted line of communication before responding. Visit Secure Websites Fortunately, it’s quick and easy to find out if a web page is secure. Simply look at the website URL at the top of the page. If it begins with the letters “https”, you can rest assured knowing it is secure, as the “s” stands for secure. Alternatively, if the URL simply reads “http”, you’ll know the webpage is not secure. No personal or financial information should ever be entered on a webpage that is not secure, or you might run the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft . Knowing how to surf the web safely can make your time more enjoyable and stress-free, which is what we at Overture are all about. Contact us today to learn more about our active lifestyle.

Foods that Will Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check

We are what we eat. It’s as simple – and as complex – as that. A healthy diet is important at every stage of life, but exceptionally so as we advance in years. The good news is with a little common sense and creative cooking, we can support brain health , lower our cholesterol , and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. The older we get, the more our blood sugar can become problematic, warns the National Council for Aging, putting us at higher risk for elevated levels and potentially, Type 2 Diabetes. Formerly known as non-insulin dependent or adult-onset, Type 2 Diabetes results from the body’s inability to efficiently use its insulin to keep blood sugar in check. A glucose conscious diet that limits certain carbs can go a long way toward keeping those levels stable and within safe parameters. A smart eating plan considers your overall carbohydrate intake throughout the day. Check out this list of foods that lower blood sugar, while keeping your taste buds happy. Even small changes in your diet can make a big difference! Vegetables Are Vital Raw, cooked, or roasted, vegetables are just what the endocrinologist ordered. The American Diabetes Association recommends a minimum of 3-5 servings of non-starchy vegetables a day. They define a serving as half a cup of cooked and one cup of uncooked veggies. Low-carb choices like mushrooms, onions, eggplant, tomatoes, Brussel sprouts, zucchini, carrots, and baby corn add taste and texture to any meal. If you’re buying pre-packaged vegetables, pay attention to the preservatives to avoid unwanted extra added salt, sugar, fats, and oils. What About Bread? When it comes to breads, pumpernickel and 100% stone-ground whole wheat are the big winners. Less processed than other types of bread that can negatively impact blood sugar, pumpernickel and stone-ground whole wheat score lower on the glycemic index, making them a healthier choice. Go Green If you’re looking for a favorite color of food that will help lower blood sugar, put your money on green. Leafy greens come in a wide variety. Go with the tried and true romaine, or try arugula, kale, spinach, and chard for a change of pace. Add low-carb roasted veggies and your favorite protein, and you’ve got yourself a tasty and healthy feast. You can even throw some kale in the oven, add a little olive oil, and soon you’ll have delicious crunchy chips for snacking. Berries are Berry Good for You Studies have shown that people who consume whole fruits, specifically blueberries, grapes, and apples, had a significantly lower risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Packed with nutrients and fiber, one cup of berries has a total of only 15 carbs. Add them to your salad or save them for a late afternoon snack. What are Legumes? A legume, by definition, is a seed, pod, or other edible parts of a leguminous plant. You know them as foods like beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils. When asking the question of how to reduce blood sugar levels, the answer should include these nutrient-rich plants. Legumes are complex carbohydrates that provide fiber as well as protein. Beware of canned legume products that have extra unwanted ingredients. Sweet Potatoes are Sweet Regular potatoes are out. But sweet potatoes and yams are in. Some research suggests the flesh of the sweet potato contains more fiber than the skin making the whole vegetable of benefit. Sweet potato fries are as yummy as regular fries. Your taste buds will be delighted. Cold-Water Fish Fish and meats do not contain carbohydrates, so they don’t contribute to blood sugar issues. However, according to studies, cold-water fish is a protein standout for actually helping to manage blood sugar levels. A smart, carb-conscious diet is a massive step toward minimizing the risk of unhealthy blood sugar levels. Incorporate it into an active adult Overture lifestyle that includes plenty of regular exercise, unlimited opportunities for socializing, and chef taught gourmet cooking classes . Talk about a recipe for success!