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Home Sweet Apartment: Choosing Our New Home

Previously, Dan and Bonnie Carlson had taken the huge leap of deciding to “rightsize” in order to pursue a physically, emotionally, and socially enhancing lifestyle, but now another major decision awaited: Where would they find the peaceful, fun, stress-free environment to call home? In part 2 of Dan’s series on “rightsizing”, follow the Carlson’s as they wade through the maze of choices to find the right answer. Describing a boyhood adventure, the Irish writer Frank O'Connor related how, while out exploring, he and his friends came to an orchard wall that seemed too high to climb. Their solution was to toss their hats over the wall, so they had no choice but to follow. In other words, there was no turning back. They had to climb over the wall. Much like the young boys in O’Connor’s tale, upon making the decision to sell our home and move to an apartment, Bonnie and I had thrown our metaphorical hats over the wall. What we were about to undertake signified a major lifestyle change for us and, while we were excited and committed, we were also realistic. We knew a great deal of work lay before us. Having decided to remain in the general region where we currently resided, we began to get serious about finding the living arrangement that would be the right “fit” for us. We had owned houses for almost fifty years, and enjoyed the freedom to paint or renovate as we saw fit. We wondered, though, how well we would adapt to the restrictions that come with an apartment lease. Inconsiderate neighbors can be a burden in any environment, of course, but how would it be if that sort of person lived directly next to—or above or below—us? With those concerns in mind, we set out to examine a cross section of rental choices in four general categories: Private Homes There were some very attractive rental homes available in desirable areas, but we were concerned about the issue of “permanence.” In making this move, we were looking for a long- term arrangement, and wanted to avoid any situation where the owner might put the house up for sale or decide to move back in himself. Traditional Apartment Complexes Reflective of the population growth in our area, new apartment complexes were popping up all the time. In visiting them, we found the “vibe” of the more-trendy options was tailored to a much younger demographic, and those that were family oriented appealed directly to, well… families. Since we were seeking, among other things, a quiet environment, we did not feel either of these would suffice. Continuing Care Communities In this sort of facility, residents can access a range of services including independent living, assisted living and nursing home care. Here, a person could—on one campus—age in place and receive care based on needs over time. While attractive, we decided against a place like this for two reasons: First, the cost is very high and, second, we did not feel that we needed (at least at this point) the level of extended care these places offer. Over-55 Active Adult Communities Like many folks, Bonnie and I tend to be skeptical of product advertising. That being so, we had our doubts when we learned of Active Adult Communities advertising such things as spacious maintenance-free apartments, designer living, fun activities, clubs, social outings and resort-inspired services. Those sorts of places might exist, we thought, but we doubted they would fit our needs or fall within our price range. Upon visiting several Age Qualified 55+ Communities, though, we were amazed and impressed. Clearly, someone had identified a “niche” market of folks who, like us, wanted to be safe and comfortable in affordable surroundings, and then designed communities to meet those needs. Wow! It looked like we had found the sort of living arrangement we had been looking for! Greystar’s Overture Active Adult rental apartments were far and away the most appealing to us. So after several visits, we settled on Overture Ridgmar . Located on the more-rural western edge of Fort Worth, it would place us in close proximity to excellent medical facilities, a warm and welcoming church, and a wide range of shopping. This community of spacious apartments, secure grounds and parking, attractive and well-maintained landscape, and incredibly helpful and professional staff appealed to us immediately. We were smitten! Now all we had to do was sell our house, winnow through our belongings, and make the actual move. But that wouldn’t take long … would it? Having chosen Overture Ridgmar, Dan and Bonnie were both excited and a little stunned as they realized what lay in store. In his next “rightsizing” feature, Dan explains just how he and Bonnie approached the overwhelming task of moving. ABOUT AUTHOR Daniel Carlson Daniel Carlson is a retired police officer, former law enforcement educator and present-day active author. He and his high school sweetheart Bonnie, have been married for over half a century and have recently co-authored a book titled, “Home Sweet Apartment…Getting Rightsized in Our Seventies.” The young at heart couple are currently loving life at Overture Ridgmar , which is in the Great State of Texas, and in purposefully close proximity to their three children and seven terrific grandchildren. Connect with Dan via: Website: www.danbonbooks.com Facebook: Facebook.com/danbonbooks Blog: www.danbonbooks.blog

Home Sweet Apartment: Moving? Do We Really Have To?

Dan and Bonnie Carlson found themselves at a crossroads. Homeownership that had in the past been so right, was beginning to seem, well… so not right. In fact, it was actually hindering their ability to fully embrace and enjoy their current stage of life. In this, the first of Dan’s four-part series on “rightsizing”, Dan focuses on coming to terms with the need to make a change—and just exactly what that would entail. After more than fifty years of marriage, I had a stock answer whenever my wife, Bonnie, suggested we consider moving: “That’s between you and your next husband.” In other words, I was dug in and had no intention of budging from our home. My very patient bride usually just smiled at my light-hearted comment. We both knew there would be a myriad of things involved in a move and neither of us, especially at our age, was enthused about starting down that road. But time has a way of catching up with people—and houses. For example, our home had two levels, and we noticed that the stairs had become increasingly difficult. We weren’t visiting the upstairs rooms as often as we used to. And those lovely wood floors we installed several years ago, well…a slip and fall on that hard surface could be life-changing. As the saying goes, “getting old is not for sissies!” The house itself was in excellent condition, but there was always some sort of maintenance or housekeeping issue to deal with. I had long taken pride in personally handling most repairs and renovations that came my way but, with age, I no longer relished climbing an extension ladder to clean the gutters or repair a piece of loose trim. Even interior maintenance had become a challenge. Our vaulted ceilings meant the process of something as simple as changing a bulb in a recessed light fixture had become a major production. We lived in a lovely community and were blessed with wonderful neighbors. But over time, the area had experienced tremendous population growth, traffic had increased exponentially and road construction was a constant nightmare. We’d reached the point of preferring to stay home to avoid driving in the area and were missing stores, events and restaurants we had long enjoyed. Perhaps Bonnie was right. Maybe it was time to think about a new living arrangement. Needless to say, this would be a major life event. That being so, we took the time to carefully consider who we are, what we hoped for in life, and what we wanted our new lifestyle to look like. We determined that we were seeking to be free of home maintenance, to be able to relax, to volunteer, to read, to write, and to live economically. Further, we hoped that by “rightsizing” our lives in this way, we would be able to fashion a lifestyle characterized by reduced stress and increased personal contentment. Incidentally, describing our move as “rightsizing” rather than “downsizing” is more than a mere exercise in semantics. Simply stated, we were not interested solely in ridding ourselves of unneeded possessions or reducing our footprint on the planet. Instead, our aim was to craft a lifestyle that would reflect what we were hoping for in our hearts. Once we made the decision to move, Bonnie and I knew our work was cut out for us. But we were excited about the goal we had set for ourselves, and certain that the outcome would be well worth the effort. So, now Dan and Bonnie had decided on the “what,” but what about the “where?” In the next piece from this four-part series, Dan explains how they chose their perfect new home. ABOUT AUTHOR Daniel Carlson Daniel Carlson is a retired police officer, former law enforcement educator and present-day active author. He and his high school sweetheart Bonnie, have been married for over half a century and have recently co-authored a book titled, “Home Sweet Apartment…Getting Rightsized in Our Seventies.” The young at heart couple are currently loving life at Overture Ridgmar , which is in the Great State of Texas, and in purposefully close proximity to their three children and seven terrific grandchildren. Connect with Dan via: Website: www.danbonbooks.com Facebook: Facebook.com/danbonbooks Blog: www.danbonbooks.blog

How to Practice Gratitude This Fall

“Some people grumble that roses have thorns. I am grateful that thorns have roses.” Jean Baptiste Alphonse Karr Simply put, gratitude is about attitude. Just decide the glass is not half empty but half full and transmit that optimism to the people in your life. You’ll be amazed at how your positive spirit is both contagious and inspirational to others. As we approach the season of appreciation, the concept of how to practice gratitude takes center stage with a commercial, sort of in-your-face blitzkrieg. Yes, it can be overkill. But if being barraged by Hallmark sentiments can motivate us to focus for just a moment on what and whom we can be grateful for, that’s a good thing. “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” Oprah Winfrey According to recent research, having and expressing gratitude as we age can significantly impact our quality of life and the quality of our relationships. Results of one study showed that those who kept weekly gratitude journals were more active and experienced fewer physical symptoms, felt more connected to others, were more likely to reach their goals and just generally had a better outlook on life. Clearly, a little gratitude goes a long way toward making the most of what life has to offer. “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 It’s so easy to take the special people in our lives for granted. There is no time like the present to recall a new buddy who made you feel welcome. How about that cooking teacher who helped you create the perfect pasta sauce? Did you ever tell them how much you appreciated their guidance and friendship? Maybe it’s time for a phone call to an old friend to clear up past misunderstandings or just to let him or her know you still care. Pick up a card or box of chocolates for a person that impacts your life for the better on an ongoing basis. Or just try a smile and a heartfelt thank you to a staff member who made your transition into your new lifestyle a little easier. There are no strict rules on how to practice gratitude. The best advice is simply to follow your heart. While you’re reaching out, don’t forget family. Ironically, it’s often those we cherish the most, that hear how much we appreciate them the least. Tell the kids how much you love them every chance you get. You are not only making them feel valued, you are teaching them how easy and important it is to say, “I love you!” Gratitude is like a boomerang. When you put it out into the world, it inevitably comes right back to you. Take the time to let the people in your life know how much they matter and you will instantly feel that gratitude returned. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy

Benefits of Music Therapy

Hear that? The halls are alive with the sound of music and for good reason. From the moment we are born, we’ve all got the music in us, but the power of music to enhance our lives as we age is particularly profound. The older we get, the more familiar tunes can positively impact our well-being, connecting us to past experiences, and uplifting our spirits. In fact, music has proven to be a valuable therapeutic tool, widely used in the fight against age-related issues. Literally defined as the intentional use of music to bring about a specific physical, mental or emotional change, music therapy is a secret weapon hiding in plain sight. Easy access. Unlimited choices. And no matter how hard the rock, no pain the morning after. With its established track record, music therapy has become an integral part of rehab programs in clinics, hospitals, halfway houses, and senior centers worldwide. Clearly when it comes to restoring or retaining key skills in a variety of areas, sometimes Madonna and Mozart can accomplish what medicine cannot. Cognitive Music therapy can help with memory retention and thought processing. Just hearing a song can evoke a memory even decades after the event. In the case of dementia patients, music from their childhood or young adult years has proven to be effective in obtaining a positive response and involvement, even when the patient can no longer communicate. Speech Studies show that music therapy can help older adults answer questions, make decisions and speak more clearly. It can help stroke victims speed up the process of recovering their verbal skills and ease depression and confusion, two common post-stroke side effects. Music can also slow the deterioration of language skills in Alzheimer’s patients. Relaxation Playing music can have a calming effect that eases stress and reduces agitation in the elderly. Slow songs like ballads and lullabies at bedtime can inspire a sound and peaceful night’s sleep. Physical Music therapy can get you moving. Who can resist dancing to the beat which helps promote coordination and endurance. Even if the only motion is foot tapping or hand clapping, music can get the blood flowing. Social Sharing a musical experience with a group can create an opportunity for bonding that helps ease loneliness and depression. Music of our own generation can encourage us to share memories and develop relationships. You don’t have to have a problem or a prescription to reap the benefits of music therapy. Simply surround yourself with your favorite tunes anytime, anywhere and experience the magic. At the very least it will put a smile on your face and a song in your heart. It will, it will...Rock You!

Things to Do In Sugar Land, Texas

The Little City with Big Opportunities Though a mere 22 miles from downtown Houston, Sugar Land, Texas is anything but a sleepy suburb. Founded as a sugar plantation in the mid-19th century, this lively and livable city is brimming with can’t miss permanent attractions and seasonal events that will keep you active and engaged. And if you do feel the need to take a break, you can just pull up a chair at one of its many chic eateries. Check out these things to do in Sugar Land and get ready to experience the best of the biggest little city in Texas. Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land At the top of the list of things to do in Sugar Land is the HMNS. Hang with a giant T-Rex, explore the secrets of a 2,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, or be amazed at images from the Hubble Telescope. Whether you go with friends or grab the grandkids, this will be a day to remember. A Walk in the Park There are parks galore to explore in Sugar Land, each with its own outstanding features. For biking and a BMX track for off-road racing, Lost Creek Park is a great choice. Enjoy a great game of disc golf at Imperial Park. Hike the Oyster Creek Trail. Show off your skills at the Sugar Land Skate Park. Feel like a major leaguer at the batting cages in First Colony Park. Sugar Land Town Square Sugar Land boasts a premiere entertainment district loaded with sophisticated boutiques, restaurants, salons, spas and of course plenty of places to hop on a bar stool and quench your thirst after a day—or night—on the town. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Situated on the edge of Sugar Land is the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a majestic, man-made wonder assembled by fitting together 33,000 pieces of hand-carved marble and Turkish limestone like a huge, 3D jigsaw puzzle. This incredible Hindu temple came to life with the help of volunteers and is truly a labor of love. The Farmer’s Market at Imperial From fresh produce, and locally raised meats, to music, to artisan goods including savory locally roasted coffee beans and handcrafted jewelry, the farmer’s market has it all. Open rain or shine every Saturday from 9am to 1pm, the Farmer’s Market at Imperial is a dynamic hub where friends meet for food, fun. Celebrate Fall Fall is festival time, so no list of things to do in Sugar Land is complete without mentioning a few of the outstanding seasonal opportunities in the area. Holy Cross Pumpkin Patch | October 12-31st | 5653 W. Riverpark Dr. Sugar Land l 281-633-2000 Needville Harvest Festival | Oct. 19 - 20 | Harvest Park 3001 Violet St. Needville l 281-468-9314 Texian Market Days | Oct. 27 | George Ranch Historical Park 10215 FM 762 Richmond l 281-343-0218 iFest Live | Nov. 3 | Aliana’s Model Home Village 11200 Maybeck Dr. Richmond l 281-634-1110 Be advised, life in Sugar Land has one major problem. With such a rich assortment of entertainment and activities at your fingertips, you may have trouble finding time to enjoy it all. Life at Overture Sugar Land is a non-stop adventure that can begin as soon as you move in!

Lower Your Cholesterol Through Cooking

Keeping those cholesterol numbers and ratios in check is certainly a key factor of our continued health and well-being. Lifestyle choices like smoking and how much we exercise can significantly impact those levels. And, of course, a critical piece of the puzzle is our diet. Does that mean boring is about to become a four-letter word spelled F-O-O-D? Absolutely not! Life at this stage is about satisfaction and joy, and that includes what’s cooking in the kitchen. With a little information, attention and creativity, the nutritional portion of your fabulous 55+ adventure will not be reduced to a daily dose of tofu and oat bran. Try these simple healthy cooking tips and enjoy! Salad Dressing is Not Your Friend Creating a wonderful healthy salad for lunch is a great idea. Drowning it in high-fat salad dressing? Not so much. Think of it as shooting your pursuit of lower cholesterol in the foot. Low-fat alternatives would be a better choice, but the best low cholesterol option is drizzling that salad with balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. Instead of Croutons, Go Nuts! Carbohydrates are known to increase LDL (Bad cholesterol) levels. Replace those carbo-laden salad croutons with chopped walnuts, high in the polyunsaturated fat that can actually lower LDL while boosting the preferred HDL (Good cholesterol). Enjoy the healthy crunch. Ground Turkey, Instead of Ground Beef Ground turkey contains half the saturated fat of 85% lean ground beef. Many of your favorite beef-centric recipes will taste equally as delicious—and be much healthier—if you substitute that beef with lean ground turkey. Fish Before Fowl While it’s true turkey and chicken have less saturated fat than red meat, neither are complete without cholesterol. When trying to reduce the cholesterol in your cooking, choose recipes that feature fish, which contains heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Your favorite finishes can be as delightful on a piece of salmon as they are on a piece of chicken. Keen on Quinoa Quinoa, a high fiber South American seed, is the perfect substitute for rice or couscous. One cup of cooked quinoa has 15% fewer carbohydrates and 60% more protein than a comparable amount of brown rice. Add it to your next dinner party menu and your guests will definitely be keen on Quinoa! (Pronounced KEEN-wa.) Sour on Sour Cream A little sour cream in a garnish or sauce goes a long way toward infusing an otherwise heart-healthy meal with unwanted saturated fat. To trim that excess fat without sacrificing taste or texture, swap out the sour cream for no-fat Greek yogurt, one of the healthiest foods on the shelf. Just about any of your favorite recipes that call for sour cream can be enhanced with Greek yogurt instead. Butter is Out Pan fry fish or poultry and sauté vegetables with liquid oils such as canola, safflower, sunflower, soybean and olive instead of solid fats such as butter, lard or shortening. If you must use margarine, try the soft or liquid kind. A Toast to Lowering Your Cholesterol! While dinner is simmering, raise a glass of wine instead of a cocktail. Red wine has about a tenth of the carbohydrates of a margarita and you’ll also get antioxidants like bioflavonoids that are believed to lower LDL and boost HDL. Follow these simple, healthy cooking tips and your kitchen will cook with the same sizzle you enjoy during the rest of your active adult life.