Blog Posts

How to Find the Best Active Adult Community

What a busy day! Between working out, meeting a neighbor for lunch, and getting elbow deep in dough during your baking class, you had to rush to make it to happy hour on time! Finally, after movie night with the gang, it was back to your lovely, maintenance free, “right-sized” apartment. Does that perfectly describe your day? If so, congratulations! You’ve already found your active adult community . Does that perfectly describe the day you wish you had? If so, it’s time to get serious about finding the best active adult living community for you. Designed to enhance and enrich the lives of older adults, active adult communities provide an environment in which to fully embrace this exciting chapter of life. Keep in mind, active adult living is not assisted living or a continuing care facility with different levels of services. Active adult living is about joining a community of your peers to develop new and meaningful relationships and create wonderful memories. Though all the best retirement communities for active adults are focused on providing a fun, carefree, resort-worthy lifestyle, specific amenities vary from one property to the next. Some offer sprawling suburban campuses, while others are more urban. Each community has its own highlights, like nearby championship golf, or an active tennis facility or a great clubhouse in which to participate in a long list of activities. Finding the right active adult community is a process. When you’re ready to begin, make sure to consider the following: Location, Location, Location The first step toward becoming part of the best active adult community for you is to decide where you want to live. Will you relocate to a warmer climate? Would you rather stay close to familiar neighborhoods and family? How important is access to the city? Or would you rather live in a more quiet, rural setting? And then there are geographical considerations. Are you a beach person who has always lived near the water? Or would sand and surf be a new experience for you? Maybe you want to be near the mountains or in a drier more desert-like area like Arizona. Once you have zeroed in on your choice of location, you can start to pare down the options. It’s All About You As you peruse brochures, think about how you picture your lifestyle. Do you absolutely need access to golf or tennis? Are you a fitness buff who requires a state-of-art gym and Olympic-sized pool as well as a wide variety of classes that will accommodate your interests and skill level? What types of continuing education classes appeal to you? The right active adult community should afford you the physical, social, and educational opportunities you are looking for. Do the Dollars Make Sense? When researching active adult communities, make sure you are aware of all the costs involved. Read the fine print carefully to ascertain any additional membership fees for activities. It’s also important to consider the cost of living in the area you have chosen and how it compares to your current location. The best active adult community for you is the one that checks all your personal boxes. With a little time and research, you will soon be rightsizing into the community that is just right!

How to Celebrate Dad on Father’s Day

To quote baseball legend Wade Boggs, “Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.” As a kid, you looked up to him and wanted his approval. As a young adult, you wanted to be like him. Now, as a grown-up, you have the opportunity to honor Dad by planning a fun and memorable Father’s Day celebration. Consider any one of these activities for Father’s Day to let Dad know how much he is loved and appreciated. Take a Walk Find a beautiful park and take a walk together. You’ll enjoy the sunshine and exercise as well as the opportunity for extended conversation. If Dad is not up to a long walk, pull up a bench and do some serious people watching. Take Him Out to the Ballgame If Dad is a baseball fan, get tickets to a game. Nothing creates a bond like sharing junk food and cheering for Dad’s favorite team. If your city does not have a major league team, find the closest minor league venue. Minor league games are more informal and allow you to get up close and personal with the action. Take Him Out to Bowl a Game Though it may not be your jam, bowling is an active adult favorite. If Dad is into it, take the family to the nearest bowling alley and add up the strikes, spares…and gutter balls! Go Fishing. Take out a boat for the day or pull up a chair on the dock and cast away. No matter what you catch—or don’t catch—you’ll be spending quality time with Dad. And who knows? Maybe you’ll snag dinner. Let the Games Begin If your Dad is a homebody, grab some snacks and head over to his place to play cards or dredge up the old board games you used to play together as a kid. Be advised: This time around he won’t let you win as he used to when you were little. Hit the Links 18 holes with Dad is a great way to get some exercise and spend some time outdoors together. Or, if Dad has put away his clubs, take the family to your favorite mini-golf course. It’s all about fun and family. Make it a Museum Day Getting out of the heat may be exactly what this Father’s Day needs. Whether Dad is into history, art, or sports, find an airconditioned museum with an exhibit that supports his interests. Fun at the Brewery Beer has become an art as well as a science. There are local breweries everywhere that offer tours and tastings. Raise a glass to celebrate Dad! Tech Talk Spend time with Dad while bringing him up to speed on his smartphone and other devices. Get him connected to social media like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram so you can easily share family photos with in the future. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Movie Night Find a movie Dad has been dying to see or rent a movie he’s always loved. Make sure to bring his favorite snacks. The list of activities for Father’s Day is unlimited. Take a moment to think about which choice will make your one and only Dad feel special and you’re guaranteed a cherished celebration.

Minimize Stress with These Apartment Decor Tips

Now that you have right-sized into an apartment home, it’s time to transform that square footage into a personalized, stress-free, inviting space that makes coming home an uplifting experience. The right décor can infuse you with optimism and energy. Here are some relaxing room ideas to create a space that truly makes you feel there’s no place like home. Room by Room Every room in your home is important. Try not to turn any one of them into a dumping ground for the stuff you don’t know what to do with. Create harmony by paying attention to every room and celebrating each different space. Control Clutter We all have extraneous stuff that seems to multiply while we sleep. In an apartment, even the smallest amount of clutter can feel overwhelming. Those piles of paper on the dining room table can make you feel tense. Try to find a plan for a permanent solution. The less clutter is invading your apartment the more spacious it will feel. Color Your World The colors we choose for our surroundings profoundly impact our emotional and physiological wellbeing. Different colors will affect your mood and energy levels differently. Patterns and loud colors can make it more difficult to relax. Conversely, simple designs and colors are soothing. Become aware of the colors that bring out the smile in you and add them to your home in your art, throw pillows, bedding and accent pieces. Nature is Nurturing Nothing soothes the soul like an environment that includes natural elements. Flowers and plants add joyful color to any space while cleaning and re-oxygenating indoor air. Other objects inspired by nature, like small fountains, or wood carvings can be relaxing décor that inspires calm. Designated Areas Specifying spaces for work, rest and play help you more effectively switch gears. Carve out an office area for computer tasks and when you are finished, move to an area set up for relaxation. Your body and mind will more peacefully power down as you literally and physically leave work behind. Let There Be Light—But Not Too Much Bright overhead lights are less than optimal for creating a relaxing mood. Experts suggest spotlighting for reading, cooking or highlighting art. Put those overheads on dimmers so you can control the brightness levels. Check out newer light bulbs that give off a more natural light than older options. Smile the Minute You Open the Door Let the happiness begin as soon as you set foot in your home. Choose an object or piece of art that speaks to you and showcase it in the entryway. You will see it the moment you step through the door and it will create a positive emotional response. A happy relaxing environment will impact your mood and outlook on life. With a little effort and some simple relaxing room ideas, your “ home sweet apartment ” will become the sanctuary you can’t wait to come home to.

Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Apartment

Spring has sprung. The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping and you’re most likely ready to give your apartment a thorough spring cleaning. Well, two out of three’s not bad! Spring cleaning may challenge visiting the dentist for number one on the procrastination list. But like going to the dentist, once you bite the bullet and get the job done, the rewards will be worth the effort. Your newly pristine, squeaky clean apartment will be spiritually uplifting. Plus, all of your stuff will be organized and accessible. Getting motivated? The good news is, if you’ve already rightsized into an active adult community, you’ll be cleaning an apartment instead of an entire house filled with decades of extraneous clutter. What was once an onerous undertaking will now be an easily manageable task. Even if you haven’t right-sized and already decluttered the mountains of your family’s accumulated clutter. These simple tips for spring cleaning will get you on the path to relaxing in your spotless space in no time. Clutter = Chaos Lucky you,That said, it’s always energizing to assess your possessions and make sure you are not holding on to things that have outlasted their usefulness and would be better donated, thrown out or recycled. It’s going to be much easier to thoroughly clean an uncluttered space. Cleaning Supplies You will need a few basic cleaning supplies to get this party started. Microfiber cleaning cloths All-purpose cleaner. Bathroom cleaner with disinfectant Dry mop Vacuum with attachments. If you don’t have one, knock on a neighbor’s door. A squeegee to release and remove pet hair from floors and carpets. Glass cleaner Rubber gloves are essential to protect your hands from water and harsh chemicals. Gather your tools in a bucket or shower caddy and you’ll be ready to go. Dust First As you tackle each room, be sure to dust fans, light fixtures, wall art, and window sills first. It will be counter-productive to vacuum or clean floors before releasing all the dust into the room. Microfiber dust cloths or the soft nozzle attachment on the vacuum cleaner will do the job. And here’s a tip for dusting TV screens. Cloths soaked in spray glass cleaner will leave streaks, so try cleaning those dusty screens with a coffee filter. It will collect the dust and leave the screen clean and clear to be ready for the latest season of your favorite show. Don’t Forget the Fridge Nobody’s judging what’s growing on the veggies in the back of the refrigerator but it’s time to get rid of them. Take everything out of both the fridge and freezer and give the insides of the units a good scrubbing. If you don’t want to use chemicals, try a mixture of vinegar and baking soda for a non-toxic solution. The Closet Awaits Those closet doors are a blessing and a curse. Yes, you can close them and shut out the mess that lives behind them. But hiding those jeans from Y2K along with other clothes that are outdated or no longer fit is not the solution to the closet woes. Though tackling the closet can be a huge undertaking, you’ll love a closet is organized and provides easy access to the stuff you actually need. Celebrate Your Success After all of your hard work, you deserve a cocktail and an hors d’oeuvre. Plan a get-together and show off your newly refreshed apartment to family and friends.

How to Celebrate Mom on Mother's Day

Attention all adult children: Mother’s Day is just around the corner and with it comes a new opportunity to honor Mom and make her feel special. How you and your family decide to celebrate depends on your Mom’s unique tastes and circumstances. But no matter where you go or what you do, make sure your plan includes what Mom values most: Spending quality time with you. That said, Mom, it’s okay to drop hints that will point your kids in the direction of activities within both your interest and comfort zones. Check out these Mother’s Day activity ideas. Maybe one of them will be exactly what your family envisioned to create a wonderful new Mother’s Day memory. Take a Stroll Marathon running may not be on this year’s list of viable ideas for Mother’s Day, but that doesn’t mean a scenic walk in the park or a beautiful botanical garden is off the table. If Mom is up to it, a power walk can be a fun and uplifting group activity. If a leisurely stroll is more in her wheelhouse, it can provide both exercise and a chance to have a good long chat. Take a Stroll Down Memory Lane Gather up the family photo albums and sit down with Mom to recall the good old days. You’ll laugh as pictures remind you of your childhood antics. Give Mom the chance to talk about her perspective on those times. Share Mom’s Interests Find out what Mom is passionate about and organize an outing that you know she will love. If your Mom is an art lover, check out the special exhibits at the art museum. If she is a sports enthusiast, how about tickets to a baseball game? Maybe yoga is her thing so find a class and get your downward dog on together. If Mom is a card player, brush up on your canasta rules and have a family game. Board games can be fun, or just think of how satisfying it would be to help her complete that jigsaw puzzle she’s been working on! Get Gardening If Mom is a gardener, put on the gloves and start digging. There is no better way to enjoy the sunshine—and each other’s company. Eat Outside A Mother’s Day picnic is a great way to get some fresh air, eat a great meal and spend a relaxing time together. Eat Inside Make a reservation at Mom’s favorite restaurant. Enjoy good food, conversation and of course, excellent company. If Mom would prefer to dine in, put on the chef’s apron and make her a meal that will leave her full—of appreciation. A Night at the Movies Top off your day with a movie night either at home or at the theater. Don’t forget the popcorn. Remember, when it comes to Mother’s Day activity ideas, it doesn’t matter where you go, as long as you are there with your Mom. If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for Mom to make her feel special, check out our Mother’s Day gift guide !

Tips for Sustainable Apartment Living

Preserving the planet for future generations is an important undertaking that requires all of us to embrace a greener lifestyle. If you’re thinking only those who live on farms and grow their own food can truly make an impact, it’s time for a new perspective. Even the most urban apartment dwellers can incorporate sustainable living ideas into their daily lives and reduce their carbon footprint. All it takes is a little thought, minimal effort, and the desire to make a difference. Here are some sustainable living ideas for eco-conscious apartment home living. See the Light You don’t have to be a certified tree hugger to know that turning off a light when you leave a room will save energy. What you may not realize is switching to energy efficient light bulbs will positively impact both the environment—and your utility bill. During the day, the best of all possible worlds is to make use of natural light whenever possible. Pull the Plug Even when your small appliances are turned off, as long as they are plugged in, they are still drawing power from your outlets. Save energy by keeping them unplugged when not in use. Turn Off the Water We waste a lot of water in our daily lives and it’s not difficult to dramatically cut that usage. For example, when you’re brushing your teeth, there’s no need to let the water run continuously. Make sure the dishwasher is really full before you run it, and take shorter showers. Every little bit helps. Reuse and Recycle It is important to recycle plastic, bottles, cans and paper. But take it a small step further and consider using a refillable water bottle instead of buying cases of disposable ones. Instead of paper plates and cups, use the real stuff. Protect the Forest Who isn’t overwhelmed with tons of unwanted junk mail? Visit the website catalogchoice.org and stop the barrage of junk mail once and for all. Think of the trees you are personally saving. Go Green, Literally Whether your apartment has a tiny balcony or just a welcoming windowsill, try adding plants . You can grow herbs that will come in handy for cooking or just pick a few plants you like. You’ll brighten up the environment while promoting clean air. Go Green, Figuratively If you really want to commit to a green lifestyle, try eco-interior design by choosing couches and rugs made from sustainable fibers. Rightsize Your Life Nothing wastes energy like empty unused spaces in a home that has outlived its purpose. Practicing sustainable living means adjusting your living situation to your needs. Rightsizing into an apartment home consumes only the energy necessary to maintain your current lifestyle and is the healthy choice for active adults—and the planet. Consider implementing these simple sustainable living ideas. They are small steps that add up to making a big difference to our planet’s future. Visit our EcoLife page to learn more about how Overture is promoting sustainability through education and more.