2025 is the Year: Why You Shouldn’t Wait on Moving to a Retirement Community

By John NicoletteWhether its deciding what we want for breakfast in the morning or when our next trip to visit family is going to be, life is filled with decisions, and each one makes some kind of impact on our lives big or small. When it comes to aging, we all have a choice to make how do we want to live out retirement? Perhaps you think youd best thrive in an independent living community, where you can make friends with like-minded individuals and indulge in high-quality dining and a robust calendar of engaging activities. Or, like most retirees, you may prefer to enjoy your retirement in the home you worked so hard to achieve. AARPs 2024 Home and Community Preferences survey discovered that seven in 10 adults aged 50+ want to stay in their own homes and live independently for as long as they can. Only 6% would prefer to move in with a family member or friend. Since most older adults want to independently age in place, what steps can they take to make possible?This doesnt have to be a journey you embark on alone the right resources, like an age-in-place program, can provide a plan that you have control over. Age-in-place programs ensure that while you live the life youve worked so hard for, your current needs and future health care needs, as well as financial assets, are covered through a comprehensive, membership-based program. An age-in-place program, which is also known as continuing care without walls, allows you to live in your home, while also providing the comfort and security of a life plan community it's the best of both worlds.Similar to a life plan community, healthy, independent retirees can join with a one-time membership fee and an associated monthly service fee that will ensure future care in their home. With membership, you receive a life-long guarantee of personal care coordination and care for if or when you require it. Age-in-place programs bring security to your doorstep by making sure that your home is safe for you to continue to live in as you age. For example, Senior Choice at Home, the only age-in-place program based here in Southwest Florida, provides its members with a home inspection upon joining the program. That inspection addresses current and potential safety concerns, like tripping hazards, uneven staircases and inadequate hallway lighting.Personal care coordinators included in the programs membership also learn members medical history, medications and preferred physicians so that in an event that a member cannot advocate for themselves, their coordinator will. They also arrange for services if needed in the future, including homemaker services, home health aides, live-in companions and a transition into assisted living if that is preferred or needed.Just as you would any other major life decision, its imperative that you dedicate time to proactively plan for your aging in place journey it is a financial commitment and requires proper planning to ensure your assets are in order prior to selecting a program that works best for you. Enrolling in an age-in-place program comes with a set cost. It means you won't have to worry about rising long-term costs or what insurance will cover. Youll know exactly what you will pay for a lifetime of long-term care right from the start.In the era of an influx of Baby Boomer retirees, thousands of older adults will soon have a decision to make will you age in place, or take the leap into a senior living community? Whatever your decision may be, there are resources to guide you through the journey. Aging in place with the security of a membership-based program presents numerous benefits, but at their core, they guarantee retirees exactly what they need in this new chapter advocacy, financial and emotional security, and freedom.About the author John Nicolette is the director of Senior Choice at Home, an age-in-place program serving older adults in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. Senior Choice at Home is regulated by the state of Florida as a premier life plan community without walls. To learn more, visit SeniorChoiceatHome.com or call 239-788-0694.

By Diana NicolOne of the most valuable things in life is time. Each second, minute and hour count toward something, big or small. In Southwest Florida, volunteerism is embedded in our community. With over 600 nonprofits in Lee County alone, its clear that Southwest Florida has a heart for giving. That generosity, care and patience spans across generations, from adults spending their weekends off work cleaning up our beautiful beaches, to high school students helping out at local food banks after school wraps up for the year.For students at Oasis High School in Cape Coral, theyve chosen to venture over to a local senior living community, Gulf Coast Village, after the final bell rings. Why? To offer support on a subject most Gen Zers consider themselves experts at: technology.Computer Literacy Education Outreach, or CLEO, is a student-run organization at Oasis High. The program initially started in 2022 at Canterbury School in Fort Myers, but it quickly took the community and nation by storm. Since its inception, CLEO has expanded to more than 50 schools in 20 states and has served over 3,000 older adults. Its mission is to empower seniors with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world, helping them stay connected with loved ones and maintain independence.Gulf Coast Village, the only life plan community in Cape Coral, has been working with CLEO students since the summer of 2023, when they welcomed students from Cape Coral High School into the community. When the 2024-25 academic year began, the community began partnering with the Oasis High School division of CLEO. Shya Ruiz, a 2025 graduate of Oasis High, joined the program with a friend in 2023 during its first year at her school. After her first year, she loved it so much that she was elected to the role of president in 2024. I just like the feeling of helping other people when theyre needing help, said Ruiz. The smiles that you get when they finally understand or their problem gets solved...its rewarding.As president, one of her primary responsibilities was scheduling the sessions at Gulf Coast Village. Its an organized system: once a month, a group of five to six student volunteers visits Gulf Coast Village to assist residents. If theyre in need of help, residents can register for a 15-minute time slot. When their time comes, they are matched up with a student to receive specialized one-on-one support for whatever technology issues theyre having. And the possibilities are endless. Whether its needing help getting their printer connected to their cell phone or trying to figure out how to change their profile picture on Instagram, the students are able to help with whatever the residents need. The troubleshooting is diverse. One resident, Bill, had a few finnicky issues with his Samsung cell phone. He needed some help setting up his facial recognition and managing notifications, but his main issue was that when he received a text message, he was unable to find it. After a few minutes with Oasis students, Bill figured out how to access his texts. Now, hell never miss a text from his loving wife, Marguerite.Some residents, like Jayne Jennings, face some challenges with social media, as it continues to be an ever-popular way for retirees to stay connected to their loved ones. Luckily, Zers are social media afficionados. Ava Plainte, a CLEO student, showed Jennings the ropes, and she left the session with a new profile picture and a newfound knowledge of how to favorite photos in her iPhone camera roll.Some issues are a bit trickier, like connecting a printer to a cell phone or clearing out the junk storage of an iPad, while some are simpler, like showing residents how to set a morning alarm or mute an Instagram story they didnt want to see. With each presented issue, the students and residents work together for a solution. Most importantly, the students are compassionate, patient and attentive. They walk the residents seeking help through the process step-by-step so that when the session is over, theyre able to navigate the solution on their own.Opportunities for generations of both older and younger to connect are special. Intergenerational relationships present several benefits, like relationship building and avoiding adolescent egocentrism, but they also present the opportunity to learn. Through CLEO, retirees across the nation have the chance to learn something new every day from the generation that grew up on technology.About the author Diana Nicol is the life enrichment coordinator at Gulf Coast Village, Cape Corals only life plan community. To learn more, visit GulfCoastVillage.org or call 239-510-8712.

Its easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to making meals. Trying to get creative in the kitchen takes time and energy. Time and energy that many of us simply dont haveor dont want to spend. As a result, we tend to eat the same meals over and over. However, eating well doesnt have to be hardor boring! All it takes is just a little bit of meal planning.  For seniors, meal planning can be a simple, enjoyable way to stay healthy, save money, and make everyday life a little easier. Whether you're cooking for one or preparing meals with a partner, planning ahead can take the guesswork out of whats for dinner and help you enjoy food that's both nutritious and tasty. Why Meal Planning Matters for Seniors 1. Better NutritionAs we age, our bodies dont need as many calories as they once did. But thats not the case for certain nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, fiber, and B12. Thats why its important to prepare nutritious food that provides us with these much-needed vitamins. And by planning ahead, you can ensure youre getting what you need rather than relying on last-minute options that are as nutritious.  2. Saves Time and EnergyHow many times have you stood in front of the refrigerator or lost in the pantry trying to figure out what to cook? When you wait until the last minute to decide what to eat, it can become frustrating, and, as previously mentioned, less nutritious. Its easy to settle for something quick and easy that comes in a box or just needs to be heated up. Unfortunately, those options tend to be full of sodium and fat. Not planning out your meals can also result in several trips to the store to get the ingredients needed. Meal planning leads to fewer decisions each day and fewer trips to the store saving you time and energy.  3. Reduces Food Waste and Saves MoneyWhen you buy only items that you need, youre able to cut down on wasted food and unused groceries. This also means a less cluttered pantry. In addition, when you think ahead, you can plan your meals around whats on sale. Many grocers offer weekly buy one, get one promos that can help you save money and plan for multiple meals.  4. Encourages VarietyOne of the biggest benefits of meal planning is that it allows for creativity and stepping out of the box. No more repeat meals because you dont have time to make that new recipe youve been wanting to try. Planning ahead lets you mix things up. Youll be more likely to try new recipes and include a wider variety of fruits, veggies, and proteins. 5. Supports Health GoalsWhen youre rushing and just trying to get a meal on the table, its easy to pick something quick. This often leads to less nutritious options that compromise your health goals. Whether you're managing diabetes, high blood pressure, or digestive issues, meal planning helps you stick to dietary guidelines that keep you feeling your best. How to Start Meal Planning: Step-by-StepNow that you know some of the benefits of meal planning, lets focus on how to get started. If youre new to meal planning, dont worryits easier than it sounds. Here are some simple steps to get you started: Step 1: Start With the BasicsThe first thing you have to decide is how many meals you want to plan for. Do you want to plan all meals for the week or just dinners? You dont have to go big in the beginning. Starting smalllike planning three dinners a weekis a great way to ease into it. Step 2: Check Your CalendarIn addition to planning how many meals youre going to plan for, you need to take note of any appointments or social events that could affect your meals. Planning light meals on busier days helps to keep things realistic and manageable.  Step 3: Make a List of Go-To MealsWe all have our tried and true and go-to recipes. Jot down your favorite simple, healthy meals. Think baked salmon with veggies, turkey chili, or a hearty vegetable soup. You can rotate these regularly, while mixing in some new healthy options.  Step 4: Build a Weekly MenuTry sketching out a weekly plan. It helps to be able to see your menu written down. You dont need anything fancya notebook, calendar, or printed meal planner works fine. Mix in one or two new recipes each week to keep things fresh. Step 5: Create Your Grocery ListIf you want to save time and money, make a grocery list! Once you have planned out your meals, write out the ingredients youll need. Organize your list by store section (produce, dairy, frozen) to make shopping easier and quicker.  Step 6: Do Some Prep AheadAnother great way to save time is to wash and chop veggies, cook grains, or portion out snacks ahead of time. Meal prep doesnt mean cooking everything in one dayits about making things easier for future you. Senior-Friendly Meal Planning Tips Cook Once, Eat Twice: Make larger batches and freeze portions for later. Embrace Simplicity: You dont need a gourmet meal every night. Simple can be satisfying! Involve Friends or Family: Make meal planning a fun weekly activity with a partner or grandchild. Stay Flexible: Dont be afraid to switch meals around. Plans change, and thats okay!  Meal planning is more than just a way to eat betterits a way to enjoy your food and your life more fully. With a little practice, it can become a routine that brings joy, health, and peace of mind to your days. Ready to Take Control of Your Health?At VIPcare, were here to support you every step of the waymeal planning included! Our providers take the time to understand your unique needs and help you reach your health goals through personalized, preventive care. Whether you're managing a condition or just looking to live your healthiest life, we're ready to help. Call (239) 303-8010 to schedule an appointment or visit www.getvipcare.com to learn more.