Congratulations on your retirement! Now what? You may find yourself wanting to still work in some capacity. Think about starting a side gig to keep yourself engaged and active. There are numerous opportunities available for retirees who want to continue working part-time.What side gig is right for you?Not all side gigs are worth it. Its important you find something that fits into your existing schedule and also plays nicely to your strengths. Furthermore, you want something that generates enough money. Do you have any transferable skills that would apply to any other field? You can take career and personality tests to learn more about what you might be good at.Convenient side gig ideas for seniorsCaregiving can be a tiring, physically-taxing job. That means you want a side gig that is, preferably, less demanding. Perhaps something that uses mental energy might be more suitable. Entrepreneur offers a bunch of convenient options: Managing social media for small businesses, tutoring over Skype, becoming a personal chef, and starting a food business. Finding and applying to side gigsYou can find side gigs through all the ways youd find a normal job. Some examples are scouring job boards or sites, attending job fairs, and checking social media posts. Approaching businesses in your area for a job can work, as can networking with the people you know.Starting your own business is an alternative that may be worth exploring. It could give you a great deal of work and time flexibility. Some types of businesses dont require much in the way of initial investment either. If youre interested in a business, work on your business idea, do market research, and come up with a business plan.Starting an e-commerce businessAn e-commerce business is a wonderful example of a flexible business you can do in your spare time. You dont need to man the stations constantly, and you could do it from home. If you utilize an e-commerce platform, it will handle much of the grunt work for you. You can create intuitive, engaging, and personalized shopping experiences across all channels. Look for a platform that has features such as rich content tools, inventory management, powerful analytics, data insights, flexible customization capabilities, and secure payment processing. This is an option to help with searching out something suitable.Legal considerations when you start your own businessWhen you start your own business, you need to take care of some legal aspects:Essentials: Some things you may need to consider are acquiring a DBA name, registering with the town or city, acquiring permits or licenses, opening a bank account, and getting insured.Business entity: You may want to register your entity as an LLC or similar legal structure. Doing so can offer some benefits like easier paperwork and more flexibility.Taxes: You will need a unique Employer Identification Number (EIN). Also, you will need to keep tax records. You can work with an accountant or use software to make this easier.Contracts: You may need a slew of contracts. Some examples are founders agreements, employer-employee contracts, and contracts for your clients to sign.Focus on marketingIf theres one business function you need to prioritize, its marketing. Marketing is essential to making yourself known to potential customers and clients. Some marketing must-haves are a business website, business cards, and entries in business listings. Starting a marketing campaign can help you find more customers too. Hurree covers marketing strategies that are worth exploring such as email marketing, social media marketing, and co-branding.ConclusionGetting a side gig could be your ticket to more financial abundance and general life satisfaction. Finding something appropriate could take some time (as could building up your own business), so its a good idea to get started today. For the best results, believe in yourself and keep at it!Article by: Hazel Bridges, Aging Wellness

September is Self-Improvement Month, a great reminder that setting personal goals isn't just for New Year's resolutions. While January 1st may seem like the perfect time to start fresh, why wait? In fact, the fall season is ideal for making positive changes. This is especially important for seniors and their caretakers, who can benefit greatly from setting achievable goals now.The Benefits of Setting Goals in the FallSetting goals in the fall has its own unique advantages. The crisp air and changing leaves can be incredibly motivating. The end of summer often signifies a time of new beginningsfrom the start of the school year to the shift in holiday seasons. This makes fall an excellent time to reassess and set new goals.Fall-specific goals could include organizing seasonal clothes and decorations, starting a new exercise routine in anticipation of winter, or joining a local class or activity group.Small Daily Changes That Add UpChange doesn't have to be overwhelming. Small, incremental adjustments can make a big difference over time. Consider drinking an extra glass of water each day, taking a 10-minute walk after meals, or doing a short stretching routine every morning. These small steps can help you build momentum and make larger changes more achievable. The key is consistency; even small changes can lead to major improvements in your health and well-being.Mental Health GoalsMental health is just as important as physical health, especially for seniors. Setting mental health goals can improve your overall quality of life. Consider practicing mindfulness or meditation for 5 minutes each day, engaging in social activities like joining a book club, attending community events, or keeping a daily gratitude journal.Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your mental health. Simple activities such as chatting with a friend or family member can do wonders for your mood and outlook.Physical Health GoalsPhysical health is crucial at any age, but for seniors, staying active can make a world of difference. Consider taking a daily walk around the neighborhood, incorporating gentle stretching exercises into your day, or trying low-impact activities such as water aerobics or yoga.As the weather changes, staying outdoors may become more challenging. Consider activities you can do indoors, such as tai chi or riding a stationary bike. Consistency is key, so find activities you enjoy and stick with them.Personal Goals You Can Start ImmediatelyWhy wait? There's no better time than now to set personal goals. You don't need a monumental event to motivate you; even the smallest goals can lead to big results. Consider learning a new hobby or skill, such as painting or playing a musical instrument. You might also reconnect with old friends through phone calls or social media or declutter and organize a space in your home.By setting realistic and achievable goals, you increase your likelihood of sticking with them. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks and give yourself a reasonable timeframe to accomplish them.Get Help Reaching Your GoalsSetting goals in the fall can enrich your life and provide a sense of accomplishment. Don't wait for the New Year to make positive changes. Start today with small, manageable goals that can lead to significant improvements in your mental and physical health. If you need personalized support to achieve your goals, including help with basic care tasks at home, contact Senior Helpers Fort Collins. We serve Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, and Longmont. Let us help you take the first step towards a better, more fulfilling life this fall.

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, its a beautiful reminder that autumn is upon us. While the fall season brings cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice, it also presents unique challenges, especially for seniors. With slippery leaves, shorter days, and the onset of colder weather, its crucial to take steps to ensure your home is as safe as possible. Here are some essential fall prevention safety tips to help create a secure home environment this autumn.1. Keep Walkways Clear of Leaves and DebrisFallen leaves can be beautiful, but when they accumulate on walkways, they can become slippery, especially when wet. Regularly rake and clear paths, driveways, and steps to prevent slips and falls.2. Improve Outdoor LightingAs daylight hours shorten, good lighting becomes more important than ever. Make sure outdoor lights are functioning properly and consider adding motion-sensor lights around entrances and walkways. This not only helps prevent falls but also enhances security around your home.3. Install Grab Bars and HandrailsBathrooms and staircases are common areas where falls occur. Installing grab bars in the bathroom and handrails along stairs can provide the extra support needed to prevent accidents. Ensure these are securely attached and regularly check them for stability.4. Use Non-Slip Mats and RugsSlippery floors can be hazardous, especially in areas prone to moisture, such as entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Place non-slip mats in these areas and secure rugs with non-slip pads to prevent them from sliding. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of falls.5. Declutter and OrganizeCluttered spaces can be a tripping hazard. Take the time to declutter your home, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms. Ensure that cords, shoes, and other obstacles are stored away properly. A tidy home is not only more comfortable but also safer.6. Schedule a Heating System CheckAs temperatures drop, you'll likely be using your heating system more frequently. Before the cold fully sets in, have your heating system inspected by a professional to ensure it's working safely and efficiently. A well-maintained system can prevent accidents and keep your home warm throughout the fall and winter.7. Check Fire Alarms and Carbon Monoxide DetectorsWith the increased use of heating systems, its important to ensure that your fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly. Test them monthly, replace batteries as needed, and consider upgrading to newer models if your devices are outdated.8. Consider a Free Senior Home Safety AssessmentFor seniors, creating a safe home environment is essential. TruBlue offers a Free Senior Home Safety Assessment to help identify potential hazards and recommend modifications to enhance safety. Our certified Senior Safety Specialists can provide personalized solutions that cater to the unique needs of seniors, allowing them to age in place safely.Fall is a season of change, and its the perfect time to take proactive steps to ensure your home is safe and secure. By following these fall prevention tips, you can reduce the risk of accidents and create a more comfortable living environment. Whether its clearing walkways, improving lighting, or installing safety features like grab bars, each small action can make a big difference.At TruBlue, were committed to helping you maintain a safe and comfortable home. Contact us today to schedule your Free Senior Home Safety Assessment and take the first step towards a safer autumn. Together, we can ensure that you or your loved ones can enjoy the beauty of the season without worry.