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Seniors who are engaged in interesting activities live lives of joy and purpose. The path to this type of fulfillment starts with a discussion of hobbies, past activities and interest in learning about new potential activities. Brainstorm new ideas by tapping into interests that may have fallen by the wayside while the senior was working and raising a family.
Retirement means a change in routine and sometimes that can lead to boredom, loneliness, and depression which can affect all aspects of life, including overall health. Finding meaningful activities will lead to structure and a sense of purpose.
Ideally, the activities(Opens in a new window) will involve mental and physical challenges and social interactions. Physical activities may help to improve general fitness and improve mental (and emotional) well-being.
Seek guidance from a medical professional before engaging in physical activities(Opens in a new window). They have your medical history and are best positioned to provide you with advice and suggestions that will fit your specific lifestyle.
Once you have medical guidance, you might consider fitness activities like chair yoga, aqua fit, tai chi, swimming, walking, table tennis, pickleball and golf. Most fitness facilities have adaptive measures for mobility issues.
Walking clubs provide companionship and an incentive to participate. Some shopping malls even open early to allow walkers to walk in inclement weather.
Gardening is an interesting activity for seniors and can be done at home or in a community garden. Growing flowers and vegetables can be rewarding and stimulate seniors both physically and artistically. Eating fresh vegetables contributes to good nutrition and well-being. Some local community gardens may have raised beds for those who need assistance with planting.
Hiking can be enjoyable and provide access to the outdoors as well as physical exercise. There are many different types of hiking trails that vary from easy to challenging.
Word puzzles, card games, jigsaw puzzles and trivia all challenge the mind. Connecting with people at your local library or park district’s senior game activities or participating online with friends is a great way to engage with others and keep in touch.
Cell phone cameras allow for ease of taking photos and video. This creative activity can be done in a group or individually. Camera stores may be a good source for courses, but they can also be found on YouTube (and other internet platforms), as well as in books.
Birdwatching is another activity that can be done as a group or individually and has the added benefit of being in nature and the opportunity to learn about birds and their habits.
Creative activities, such as playing a musical instrument or arts and craft projects, are absorbing as well as satisfying. Sometimes, these skills were used in another stage of life and need to be relearned, but that challenge can be rewarding.
Needlework, quilting and knitting provide opportunities to work individually or collaborate with others. Teaching skills such as embroidery, chess, woodworking, model building and calligraphy spreads the knowledge to another generation.
Writing is another great activity. Some senior learning centers sponsor courses on writing memoir, fiction, nonfiction and blogs. There are also online writing groups and local groups that may meet at a bookstore or other venue. Feedback from peers will encourage and challenge seniors to bravely put their thoughts in writing.
Many community colleges, local park districts, community centers or senior learning centers have language classes. There are also several online opportunities to learn a language, which has the added benefit of being accessible at home at your own pace.
Many local libraries have book clubs. Some book clubs may be specialized to mysteries, romance and nonfiction, to name a few.
Theater groups can include both acting, writing and working on props and scenery. Going to theater performances and musical performances can be done individually or as a group.
Dining out is a way to explore restaurants and different cuisines. Some senior centers sponsor weekly outings which allow seniors to socialize and try different foods. Going to restaurants with other people may be revitalizing as well as nutritious.
Cooking classes are sponsored at some restaurants, specialty shops, and senior centers. While seniors may have been preparing meals for years, cooking classes may provide an opportunity to learn different techniques and try different ingredients. Some cooking classes may be specific to a specialized diet such as a diabetic diet or a vegan/vegetarian diet.
Following a sports team can lead to discussion groups and watch parties. Activities for seniors should be fun. Following local high school and college teams is a great way to enjoy watching the sport and provide support for the local community.
Nonprofits often need volunteers and it can be an ideal activity for seniors. The flexibility of scheduling allows seniors to participate on weekdays when many other volunteers may be working. Food banks need volunteers to sort donations, cook and help serve meals.
Animal shelters need volunteers to help with the animals and to keep the areas clean. And hospitals often have active volunteer programs and tasks to fit many different abilities and interests.
Schools have volunteer programs that include working with the children reading stories or working in the library. Volunteering with children is rewarding and fun. Kids have a unique way of looking at the world, which can be thought-provoking.
There are programs for reading to people who are losing their sight or visiting homebound seniors. Running errands for people with limited mobility can also be quite rewarding. These people can be neighbors or acquaintances who need additional help.
Volunteering at a museum or historical society provides an opportunity for learning, but also a chance to become a tour guide or docent. Many communities have a local land trust that works with the community to preserve land and natural areas. There are many opportunities to contribute including organizing and working at fundraising events.
Finding interesting activities for seniors can seem confusing and complicated. Chances are there will be some glitches in the process. Some activities may be uncomfortable or logistically challenging, but could lead to something that is a better fit.
Keeping an open mind to what is possible is key. Limiting activities due to fear of failure increases the likelihood of feelings of loneliness and isolation. Talk to friends and acquaintances about what they are doing and be unafraid to organize your own groups.
BrightStar Care team members can help your loved one find activities that will bring them joy and enrich their lives. Whether you're looking for in-home care services or assisted living for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.
Retirement isnt just a milestone its the start of something truly meaningful. After decades of hard work, youve earned the right to slow down, pursue your passions, and live life on your terms.But stepping into this exciting new chapter often comes with big decisions, and one of the biggest is this:Does your current home still match the lifestyle and budget you want for this next phase?Its a timely question. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of living has risen by 23% over the last five years. If youre thinking about how to make your retirement savings go further, those rising costs matter.Heres the good news: you may have more options and more control than you think.Many retirees are choosing to relocate to make the most of their retirement dollars. Moving to a lower-cost area (or even downsizing) can reduce major expenses like housing, utilities, and taxes, giving you more freedom to enjoy what truly matters.That could mean more travel, picking up a new hobby, spoiling your grandkids, or simply enjoying life with less financial stress.And you dont have to move across the country to make it work. For some, its about moving closer to family. For others, its trading city life for a quieter suburb where money stretches further.The key is making a plan that aligns with your retirement goals, and that starts with evaluating if your current home still serves you.Whether youre thinking about downsizing, relocating, or just exploring your options, partnering with a trusted real estate agent can make all the difference. They can help you understand your local market, simplify the selling process, and even connect you with vetted agents in other areas if youre considering a bigger move.Youve worked hard for this chapter. If your current home no longer supports the life you want, it may be time to ask:What does your ideal retirement look like?Could a move help you make it even better?Lets talk about how to turn that vision into reality. Connect with us at 941-275-2914 Or visit https://linktr.ee/NaplesParadiseLiving
By Sarah RichardEach May, Older Americans Month is observed to recognize the older adults in our lives. The 2025 theme, Flip the Script on Aging, focuses on transforming the way society perceives, talks about and approaches aging. This theme encourages Americans to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions about the older generation, while also shining a light on the opportunities for connections, exploration and purpose that we discover as we age.Aging is a beautiful thing. With each day and each moment, you obtain a wealth of knowledge that can only come from a life of lived experiences. The thrill of life doesnt have to stop once you transition to a resort-style senior living community. In fact, its the perfect time for life to become more exciting.Transitioning into a senior living community is a unique period in your life youre setting sail on a new way of living and seeking new, enriching experiences. With a different way of living comes a wave of fresh opportunities a chance to try that hobby you've never had the time to explore, to make a new friend or to unlock hidden passions. Moving into a new community is a perfect opportunity for you to step out of your comfort zone alongside a community of like-minded individuals. When the time is right, entering a resort-style senior living community poses several benefits for retirees seeking a new experience. In a life plan community, you have the freedom to adopt a new daily routine, fall in love with a new hobby and discover lifelong friendships. Most of all, making the move to a life plan community ensures that youre taking the right steps to provide yourself with a new quality of life.What is a life plan community?Life plan communities, also known as continuing care retirement communities, are a form of senior living that offer residents the full continuum of care. Life plan communities include independent living, assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing, but older adults can enter a life plan community at any stage and transition to a different level as their needs shift. Independent living is for retirees who do not require health services but no longer want to bear the burden of home ownership and upkeep, planning the grocery list every day, or the many other things that keep you from spending time doing what you enjoy. Assisted living is for adults who require help with daily activities, such as dressing or bathing, but also desire the independence and amenities of a life plan community. Memory support is a safe and controlled environment designed to care for adults experiencing cognitive decline. Skilled nursing is for adults recovering from an illness or procedure, or those with chronic conditions that require daily attention.Through independence and enriching lifestyles, life plan communities work to break the stigma that often surrounds the concept of senior living communities and the outdated stereotype of a nursing home. Life plan communities are an entirely new way of life, from the activities and events to the people you meet and experiences you gain. Opportunity for connectionSenior living professionals understand that older adults can suffer from depression and anxiety as they age. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, about 4% of adults aged 70 and over have depression. To combat this issue, life plan communities curate robust activity calendars that encourage residents to get out, have fun, and make connections.Socialization leads to increased mental and physical health, which is particularly important for older adults. Spending time with other people, even through a phone call or video conference, promotes sharper memory skills, lowers stress and reduces risk of chronic illnesses, while also providing a sense of purpose. Gulf Coast Village, Cape Corals only life plan community, encourages new residents to attend events so they can meet new people and become more engaged with their new home. Oftentimes, residents will form their own friend group and will continue to participate in activities together in the months and years ahead. Taking the extra step toward socialization in a new environment can be a rewarding experience, leading to increased mental wellness and enjoyed experiences. Regardless of size, life plan communities make socialization convenient for older adults to spend time with one another through a tight-knit environment, robust activities and planned events.Retirement isnt the end of the enriching life youve always lived its the beginning of a new chapter filled with fresh opportunities and meaningful experiences. At Gulf Coast Village, residents are encouraged to keep pursuing their unique hobbies and share the joy with their neighbors. Residents are invited to collaborate to create their own clubs and activities, building connections with neighbors and friends.Some residents teach art classes, some teach in the woodshop, while others volunteer part-time in our on-campus thrift store or even join a committee.In a life plan community, youre never alone. You are surrounded by fellow retirees also navigating lifes journey.About the authorSarah Richard is the executive director of Gulf Coast Village. To learn more, visit GulfCoastVillage.org or call 239-510-8712.
It is illegal for an insurance agent to call you regarding Medicare, Do not talk to someone you have not given permission to call. Ask them for their National Producer number and report them to Medicare for an unsolicited call. CMS has made many changes for Medicare recipients. If you want to enroll or review your plan over the phone, you need to agree to be recorded, and Medicare requires us to keep the recording for 10 years. In person, appointments do not have that requirement, but you need to sign a scope of appointment that authorizes us to talk to you about Medicare Advantage or a Drug Plan. It does not allow us to do anything but talk to you about these topics. One of the biggest changes for 2025 related to Medicare Part D Prescriptions whether withing a Part C Advantage plan or a stand-alone Part D drug Plan. Your yearly Part D out-of-pocket costs will be capped at $2,000 in 2025. You must buy medications using your plan and the medication must be in formulary to go toward the cap. You will also have a payment option to pay out-pocket costs in monthly amounts over the plan year, instead of paying when you receive the medications. This is done through the insurance company that you purchased your plan. When you turn 65 you are eligible for Medicare, once you have worked 40 quarters roughly 10 years there is no cost for Medicare Part A. Part A covers Hospitals, Skilled Nursing, Home Health & Hospice. Medicare Part B you can choose to take at 65 or you can hold off if you are still working and have credible coverage. If you do not have group health insurance that is considered qualified, and then you want it you would have a late enrollment penalty for each month you did not have Part B & Part D and that penalty will last for the rest of your life. Part B covers doctors, imaging, blood work, ambulance, durable medical equipment, etc. Part D is a Medicare Drug Plan and covers medications. During your initial enrollment period it is especially important to understand your options! Medicare Supplements/Medigap Plans are NOT guaranteed issue you may need to medically qualify. You can purchase a Medigap Plan during your 1st 6 months on Medicare Part B without medical underwriting. There are a lot of things you need to know. Again, work with an agent you can trust! Especially important: when you move you need to know your options. Can you keep the same plan? Do you need to make a change and what does that look like? Special Enrollment Periods You moved out of your plans service area, New to Medicare, Retiring and coming off of your employer group plan, Going into or out of Skilled Nursing, Medicaid and others may apply. We offer Free Medicare Seminars in Lee & Collier County please e-mail info@logicalinsurance.com to register or call 239-362-0855 for dates. Medicares website is www.Medicare.gov. Travel Insurance Did you know that most health insurance does NOT cover you outside of the country and that includes a cruise, in international waters (4 miles out). Travel insurance is not just about trip cancelation but most importantly what if you got sick or had an accident on your trip. Medical Trip insurance is very important and most of the time not very costly when you out way the benefits. Life Insurance You are never too young to have life insurance, and many types offer living benefits. As an example, I purchase life insurance for my grandchildren almost as soon as they are born. Their policy continues to build cash value that they can use during their lives, for education, wedding or even a 1st home purchase. The younger you are the lower the cost. There are many types of life insurance, and it is important to understand the differences between them. You also have payment options, such as 10-Pay, this type of policy you can pay the premium in full in 10 years, there are other terms available as wellLong Term Care Insurance Overall, 48.7% of older adults with ADL difficulties (or an estimated 3 million persons aged 70 and older) reported needing some sort of personal assistance with one or more ADLs, and, of those individuals with need, 20.7% (or an estimated 629,000 persons) had an unmet need. Long Term Care Insurance helps pay for in-home or facility-based needs, such as assistance with acts of daily living or help with paying for a facility. Start shopping for this insurance in your 40s, but its never too late to try. Your overall health will pay a major roll in the cost of the plans premium. The sooner than later for affordability. You have payment options such as a single payment, 10-Pay where the premium is paid-in-full in 10 years. You also get a discount with most companies doing a joint policy with your spouse. Remember Medicare is NOT meant for Nursing Home Care/Skilled Nursing. Logical Insurance Solutions is a SWFL Insurance Broker that works with most of the carriers, we are happy to help you through the maze. This is what we do daily, it is second nature to us. We offer virtual seminars, one on one Webex, phone and in-person appointments.To learn more about your options call to schedule an appointment contact: Logical Insurance Solutions for all your insurance needs, I am licensed in 36 states. www.Logicalinsurance.com 239-362-0855 info@Logicalinsurance.com By Ulla-Undine Merritt (Dee) National Producer Number (NPN) 8853366
BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte is dedicated to providing the best in-home care for you or a loved one. We are a Nurse Owned and Family Operated Private Duty Home Care Agency offering Companion Services (meal prep, transportation, light housekeeping), Personal Care (bathing, dressing, transfers), and Skilled Care (assessments, medication management, med box fills). We also provide Medical Staffing. BrightStar Care is Joint Commission Accredited and Awarded Leader in Excellence, Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice 2016 - 2020 by Home Care Pulse. All caregivers are background checked, drug tested, bonded and insured. We are available 24/7...Just a phone call away!
BrightStar Care of Bradenton offers a wide array of in-home care services tailored to meet the individual needs of clients. Known for their commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care, BrightStar Care delivers both medical and non-medical services, including skilled nursing, personal care, and companionship. Their team of professional caregivers is dedicated to enhancing the health, safety, and quality of life for clients in the comfort of their own homes. With a focus on personalized care plans and a commitment to excellence, BrightStar Care of Bradenton is a trusted resource for families seeking reliable and comprehensive home care solutions.
BrightStar Home Care's commitment to providing high-quality, person-centered care shines through their dedication to improving the lives of individuals in need. Their focus on delivering a higher standard of care ensures that each client receives the personalized support they deserve, tailored to their unique needs and preferences.The recognition BrightStar Home Care Port Charlotte has received, including Joint Commission accreditation, speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence and adherence to rigorous healthcare quality standards. Achieving and maintaining this accreditation demonstrates their dedication to ensuring the highest level of care and safety for their clients.By adhering to BrightStar Care policies and procedures, state licensure requirements, and Joint Commission standards, they provide peace of mind to clients and their families, knowing that their loved ones are receiving care of the highest caliber.Furthermore, BrightStar Home Care's emphasis on clinical quality not only ensures the safety and well-being of clients but also plays a crucial role in preventing hospital readmissions. This proactive approach to care underscores their commitment to promoting positive health outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of life for those they serve.Overall, BrightStar Home Care's dedication to excellence, person-centered care, and clinical quality sets a commendable standard in the home care industry, providing invaluable support and peace of mind to individuals and families during challenging times.