For people who can retire wherever they want, Florida is almost always near the top of the list. Why wouldn’t it be? The ideal climate. The state income and inheritance taxes. Wait! What state income and inheritance taxes? (Zero.) Golfing, fishing, boating, sightseeing—wow. No wonder Florida has the highest percentage of people over 65. Military retirees have even more reasons to prefer Florida.
More Bases, More Reasons
Florida is particularly attractive for military retirees, whether career military or any vet with veterans benefits. One big reason beyond the usual that makes Florida a retiree’s paradise is its 21 military bases. This means it’s easy to live near a VA hospital, and having ready access to quality VA medical care can be reason enough to locate here. Military bases themselves house base exchanges, commissaries, dispensaries (clinics), pharmacies, and other specialty medical services and are well-known for quality golf courses and other on-base recreation.
Military retirees in Florida find it easy to socialize with their fellow vets, with many organizations dedicated to helping them relocate and get acclimated. WalletHub, the personal finance website, ranks Florida as the best state for military retirees for all of the above reasons.
Top Reasons for Vets to Retire in Florida
No Tax on Pensions – Florida has no state income tax, and veterans receive their total pension income without paying a cent of state tax, leaving pure disposable income. Dispose it on lifestyle, investment, your retirement home – it’s up to you. You could save enough that this reason alone is enough to move you to the Sunshine State.
Other Tax Benefits – Military.com lists some of the many tax benefits Florida military retirees benefit from. Resident veterans with VA disability of at least 10% can get a $5,000 deduction on their home’s assessed value. Surviving spouses married to the veteran for at least five years may also be entitled to this exemption.
Resident veterans with an honorable discharge and 100% permanently disabled and quadriplegic veterans are exempt from property tax on their residence. Unmarried surviving spouses may also be eligible. Florida resident veterans who are paraplegic, hemiplegic, or permanently disabled who must use a wheelchair for mobility, or are legally blind, may be exempt from real estate taxation depending on income.
VA Health Care Is Super Accessible – With 21 military bases in the state, Florida has a proportional number of VA hospitals and veteran’s health services.
The state offers a 25% discounted annual pass to all state parks for honorably discharged veterans. Veterans with service-connected disabilities and their spouses or surviving spouses get a free lifetime pass.
Lots of Other Veterans – A Department of Defense report showed nearly 200,000 military retirees and 1.5 million veterans in the state. Only Texas has more. That also means $5 billion in military pensions come with them. This creates a massive advantage for retirees as retail and service businesses catering to the market. Member groups such as the USO and Team RWB offer senior veterans peer support and connections for assistance and socialization.
Florida Is Already Geared for Retirement – Only Maine has a higher population percentage over 65. The attraction of Florida to retirement-age people is longstanding, and this resonates throughout the commerce and health care of the entire state. Peer social groups and venues are plentiful. Medical specialists and services such as physical therapy and memory care are more abundant, giving medical professionals a greater pool of talent and experience to pull from. Recreational activities that fit the older population are easy to come by, which lessens the age-related afflictions of isolation, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.
Retiring on the Coast Is Healthier – Think about it. Don’t think too hard. That’s the whole point. Living next to the water de-stresses the brain. Ask any sailors why they love the sea. How many mood relaxer videos or meditation recordings do you hear use the sound of the ocean or rainwater to help you relax and sleep? You don’t have to live on the beach to get the benefit. Living in a senior living setting in a coastal area, you can visit the beach for a walk or an afternoon under a beach umbrella as a “therapy session.” Theoretically, even the smell of the ocean soothes the brain because of the negative ions you’re breathing in. Another reason is that the beach is just a completely different place from the urban environment. Relief from traffic and noise is always healthy. A scouting trip to the Florida coast is in order if you’ve never been or live somewhere inland. Florida has some 30,000 lakes and more than 13,000 miles of coastline. You may have a hard time choosing, but you’ll have a lot of fun looking.
Recreational Attractions for Retired Military – Besides Florida’s many golf courses, shopping centers, and beaches, some attractions might be of particular interest to former military personnel. Florida’s military history is rich, and the state claims several military museums:
Fort Mose Historic State Park
Armed Forces History Museum
Brevard Veterans Memorial Center Museum
Corporal Larry E. Smedley Vietnam War Museum
Brigade 2506 Museum and Library
Deland Naval Air Station Museum
Jacksonville Automobile and Motorcycle Museum
Recreational Benefits for Veterans and Retired Military
Military.com gives a complete list of sports and recreation benefits for veterans, particularly disabled veterans. Here are some of particular interest to retired military:
Florida Veteran Recreation Benefits
State Park Admission
The state offers a 25% discounted annual pass to all state parks for honorably discharged veterans. Veterans with service-connected disabilities and their spouses or surviving spouses get a free lifetime pass.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Active-duty and retired military Florida residents are eligible for a Military Gold Sportsman’s License for $20. The license covers hunting, freshwater and saltwater fishing, and various associated permits at a significantly reduced cost. 100% permanently and disabled service-connected veterans are entitled to a free five-year hunting and fishing license.
Visit military.com and the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on any of these programs.
Senior Living Communities for Veterans
Legend Senior Living® is a proud provider of Windsor Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care to many retired service members in our eleven Florida communities. These residences are located in the most desirable areas for retiring in Florida: Cape Coral, Gainesville, Ocala, Palm Coast, Venice, Lakewood Ranch, and Jacksonville.
Veterans hold a special place in our hearts and their communities. We’ve helped hundreds of retired servicemen and servicewomen find the perfect continuity of lifestyle and care throughout their retirement years. Specifically located for recreation, shopping, entertainment, and within minutes of the coast and VA hospitals, Windsor residences take advantage of everything Florida offers.
As always, thank you for all you’ve done for your country. Call anytime for a private tour, and let us know you’re a vet or retired military. We can show you why many choose the Windsor lifestyle when retiring to Florida.
Alzheimers Rummaging: Everything You Need to Know - AIHCEverything You Need to Know About Alzheimers RummagingSee our latest Blog post:https://www.americaninhomecare.com/blog/2024/09/16/alzheimers-rummaging-everything-you-need-to-know/Rummaging behavior in individuals with Alzheimer's stems from several factors, including memory loss, confusion, and anxiety. As cognitive function declines, the need to search for something familiar or the desire to feel a sense of control can lead to rummaging. This activity may provide them comfort or a sense of purpose, even if the items they seek are no longer relevant or useful (See post for more - link is up above)If you, a family member or friend need a little extra care, and still want to live at home -- We can help with Home Health Care Services --We refer qualified and compassionate home health care providers that have been thoroughly screened to support our goal of making living and aging at home safe, comfortable and affordable. Referred Care Providers are available on an hourly, daily, weekly, or live-in basis.Care Providers: Register and take an important step towards taking control of your career! Case opportunities include days, evenings, nights and extended care shifts. We register companions, Home Health Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, Nurses and LPN's.https://www.americaninhomecare.com
Real Estate Agents are all alike.Realtors? Theyre a dime a dozen! and What do agents really do anyway?I do hear these comments, and it does bother me.Not for the reasons you think it bothers me because we individual agents havent done job number one: introducing ourselves to you and the market as a person, and as a professional. Im sure if you knew what each agents special sauce is youd think differently on that dime a dozen comment!In other words why should you use me as opposed to doing it yourself or choosing one of the more than 216,000 other licensed agents in Florida?Lets first address you DIYers when Greg and I moved from Spring Hill to Bradenton here in Florida, and even selling my home of 23 years in Alpharetta, GA I was a licensed agent, but not active. I didnt have access to the MLS, lockboxes, or contracts. I knew enough to pay an active practicing colleague for her valuable service, tools and support. Not only was she able to do background research on the property I was purchasing, but she was also a partner in the transaction and a sounding board in the negotiation process. Bottom line was that I knew I stood to lose way more than the percentage of the deal that I had agreed to pay her. I knew her knowledge, research and negotiation skills would net me a higher outcome than if I moved forward thinking I had all the answers (even being a licensed agent myself). You see, it was my own property, my investment, and I was like many buyers and sellers too close to the transaction to be 100% objective.So, lets say I just convinced you to partner with an agent. Who should you choose?As you might guess, Im here to make the case that not all agents are alike, and certainly not equal. What sets us apart is who we serve and how we do it. So you, as the consumer, need to be very clear about what your needs are and what you want to accomplish.So now youre thinking, Come on Jude how am I supposed to know those answers? I dont even know where to begin! When I get a call from someone like you just entering into the market I ask to meet them, preferably in person in a coffee shop or at their home. I like to spend a little time asking questions and getting to know their story, their vision, their desire, their situation. You see, knowing all of this seemingly extra stuff helps me guide, advise, and add value to their transaction.If you consider working with an agent to help you buy a property and she just jumps straight to yes, Ill show you that property you might want to rethink the relationship because she wont have the insight she needs to be of true service.Same with if youre looking for an agent to sell your property. If your first meeting with her is all about what she can do for you and what a stellar agent she is and she skips right over learning your needs wants, desires, time frame and goals then youll be working on her agenda, shell be flying blind, and thats a recipe for disaster.Bottom line as much as you need to vet the agent youre considering, make sure theyre curious about you. (Thats my tip for those of you dating, too!)LIFE CHANGES ARE HARD. HOME CHANGES DONT HAVE TO BE.
The respiratory system, like many of the other human systems (e.g., cardiovascular, digestive), is a wondrously complex and sophisticated arrangement of organs working together to maintain homeostasis.Contact an Office in Your AreaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease, more commonly referred to as COPD, is a health problem facing adults in the U.S. Because of its progressive nature and increased age as a leading factor, there is a greater prevalence of COPD in seniors. The good news is that many adults can easily reduce their risk of COPD through lifestyle management. COPD represents a group of lung diseases, with the two most common being emphysema and chronic bronchitis.Symptoms of COPD includeConstant coughingWheezingShortness of breathCoughing up mucusTightness in the chestResearch also suggests that there may be a link between poor air quality and COPD. The American Lung Association estimates that between 80-90% of COPD cases result from smoking. Unsurprisingly, secondhand smoke is a significant risk factor as well. Seniors should take the following steps to reduce their risk of COPD:Older adults that smoke should get support from a primary care physician and take steps to quit. There are many programs, services, and products that can help.Seniors should avoid contact with secondhand smoke whenever possible.Reducing exposure to air pollution can help relieve symptoms. Many cities issue poor air quality warnings when these warnings are in effect, seniors should limit outside activities. Seniors should avoid airborne irritants (chemicals, fumes, etc.) in the home.A healthy diet and exercise plan can improve lung function and overall health with direction from a physician.Older adults should understand the impact of aging on their respiratory system and reduce their risk of any related diseases, illnesses, or conditions.Doctors may recommend getting vaccinations for both influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia to guard against further breathing complications.Comfort Keepers Can HelpComfort Keepers elevates the human spirit for todays seniors and their families through a unique, individualized approach to care that helps seniors thrive and achieve greater wellbeing by fostering everyday positive moments, connection, and a more purposeful life no matter their age or acuity. As part of a healthcare team, an in-home caregiver can assist with activities that slow disease progression or reduce the risk for those with respiratory issues. Comfort Keepers caregivers can help by supporting physician-recommended health programs, preparing meals, encouraging prescribed physical activity, reminding seniors to take medications, and providing transportation to scheduled appointments. References:Healthline. Everything You Need to Know About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Web. 2018.Everyday Health. 5 Best Ways to Prevent COPD by Chris Iliades, MD. Web. 2018.Aging Care. An Overview of COPD by National Institutes of Health. Web. 2017.Unity Point Health. The Top 8 Respiratory Illnesses and Diseases. Web. 2014.American Lung Association. Lung Capacity and Aging. Web. 2017.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Respiratory Disease. Web. 2017.
The Windsor of Bradenton sounds like a welcoming and reputable assisted living residence dedicated to providing quality services in a warm and comfortable environment. With over three decades of experience serving senior adults, The Windsor has established itself as a trusted choice for those seeking housing and service needs.It's heartening to hear that The Windsor prioritizes each resident's independence, choices, and dignity, creating a supportive environment where individuals can thrive and maintain their sense of autonomy.The invitation to visit for a tour suggests an openness and transparency that allows prospective residents and their families to experience firsthand the residential setting and the caring and helpful staff that make The Windsor stand out.Overall, The Windsor of Bradenton appears to be a place where residents can feel at home and receive the support they need while preserving their dignity and independence.