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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.
By Sarah RichardWe all have many chapters in our lives, with changes and decisions to be made as we turn lifes pages.Expectations of older residents about how they want to live after they retire have changed significantly in recent generations, with older people healthier and living longer than their predecessors. By 2030, more than 20% of US residents will be aged 65 or older, rising to about 22%, or an estimated 89 million Americans, by 2050. The definition of senior living has also changed in recent decades, from simply providing basic housing and health care for older adults to senior living communities with leisure facilities, activities, optional support and health care. Todays senior living communities are designed to be hubs that meet the physical, social and emotional needs of older residents. University of Central Floridas Rosen College of Hospitality Management recently published a study in the Journal of Hospitality Management examining decision-making of older adults to move into senior living communities.The study is one of the first to look at motivational factors, barriers and relationships that impact these decisions. According to the study, considerations that might push older residents to consider relocation include: Housing and property obstacles, including home maintenance, cost and accommodations for physical limitations Economic challenges, such as rising cost of living and home costs and maintenance Social and family matters, such as needing extra help, social isolation, fears about safety Health concerns, including physical and mental healthFactors the study identified that might draw or pull older adults to move include: Social activities and engagement Chance to consolidate expenses Geographical location, including proximity to shopping, health care and family and friends Feeling safe from crime or falling Available amenities, including transportation, health care and ability to bring their own belongingsAdditional influences include the cost and stress of relocation, fear of the unknown/change, distance from families and lack of understanding about options in senior living communities.Making the decision to move can be daunting but beneficial. Researchers at the University of Chicago study in March 2024 found reasons relocating may be a decision worth making. The study found that for the first two years after moving into a senior living community, residents lived longer, benefited from greater rehabilitation and preventive care, and received more home health services. And most of them wonder why they didnt move sooner!To decide if a senior living community is right for you, take the time to determine what the good life means to you. What do you want a typical day or week to look like? Here are additional considerations when making this major decision: What is the staff like, including friendliness and responsiveness? What amenities and activities do you want, including transportation, fitness center and classes, housekeeping and laundry, recreational activities and clubs? What is the community culture and atmosphere, including social events, outings, resident demographics and age range? How much will it cost? Compare your current living costs to the costs of a senior community, including additional costs like insurance and payment options. What policies and procedures do they have, such as guest visits and pet policies? How safe and secure do you feel? Does it have controlled access and emergency systems? Does it have a desirable location and accessibility, including proximity to family and friends, access to the community, and features for various mobility needs? What are your current and anticipated health care needs? Is a fully independent community the best choice given your health needs, or would a community that also offers assisted living and higher levels of health care be a better choice? What is your desired level of independence? Do you want household help, availability of meals and other support?Theres a lot to consider but moving to a senior living community designed around your definition of the good life could provide the rich, engaging, low maintenance and worry-free lifestyle you desire.About the Author Sarah Richard is the executive director of Gulf Coast Village, Cape Corals only life plan community. To learn more about Gulf Coast Village, visit GulfCoastVillage.org or call 239-510-8712.
Executive Home Care offers top-notch in-home care services in Fort Myers, Florida, catering to the Lee, Collier, and Charlotte County areas, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples. Our dedicated caregivers are committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of our clients in the familiar surroundings of their homes. From light housekeeping to meal preparation and friendly companionship, our caregivers strive to make every day enjoyable for your loved one.We founded our agency with a mission to make a real difference in the lives of seniors in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples, FL, and beyond. Over the years, we have refined our services to provide the highest quality of life for your elderly loved ones. Our professionals are driven by a genuine desire to help others experience the comfort and joy of starting anew.Our caregivers are trained to provide personalized care tailored to each individual's unique needs. Whether it's assistance with daily activities, specialized care for Alzheimer's or dementia, hospice support, or transportation assistance, our team is available 24/7 to provide compassionate care while respecting your loved one's independence and privacy. We understand that transitioning to in-home care can be challenging, so we are here to support you every step of the way.At Executive Home Care, we believe everyone deserves to age with dignity and respect. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive senior care services in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte County.
Executive Home Care offers top-notch in-home care services in Fort Myers, Florida, catering to the Lee, Collier, and Charlotte County areas, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples. Our dedicated caregivers are committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of our clients in the familiar surroundings of their homes. From light housekeeping to meal preparation and friendly companionship, our caregivers strive to make every day enjoyable for your loved one.We founded our agency with a mission to make a real difference in the lives of seniors in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples, FL, and beyond. Over the years, we have refined our services to provide the highest quality of life for your elderly loved ones. Our professionals are driven by a genuine desire to help others experience the comfort and joy of starting anew.Our caregivers are trained to provide personalized care tailored to each individual's unique needs. Whether it's assistance with daily activities, specialized care for Alzheimer's or dementia, hospice support, or transportation assistance, our team is available 24/7 to provide compassionate care while respecting your loved one's independence and privacy. We understand that transitioning to in-home care can be challenging, so we are here to support you every step of the way.At Executive Home Care, we believe everyone deserves to age with dignity and respect. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive senior care services in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte County.