Retirement offers a unique opportunity for seniors to enrich their lives by exploring new passions, hobbies, and interests. However, in some cases, health challenges and mobility limitations can create barriers to pursuing these activities. In these situations, the experienced in-home senior care providers at Gentle Shepherd Home Care in Colorado Springs can help.Our caregivers understand the importance of fostering engagement and independence for seniors and strive to assist them in discovering and pursuing new hobbies and passions.7 Hobbies to ConsiderBelow, we will explore 7 hobbies that seniors should consider pursuing in retirement:Consider Past PassionsMany times, past passions can provide valuable clues to what may bring joy in the present. Consider activities enjoyed in the past. Is there a hobby that was once loved but never had the time to pursue fully? Revisiting these interests can reignite passions and provide a sense of familiarity in trying something new.Explore CreativityWhen it comes to creativity, there is no such thing as an ae limit. Consider pursuing artistic pursuits such as painting, photography, pottery, writing, and more. Many communities have a senior center that offers classes tailored to seniors, providing a supportive environment to nurture creative talents. In addition to providing mental stimulation, these activities also offer a therapeutic outlet for self-expression.Physical ActivitiesPhysical activity is critical for maintaining overall health and well-being, especially as we age. Consider exploring a variety of exercises that cater to personal interests and physical capabilities such as yoga, dancing, tai chi, swimming, and more. These activities can help seniors stay active and energized. In addition, group classes and/or clubs can foster a sense of camaraderie while staying fit.Volunteer ActivitiesVolunteering is a great way to give back to the community, while also staying socially engaged. Consider volunteering with organizations that align with personal interests and values. Regardless of passions, there are plenty of organizations within the community that are looking for volunteers. Volunteering offers a variety of benefits including providing a sense of purpose and fostering meaningful connections.Embrace LearningLearning should be a lifelong pursuit. Consider exploring educational opportunities such as attending lectures, joining discussion groups, enrolling in online courses, and more. In some cases, local community colleges and universities offer special programs for seniors to expand knowledge in areas ranging from history and literature to science and technology.Connect with NatureSpending time outdoors can provide a variety of physical and mental benefits. Consider connecting with nature through activities such as gardening, birdwatching, nature photography, and more. Check with the local community center to learn about nature clubs and organized outings to explore the local parks, botanical gardens, and trails with others who share the same passions.Cultivate Social ConnectionsBuilding and maintaining social connections through retirement is critical for overall well-being. Look for opportunities to connect with others who share the same passions. Join groups within the community that are tailored for seniors. In addition, consider attending community events, cultural activities, religious gatherings, and more to connect with others and forge meaningful relationships.How Gentle Shepherd Home Care Can Help Seniors Find New HobbiesThe in-home elderly care experts from Gentle Shepherd Home Care in Colorado Springs can help seniors find new hobbies. We understand that everyone is unique and take the time to get to know our clients to provide personalized support and companionship, as well as encouragement and motivation. In addition, we can help seniors research and access community programs, classes, and events that align with their interests. Contact us today to schedule your care assessment with one of our highly skilled caregivers.

How do I know how much renters insurance to buy? Tips to help choose accurate, appropriate limits for your personal property and liability coverage. You've followed your rental guide and it's time to move in! Your furniture is in place, the utilities are hooked up and your rental unit is starting to look like a home. And now you might be asking yourself do I need renters insurance? It is estimated that 56% of renters do not have renters insurance. A renters policy is more important, accessible and affordable than you might think, and in some cases, renters insurance is required by landlords. But renters are often unclear about what renters insurance is, what it covers and how much they need. What does renters insurance cover? In short, renters insurance covers what you own. Most landlord's insurance covers only the building and damages due to negligence. Getting coverage for some of the most common causes of property damage and loss such as theft, vandalism and fire is entirely up to you. Without renters insurance, you may have to bear the financial burden of a loss on your own, including the cost of a hotel stay if you cannot live in your apartment while repairs are made. Want to protect your stuff? Most renters' belongings cost more than they think. The average person has $30,000 worth of belongings that are probably not covered by a landlord's policy. Take a moment to add up the approximate cost of your computer, television, stereo, furniture, jewelry and clothing. If a fire gutted your apartment tomorrow, would you have the cash to replace it all? Renters insurance also covers much more than just your personal property. The average policy can include up to $100,000 in liability coverage. That means in the event of a covered loss, your insurer will help cover the costs if you're held responsible for injuring another person or damaging another person's property. Moreover, this coverage applies whether the incident occurred within your residence or elsewhere. Be sure you have coverage against the unexpected with renters insurance. Get a free quote now. How much renters insurance do I need?Renters insurance is relatively inexpensive. According to NerdWallet, the average renters policy costs about $15 per month for up to $30,000 in personal property coverage. That's solid coverage for less than the cost of a few cups of coffee a week. Here are some tips to help you determine your insurance needs. Complete an inventory of your possessions. Personal property coverage is probably the main reason most purchase a renters policy. The coverage will reimburse you for covered loss, damage or theft of your personal possessions up to a certain dollar amount. Completing a home inventory is a good way to determine how much property coverage you need. This inventory lists your personal possessions, along with details about their age, purchase price or current value and other identifying information. While youre at it, take pictures or a video of your property. Check with your insurance agent about discounts. Many insurers offer significant discounts if you buy more than one policy with their company. For renters, this usually means purchasing auto insurance with a renters policy. But life, business and other plans may also qualify. Choose the right deductible. A deductible is the amount of a covered loss that you pay out of your own pocket. In other words, it's the amount "deducted" from any payout by your insurer. For example, if a fire causes $1,500 in insured damage to your personal property and your deductible is $500, then your insurer will pay you $1,000. Your renters insurance premiums will reflect the deductibles you agree to pay. Lower deductibles mean higher premiums; higher deductibles mean lower premiums. Keep in mind that an insurer will not reimburse you for a loss amount that is lower than the deductible. This means if your deductible is $2,000 and you suffer $1,750 in losses, then you are entirely responsible for those costs, even if the cause of the loss is covered by your policy. When choosing a deductible, think carefully about the out-of-pocket costs that you are willing, and able, to pay. A disciplined saver may be able to offset the greater risk of a high deductible with cash reserves. Others, however, will have to balance the benefit of a higher deductible against the risk of greater out-of-pocket expenses. Assess your liability. Your renters policy's liability coverage may protect you if someone injures themselves in your home. It may also protect you in case you cause damage to others' property. Some policies will pay for defense and court costs in addition to settlement costs. The typical renters insurance policy offers $100,000 in liability coverage. For renters, this amount is often sufficient. However, if you entertain company frequently at your home or if your assets exceed your limit, you should consider a coverage amount equal to at least the total value of your assets.Supplement coverage if necessary. Keep in mind that your policy will exclude certain perils (such as earthquake and flood losses), limit coverage on some items (such as computers, firearms and silverware) and might not cover a business in your home. If you have special insurance needs, talk to your agent about extending limits or adding separate policies. And finally, where your apartment is located will play an important role in determining your renters insurance rates. Prices will vary based on your state, city and neighborhood. Safer locations might mean lower rates, so renting in a low-crime area near a fire station might save you money. Your rates will also reflect the safety of the rental property itself. For example, an older, unrenovated building might have a higher risk of electrical and plumbing issues, and that can mean higher rates. Fortunately, steps as simple as installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your apartment may mean real savings, even if you do rent an older property. This article was contributed by Laurel Flowers State Farm Insurance Agent located in Saraland, Alabama.  You can contact Laurel Flowers State Farm team for a renters insurance quote.  Call 251-675-4736.  

Youve been on a waiting list for a senior living facility for years.   In the meantime, your dream cruise is planned and that family reunion is around the corner...then you get the call." If youre like many downsizing Seniors the question echoing in your mind is; What do I do about the house?  Here is a quick guide that can give you the confidence and structure that you need. First, take a breathyou can do this!  Next, identify a trusted Realtor who has genuine experience helping Seniors.  Start by looking for Realtors that have the Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation.  Seniors and their families need a Realtor to help navigate the maze of financial, legal, and emotional issues accompanying the sale of your memory filled home.   Im a longtime SRES and still depend on this special training to help Seniors through the process.  It may sound old school, but a Realtor who listens deeply and communicates with a smile, handshake, and a visit is a must.  Skills like patience, planning, and guiding are critical. Invite your Realtor in as early as possible to walk through the home to learn its unique character and story!  Look for a Realtor who can translate the story into a plan to market that uniqueness.  Part of their role will be to help you understand how to prepare your home for the marketwhat projects to tackle, which ones to ignore, and how to not go overboard as you prepare to sell.  Like all top Realtors, we have a handy list of trusted resources to help tackle agreed upon projects.   Pricing should be based on reality and facts, not hopes and dreams.  Location, size, and amenities are part of the equation as are market activity, market trends, and area competition.  Over the years, weve developed a very customized, yet simple, tool to accurately forecast list and sale prices.  All top Realtors will have something similar in their tool belt.  Be comfortable asking questionsworking with a Realtor should be a collaboration, not a dictatorship. Using a professional stager and photographer is another must do in todays market.  Digital marketing demands high quality, properly lit, compelling photos of an expertly staged homed so that it shines and tells its story clearly.  Every Realtor handles this differently, but we believe in this concept so strongly that we provide both a stager and photographer at no cost to our listing clientsit is just too important to skip.    These are the steps that lead to the For Sale signand hopefully the ability to breathe a bit easier. This article was written by Mike Julian, Managing Broker, Realty One Group Unlimited.