There is a significant movement by seniors that wish to create an environment where they can Age-in-Place, either within an existing home that is upgraded, downsizing to a more comfortable square footage, adding smart-home technology, or perhaps to discuss the option of an ADU.These home environments must be safe, in a walkable area, maintain a sense of community, independence and allow for seniors to Age-in-Place.Some seniors may not want to give up their family home, even if it no longer suits their needs. My goal is to be able to help clients create a network of services to simplify your life so you can age in place safely, as long as possible. Florida Complete Realty offers services to help you buy and sell real estate, and also offers project management services to ease the process of implementing upgrades and undergoing renovations. I can assist by giving clients guidance on upgrading their property with more accessible features so they can safely remain in their home for as long as they are physically able.Let me and Florida Complete Realty help you find just the right choice that will fit your lifestyle and meet your future goals.

Routine tests such as blood counts and blood pressure checks are just a few of the measurements health care providers monitor to get an accurate picture of patient health. Once you've reach your 50th birthday, screening for hearing loss should be a part of your health routine.Routine hearing screenings provide a reference point should any hearing problem arise in the future. They create a better picture as to how your hearing has changed and the severity of your loss making it easier to determine appropriate treatment. Early detection can help prevent further hearing loss by alerting patients to the progression and steps that should be taken to prevent further damage.The connection between aging and hearing loss is well known. Other factors that may damage or lead to hearing loss include:Occupational noises. Many jobs involve loud noise as a regular part of the working environment. Continuous exposure to noise can damage hearing. Farmers, hunters, shooters, machinists, musicians, woodworkers and carpenters should consider screening their hearing before employment as well as follow-up hearing tests.Recreational noises. Exposure to explosive noises, such as from firearms and fireworks, can cause immediate and permanent hearing loss. Snowmobiling, motorcycling or listening to loud music can also cause damage.Cancer treatments. Certain chemotherapy drugs or medications taken in conjunction with treating cancer can cause hearing loss. If a hearing loss was present prior to cancer treatment, the treatment may cause it to worsen.Diabetes. The National Institute of Health (NIH) has found that hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes as it is in those who dont have the disease. Of the 79 million adults thought to have pre-diabetes, the rate of hearing loss is 30% higher than in those with normal blood sugar.Medications. Antibiotics, loop diuretics, antieoplastic drugs, antimalarial drugs, and salicylates such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin are known to damage auditory function and speed up normal decline of hearing with aging.Hearing loss is often gradual and many people do not recognize the problem or report it to their doctors. Hearing Loss can have a negative effect on quality of life, independent function, and social interaction. When determining strategies to stay healthy, a routine hearing tests should be part of the discussion.Editors Note: This article was submitted by: Shane S Larkin BC-HIS, ACA, BS . He may be reached at 801-525-5254 or by email at sbl@hearinglife.com

Getting rid of longtime possessions isnt easy; it can feel like giving up cherished memories. For many seniors, beginning the downsizing process feels good knowing that they have some control over who gets what, and having peace of mind that a new generation will value their treasured belongings.If youre starting to downsize or helping a senior family member, consider these tips:Set Realistic Expectations. Give yourself a realistic timeline. Try to limit downsizing activities to a few hours per day. And, remember to be patient with your partner or parent. Going through a lifetime worth of stuff can stir up emotionstake a few moments to acknowledge those feelings!Plan ahead. Regardless if youre moving or aging in place, its never too early to downsize. Begin by getting rid of expired medications, clothes that dont fit, and other unused items.Ask for help. Downsizing requires some tough decisions. You dont need to do it alone.Sorting. Its best to create three piles: keep, sell and donate. Have a yard sale but remember items you plan to sell, regardless of how top notch the condition is, arent going to fetch top dollar. Before donating, check the organizations guidelines on acceptable items. Or, try setting unwanted items on the curb with a sign that says Free. Sometimes this makes items miraculously disappear. Also, ask family and friends if there are any items they would want.Get an expert. Businesses exist for the sole purpose of assisting seniors and their families with the downsizing process. There are enough of these companies to warrant their own organizationthe National Association of Senior Move Managers. You can check out their website to find a professional in your area.If you or a loved one is choosing a retirement community, we invite you to contact us at Traditions of Hershey. We would be glad to provide you with information on downsizing experts and moving companies in the local area. Schedule a visit to preview our senior living community and learn what this lifestyle can offer._____________________________Editors Note: Mike Lapinsky submitted this article. He is the marketing director at Traditions of Hershey Independent Living and Personal Care.