What is an active adult community?

Active Adult Communities are specifically designed for age qualified, active adults who want to embrace the stress free, turnkey, empty nester lifestyle. Focused on creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere, active adult communities provide state-of-the-art amenities, classes and activities that foster lasting social relationships with peers. You will find fitness, fun and friendship in resort style surroundings. You will not find medical assistance, transportation, or meals but these things can be sourced at an additional fee. Community members want the best of empty nester living, minus the charges for services they do not need.

What are the pros and cons of living in a 55+ community?

The many pros of living in a 55+ community include: Living spaces designed for aging in place with comfort and convenience. A built-in network of like-minded, active adult peers with which to create meaningful social connections. Peace of mind in a secure environment with other community members who support and watch out for each other. Resort worthy amenities that may include state-of-the-art full-service fitness centers, Olympic sized pools, professionally outfitted kitchens for classes and demonstrations, theaters, game rooms and well-manicured outdoor spaces. An unlimited list of opportunities for physical, intellectual, and social enrichment. The best of stress free, turnkey living.

What is Senior Living?

Senior Living is an umbrella term applied to the various different types of communities that cater to older adults.

What is the difference between assisted living, independent living and active senior apartments?

Independent Living: Ironically independent living is for seniors who may need some level of assistance. Services like meals, laundry, linen delivery, maid service, on-site nurse, and planned activities are available as needed or wanted. If a resident needs special care, like an aide to help with daily life, they have to hire from an outside source on their own. Assisted Living: Assisted living may be the right choice for those who need a higher level of support. Assisted living facilities have on-site professionals to help with daily challenges and medical care. Those services are generally included in the overall cost of the facility. Active Adult Living: An active adult community is the gold standard for totally independent active adults seeking to maximize their empty nester chapter. With no hidden charges for services community members do not need, it's a choice that makes sense in terms of both lifestyle and finances.

How do I find the right active adult community for me?

There are important issues to consider when looking for the right community: Where do you want to live? Do you want to stay in your present location or try a new geographical area? Does the community make sense for you financially? Will your pet be welcome? Does the community design and layout meet your expectations? Does the roster of classes, activities and social opportunities accommodate your interests and lifestyle? Now that you have taken a tour, does the community have the right vibe for you?

My loved one is not able to live on their own. What is the best way to start a conversation with them about moving?

Open the communication lines early. Be honest about your concerns. Be sensitive. Be proactive by doing your research first. Be supportive.

How to downsize for a senior living move?

Deal with the clutter a little bit at a time. Set a timer to make sure you don't overdo it. Create a yes, no and maybe pile to decide what is kept, donated or trashed. Get help from family, friends or call in the professionals.

Simple Summer Safety Tips for Seniors

Senior summer wellness requires you stay cool and hydrated. Heat can take a real toll on seniors, partly because our sense of thirst diminishes as we age. We still need water; we’re just not as aware of it. Combine dehydration with the risk of overheating, and seniors can wind up sunburnt, exhausted, or even in the ER.

Don’t let heat exhaustion and dehydration stop you from enjoying your summer. These summer safety tips for seniors will help you get the most out of the season while staying cool, healthy, and active.

Sun Safety Tips for Seniors

Seniors are susceptible to overheating. As we age, our bodies produce less sweat, which is the body’s first defense against heat. Conditions such as cardiovascular disease and circulatory disorders reduce the body's ability to regulate temperature. Medication may also interfere with the body’s natural cooling mechanisms or make people more susceptible to sunburns.

Here’s how to reduce your risk of overheating or sunburns:

Sunscreen

Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen 20 minutes before going out. Reapply it every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating heavily.

Cover Up

Wear a wide-brimmed hat, a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants made from breathable materials. You can buy specialized UPF clothing that offers extra sun protection.

Wear UV-Blocking Sunglasses

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays increases the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Protect your eyes by wearing wrap-around sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. (Note: Polarized lenses reduce sun glare, but do not offer UV protection by themselves. Look for a “100% UV” yag on glasses).

Time Your Activities

The sun’s rays are at their most intense between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Beat the heat by scheduling activities or errands for the early morning or evening.

Recognize the Signs of Overheating

Learning to identify symptoms of overheating is important for everyone, but especially seniors, whose bodies may not regulate heat as well as they did in the past. The following are possible signs of heat exhaustion:

Sudden confusion
Dizziness
Fatigue
Nausea
Muscle cramps or weakness
Pale, clammy skin
Rapid pulse
Headaches

Left untreated, heat exhaustion can become heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency characterized by hot, red, and dry skin, disorientation, slurred speech, delirium, or a loss of consciousness. Call 911 immediately if someone exhibits these symptoms.

Cooling Tips

If you think you're starting to overheat, the following tips will help you cool down:

Move to a shaded or air-conditioned environment.
Loosen your clothing.
Apply cool, wet clothes to the skin.
Sip water or a sports drink.
Take a cool (not freezing) shower.
Chill a damp cloth and wrap it gently around your neck.

Hydration for Seniors

Staying hydrated in summer helps keep you cool while preventing symptoms of dehydration. Because older adults feel thirst less intensely, it’s important to proactively drink water throughout the day. Try the following senior summer wellness suggestions:

Schedule drinking times to ensure you get enough fluids.
Keep a water bottle with you at all times. A clear bottle with printed measurements helps you track how much you’ve drunk.
Infuse your water with fruits or vegetables to make it tasty and refreshing. Nothing will keep you as cool as a cucumber like, well…cool cucumber water.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, both of which contribute to dehydration.
Drink herbal teas, milk, or electrolyte drinks as well as water

Eat Your Fluids

Along with the heat, summer brings a huge assortment of delicious, water-based foods. Cold summer soups are also a great addition to your hydration regimen. Some of the most popular, water-rich foods include:

Cucumbers
Lettuce
Celery
Zucchini
Tomatoes
Watermelon
Cantalope
Strawberries
Oranges
Plums

Staying Social in Hot Weather

Staying social in hot weather helps seniors maintain connections and enjoy the company of friends: an essential part of mental wellness. When the heat becomes oppressive, consider swapping outdoor gatherings for indoor activities. If you do want to meet outside, arrange activities in the early morning or late evening.

Summer is the season for BBQ, but when the patio deck gets sizzling hot, potlucks featuring cold soups, salads, and sandwiches help beat the heat. Movie nights and trips to air-conditioned museums, theaters, and entertainment venues keep you active and social without risking overheating.

Know Thyself

Rule number one for senior summer safety: Listen to your body. Drink plenty of water all day. If you still feel like the heat is getting to you, take a break and head inside to an air-conditioned space. If you’ve already right-sized into one of Overture’s premier active adult communities, you can just grab a few buddies and cool off with a card game. If you haven’t taken the plunge yet, book a tour of the Overture property of your choice today.

Don’t forget to bring your water bottle!