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.

Travel Tips for Seniors — You're Never Too Old to Explore and Discover

Living in Overture communities frees you from the constraints of home ownership and maintenance, so your time is more your own than it’s ever been. Life after 55 can be an exciting journey, both figuratively and literally! That bucket list of destinations is just waiting to be checked off.

Hey, if not now, when?

Your next trip requires your usual curiosity and enthusiasm, but you’ll also need to pack the wisdom that comes with experience. The seasoned traveler safely and happily celebrates the wonders of the world by acknowledging personal limitations, taking a few precautions, and following some basic travel tips for seniors

Before You Leave:

Inform Loved Ones About Your Travels

Make sure your loved ones know your plans. Provide them with the best way to contact you, your travel itinerary, and where you’ll be staying. This information comes in handy in case of an emergency.

One thing you don't have to worry about in 55+ communities? Arranging for someone to house-sit and handle maintenance while you’re away. Active adult communities offer a “lock-and-leave” lifestyle, making travel much easier — whether you like to plan every detail of a trip in advance or drop everything to take advantage of airline seat sales.

Call Your Bank or Credit Card Company

Inform your bank that you’ll be traveling and that purchases on your selected dates will reflect that. It’s no fun having a card declined for suspicious activity when you’re paying for dinner or while you’re shopping – even if it is in your best security interest.

Call Your Cell Provider

If you are planning to leave the country, arrange for international cell service before you leave. Your cell phone is a valuable safety feature when traveling and an excellent information resource.

Your phone makes travel easier in other ways. Airline apps allow you to check in up to 24 hours before your flight and use convenient digital boarding passes.

Get Insurance.

Everyone benefits from some form of traveler’s insurance. Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance give you peace of mind if life interferes with your ability to take a prepaid trip. It is also important to be covered for accidents, injuries, and other possible issues that can occur while on vacation.

Pack Like a Pro

Protect Your Identity

Never pack essential documents like your driver’s license and passport in checked luggage. If your bags get lost, your dream vacation could become a nightmare. Only take the documents you need, and use your phone to make digital copies of travel documents. In addition make paper copies, and either pack them in your carry-on or store them safely at home, where a loved one can find them if necessary.

Pack Familiar Items

If practical and possible, pack a few items from your everyday life. Your usual blankets, pillows, and clothes can make new environments feel homey and more comfortable.

Bring Entertainment

Whether enjoying the view from the back seat or relaxing on a flight, it’s easy to stay entertained. Download movies, games, and books onto a tablet or phone, and your entertainment supplies will take up much less space.

Mind Your Meds

Active adults need to take as much care with their medications as they do with their money and passports. If you’re flying, don’t pack meds in checked luggage and avoid stowing them overhead where they will be inaccessible during the flight. Instead, pack them in your personal item.

If you're driving, keep medication in the car cabin instead of the trunk. Always make sure you have enough of each medicine to last an extra day or two in case you get stranded by any delays.

Keep prescription medications in their original containers and include all medical information and documentation. It’s not a bad idea to keep a list of medications on your phone or in your carry-on, including essential meds and their dosages, so you can replace them if necessary. If you take the brand-name meds, write down the generic name too. Better yet, try to find the medication's name in your destination's language.

Easy on the Bling

Unfortunately, older travelers can become prime targets for thieves looking for an easy mark. Avoid the flashy jewelry and expensive cameras that can make you stand out as a target.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Your trip should be about the thrill of the sights, not the agony of your feet. Pack your most comfortable footwear and enjoy the sights at your own pace. Stick to flats to maintain balance and reduce the risk of a trip-ending fall or sprained ankle.

Once You Get There

Stick to Your Schedule

Although it’s fun to step out of your comfort zone, it’s best to keep up with your daily routine as much as you can even while exploring new locations. Plan to eat, rest, and relax around the same time you typically do. This reduces travel stress and helps you stay on your medication schedule.

Don’t Advertise Your Absence

Avoid hanging the “clean my room” sign outside your hotel room door. This is an open invitation to anyone who might want to take advantage of your absence and separate you from your belongings. Thieves know travelers leave important documents and valuables in their rooms. Instead of advertising that you’re out, call the front desk and ask them to send housekeeping.

Watch What You Eat

Experiencing the food of different cultures can be fun and exciting, but a moment of fun can lead to a night of misery. Pay attention to what you are eating. If in doubt, don’t. Different types of food can interact with different medications, so speak to a doctor, physician, or dietitian about what you should avoid while you’re expanding your taste buds.

Keep Others in the Loop

If you’re traveling solo, AARP recommends sharing your daily itinerary with your innkeeper or hotel concierge. Tell them where you’re going and when you expect to be back, and always keep your cell phone handy.

Know Your Limits

The most important travel tip is to know yourself and your limits. Participate as much as you can, but respect your body and be kind to it. Your experience is not about those few things you might have missed. It’s about all the wonderful memories of the things you did.

Active adult communities are popular with travelers. It’s comforting to know you can just lock and leave your home without worrying about house sitters, security, or maintenance. Arrange a tour of one of our Overture communities today and discover the freedom to travel after 55!

Bon voyage!