How to Relocate Your Parents to a 55+ Community

Old bonds and deep roots…

Are your parents still living in the family neighborhood where they brought you up? If so, they have deep roots there and strong bonds, which they have developed with friends, neighbors, business owners and professionals. Sometimes, over the years, neighborhoods change; from demographic or ethnic changes - to the very ageing of the homes, businesses and services in the area. After the nest has emptied, is the infrastructure in place there to offer your parent(s) a fulfilling day-to-day life? Perhaps it’s not. They may also be uncomfortable continuing to live in a family neighborhood once their own children have grown and gone.

The power of suggestion…

So, how do you broach the topic of your parent(s) relocating to a 55+ community? We’re all creatures of habit, and when one has lived in the same nest for decades, they may not relish the thought of having to sort through years of personal possessions and stuff when contemplating a move. You may find resistance for any number of given reasons when you suggest that your parent(s) consider such a move, but the real underlying cause may just be that they don’t want to have to deal with the details of preparing for move itself. Take heart, there are a growing number of companies who offer complete organizational services and they’ll take the fear of the unknown out of your parent(s) downsizing and relocation.

Seeing is believing…

You may also want to give your parent(s) the opportunity to see first-hand the various lifestyles available to them that adult communities have to offer, so it may be worth you organizing a trip to show them. Nowadays, many seniors relocate to an active lifestyle community that is within 600 miles of where the family was raised, so you won’t have far to travel. If you don’t like the idea of chauffeuring them around on an exploratory trip, you might consider organizing a ‘vacation getaway’ trip for them…

This is how you try before you buy…

A large number of builders are now offering ‘vacation getaway’ type programs, whereby you can visit their development and stay in very nice accommodations right on the premises while you sample the good life. Of course, they’ll put their best foot forward and typically offer you the usage of all of amenities as well as free or discounted golf (as available). During the visit, a developer’s representative will give your parent(s) the guided tour and the rep will do their best to showcase all that the active adult lifestyle has to offer. They’ll also show your parent(s) the model homes and available homesites, as well as any (available inventory) ‘spec’ homes.

 Your folks may still need convincing after such a visit, and the next logical step (if they’re not ready to jump right in) may be to consider a short-term (or long-term) rental. Savvy investors typically purchase properties within active lifestyle communities solely for the purpose of renting them out. You can find a selection of rentals by contacting a local Realtor who specializes in serving seniors; you can also find rentals advertised in the local newspapers, or you may also try contacting the homeowner’s association(s) of the community(ies) that are of interest to you.

Consider their current and future needs…

When you’re thinking of the right place for your parent(s) to relocate to, you will want to consider such things as the proximity of shops and services to the community. Does the community have a shuttle service, or are there local transportation services available?

If there are current medical needs with your parent(s), the proximity of doctor’s offices, pharmacies, hospital, and continuing care facilities is of course paramount. Even if your folks are currently in good health, you’ll all have peace of mind just knowing the facilities are in close proximity. In later years, if health declines, a transition to a nearby continuum of care or assisted living facility will then be an easy one.

But, for now, the good life awaits them at an active lifestyle community. The opportunity for new friends, activities, socializing (and, who knows, perhaps even romance!) awaits. The next step is up to you!! How will you identify the active lifestyle communities - check out our web site www.ActiveAdultLiving.com where we list over 4,450 communities!
 

Five Fabulous Functional Foods

We know we have to eat to live – food provides the building blocks to grow and repair our bodies, and we need food to produce energy to run vital processes. Beyond those basic needs, though, is the concept of “functional foods” – foods that might “provide benefits beyond basic nutrition” according to research and the International Food Information Council. What are some examples of these “functional foods” and what can they do for us?

• Blueberries – the color of blueberries are from pigments called anthocyanins; these may help reduce the incidence of cancer and stroke, and improve memory and learning.

• Walnuts – the Omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts have been found to reduce “bad” (LDL) cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. About 14 walnuts is a good serving size (at close to 200 calories per serving, it is an energy-dense food).

• Broccoli – we might all remember how George Bush declared he didn’t like broccoli, but perhaps he didn’t realize that the sulforophane in this veggie has anti-cancer properties that have been linked to the reduction of lung and stomach cancers.

• Legumes – this group includes kidney beans, lentils, green beans, soybeans, peanuts, and edamame (my favorite). Research indicates legumes have resistant starch which lowers blood sugar levels.

• Avocado – like guacamole? You’re in luck. The healthy monosaturated fats in this fruit (yup, it’s a fruit) help raise “good” HDL, and the avocado’s high level of potassium helps keep blood pressure in check.

So, there you have it – five fabulous functional foods that not only provide nutrition, but can actually improve our health.

Jan Cullinane, author of The New Retirement: The Ultimate Guide to the Rest of Your Life (Rodale), and The Single Woman’s Guide to Retirement (Wiley, June 2012).