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Five Tips for Selling “Really Active” Retirement Communities

aadmin — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:08:25 +0000

The best active retirement housing communities are those taking a holistic approach to their program offerings. They are adding new ones, eliminating those that have lost their steam. But, most importantly, they continue to be creative and listen.

After judging the MOMBA awards for www.retirementhomes.com, I saw first-hand the exceptional work being done by many to attract active retirees.

Maybe it’s time to take a look at your programs, or more importantly, your marketing philosophy to attract new residents. Here are five points you can use:

1. Continuing to focus on the Boomers’ generational DNA. It’s different than the generations that came before and those that follow it. The main characteristics are the desire for independence or autonomy. For Boomers, it means freedom; having choices. They say, “When I retire I want to do the things I want to do, and live the way I want to live.” They don’t take what comes; they want the very best that older age can offer.

2. Understanding personal and spiritual growth and the need for self-fulfillment. It’s what makes the Boomer generation so individualistic. Acknowledge their desire through your active retirement programs. For example, they may say they really want to work with disabled children. How can you connect them to local opportunities through agencies and health and human services organizations?

3. Saluting Boomers’ need for a life of balance. In a few words, helping them master their second act by balancing rest, relaxation and recreation. You might reach out to them to discuss and research programs that help them create equilibrium in their lives. Start with their thoughts. Lean on them for input. They will help you manage the opportunities especially when they believe in them and can see that their input counts.

4. Understand that Boomers are “information junkies.” That’s especially true with educated, affluent Boomers. They are on a perpetual “voyage to the interior” They relish the wonderful life of discovery. Peter Spiers, senior vice president of the nonprofit Road Scholars and a good friend, has highlighted the Boomer journey in his book, Master Class: Living Linger, Stronger and Happier.

5. Recognize their defining idea is freedom from the responsibilities and obligations of 40 years of work. So, you spell that out for them in specific ways. You find ways to portray your retirement location as creating more “freedom experiences.” You find ways to show them how their residency will result in new experiences and learning new things.

You show them your facility’s proximity to learning centers, back-to-college experiences and how your retirement housing stresses educational advancement. You foster an environment that stresses “cultural immersion” travel experiences allowing Boomers to learn holistically.

You form a Successful Aging Council of residents to help you think through ways to advance the idea of more freedom. You want to show residents and potential ones in this age group to learn how to do in retirement what they could not do during their working lives.

As a rule, the Boomer generation doesn’t take what comes – they want the best old age can offer. They will help you build a “more active” Active Retirement Housing Community. All you need to do is ask!

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6 Online Tips for Older Adults who Date Multiple Partners

aadmin — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:24:44 +0000

All across the USA and Canada, the digital world has opened up spectacular possibilities for online dating. Older men and women are actively dating more than one partner.

According to AARP, dating multiple partners can be a valuable pursuit, because it increases the odds of meeting the right person or just developing an expansive social circle. But the article warns that it's a gutsy move with certain risks.

Here are the 6 tips for older adults to meet lots of partners online.

1. Be selective.

Create a short list of essential qualities that you want. Hone in of people who are close to your age and possess similar interests. Pay close attention to the descriptions of the people you want to meet. The match should be near-perfect fit, or move on to another profile.

2.Pay attention to detail.

Older adults who are online multi-daters find it demanding to remember the specifics of a date's profile. Good notes will help during dates when it comes to sorting out names and faces.

3. Common Courtesy Counts

Listen carefully to the person on the date and be realistic. First dates usually cross off the other person on their list. Be aware that it's part of the dating dynamic.

4. Set limits.

In the e-universe of dating, older adults can simultaneously email, telephone and date three or four prospects. Most people find they burn out within a few weeks and need a break. When this happens, take down your online profile for a little R and R.

5. No bed-hopping.

Sex with multiple partners usually doesn't work. Wait until there is a possibility of a monogamous relationship. Casual sex can create problems for older adults who want a certain amount of reciprocal romantic investment.

6. Date Smart

At first, online prospects are so abundant that it's easy to overindulge. Teach yourself to maintain focus and set limits on profile surfing - half an hour per evening is a good starting point.

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Handgrip strength can asses longevity in active living seniors

aadmin — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:04:10 +0000

Active living seniors may find that as they age, their strength decreases. Now, a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal has revealed that handgrip strength is likely to determine the longevity of active living seniors.

The study surveyed 555 individuals from Leiden, The Netherlands. All participants were tested on their handgrip strength at the ages of 85 and 89 years old.

After collecting data, researchers discovered that those with the most strength in their hands were likely to live longer.

Dr.

Carolina Ling of the Leiden University Medical Center pointed to the importance of the recent findings. "The oldest old population has been underrepresented in previous studies. The objective of this study was to assess the association between muscular strength and mortality in the oldest old," she wrote in the journal.

This study's findings should encourage retirement living seniors to stay in shape and build muscle mass. In fact, individuals can begin an exercise regimen at any age.

According to FamilyEducaton.com, weightlifting can improve posture, prevent injuries and keep osteoporosis at bay.

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Returning to old hobbies a joy for some retirement living seniors

aadmin — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:04:10 +0000

While having a hobby is often fun and exciting, individuals are likely to find that parenting and attending to a career means having to put their passions on hold. Still, retirement living seniors may discover that they are able to enjoy beloved pastimes once again in their golden years.

According to the AARP Bulletin Today, one retirement living senior has reignited his passion for model trains.

Larry Stark, a 63-year-old retired construction supervisor, created one of the dozen miniature rail system that were recently on display for the public by the Model Railroads of Southern California online chat group.

"When you retire, wouldn't you like to do all those things you did when you were a kid?" he told the news source.

Stark, who grew up frequenting the local train hobby shop, put extraordinary details into his model. The tiny railroad system includes paint cracks and mini animals scurrying around the imaginary neighborhood he created.

And while Stark doesn't mention the cost of such a project, the news source reports that some train enthusiasts can spend up to $50,000 on their hobby.

Retirement living seniors should remember that having a regular pastime does not always require spending a lot of money. Activities such as running or even gardening can be accomplished at little to no cost.

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New advancements in colon cancer can help retirement living seniors

aadmin — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:04:10 +0000

As retirement living seniors get older, screening for certain cancers often becomes routine. And while colon cancer remains a serious threat to the health of the elder population, early detection can offer a better prognosis.

In recent years there have been further strides in the treatment of colon cancer that often prevent patiens from having to undergo chemotherapy treatments.

According to the journal Nature, a team of scientists at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has made great advancements with a powerful two-drug regimen.

"This combination can be given short term and periodically to provide a long-term effect, which would be a new approach to chemoprevention," said Xiangwei Wu, PhD associate professor in MD Anderson's Department of Head and Neck Surgery.

The researchers discovered that a drug medley of Vitamin A acetate (RAc) and TRAIL - which is short for tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand - has the ability to kill precancerous polyps and inhibit tumor growth.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer that is treated early has a 90 percent five-year survival rate. Retirement living seniors should consider these findings as motivation to be screened annually for certain diseases.

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New developments in rheumatoid arthritis may help retirement living seniors

aadmin — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:04:09 +0000

Rheumatoid arthritis remains a debilitating condition for many retirement living seniors. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1.3 million adults are affected by the autoimmune disease.

Now, a new medical advancement may offer some hope to individuals who are suffering from the illness. A study in a recent online edition of the journal Science reports researchers have treated key immune cells with a new drug that keeps important enzymes at bay.

"This is an unusual mechanism that could provide a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory diseases like Crohns disease," says Michael Dustin, PhD, the Irene Diamond Professor of Immunology and professor of pathology at NYU Langone Medical Center.

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by hyperactivity of the T cells that fight off diseases such as cancer.

It can eventually lead to bone deformity and joint erosion.

Retirement living seniors who are concerned about the effects of this disease should remember that advancements are being made every day toward a cure. However, seniors should make sure to visit their doctor at the first onset of symptoms, which include joint stiffness and pain.

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Active living senior military veterans prepare to compete in Golden Age Games

aadmin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:04:09 +0000

The National Veterans Golden Age Games (NVGAG) is set to take place this May 26-31 in Des Moines, Iowa. So far over 600 competitors have registered for the annual event.

Now in its 24th year, the event will showcase a variety of exciting sports. Games planned are swimming, bicycling and golf, while some of the more unique categories will be shuffleboard, dominos and table tennis.

According to the organization's website, NVGAG is the largest sports and recreation competition in the world for this specific age group of veterans.

The tournament aims "to serve as a showcase for the rehabilitation value that wellness and fitness provide in the lives of older Americans."

NVGAG is open to any military veteran over the age of 55 who receives health care at one of the Veteran Affairs medical facilities.

Active living seniors who are not military veterans may want to maintain a regular physical fitness program. According to LifeClinic.com, exercise can boost HDL (good) cholesterol, aid the circulatory system and lower blood pressure.

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Active living seniors to compete in spelling bee

aadmin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:04:09 +0000

Active living seniors who excelled at school during their youth may have the chance to prove their spelling skills in their golden years. The AARP has announced they are continuing their annual national spelling bee for senior citizens.

Open to any individual over the age of 50, the AARP National Spelling Bee is held every year at the Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

The first place winner will receive $500 as prize money while second place winner will be awarded $300 and the contestant who comes in third will receive $200.

The AARP website says that participants will "meet like-minded people" while they test their "orthographic skills against some of the best spellers in the nation."

The organization also recommends active living seniors who are interested in competing should brush up on their spelling skills. Individuals could accomplish this by playing challenging word games or completing crossword puzzles.

Seniors who are involved in the contest may also experience a positive effect on their mental health. According to AlzheimersPrevention.org, completing brain-building exercises such as crossword puzzles is likely to reduce their chances of developing Alzheimer's Disease by up to 70 percent.

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Seniors in assisted living facilities to indulge in new, healthy food

aadmin — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:04:09 +0000

Retirement living seniors looking to sample new, healthy food may want to clear their schedules.

The Ultimate Chef of America competition, sponsored by the Brookdale Senior Living communities, will be touring five U.S. cities. The event aims to bring awareness to those in assisted living facilities about healthy eating, according to SeniorJournal.com.

The event will begin in Dallas, Texas, this week and end in Jacksonville, Florida, add comma in November.

Seniors who live in Brookdale residences or are close to these locations are welcome to attend the event.

The main show will feature a cooking competition amongst chefs from Brookdale's dining services. There will also be educational programs on food and wine.

"Our chefs are masters at creating traditional, heart-healthy meals, and these competitions will stretch their creative talents further than ever," Joska J. W. Hajdu, senior vice president of dining services for Brookdale Senior Living, told the news outlet.

Brookdale Senior Living is a group of assisted living homes in the United States. According to the company's website, there are over 500,000 residents living in the company's 565 communities.

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