Lifestyle

I remember the moment of panic when, 5 years ago, I realized that I had just had my wallet stolen. I was standing outside a store in Milan, admiring a particularly nice pair of shoes in the window, when a young man bumped into me. He held up his hands apologetically and smiled. As he disappeared into the crowd, realization dawned on me and I started to panic. Read More

Imagine a senior living option that takes care of everything. Picture living in a safe, serene and social environment in which your every need, from luxury accommodation to health care, is taken care of. Imagine never having to move again, no matter what happens to your health. These are just a few of the many promises of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Read More

If you are looking for the best gifts for grandma, I have some surprising news. While travel opportunities, unique experiences, handmade items and spa treatments are all hits with women over 50, one item is requested more than any other – gift certificates.

Yes, you heard that right! Gift certificates. Read More

Wow! Choosing an assisted living facility is tough! This was one of the many thoughts that ran through my head as I spoke with one of the women in our community about her experience in finding a senior living facility for her 85-year-old mom.

Sarah (not her real name), explained that she had recently had to move her mother out of her first assisted living community due to some problems with the staff. While not abusive, in her opinion, the staff were neglectful, unfriendly and uninterested in the needs of the residents. Read More

When it comes to making the transition to retirement, I’ve been luckier than most. I was able to work as a freelancer to supplement my income, while I worked on building my own business. I live in the same country as my son and his wife. Perhaps most importantly, I have – touch wood! – managed to avoid any serious illnesses. Read More

There are tons of articles out there to help you pick a senior living community. Does the world really need one more? Yes! The reason that I say this is that most of the senior living content out there focuses on the easy questions – what is included, the different kinds of facilities and the services that they provide. Read More

For most of our lives, we don’t spend a lot of time thinking about assisted living and nursing home facilities. In our 30s, 40s and even 50s, the people closest to us are, generally speaking, in good health.

The idea that we might, ourselves, need to move to an assisted living community is an even more distant possibility. We simply can’t imagine a time when our mobility, strength, balance or health have declined to the point that we need help with our day-to-day tasks. Read More

When you ask most people what they fear about getting older, they usually mention Alzheimer’s, a lack of financial stability or losing someone close to them.

These are all important issues, but, after talking with the women in our community, I am convinced that one of the most significant challenges that we face as older women is finding meaning in our lives. Read More

Few milestones in life are harder than deciding whether nursing home care makes sense for a loved one. Unfortunately, as women in our 60s and 70s, many of us will face this decision in the next few years. Whether we have to move one of our parents into a nursing home or are concerned about the health and safety of an older sibling, finding the best possible facility is critically important. Read More

In more ways than one, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) are the “Rolls Royce” of senior living options.

Beyond the usual luxury retirement home benefits, like gourmet meals and spas, they are also equipped to provide health care services. Depending on the contract that you choose, these health services may be included… or they may be charged for on an “as needed” basis. Read More