Cantissimo Senior Living Blog

Retirement checklists abound across the internet. Most provide wisdom on planning for a secure financial future. Saving enough, choosing appropriate investments, and eliminating debt are common recommendations. However, there is more to retirement than pure pocketbook considerations. Listed below are some retirement planning ideas that most checklists don't mention.

Retirement is a time in life when people can finally enjoy all the fruits of their labor. It's a time for relaxation, comfort, and leisure. After spending decades in the professional field, you are now living a content life in retirement at home. You might be getting a pension, but it will not be as much as the salary you were drawing from your job. So you have to try and cut costs when you are retired. How can you make or save your money to cover living expenses during retirement? Well, we have got some practical tips for you.

As the days shorten and the weather cools, there are limited days to enjoy the great fall weather and beautiful sites before winter arrives. There are many fun ways to get outside and enjoy some fall activities on your own or with your family, and the fresh air is sure to boost your mood and help improve your sleep as well. Read on to discover our recommendations for the best reasons to get outside and enjoy the season!

Apple orchards, corn mazes, bonfires, and pumpkin carving... autumn is a lovely time of year full of fun and special activities. With all the enjoyment these fall-time activities bring, the season also presents its own set of risks and dangers to beware of and prepare for accordingly. Preparing for autumn is done every year, but it can seem to be a whole new experience each time. As a person ages, they may need to do more preparation than in their younger years, and it is important to remember each task.

If you are like many people, the idea of losing your independence is terrifying. As we grow older, it becomes difficult to do things that were once easy for us. It can be hard to accept these losses and know how to cope with them. With a little bit of forethought and preparation, however, it's possible to prevent some of these losses from happening in the first place.

We all know that movement is necessary to keep the body healthy, and it is not healthy to sit down for too much of the day. However, it can be difficult to tell how much sitting is too much. If possible, it is best to get up and walk around once every hour at least. Do tasks that require you to be standing or walking for fifteen or more minutes and begin your day with movement after resting all night. There are signs to watch for that can mean you are sitting too long or sitting down too much.

When it comes to preparing for retirement, most consumers have only a vague idea about planning for potential long-term care expenses. Yet, as noted in another Cantissimo Senior Living blog post, well over half of Americans 65 or older will eventually require some form of long-term care.

Depending on the level of care needed, annual costs can range from around $19,000 for adult day care to over $100,000 per year for a private room in a skilled nursing facility. Medicare will pay for limited transitional care after a hospital stay, and older adults who meet specific low-income requirements can qualify for Medicaid. However, for most people, some or all these costs will be paid for from sources like retirement savings, a reverse mortgage, or selling a primary residence. Another option is long-term care insurance (LTCI).

A common perception of senior living is that it is an irreversible step in one's life journey. However, many don't realize there are short-stay options available for various situations, including assisted living.

Assisted living is for people who need some help with daily activities but are otherwise independent. Housing is typically home-like, apartment-style units with private bathrooms and some kitchen amenities. Dining is generally communal, and social activities are available for residents.

"I am moving, and I need to downsize. Where can I sell or donate my old stuff?" This is a common question for people who are downsizing their homes. The process of downsizing a home can be overwhelming for anyone. The best way to do it is to take your time and plan ahead so that you don't make any mistakes or regret decisions later on. When downsizing, you will need to address what to do with all the "stuff" in your house - from clothes, books, furniture, kitchenware, collectibles, and everything else! If you have been looking on the internet, you might have found that there are many places where you can find help with your move.

Retirement often has the effect of separating us from the community we know or that we have spent a lifetime building. The community we once had may no longer be in our lives, for whatever reason. And, as we age, many people experience a lessening desire to get out and meet people. If this is something you've experienced, you're not alone. You're also not alone in the feelings of loneliness and the awkward feeling that comes along with the realization that you need to find some friends. This can be a difficult proposition for some.

With that said, retirement can also be a time when we finally begin to take on new roles that our careers and families previously pushed to the backburner. There are some really fun and easy ways to find community at any age. For many, retirement presents an opportunity to spend time how you have always wanted. If you're looking to make new friends and find new communities now that you are retired, consider the following ideas!