Blog Posts

Pet-Friendly Living: The Benefits of Companionship in Senior Years

Better cognitive function. Lowered blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Reduced feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Wow! Imagine a medicine that can positively impact multiple bodily systems at once. Now use that imagination to think outside the bottle, because this is one miracle drug you won’t find in the pharmacy.It’s more likely to be found cuddled in your lap. That’s right. This scientifically proven, tried and true, feel-good therapy is of the furry, four-legged kind. Pet parenting comes with some obvious benefits - like unconditional love and affection. And, of course, there is the cuteness factor. But for seniors, partnering with a pet can enhance overall health and wellbeing in a host of other ways as well. Stress Relief One of the major health benefits of pets for seniors is stress relief. Studies show that petting a dog decreases the stress hormone, cortisol. Lowering cortisol levels helps decrease blood pressure and overall stress. Sense of Purpose Caring for a pet can boost self-esteem and make seniors feel needed. Your pet’s walks and meals will also create a routine that will give each day a sense of purpose. Putting another living being’s needs ahead of your own can uplift the spirit. Social Interaction Dogs are people magnets. You and your dog will be a dynamic duo that will attract other dog owners and non-pet owners alike. Every stroll around the ‘hood can be a new opportunity to expand your social circle. If you are lucky enough to live in one of Overture’s pet friendly senior apartment communities, both you and your beloved furry friend will easily find your social footing. Exercise When your dog’s gotta go, it's gotta go. There is no better way to get you up and out multiple times a day, rain or shine, than walking your dog. Spending time walking with your favorite companion will enhance brain health, help with weight control, improve both cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. And you thought you were just taking the dog for a walk. Once you rightsize into the Overture pet friendly senior apartment community of your choice, the walks with your four- legged friend can lead you right to “Yappy Hour.” Doggy can enjoy a “Puppaccino,” while you mix and mingle with your human friends. Your Pet and Your Apartment It’s important to prepare your apartment living space for your pet’s arrival. Make sure to eliminate any access to toxic substances, including plants that may be harmful to animals. Keep any chewable temptations safely stowed out of reach. Breakable items need to be out of range of wagging tails. They don’t mean to knock things over. But if they can reach them, they will. Think about setting up a special space for your dog to safely chill out. Include a comfy bed, toys, food, water, and - if your pet is crate trained - their crate. Adopt a Pet If the time is right for you to commit to pet adoption, there are agencies ready to help. One such organization is The Pets for the Elderly (PFE). With participating shelters nationwide, PFE provides companionship to seniors through pet ownership. The only question left to answer is: Will you be rightsizing into an Overture active adult community with or without a furry friend? Either way, take your finger off the, um…paws button and arrange a tour today.

Winter Safety Tips for Seniors: Navigating Cold Weather with Ease

DeDeSleigh Bells ring, snow is glistening. But walking in a winter wonderland can be dangerous. Are you listening? That may not be exactly how the song goes, but you get the drift – the snow drift that is. Plummeting temperatures and hazardous weather conditions can be particularly challenging as we age. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold or one misstep on an icy sidewalk might mean a day in the ER – or worse. Check out these cold weather safety tips for older adults and make sure the only canes in your house this season are of the candy variety. Dress Appropriately We tend to lose body heat faster as we age. A big chill can turn into hypothermia before we even realize there is a problem. If you must go out into the cold: Dress in layers. Multiple layers can insulate you better than one thick layer. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests an inner layer of wool, silk, or polypropylene which will hold more body heat than cotton. Wear a hat and scarf. We lose body heat quickly when the head and neck are bare. If it’s snowy or sleeting, wear a waterproof coat or jacket. If your clothes get wet, or even damp, change them right away. Pay attention to your body. If you are feeling cold, head indoors to warm up. Non-Skid Shoes The first rule of winter safety: Those 4-inch stiletto heels – or whatever passes for heels these days – are off limits. If you are stepping out into nasty weather, only shoes with non-skid soles will do. Even with the proper foot attire, it’s still best to wait until walkways are cleared. A slip and fall can happen in an instant and lead to a host of dangerous injuries with possible life-altering complications. Keep the Inside Cozy Keep your heat to at least 68-70 degrees F. To save on heating costs, close the vents and the doors to rooms you are not using. Keep the blinds and curtains closed to help insulate windows and keep heat from escaping. If the heat is set at 70 degrees, you may want to throw on some winter socks and wrap them up in a blanket for extra warmth. Sleep with long underwear under your PJs and add a blanket to your covers. Space Heaters: Yes or No? Some space heaters can be a fire hazard. Others have been known to result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Before opting for a space heater, check out these directives from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Two of their main instructions: Keep any space heater at least 3 feet from curtains and bedding and never leave the device unattended. Avoid the Winter Blues in an Overture Active Adult Community There are plenty of winter safety tips to protect your physical health. But what about your mental health during the long winter months? Studies show isolation exacerbated by inclement weather can leave seniors lonely and depressed. Overture senior apartment living is the antidote to loneliness, exactly what the doctor ordered to cure the winter blues and blahs. Book a tour at the Overture senior apartment complex of your choice today. You’ll breeze through the winter enjoying a schedule packed with a multitude of indoor activities, classes, and unlimited opportunities to mix and mingle with new friends. It may be cold outside, but rest assured, once you decide to rightsize into an Overture community, the welcome is guaranteed to be enthusiastic - and warm

Understanding Medicare Open Enrollment: A Guide for Seniors

October 15 – December 7. Do those dates ring a bell? They probably don’t. But they should. Sure, if you are not a person of a certain age, those 8 weeks may have you thinking about the World Series, Halloween, Thanksgiving, or early Christmas shopping. But if you’re old enough to remember, well…Herman’s Hermits and an airport with no TSA, those dates have a very different and specific significance. It’s…wait for it… Medicare Open Enrollment season. No, there won’t be costumes or a parade, but there will be opportunities to make changes to your current healthcare coverage. So, not fun. But, definitely important. What is Medicare Open Enrollment? Medicare health and drug plans can change every year. These changes can include monthly premiums, deductibles, drug costs, and provider or pharmacy networks. Changes can also impact the list of covered drugs. A prescription drug plan that worked for you last year might have eliminated the drugs you need from their list or increased their out-of-pocket costs for the coming year. During Medicare Open Enrollment, between October 15 and December 7, you can opt out of your current coverage and enroll in different Medicare and prescription plans that are better suited to your needs. Understanding Medicare Plans It’s important to read the materials Medicare and your prescription plan send out so you can be aware of any impending modifications. Mailings like the Evidence of Coverage (EOC) and Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) will apprise you of any changes to your plan and give you a heads-up that you might need to consider a new path. That said, just because you can make changes doesn’t mean you have to. This period of open enrollment is for those whose plans or circumstances no longer accommodate their health - or their wallet. Medicare Basics Here are a few examples of what can happen during Medicare Open Enrollment: If you have (or are signing up for) Medicare Parts A or B, you can join or drop a Part D prescription drug plan. If you have original Medicare (Parts A & B), you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan. If you have Medicare Advantage, you can drop it and switch back to original Medicare (Parts A & B). If you have Medicare Advantage, you can switch to a new Medicare Advantage plan. If you have a Part D prescription drug plan, you can switch to a new Part D prescription drug plan. Help is Out There If all of this makes about as much sense as your grandkids’ math homework, fear not. Medicare’s website, https://www.medicare.gov/ is a comprehensive resource, designed to help you compare and contrast various plans and options. There is also a “Get Help” link to connect with a specialist by phone. Remember, Medicare’s Open Enrollment ends December 7. So now is the time to review your current plans and assess whether or not your coverage and your circumstances still align. Your kids may not know the first thing about Medicare. But your peers at Overture’s senior apartments are discussing the ins and outs of navigating senior healthcare as we speak. Book a tour today and join a supportive community that shares your cares and concerns about this unique chapter of life. At Overture we understand Medicare - and we care about you.

Celebrating Gratitude: Ways Seniors Can Foster a Thankful Spirit

“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” – Willie Nelson Sing it Willie. The power of gratitude and positive thinking cannot be overstated. A glass half full attitude can impact both physical and mental wellbeing. It can help you sleep better, decrease anxiety and depression, and even lower blood pressure. Conversely, if that glass always looks half empty, you are creating negativity that will keep you from living your best life. Studies show that an upbeat outlook on life can increase our ability to cope with whatever comes our way. This is not to say we need to don rose-colored glasses. We live in the real world and that means life can throw a curveball at any time. But an appreciation of the gifts we have – large and small - makes us stronger and more resilient when we need to be. “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” – Thornton Wilder Make a Note ‘Tis the season to take stock of all that we are grateful for. As you reflect on the wonderful gifts in your life, why not chronicle your feelings in a journal? Research suggests that those who keep gratitude journals experience fewer physical symptoms, feel more connected to others, and just generally have a better disposition and more optimistic view of life. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy Uplift Others The best way to express gratitude for our lives is to reach out to others in need. Maybe it’s a friend who is struggling at the moment. A family member may need a shoulder to lean on. Or maybe you feel connected to an organization that needs volunteers. There are so many ways to share your positive energy and spread joy. Gratitude is the gift that keeps on giving. Put it out there and it will come right back to you. Watch a friend or family member’s face light up when you tell him or her how much you appreciate them. You will make their day and their response will make yours. “Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty.” – Doris Day Don’t Leave Home Without Your Smile Gratitude takes on a whole new meaning as we age. In fact, as the clock seems to rev up, gratitude for seniors is all about celebrating every day. Make it your mission to keep your smile handy to transmit that message wherever you go. Complainers are people repellents. Smiles are magnets. They are also contagious. Bring yours to the party and see how happiness multiplies. Share Your Space If you are lucky enough to live in an Overture senior apartment , your home can be gratitude central. Invite friends for lunch or make it an evening soiree. Streamline the process by asking everybody to bring a dish. Make it an event focused on gratitude by asking everyone to take a turn expressing something they are thankful for. If you haven’t made the move to an Overture senior apartment yet, now is the time to book a tour. Once you are part of a caring, sharing community, you’ll have yet another reason to be grateful.

Senior Living in Georgia: Finding the Perfect Retirement Community

Mild climate, rich history, world-class golf courses, senior-friendly tax structure, and stunning surroundings. It’s easy to see why the late Ray Charles and Willie Nelson are joined by more and more fans of the Peach State every day. Based on the influx of retirees into Overture’s senior apartments, today’s seniors have Georgia on their minds. The View You’ve waited a long time for the gift of leisure time. Now that it’s yours to unwrap, imagine spending it in an environment of gorgeous mountains, cascading waterfalls, and peaceful seaside resorts. You’ll never run out of parks and wildlife preserves to explore. Senior living in Georgia is a nature lover’s dream come true. The Food Hiking the Appalachian trail can whet your appetite. No worries. From seafood to soul food Georgia’s culinary scene is a smorgasbord of diverse choices. The Art If it’s cultural pursuits you're after, look no further. Georgia is home to a wide assortment of museums, including Atlanta’s High Museum of Art, the leading museum in the southeastern United States. The Sports Atlanta is home to five major team sports. The Atlanta Braves, Hawks, Falcons, Dream, and Atlanta United. Whether you are a fan of baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, football, or soccer, Atlanta’s got a home team to root for. Senior Living in Atlanta Atlanta, Georgia’s crown jewel, is a cosmopolitan city that exudes New York sophistication without sacrificing its authentic Southern charm. Overture’s premier 55+ communities in Atlanta, Powers Ferry, and Buckhead South are perfectly located for easy access to this unique city and all it offers. Considered the gold standard for retirement life, Overture’s Atlanta communities are meticulously designed to support and enhance your overall experience. This is senior living in Georgia at its absolute finest. World Class Facilities Overture’s senior apartments are created for the active retirement lifestyle. You can expect resort-worthy grounds and amenities like Olympic swimming pools, state-of-the-art fitness centers, and dedicated spaces for group experiences like happy hours, cooking demos, and movie nights, Apartments Designed for You Overture’s senior apartments offer the best of form and function. Well-conceived floor plans and upscale kitchens and baths ensure a lifestyle of comfort and safety. Opportunities to Get Involved They say isolation is public enemy number one for seniors. Loneliness can negatively impact both physical and mental health, contributing to depression and dementia. Overture is the antidote to loneliness. Our philosophy for senior living can be summed up in two words: Socialization and involvement. Overture Puts the Active in Active Adult There are full daily schedules of classes and activities filled with opportunities to not only have fun but also to create meaningful relationships. Join a book club or walking group. Sign up for a group fitness class. Meet your neighbors at Happy Hour. Overture will provide the structure. You can participate as much or as little as suits your taste and lifestyle. No pressure. Just like-minded peers with whom to share your interests and enthusiasm. As you contemplate rightsizing, remember Scarlet, Atlanta’s most famous fictional resident. After all, said the notorious procrastinator, tomorrow is another day. For those who do not live at Tara, don’t let tomorrow be another day of waiting to begin your exciting new chapter. The time to book a tour at Overture’s Powers Ferry or Buckhead South is today.

Exploring Raleigh's Natural Beauty: Outdoor Activities for Seniors

Raleigh, North Carolina is perfectly situated. You’ll find it at the exact intersection of big city sophistication and small-town Southern charm. Raleigh also excels in math. Senior friendly tax policies, like state tax exempt social security income, add up to a great bang for senior bucks. Add in a vibrant cultural and culinary scene and you’ve got a recipe for retirement bliss. If that is not enough motivation to rightsize into one of Overture’s senior apartments in Raleigh, consider the splendor of the surroundings and the unlimited opportunities to enjoy them. With over 100 miles of manicured trails to explore, Raleigh is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Check out these outdoor activities for seniors in Raleigh and prepare to be inspired. Stop and Smell the Roses – Literally Raleigh is abloom with magical gardens to experience on a beautiful day. Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Gardens Complete with a life-size sculpture of Dr. King, and paved pathways for comfortable strolling, the Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Gardens feature roughly 2.5 acres of greenery and local blooms as well as a picnic shelter available to rent and a water monument memorializing the civil rights movement. JC Raulston Arboretum at NCSU Located on the North Carolina State University Campus, The JC Raulston Arboretum is a nationally acclaimed garden and home to one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants adapted for use in the Southeast. The public is welcome to meander or join one of the guided tours that run on Sundays between March and October. Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden Dedicated in 1951, the Raleigh Rose Garden is one of three accredited rose gardens in North Carolina and is listed on the city’s roster of Unique Venues. The grounds showcase 60 different varieties of roses surrounded by an arboretum of evergreen and deciduous trees. Admission is free and it’s worth a stop just to, well…smell the roses. Those Sneakers Were Made for Walking Raleigh is known for its network of hiking trails. Grab your most comfortable shoes – and your fitbit – and start accumulating those steps. Explore on your own, or with your Overture senior apartment walking club. Neuse River Greenway Trail With its 27.5 miles of paved trails, the Neuse River Greenway Trail is a study of diversity. From scenic views of the Neuse River, to winding boardwalks through wetlands, to historical sights, to interpretive signs and agricultural fields, this trail system can accommodate any hiking mood or goal. William B. Umstead State Park Just outside the city is another network of 8 different trails of specified difficulty. A day at William B. Umstead State Park can start with an invigorating walk and include lots of other outdoor adventures for seniors. Visitors can enjoy biking, boating and fishing on the park’s manmade lake, or just a leisurely picnic. Pullen Park Spend a relaxing day picnicking in Pullen Park. After lunch, you can rent a paddle boat, hit a few tennis balls or take in a local theater production. Tee it Up Test your mettle on one of the over a dozen public golf courses in Raleigh. Sip a Cold One in the Sunshine Nobody said all of Raleigh’s outdoor activities for seniors have to involve movement. Raleigh is known for its craft breweries, several of which offer outdoor seating for sipping. What better way to quench your thirst after your hike? Or you could just quench your thirst. Book a tour at Centennial or Crabtree, Overture’s premier 55+ communities in Raleigh. The unsurpassed natural beauty of North Carolina’s great outdoors awaits. Happy Trails!