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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

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Hiking has long been recognized as an ideal form of exercise for us as we get older. Getting out there and hitting the trail enables seniors to enjoy nature and revel in the scenery. It also packs plenty of health benefits, such as reducing the risk of falling and fracturing bones; lessening the chance of developing coronary heart disease, colon cancer, high blood pressure or diabetes; and improving muscle strength and stamina.

In terms of mental health, hiking helps stave off depression and anxiety by supporting an enhanced sense of well-being. Just bear in mind, that while there is no such thing as being “too old” to hike, they’re a few factors senior hikers should consider before stepping out.

Start Slowly: After clearing your new hobby with your doctor, make sure to take it slow. If you haven’t walked a lot recently, start taking daily strolls, making each one a little longer as you build up to your first hike. Stretch before embarking on your journey and begin with smaller trails before working your way up to something longer.

Your Trail: It’s vitally important to choose trails that feel right for you. Never feel pressured to exert yourself or go beyond your comfort level — you don’t need to try to keep up with your friends. If you’re planning on hiking with someone else, do some research first and choose a trail that is comfortable for both of you. Never feel bad about taking breaks. Listen to your body.

Watch the Skies: There’s nothing worse than getting caught in a rainstorm in the middle of a hike. Always check the weather before you leave home to avoid any unwelcome challenges. Also make sure to bring everything you need for the day. If the weather looks less than ideal, cancel the hike. Safety first!

Communication Is Key: If hiking alone, it’s always a good idea to tell a friend or family member where you’ve parked your car and what trail you’re taking. Be as specific as possible and include your estimated start and end times. If hiking with others, be sure to include all their contact information.

Be Prepared: Plan ahead by packing all the supplies you’ll need. These include such items as a hat, raincoat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent. Dressing in layers is also a good idea — when you’re hiking uphill, your body will heat up; walking downhill, it will likely cool a bit.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: This can’t be emphasized enough — pack more than enough water. Hydration is key for every type of exercise and hiking is no different. You don’t want to become dehydrated out there.

Group Therapy: Going on a solo hike is fine but heading out in a group can be safer. It also fosters camaraderie and nothing will beat that feeling when you and your friends all reach your destination.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Tips for Happy Hiking for Seniors appeared first on Other CMS.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Find the Manufactured Home Community That’s Best For You appeared first on Other CMS.

Personal Matters: There may be other personal matters you would like to put into place at this time. These can include securing a special place to visit with friends in the final months or particular requests regarding your funeral service. Again, now is the time to tackle these personal matters. Talk them over with family so that everyone knows your wishes.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Tips for Tackling Those End-of-Life Decisions appeared first on Other CMS.

As the tail end of the baby boom generation reaches retirement, Americans are putting more emphasis than ever before on access and mobility. From ADA-mandated elevators and ramps in public buildings to wider, automatic doors at the supermarket, the nation over the past three decades has substantially stepped up its efforts to serve its growing population of seniors with mobility challenges.

Those initiatives’ impact can be seen in the manufactured home industry, as leading design firms, builders and mobile home communities themselves have developed new strategies with an eye toward meeting the needs of this aging demographic. That said, there are also plenty of steps manufactured home owners can take to ensure their mobility and comfort for years to come.

Out in the Open: No matter whether they rely on a cane or a wheelchair, prospective buyers should consider units with open floor plans to eliminate as many mobility challenges as possible. While no two are identical, open floor plans often include bedrooms in separate areas of the home, thus eliminating or minimizing hallways. Also look for large bathrooms with ample wheelchair access to toilet, bath/shower, sink and linen; and unobstructed exit and passage doors with a width of at least 36 inches.

Low Rider: Typically a manufactured home is installed three feet above grade, necessitating steps at each entry and exit door. When a handicap ramp is used to displace the steps, it will — due to federal government regulations — take up a lot of space. The good news is that there are alternatives, including decreasing the height of your manufactured home. This will enable you to use a shorter ramp and potentially enhance your unit’s curb appeal.

Step Inside: There are also several basic improvements manufactured home owners can make to increase mobility and comfort. In the bathroom, for example, grab bars are an easy way to create stability around slippery surfaces. Also consider replacing traditional door knobs that turn with easier-to-grip lever handles. Keyless-entry smart locks make it easier for you to enter your unit while carrying groceries and other items.

Light Up the Night: Another way to enhance your in-home safety is to upgrade your lighting scheme. The first step is to update your old light bulbs with smart LED bulbs that burn both brighter and more efficiently. Also look into replacing traditional toggle switches with large, easy-to-grasp knobs or a digital dimmer switch.

Seat Upgrade: No one wants to think about it, but now might be the time to replace that favorite coach or recliner after many years of loyal service. A new power lift recliner, for example, has seat-raising options that make it easier for seniors to get in and out of it. Such chairs also offer a few health benefits, such as improved circulation and reduction in sleep apnea. A power lift recliner in addition reduces the potential for falls while trying to get out of that old chair.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Ways Seniors Can Maximize Their Mobility in Manufactured Homes appeared first on Other CMS.

Sunny Days Ahead: It’s hardly news to note that many people choose to retire in warmer clients — just look at Florida and Arizona. And it is true that wintry weather conditions present a greater challenge as people age, whether it involves undue exertion shoveling snow or the danger of slipping on an icy surface. There are, however, other factors to consider, such as the fact older cities in chillier climates are usually more vibrant and provide more services. Retirees will want to weigh these pros and cons carefully.

The Doctor Is In: Access to healthcare might not seem crucial early in retirement but that will change as the years pass. Indeed, the availability of good doctors, quality hospitals and decent, affordable assisted living facilities and nursing homes might well become deciding factors in your life. Investigate the services available in any potential retirement location.

Fun, Fun, Fun: Retirement provides abundant time to pursue personal passions, so check to see whether your potential destination supports the things that you like to do. Think about such amenities as art house movie theaters, farmers’ markets or a church of your denomination. And what about the activities you plan to participate in as you enjoy retirement? If you play a musical instrument, find out if there are bands or orchestras you can join and opportunities to perform; if you enjoy fine dining, check out the local restaurant scene.

Good Neighbor Policy: An engaging social life is one of the most important components of a happy retirement. If you prefer to socialize with other retirees, you may want to move to a 55+ active adult community or live in a city that has a larger senior population. If you prefer to socialize with people of various ages who have similar interests to yours, you can look into Meetup groups and read local publications to get a feel for what social opportunities are available.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post How to Select the Perfect Retirement Location appeared first on Other CMS.

Take to the Streets: Whether as a participant or one of the crowd, Memorial Day parades provide an excellent way to revel in the American spirit. These festive community gatherings come complete with marching bands playing patriotic music, floats covered in stars and stripes, and all kinds of Americana. Wave an American flag and cheer for the participating veterans, active service members and patriotic organizations. Many parades conclude with a moment of silence or a special memorial service to remind everyone of the true meaning of the day.

Visit the Fallen: Acknowledge Memorial Day’s original intention by placing flowers and flags on military graves. Many cemeteries have designated areas reserved for these American heroes and Veterans Administration National Cemeteries across the country will be offering special Memorial Day services. These include wreath-laying ceremonies, speeches, color guards, bands, choirs and more. To find the national cemetery nearest you, go to www.cem.va.gov.

Moment of Silence: At 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, join the millions of Americans that stop whatever they’re doing to observe a moment of silence. This poignant pause is the National Moment of Remembrance, which was established to reflect on the integrity, courage and sacrifices of those who have fought to preserve American freedoms.

Visiting Hours: While Memorial Day focuses on those who have died, it’s also a perfect time to honor the many veterans among us. Plan a visit to a veteran’s hospital to help these brave men and women feel appreciated. Spend time talking with them and thanking them for all that they have done. Have your children bring cookies, cards and small gifts to the veterans to help the youngsters understand the real meaning of the holiday.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post How to Mark Memorial Day in a Meaningful Way appeared first on Other CMS.

Happy Returns: Death and taxes are here to stay, right? Having tax-preparation skills and experience will enable you to find work completing clients’ returns each February through April. You can also take one of the tax prep courses needed to get hired on at the big-box tax firms.

Delivering the News: You probably haven’t thought of this one since you were a kid, but people still get paid to throw newspapers. The best part of the job is using your own car and getting done early so you have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy being retired.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Tips to Make Money in Retirement appeared first on Other CMS.