Wednesday, February 20, 2013

TIPS FOR RETIREMENT
Key Associates
By: Allison Taylor
www.keyassociates.biz

As my parents and I have watched my grandparents address the challenges of aging, we have often discussed their own goals for retirement.  I'm lucky that my parents are very practical, and open to moving to an appropriate retirement living situation before it would become such a daunting task.  My maternal grandparents spent many of the summers of their retirement years working at summer camps.  They received free room and board at camps in exchange for my grandmother to teach tennis and my grandfather to teach rifelry.  I doubt that they received any sort of stipend, but they thoroughly enjoyed teaching the kids and the camaraderie of the camp setting.  It got them out of their retirement condo for a few months out of the year, and gave them some wonderful experiences.

Although my mom still has a few more years of full time work ahead, my dad is already embracing his retirement.  He bought an RV, and my parents enjoy travelling in it on my mom's breaks from teaching at our local college.  My dad also volunteers several days a week at our local food kitchen.  And, once a month, my dad and several of his friends enjoy an afternoon of "old man poker".  They've played together for over 30 years, and their games used to be at night when I was growing up.  Now, that they are retired, they have switched to a more respectable time of day.

Earlier this week I was speaking to an 88 year old lady who is legendary in our small town for the level of activity that she has maintained.  She still teaches water aerobics classes, and was telling me about the upcoming marathon that she is running.  Yes, that's right, at 88 years old, she's about to embark on her umpteenth 26.2 mile marathon run.

Here are some tips from About.com on how to have a happy retirement - 10 Tips for Happy Retirement Living.  Enjoy!


 

Friday, February 15, 2013

PRESIDENT'S DAY
Key Associates
By: Allison Taylor

President's Day was created primarily to honor George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and will be celebrated by many people on Monday with a day off of work or school.  I came across this article on decorating with an Abraham Lincoln theme, and thought it was a fun way to honor our former president.  Happy President's Day!    

Thursday, February 7, 2013


SENIOR BATHROOM DESIGN
Key Associates
By: Allison Taylor
 
At Key Associates, we offer several different services - stay at home support for both aging and special needs clients, move management, home staging, and interior design.  When we are assisting our senior clients, move management and interior design often overlap as we transition those clients into a safe and accommodating setting.  One of the most prevalent safety concerns with older adults resides in the bathroom:  slippery floors, seclusion, and close quarters can present many challenges.  Some great solutions for combating those challenges can include accessories such as grab bars, emergency call buttons, night lights, and non-slip flooring, as well as allowing for additional space for caregiver assistance.  Here's an article with lots of wonderful design details to increase the safety and accessibility in the bathroom of an older adult.