How Long Can You Count On Social Security?

With Americans living longer and the number of retirees growing, the question remains – how long will Social Security last? 

So, you’ve worked your whole life and looked forward to the day you could retire in ease and comfort. Though our working days eventually come to an end, the need for income never does. For decades, social security has provided a much needed monetary cushion of support for those who can no longer work. Now, under extreme pressure and near exhaustion, the forecast predicts the beginning of the end for Social Security by the year 2033 – perhaps even sooner.

Program Meltdown 

Challenges to the funding of social security have long been evident, but with several recent changes including payroll tax deductions, cost of living adjustments and retirement age qualifications, the future of social security is extremely uncertain, at best.

Read the in-depth trustees report on Social Security

According to Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, pressure on social security funds has been mounting rapidly and without swift congressional action the life of the program will soon see it last days. Unlike Medicare, which will remain fully funded until 2024, social security will require some difficult trade-offs in order to sustain adequate funding. Swift and deliberate bipartisan movement is required or else the outcome will be dismal.

Rising Costs

With the cost of social security funding exceeding the GDP at exponential rates, vulnerable populations, particularly the poor and middle class, will see substantial hits to supplemental retirement income unless lawmakers begin acting now to put saving measures in place. With immediate attention, disruptive consequences for beneficiaries and taxpayers can be curtailed, giving people a chance to put other retirement income plans in place, and softening the blow of adverse impacts of a rapidly declining program.

Prepare Ye the Way

Preparation and strict financial planning is in order on the part of not only retirees, but those heading for retirement in the next 10 to 20 years. Waiting on stalling lawmakers, coupled with last minute efforts to plan for retirement income, could be catastrophic for those who have few or diminishing assets to live on in their golden years. Whether it’s through continued work, investments, savings, or other supplemental retirement income opportunities, now is the time to prepare for the future to ensure your retirement is adequately funded to sustain a healthy and comfortable senior life.

Tribute Homes specializes in building retirement communities for active adults 55+ throughout the Carolinas . For more information, visit us at www.tributehomesusa.com or contact us at 800.381.2984.

Growing Old Gracefully

It’s inevitable; we all have to grow up sometime. But, how well we do in how older years and how gracefully we mature all depends on our outlook in life. Can we accept the unstoppable aging process? Can we grow old gracefully, with joy and happiness found in the moment instead of lamenting over “the good old days”?

It’s All a Matter of Perspective

How you perceive your life in your adult years has a great effect on how gracefully you live it as you get older. Let’s face it; no one wants to get old. With a youth-obsessed society that idolizes being young, growing old gracefully can be a challenge, if not downright depressing. A mental shift in thinking is the only way you can find joy in the fact that you are no longer 40.

Who Said Life Stops Here?

For active adult seniors, living life to the fullest often begins after retirement. The satisfaction that comes from reaping the rewards of sowing a good life is just beginning. Many seniors find that during their retirement and golden years, having the freedom to pursue passions and enjoy life on their terms brings an enormous amount of contentment and peace which they never knew during their 9-5. Freedom is a big thing. And it’s the one thing that growing old gracefully provides.

Beauty in Wisdom

There is something to be said for passing along the acquired wisdom of life to those coming up behind you. Youth and vitality can be impressive and exciting, but wisdom lends a stability and direction to life for those who have journeyed into maturity. Take the time to invest in others to help them through life’s difficulties and you find much happiness in doing so.

The Spirit is Alive and Well

Although the old guy or gal ain’t what he or she used to be on the physical level, the spirit is still alive and raring to go. Learn to appreciate this season in your life by tending to your spiritual inclinations and possibilities, and focusing less on what your body can’t do.

Keep Fit

Since most aging baby boomers are highly active, physical activity is a must for growing old gracefully. Keeping fit increases vim and vigor, and with 60 being the new 40, life on the physical level may change, but it certainly doesn’t need to stop.

Get out there, enjoy your life and grow old gracefully. This may be your finest hour!

Tribute Homes specializes in building retirement homes for active adults 55 and over in and around Charlotte, NC and Charleston, SC. For more information, visit us at www.tributehomesusa.com or contact us at 800.381.2984.

Creative Retirement Ideas for Seniors

Great retirements don’t just happen; they are planned.

So, you’ve given up the 9-5. Now what? If sitting around in a rocking chair doing crossword puzzles and watching Wheel of Fortune sounds a bit boring and mundane, then consider these retirement ideas that will keep you active, fit and young at heart throughout your golden years.

Ageless Activity

For most baby-boomers and beyond, recreation is not only vital to a healthy body and a sound mind, it’s in their blood. With ever-increasing life spans, longevity is dependent upon activity, and nothing can be more rewarding than getting outside and enjoying nature’s beauty. Hiking, walking, jogging, biking, swimming, golfing and a host of other fun fitness endeavors stimulate the mental faculties and keep the body in a healthy place during the aging process.

Reinvent Yourself

For 55 folks, retirement is not a cease-all time, but a period in life where they actually invest themselves in those things that make them truly happy. Work was work, but in creative retirement work can now be fun; not a humdrum necessity. Second careers and pursuits of life-long dreams never fulfilled make for great solutions for creative retirement. Doing something you always wanted to do can be one of the most enriching and rewarding experiences you will ever know.  

Continuing Education

Adult learning centers aren’t thriving for no reason. And, seniors make up quite an impressive percentage of those in attendance. Just because you advance past the age of 55 doesn’t mean you know it all. Taking classes in things they never taught you in school is one of the most mentally stimulating activities an active senior can engage in. Classes and training in areas such as technology and computers are fast becoming the wave of the retirement future for many mature adults, especially those over the age of 65. Curiosity doesn’t retire just because you do.

Get Creative

Tap into the artist in you by exploring your creative passions and talents. Do you love writing? Are watercolors and pastels calling your name? Do you have the voice of an angel? Challenge yourself to pursue those deep desires within yourself and you may be surprised where they lead you. Many retirees have found their true calling in life after 55. That’s the nice thing about retirement; having the time to really live life the way you want to live it!

Tribute Homes specializes in building retirement communities for active adults 55 and over in North and South Carolina. For more information, visit us at www.tributehomesusa.com or contact us at 800.381.2984.

How to Fall-proof Your Retirement Home

Preventing life threatening and immobilizing falls is of utmost importance in the senior years. Therefore, fall-proofing your retirement home should be something all mature adults consider when preparing their place for those golden years. Here are a few tips for creating a safe, fall-proof living environment.

Bathroom Breaks

The place that poses the greatest threat to seniors when it comes to falling is the bathroom. Showers in particular present the greatest danger for the elderly, accounting for nearly twice as many serious falls as any other room in the house. To fall-proof the bathroom, consider installing grab bars in the shower and near the toilet seat, placing a shower chair in the tub, and using handheld showerheads.

Toilet seats themselves can also become a challenge for some seniors, as it becomes increasingly difficult to stoop and bend without losing their balance. To remedy this situation, replace the traditional toilet with one that stands higher, much like you find in hospitals and assisted living homes. You can also add a raised toilet seat on top of the traditional one.

Bathroom floors are another common problem area. Unless carpeted, which most are not, bathroom tiles easily become wet and slippery, creating an extremely hazardous area. Installing non-skid floor mats will often do the trick here.

Stairways and Steps

Stairways and or steps in general, also rank high on the list of danger zones for seniors when it comes to taking a fall. If you are building or buying a new retirement home, try avoiding split-levels and steps if at all possible. Single story homes are the safest floor plans for seniors, and entryways leading into the home should be built as closely to the ground as possible. Another option is adding ramps, and using handrails to grab onto should a fall occur.

General Living Spaces

For living rooms and dining rooms in particular, clutter is often most responsible for causing seniors to fall. Open floor plans that are modestly furnished create necessary ease of movement and mobility when it comes to getting around the house.

Flooring is another important source for falls. Carpeted rooms are best, but if wood floors are your desire, be sure to place non-slip throw rugs around for added safety. Avoid polishing and waxing which creates a slippery walking environment that is an open invitation for disaster.

Since having quick access to telephones in case of emergencies is critical, be sure to place phones all around the house in easy-to-reach areas that require. Cell phones are a great mobile device, but should not be entirely relied upon for various reasons. Personal emergency response systems also up the ante when it comes creating a safe environment.

Lighting can be another hindrance to safety for seniors. Make sure all areas of the home are well lit with easy access to switches. Remote controls are a great tool for turning lights on and off. This is especially important in the bedroom where nighttime bathroom trips may increase.

With some practical steps and preventative measures, your retirement home can offer years of safety and satisfaction, keeping you on your feet for years to come!

Tribute Homes specializes in building retirement communities for active adults 55+ Charlotte, NC and Charleston, SC. For more information, visit us at www.tributehomesusa.com or contact us at 800.381.2984.