Wednesday, 13 March 2013
The Ins and Outs of Reverse Mortgages
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
Importance of Staying Active During Retirement
There are a number of studies that have found that physical activity helps reduce your risk of cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, and dementia of any type. Maintaining healthy cognitive functioning is essential to living an independent lifestyle in your later years, and the good news is you don’t have to run a marathon to qualify as staying active. Simply going on an evening walk with your spouse, playing golf, tennis, or swimming all help keep your brain healthy as you get older. Even if you think you are years away from having to worry about cognitive problems, it is often said than an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Getting yourself into healthy habits will make it easier to stay active as you get older, and it’s never too soon (or too late) to start.
A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that physical activity reduces the risk of subsequent depression for older adults. In addition to increasing your life expectancy, physical activity also helps you live happier. When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins, which are a chemical associated with happiness and an overall sense of well-being. In addition to making you feel better on the inside, staying active also gives you more opportunities to stay engaged with friends and family. Golf outings, tennis matches, and water aerobics are all great ways you can stay active while having fun. Which leads us to our last point….
To help you stay active during retirement, Tribute Homes has developed a number of active adult communities in South Carolina with tons of amenities to make sure you’ll always have something to do. Some of these amenities include recreational facilities, golf courses, pristine lakes for boating and fishing, and more. To learn more about Tribute Homes’ offerings, visit us online at www.tributehomesusa.com or call us directly by phone at 800-381-2984.Wednesday, 11 July 2012
5 Great Exercises for Staying Limber
Swimming
Long known for not only it’s refreshing effects, swimming offers great advantages to those who may be suffering from arthritis or other forms of diseases that have brought on stiffening of the limbs. Swimming is a great cardiovascular workout and uses many different muscles, joints and ligaments, strengthening and limbering up stiff areas of the body. Breast stroke, back stroke or doggy-paddle your way to a healthy limber body!
Walking
Walking is not only a pleasurable experience it is one of the most desired of all activities for remaining fit and limber. Depending on the pace and severity of the walk and trail, this activity can burn some serious calories all while enhancing endurance and strength. Be sure to take along some water to rehydrate, especially during the hot summer days when you will lose a great deal of water during your walking workout.
Yoga
Yoga has fast become a popular fitness activity, and for many reasons. Posturing, breathing techniques, stretching and meditation all combine to make it one of the most physically stimulating exercises leading immense flexibility and limberness for those who engage in it. Additionally, yoga is a form of relaxation that brings great peace and tranquility to the soul, warding off sickness and fighting depression.
Golfing
Golf enthusiasts know firsthand the wonderful benefits of a good game on the green. From social stimulation, to quiet time alone, golfing offers you an opportunity to walk and move about at your own pace for as long as you desire. The fact that you are outdoors is another physical benefit to the game.
Strength Training
One thing that seniors face as they get older is the loss of muscle mass. A great way to prevent that from happening is to develop a mild daily or weekly routine of strength training. Whether you decide to use free weights or a machine, the results will be a more limber body, reduced muscle loss and toning. Be sure to begin with light, easy weights and give your body a day’s rest in between workouts. Focusing on certain sections of the body at one time works well as you can schedule your upper body one day and then your lower body the next.
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.
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Growing Old Gracefully
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.
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Tips for Retirees: Choosing an Active Adult Living Community
carefree living for active adults and retirees, Tribute Homes’ resort-style houses are located in areas that cater to active adult living. Below, you will find a list we put together of some important things to consider when choosing an active adult living community.
Choice and Convenience
Since active adults prefer to live in communities that offer a variety of things to do, finding an area rich in entertainment, culture and outdoor activities, such as golfing and trail-walking, is a good place to start. Location and convenience are also important to consider when researching different active adult living communities. Neighborhood developments in close proximity to shopping centers, public transportation, banks, freeways, parks, golf courses, recreation centers, and the like, are highly desirable for active, carefree senior living. While convenient location for everyday affairs of life is superb, being close to family and friends is also something to be considered. If you’re a grandparent that loves spending time with your grandchildren and is closely tied to family, living too far away should not be your first choice. Studies show that retirees and seniors who maintain close family relationships suffer far less from loneliness and depression.
Safety First
Surveys show that 54 percent of active adults and retirees ranging from 62-75 years of age state the top reason they elect to live in active adult communities is the feeling of safety and being close to others. In situations where an emergency arises, having a close-knit community adds both safety and protection.
Other safety factors to consider are controlled access and guarded entries, as well as property structures, grounds and maintenance. Most homes built in active adult living communities are well-manicured and maintained in order to comply with HOA rules and regulations. Due diligence on the neighborhood watches and requirements always comes in handy.
The Ideal Home is a Tribute Home
Tribute Homes suggests that the main feature any active adult living home should have is a first floor master bedroom. View our floorplans. Railings, low-step and no-step entrances, wheelchair access and security features all make for safe, hazard-free environments that prevent accidents and add comfort to the home.
Amenities
Clubhouses, fitness rooms, social centers and parks are amenities nearly every active adult retiree desires. Community and connections are important to seniors so activity centers of any kind are important like golf courses and swimming pools, bar-b-que areas and equestrian centers. The more activity, the better!
Tribute Homes builds resort-style retirement homes for active adults age 55+. For more information, visit our website at www.tributehomesusa.com or give us a call at (800) 381-2984.
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Tribute Homes’ Healthy Heart Tips for Seniors
Exercise
Cardio exercise is one of the best things you can do to remain healthy and your heart will thank you for it. Activities such as walking, jogging and swimming are ideal ways to strengthen the heart muscle and increase endurance. Cardiovascular workouts also help with weight management by raising metabolism and increasing circulation which can deter weight gain and painful circulatory issues in the future.
Eat Healthy
We know it’s all been said before, but diet and nutrition play a vital role in the health of your heart. That said again, seek out healthy foods that compliment your body and lifestyle. Drink a good amount of water and choose diets rich in fiber. Caffeine, sugar, salt and junk food should be kept to a minimum with fruits, vegetables, fish and lean meats making up most of your diet.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking isn’t just bad for the lungs it’s also a major contributor of arteriosclerosis and heart disease and should be avoided at all costs. Smoke diminishes and reduces the amount of oxygen in your body, reducing activity levels and leaving you with an increased risk for heart problems.
Relax and De-stress
Stress can lead to a host of physical problems including the sudden onset of a stroke or heart attack. It is critically important as seniors to find positive ways to deal with and eliminate stressful situations and allow your body to relax and enjoy what it was made for – healthy living! Yoga, meditation, listening to nature sounds and soothing music have powerfully calming effects that are great for relieving stress and tension.
Go Light on the Alcohol
Drinking small amounts of alcohol can be beneficial for the heart, but too much of a good thing is not so good for seniors. One drink per day for women and up to two per day for men is sufficient. More than that can lead to an increased risk for heart disease. Another common ailment in seniors is the tendency toward dehydration and because alcohol is a diuretic that causes the release of vital body water, moderate intake is highly recommended.
Here’s to your heart’s health!
Tribute Homes builds 55+ communities for active senior adults in North and South Carolina. For more information, visit our website at www.tributehomesusa.com or give us a call at (800) 381-2984.
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Tips for Retirees: Lowering Your Taxes
One of the great things about Tribute Homes in North and South Carolina is the tax benefits that come from moving to, or living in, the sister states. In addition to some great state tax incentives, however, there are other important deductions that can help lower taxes, such as:
Medical and Dental Treatments
Healthcare costs and medical bills make up the largest expense for retirees. The good news is much of your medical care costs are deductible. That can include insurance premiums (including Medicare and Long-term), prescription medications, and nursing home and assisted living care centres. Although medical expenses are deductible only when they exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI), for most seniors that limit is often attainable.
Retirement Plan Contributions
Being retired does not mean you can’t make tax-deductible contributions to retirement plans. You can still lower taxes by contributing to a traditional IRA, Roth IRA or 401(k), deducting the amounts from your retirement income. If you own a business, as many retirees do, you can establish SEP-IRAs, Simple IRAs, Keogh plans and solo 401(k) plans that allow higher contribution limits for those 55 and over.
Investments
One of the best ways to earn money when you retire is by way of interest, dividends and capital gains from investments. Unlike employment or business income, dividends and capital gains are not subject to social security or Medicare taxes, and they are limited to a 15 percent maximum tax rate. Additionally, most fees associated with a variety of investment and accounting services may also be counted as deductions.
Business Expenses
Many retirees continue to run their own businesses and find it a great way to lower taxes. All business expenses incurred may be deducted, along with the cost of any equipment used for business purposes, whether at home or in an office.
Charitable Donations
Retirees love giving back to their communities, and their charitable contributions make great itemized deductions that can help lower taxes. Cash donations of up to 50% of the AGI can be annually deducted, and property donations, although with a few more limitations, can really add up to some great tax write-offs.
Tribute Homes builds retirement communities for active senior living in and around Charlotte NC and Charleston, SC. For more information on our new retirement homes call us at 800-381-2984 or visit us at www.tributehomesusa.com
Thursday, 26 April 2012
A Volunteer’s Guide for Active Adults
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Science Says Pet Ownership Increases Health and Happiness in Seniors
Just the simple act of holding or petting your beloved animal can eliminate symptoms of depression and fatigue, which are often tied to loneliness and lack of companionship. Having a warm, loving pet-friend is nature’s way of bringing that vital resource of love we all need to feel valuable and alive.
Health Benefits
Seniors with health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lethargy and a decrease in physical activity have experienced tremendous relief by owning a pet. Walking a dog, grooming, feeding, and all around caring for a pet, leaves seniors with a sense of purpose and significance. These powerful stimulators have enormous effects on the heart and circulation, leading to an increase in activity and positive thinking.
Pet Matching
There are a number of organizations that specialize in matching pets with seniors. The key to a successful match is in knowing what type of animal best fits your lifestyle. For those more prone to walking and physical exercise, there is no beating a canine companion. Seniors who prefer more of an indoor pet that requires less attention but offers immense love, a feline friend just may be in order.
Whatever your choice pet turns out to be, you will be provided with happiness and friendship for years to come, reaping many great health rewards along the way!
Tribute Homes builds resort-style retirement homes for active adult seniors. For more information on active senior living and active retirement communities, contact us at 800-381-2984.
It’s an Active Kind of Life
Living an active and vital lifestyle once you retire does not have to be a chore. Nor should it be. After all, retirement is leisure. It’s doing what comes easily in the way of satisfaction and fulfillment, minus the 9-5.
On the flip side of that leisure coin, however, lays the challenge of remaining active in your senior years. With that daily routine of toil now gone, that can be a bit more difficult than many retirees bargained for and they often fall into a sedentary lifestyle rather quickly.
Truth be told, retirement and senior living can be active and invigorating just by following a few simple guidelines:
● Retire from toil, not fun! - Retirement is the time to enjoy and pursue those things you did not have the chance to get around to before. It’s the season to self-indulge; doing what makes you truly happy. Find something you always wanted to do and do it.
● Stay social - Being socially connected with others is critically important to your mental and physical well being, especially during your senior years. Clubs, co-ops, musicals, support groups, concerts in the park are fantastic ways to meet new friends, find new interests and cultivate vital relationships.
● Exercise - Physical and mental exercise are equally important for an active and healthy senior life. Walking, meditation, swimming, card games and crossword puzzles are great ways to keep the mind sharp and attentive, and all have proven beneficial to enhancing short-term memory.
● Diet and nutrition - One of the most important active living tips for retirees involves diet and nutrition. Healthy living requires healthy eating. Depending on your own personal health, smaller, more frequent meals, more water (try some mint or lemon for flavor), and fiber-rich foods are a great start to any good eating plan.
● Invest in others - Volunteering your time and talents to those who need it is one of the most satisfying experiences retirees often speak of. Sharing knowledge and wisdom – leaving a legacy – is a remarkable way to remain active during those years of retirement.
● Community activities - Especially important for those living in senior housing are the community activities. Social get-togethers, live entertainment, exercise classes, etc. make for lively and active senior living community. When considering a retirement living community, be sure to look for one that fosters an active lifestyle by offering an assortment of social and physical activities.
For more information on Active Senior Living
Visit : www.tributehomesusa.com/active_living
Monday, 9 April 2012
Featured Home of the Week: Edgewater – Montcrest $ 252,900
- 3 BR/3BA
- 2,686 sq. ft.
- 2 Car Garage with Full Driveway
- Lake Front Boat Docking Lot
- 9' First Floor Ceilings
- Luxury Master
- Butler's Pantry
- Second Level Guest Suite
- Master Sitting Room
- Great Room Fireplace
- Lanai
- Stainless Steel Appliance Package
- Granite Countertops (kitchen and baths)
- 36" Kitchen Cabinets
- Hardwood Flooring (kitchen and foyer)
- Ceramic Tile Bath Flooring
A stunning resort-style community resting on the beautiful shores of 3,300-acre Fishing Creek Lake, the Tribute Homes exclusive 55+ retirement home offers seniors a rich lifestyle of activities at an unprecedented value. The sparkling community is equipped with an 18-hole golf course and features such amazing amenities as:
- Social Center
- Golf Clubhouse
- Lakeside Park
- Miles of Walking Trails
- Lake Club
- Water Park
- Equestrian Program
- Tennis and Athletic Club
- Boat Club
- Public Marina
Tribute Homes builds in three Edgewater neighborhoods, The Cottages, The Reserves and The Links, with prices ranging from the $100’s to the mid $200s.
Retirement in the Carolina’s never looked finer!
For more information on Active Living Retirement Homes by Tribute Homes,
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Sun, Sand, Shopping and Sports – Makes the Carolinas a Perfect Home
Whether it is North or South Carolina, when it comes to exploring the outdoors you’ll have plenty of choices. The Blue Ridge Appalachian Mountains are famous for their breathtaking vistas and stunning hiking trails. And just a few hours away are the pristine waters and white sands of Myrtle Beach inviting you to roll up your pantlegs and splash in the waves. You can also visit the Riverbanks zoo, South Carolina State museum, the NASCAR Hall of Fame or catch a game be it the Carolina Panthers or the Charlotte Bobcats.
Charlotte offers some great water sport options including Lake Norman which is home to a yacht club or Lake Wylie, along the Catawba River which is ringed with small towns and the Carowinds Amusement Park, while Fishing Creek Reservoir provides public access for great fishing, boating and incredible bird watching.
The Carolinas are not just about beautiful beaches and sports they offer tremendous historical activities as well. You’ll want to experience the storied past of the
The Carolinas in Charleston with Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, Fort Jackson and Ed Venture Children's Museum.For the shopping enthusiasts, the Carolinas are a haven. From flea markets, antique shops to stylish malls housing the best international brands, The Carolinas are great for a heavy dose of retail therapy. So all you need to do is put on your most comfortable shoes and shop till you drop. Finally, end your day with a stage show with your family at Carowinds Amusement Park or just relax at a nice fine dining restaurant in uptown Charlotte!
All these incredible places are just a couple of hours from the active adult retirement communities by Tribute Homes. Tribute Homes are distinguished by their beautiful designs, unprecedented value, market-leading affordability and low-maintenance living.
They have carefully selected locations and neighbourhoods that foster community, affordability and security.With all these incredible adventures to explore, it won’t take long before you fall in love with the Carolinas too!
Visit : http://www.tributehomesusa.com
Friday, 13 January 2012
Retirement Years: Live Life to the Fullest
Gardening and walking are another couple of easiest and the most effective activities. Senior adults, who are inclined towards social service, can always volunteer for a social cause, thus getting immense mental satisfaction. More and more senior citizens are becoming net savvy as well, thus connecting with the world, while some are getting out and having a time of their life, doing activities like paragliding .
Active living is significant for a lot of reasons, the first and foremost being health and fitness. Mental health too is fostered by an active lifestyle. Active senior living also leads to better stress management and reduction of risk factors leading to heart disease. With these activities, you are always pacing ahead with a lot of vigour and vitality .
Most importantly you are able to bid adieu to sleepless nights too! If all this is not enough, these activities lead you to meeting people which is the best experience you can have and socializing has proved to greatly improve physical and mental well-being. Seniors looking for community involvement and a continuing sense of self, active lifestyle community options are ideal. Tribute Homes is one of the prominent new home builders which have retirement communities in North and South Carolina, replete with facilities like golf course, fishing creek, walking trails, equestrian program and many more. In a nutshell, active living for seniors is inevitable as it fosters a sense of fulfilment and self esteem in senior adults.

