Benefits of Living in an Active Adult Community

You may have some misconceptions about living in an active adult or 55+ community, and we're here today to dispel those beliefs. The truth is, more and more recent and soon-to-be retirees are finding that living in an age-restricted, new home development is almost like going back to college. Active adult communities share many of the same characteristics with the college experience: a community of like-minded individuals entering a new stage in their life, a sense of energy and excitement about the possibilities, and a population with a lot of spare time on their hands for recreational activities. Tribute Homes is one of the largest new homebuilders in the Carolinas, and has a number of wonderful active adult communities throughout South Carolina. To help you better understand some of the benefits of living in an active adult community, we’ve put together a list of some of the top reasons you should.

Social Benefits

Perhaps the biggest benefits of living in an active adult community are social, namely the possibilities of making new friends. With most of the residents being in the same stage of life as you, you’ll find that you all have a lot in common. Active adult communities, such as the ones developed by Tribute Homes, often feature an amenities center or clubhouse as the residents call it. This provides a central location to mingle with neighbors and stay engaged with the community.

Emotional Benefits

Living in a community with neighbors going through the same stage of life can provide a lot of needed emotional support. You’re likely to find a neighbor or friend in the community who had to deal with similar issues as you, whether it’s related to health, finances, or adjusting to the new pace of life you’ll find comfort in sharing your experiences with people who have been there.

Designed Specifically For You

Tribute Homes creates each one of its active adult communities for a specific type of person. Whether you prefer golfing, lakeside living, or both, Tribute Homes’ active adult communities provides you with all the ingredients to enjoy yourself to the fullest. Additionally, all the community amenities and floor plans are hand selected to fit the needs of an active adult. It’s like living in a resort made just for you!

Safety and Security

All of our communities are designed for active adults ages 55 and over, which means you won’t have to worry about the neighbor’s kids throwing loud house parties. And since all of our new construction homes come with a 10-year structural warranty, you’ll sleep better knowing your home is safe and protected from structural and mechanical defects. Additionally, all of Tribute Homes’ communities are nearby major cities, so you’ll have quick access to some of the best health care facilities in the state.

Residents who move into active adult communities all do so for different reasons, but they all share one thing in common: a desire to continue living an active, healthy, and fun retirement lifestyle. To learn more about what makes living in Tribute Homes’ South Carolina active adult communities so great, visit us online at www.tributehomesusa.com or get in touch with us directly on the phone at 800-381-2984.

Starting a business later in life

With continued volatility in the stock market and uncertainties about job and retirement security, many baby boomers are finding that starting a business later in life is a rewarding way to generate income and stay active. In fact, a survey sponsored by Yahoo Small Business in 2005 found that 56 percent of prospective retirees wanted to own their own business—more than four times as many who reported not wanting to do anything at all!

Starting a business makes a lot of sense regardless of your previous background. In your earlier career, you've learned a lot about what it takes to run a business — you've seen what works, what doesn't  and have a pretty good idea of how you’d do things differently if you were in charge. Well, here’s your chance. Learn from your previous employers’ mistakes, and run your business like it ought to be.

Starting your own business is also a great way retire without really having to retire. Owning your own business not only has the potential to generate valuable income to bolster your post-retirement lifestyle, it also keeps you busy and engaged. Starting your own business also has other perks like the ability to set your own work schedule, which allows you to better balance your work and personal life. Think of your business venture as a hobby with a financial incentive.

A common misconception people have about starting a business is that it costs a lot of money. However, with the advances in technology today starting your own business doesn't have to be overly expensive. All you need to run a successful business today is a computer with an Internet connection, depending on the type of business you’re in. Additionally, you can run your business out of a home office to reduce overhead. Having a home office also allows you to write certain expenses associated with your business on your taxes, another financial benefit of being your own boss.

Keep in mind, however, that starting a business isn't for everyone. You'll need to assess your own financial situation and risk profile before deciding whether starting your own business is suitable for you.

If you’re looking for a new home to retire to, and perhaps start your own business, Tribute Homes has a number of affordable housing options geared towards active adults. With several communities throughout South Carolina, you’re sure to find a community to match your lifestyle and budget. For more information, visit us online at www.tributehomesusa.com or contact us directly by phone at 800-381-2984.

Nature's Nurture - Calming Effects of the Great Outdoors

Tribute Homes is one of the largest homebuilders in South Carolina. Specializing in retirement communities for active adults, we understand how important it is to get outside and enjoy nature.

Being outside on a nice day while soaking up the sunshine and breathing fresh air is a great way to reduce stress. As Americans, we often wear stress as a badge of honor, but it’s not healthy and you don’t have to live that way. The effects of stress can cause problems with your sleep, headaches, irritability, depression, and more; all of which can be avoided with a little more time spent outside.

Studies have shown that being outdoors is associated with a number of health benefits. Apart from any cardiovascular benefits of exercising outdoors, simply “being” outside is better for you than you think.

The main benefit of being outside has to do with your body’s exposure to natural sunlight. Sunlight contains important UV rays and does wonders for your psychological and physiological health. Natural light stimulates your body to produce serotonin, Vitamin D, and has even been shown to increase cognitive abilities. Try it for yourself: make an effort to spend more time outside and see how your mood improves. Chances are you’ll be surprised how good you feel with a regular dose of the great outdoors. Be careful though, too much exposure to UV light can cause problems later on, like skin cancer — so you should be careful to soak up all those wonderful UV rays in moderation.

Being outside also gives you a sense of connectedness and harmony with the earth. We often spend our lives living separate from nature, but this is only a recent trend. Balancing your life and experiencing more nature helps you focus more on what matters in life: living.

Activities like playing golf, going on nature walks, gardening, or relaxing by the lake are all great ways to enjoy nature with your family and friends, and living in a golf community or lakeside retirement community makes enjoying nature even easier. Tribute Homes offers a number of affordable housing options in its retirement communities throughout South Carolina. A number of our communities have amenities like golf courses and boating facilities to accommodate your active lifestyle.

For more information, visit us online at www.tributehomesusa.com or call us directly at 800-381-2984.

The Boomerang Effect - When Your College Kids Return Home

Now, more than ever, college students are moving back in with their parents after graduation in a phenomenon known as the Boomerang Effect. According to CBS News, over 6 million young adults currently live at home, largely due to a lack of jobs, student debt, and high costs of living.

While having your children return to live at home after college is a relatively new phenomenon in the United States, multigenerational households are much more prevalent in other societies throughout the world.

It can be enjoyable to spend time with your children after college; however, you should set some ground rules from the outset to make sure the arrangement goes as smoothly as possible.

Set Ground Rules Early When Your College Kid Returns Home
Shortly after your child returns home, you should sit down and discuss some ground rules. These ground rules can include things like whether you expect your child to pay rent, how long they can stay with you while they get on their feet, and “hours of operation” to make sure they don’t invite their friends “back to their place” late at night. You might even consider drafting a written contract that details your expectations from your child, so there is less confusion if problems arise later on.

Since a primary reason prompting your child to move back in with you is financial, it may be hard to expect rent money from your child right away. To help overcome this you can offer to let you child work off their rent by performing household chores and duties. This can be an excellent opportunity for you to get some much needed yard work complete, or simply have more time for yourself to relax.

Additionally, you should let them know that you expect them to look for a job and that the arrangement isn’t permanent; rather, it's an opportunity to let your child get off their feet. Requiring your child to look for a job is both good for you and your kid, as they need to work on becoming more independent.

While there is no single formula that works for every family, the best advice is to be supportive of your child — especially in the beginning. It probably isn’t an ideal arrangement for either of you, but with a little time your child will be able to find their respective place in the world and hopefully remember your generosity later on.

Finally, if you’re considering a new home once your child leaves, you should be mindful of the possibility of your child returning to live with you. Planning ahead and purchasing a home with an extra bedroom or two, depending on your needs, can help make the arrangement comfortable for both of you.

Tribute Homes has a number of floor plans available throughout its retirement communities in North Carolina that can accommodate you and your child. If you’d like to learn more about homes currently available in our communities, visit us online at www.tributehomesusa.com or contact us by phone at 800-381-2984.

Living the "Retired" Life in Charlotte

North Carolina ranks among the top states to retire in. In fact, North Carolina is expected to surpass Florida as the number one retirement destination in the coming years, according the National Active Retirement Association. If you’re looking to move somewhere different for your retirement, Charlotte, North Carolina should be at the top of your list. To help you understand just why living the retired life in Charlotte can be so great, we’ve put together list of reasons that should put Charlotte at the top of your list.

Entertainment
Charlotte has a little bit of everything to offer its residents in the way of entertainment. Whether you chose to spend a day at the Biltmore Estate, catch a NASCAR race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, or simply unwind and relax on one of Charlottes many golf courses and lakes, Charlotte is sure to fill your days with fun-filled activities for years to come.

Affordability
In addition to a plethora of entertainment options, Charlotte consistently ranks as one of the most affordable cities in the United States. According to a recent survey conducted by Forbes, Charlotte ranked 6th overall in the nation, and other surveys have Charlotte ranked even higher. Low property taxes, combined with affordable home prices means more money in your pocket to enjoy your retirement!

Climate
Charlotte has a humid subtropical climate, and offers four distinct seasons throughout the year. Winters aren’t as harsh as they are up north, and are generally pretty short. More importantly, the summers don’t get very hot in Charlotte and average a pleasant 80 degrees—perfect weather for golfing and boating! With such a pleasant climate, you’ll be able to enjoy outdoor activities throughout much of the year.

Location
One of the main draws to Charlotte is its proximity. Situated almost smack dab in the middle of the east coast, Charlotte makes it easy to visit friends and families in both the north and the south. Additionally, Charlotte is close to large international airports that make traveling a breeze.

Economy
Did you know that Charlotte is the second largest financial center in the United States, second only to New York? Notably, Bank of America chose Charlotte for its headquarters. Companies like Lowe’s, Family Dollar Stores, and Nucor are also headquartered in Charlotte. While work is probably the last thing you’re thinking of going into retirement, the vibrant economy in Charlotte helps keep the city maintained and stabilizes housing prices — making Charlotte an ideal place to invest in for the future.

There are many more reasons why so many people enjoy living the retired life in Charlotte, and we welcome you to come visit and find out for yourself. As the largest homebuilder in Charlotte, Tribute Homes offers a number of retirement communities throughout North Carolina. Whether you want to live in a golfing community or have a house on the lake, Tribute Homes has something for everyone.

To learn more, visit our website at www.tributehomesusa.com or contact us directly by phone at 800-381-2984.

Home Builder Confidence for 55+ Homes Increasing

In a recent National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 55+ survey, builder confidence in new 55+ single-family homes increased significantly in the second quarter of 2012. The survey results suggest buyers are returning to the 55+ housing market as home prices begin to improve, helping to unlock some of the pent-up demand from 55+ consumers.

The report analyzes where older households are located, characteristics of communities and the overall satisfaction with them, and the types of communities that the 55+ market prefers. The report also looks at recent 55+ movers, finding out why they moved and from where, as well as other key demographic information, such as household size, education, race, and income. Also covered is an inventory of new construction, including the dollar value, basic characteristics, motivations of the buyer or renter, comparisons to the previous home, and how new home purchases are financed.

That’s good news for boomers and retirees relocating to Charlotte. North Carolina real estate is experiencing a continued uptick in sales, and with Charlotte being a popular destination for active adult seniors, the demand continues to rise.

While many 55+ mature adults, like their parents, elect to “age in place,” but a large and growing number—more than 1.2 million —are relocating to communities, such as Charlotte, that are designed to meet the needs of mature, active adults. Even more interesting news is that residents in these communities registered the highest satisfaction rates.

Design, Looks and Location Important To Seniors

Within the community, design and looks were most important to 55+ single-family home buyers. Home and community location relative to work location are important for a growing number of 55+ households.

Proximity to work as the reason for choosing a community among 55+ movers into single-family detached homes jumped from 11% in 2001 to 17% in 2007. In addition, the percentage of 55+ households working from the home rose rapidly over the six-year period. The number of movers into other 55+ owner-occupied communities rose from 6% in 2001 to 13% in 2007. 

Charlotte is a Hot 55+ Market

All this good news proves one thing: Charlotte is a hot market for 55+ adults. Not that it hasn’t always been a desirable spot for retirees live out their golden years, but now it’s even more so. Demand for homes in Charlotte has increased steadily for seven months straight, and mature adults have a good share in that market.

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.   

"Un-retirement" Communities: The Latest in Active Adult Living

Home builders of retirement communities also known as active adult communities are on the rise. Developments of these “unretirement” housing communities are centered around big employment centers, such as Charlotte, North Carolina, the newest energy capital of the US. This upward trend of homes for active seniors, boomers and un-retirees are evidence of older Americans working longer.

Retirement? What’s That?

For the generation born between 1946 and 1964, the notion of retirement has changed. A 2011 survey conducted by AARP found that among non-retired boomers, 29 percent said they will work part-time during retirement for needed income, 23 percent will work part-time for enjoyment, 15 percent will start their own businesses and 7 percent will retire from their current jobs but work full-time doing something else.

The Ageless Group
They say 60 is the new 40 and boomers on the cusp of retirement are making a statement that to maturity doesn’t mean sedentary. Scores of retirees and baby boomers flocking to Charlotte have one main thing in common: active adult living. They are not interested in retiring; rather, they want communities that encourage and support the active lifestyles they have worked to enjoy.

A True “Un-retirement Community

At True Home we understand the needs of active seniors. Our communities throughout Charlotte, North Carolina of retirees all he conveniences of an active lifestyle combined with the design and layout elements every retiree wants to have. Club houses, golf courses, gyms walking trails and business centers offer working and active seniors all of the amenities necessary to live a full and active life among friends and neighbours.

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.

Ways to Save on Petcare

Pets are often a senior’s best friend. Considered no less than a part of the family, pets of all kinds have found their way into the heart of people everywhere. Just like children, pets need regular care and maintenance to remain healthy and fit. That care can be expensive, so knowing these ways to save can be helpful.

Order Meds and Supplies Online

Most pet owners know medications purchased directly from the vet come with a hefty price tag. Unless it's an emergency, request the prescription information and shop online at sites like 1800PetMeds.com. Products such as heartworm and flee medications and treatments can be snapped up for far less than what the vet offers.

Invest in Quality Food

Although a bit more costly upfront, at the end of the day, purchasing quality food for your pet will lead to significant savings on vet bills. Also consider buying larger quantities (15lb. bag of dog food versus a 5lb bag) which will save money in the long run. Pet stores such as Petco and Petsmart offers rewards cards and coupons for regular purchases.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance may seem a bit silly, but for carriers, not so much. $50.8 billion on their pets last year, up from $10.1 billion just four years earlier. Like health insurance for humans, a good pet insurance policy can offset huge amounts of financial liability should your beloved friend get injured or become ill. This is especially true as your pet ages. Visit www.healthypawspetinsurance.com to get more information.

Use Clinics

Vaccinations can get costly for pets if you have them done by the vet. There are many vaccination clinics that offer shots at a faction of the cost. These clinics are often open on the weekends, including Sundays.

Exercise Your Pet

Fitness, exercise and engagement with owners help sustain a balanced and stress-free lifestyle for pets, leading to longer and healthy lives. Pets need interaction with other animals to socialize and learn domesticated behaviors. Dog parks are a great way to socialize Sparky and also make a few friends of your own.

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 877.577.5560.

Fun Facts about Seniors

So, who is this booming senior, 55+ generation that everyone’s talking about? They are one of the biggest generational forces in the world today and they are not going anywhere fast. Here are some fun and interesting facts about those baby boomers and active senior adults.

1. Based on a total of 50,000,000 weekly Web users, nearly 13 percent of them are over 50.
2. By the year 2025, it’s estimated that 18.1 percent of the population will be seniors.
3. The projected number of people who will be 65 or older in the year 2050 is 86.7 million.
4. The projected percentage the 65+ senior population will increase between 2000 and 2050 is 147 percent. The U.S. population as a whole is expected to increase by only 49 percent during same period.
5. Most seniors are not heavy drinkers, but at the same time, 22 percent of seniors report drinking four or more drinks per week, compared to 11 percent for the general population.
6. 483 million is the current senior population of people age 65 and older in the world.
7. 974 million - The total worldwide senior population over 65 by 2030 is 974 millions, as projected by the Census Bureau.
8. The number of working seniors age 65 and older is 14 million.
9. 9.1 million - Estimated number of seniors age 65 and older who are military veterans.

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 877.577.5560.

Seniors: Don't Be a Cybercrime Victim

Cyber thieves typically prey on those less informed and unsuspecting. Seniors, with often limited knowledge of hacker activity and behavior are particularly vulnerable.

Along with the major advances and wonderful opportunities created by the Internet and Cyber-space also comes the danger of being a cybercrime victim. Hackers and thieves abound to take advantage of innocent people, using desktops, laptops and mobile devices to do their dirty work, and robbing victims of everything from fortunes to identities.

Clint Kirkwood, a 28-year veteran and retired commanding officer of the vice section of the narcotics division of the Detroit Police Department comments that “Despite a global recession, improved security and international crackdown efforts, cybercrime has thrived over the last decade, growing by double digits year after year.”

Even more chilling is the fact that the cost of identity theft alone has topped $37 billion. The Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 300,000 complaints in 2011, which included such crimes as identity theft, advance fee fraud and a host of work-from-home, leasing and loan intimidation scams. From copyright infringement to spamming, the impact is enormous.

A Digital Web of Lies

Knowing the threats you face online and the tools available to help protect you can help prevent you from becoming a cybercrime victim. Here are a few cyber-tips to keep in mind:

* Suspicious Emails and Attachments

Never open any unknown or suspicious email from sources you are not familiar with and never give out your personal information to anyone asking for it – no exceptions. If you are not familiar with the sender of the email, delete it and report it as spam. Email fraud, asking for money and donations, or claiming that you are some lucky winner, is extremely prevalent and happens at alarming rates. If you do not know the email source, delete the mail.

* Anti-virus Software

While this will not guarantee 100 percent protection, anti-virus software, such as Norton McAfee or AVG can definitely reduce your risk. Be sure that Wi-Fi connections are secure and private, and never do business with sensitive information in a public Internet arena where a secure connection is unavailable.

* Password Protection

Passwords should be changed frequently, given out only on rare occasions and kept in a safe and secret place. Be sure to create logins that are difficult to guess (combine numbers, letters and characters). Do not use the same ID/password in all websites. While keeping track of multiple logins and passwords may be an inconvenience, it’s a necessary protection against hackers.

Being a cybercrime victim can be prevented. Stay educated on Internet Technology and advances, and just like you were told by your parents when you were little, don’t ever talk to strangers!

Tribute Homes specializes in building retirement communities for active adults 55 and over in NC and SC. For more information, visit us at www.tributehomesusa.com or contact us at 877-577-5560.

Are Vitamin D and Calcium Linked to Longer Life?

Compelling evidence shows increased lifespan among those who take supplements.

Often known as bone-builders taken to prevent osteoporosis in aging folks, a recent study seems to reveal that taking regular doses of vitamin D and calcium has led to a 9 percent reduction in the mortality rate among seniors.

But some studies have exposed potential threats of the nutrients, including heart disease risk. However, the jury is out as to whether or not the supplements themselves actually caused the disease.

The study on the effects of vitamin D and calcium when taken together was a collaboration of worldwide researchers who reviewed various trials involving the nutrients to arrive at their conclusion. The trials looked at the effects of vitamin D when taken alone and in combination with Calcium.

Overall, the analysis revealed two things: 1. When taken alone, vitamin D does not seem to reduce the risk of death. 2. When vitamin D and calcium were taken together the risk of death reduced up to 9 percent. The data strongly suggests that the two may work better in tandem than solo.

Studies also infer that calcium and vitamin D are not ultimately threatening to life or health in seniors. Adequate vitamin D is a deterrent for a number of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. However, as with anything, too much of a good thing is not so good. Regular doses approved and monitored by your doctor is the best way to ensure you are getting the proper amounts of each.

There are many healthy foods out there that can often satisfy your body’s requirements for vitamin D and calcium. Egg yolks, fatty fish, tofu and leafy green vegetables are great sources of the nutrients. Before partaking of supplements, be sure to consider your current diet first.

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 877.577.5560.

Tips for Slowing Down the Aging Process

There is a lot of truth to age is just a number. While you can’t prevent adding another year to your age, you can slow down the aging process and maximize life with just a few simple changes.

Get Physical

Simple exercise routines can do wonders to sustain life and longevity. Daily walking, for example, not only improves cardiovascular and muscular fitness, it can also help counteract and postpone dementia. Research has shown that a brisk 45-minute walk at least three times per week can reduce the risk of dementia or Alzheimer's by 75 percent. Additionally, exercise aids in weight management and joint problems often brought on by obesity. Swimming, stationary cycling, yoga, tai-chi, chair aerobics, and dancing are other forms of exercise that add to better emotional and mental health in those senior years. Stay fit, stay young!

Get Mental

New mental health research now suggests that the brain can continue to grow when engaged in new and stimulating activities. Music, especially, is effective in growing new pathways in the brain, as are other activities such as learning a new language, doing cross-word puzzles, and participating in new hobbies that encourage brain growth and sharp-mindedness. Learning something new also reduces chances of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Get Social

Humans are made to be social, and for seniors it is especially important to remain in contact and community fellowship with others. Isolation can cause a rapid decline in health and those who remain connected will fare better far longer than those who do not. Make every opportunity to be social every day in some form or fashion. You could even start your own club!

Get the Right Diet

Eat your vegetables! Yep, mom and dad were right all along. Good foods include veggies, fruits, lean proteins, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Water, vitamin supplements, minerals and unsaturated fats can also keep your body well nourished and hydrated, warding off chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Find the diet that is right for you. However, if it’s pizza every night, you may want to think twice.

Get into a Great Active Adult Community

As a developer of resort-style homes in Charlotte, Tribute Homes recognizes that moving into an Active Adult Community is one of the best things seniors can do for their health. Such places foster an atmosphere of youthfulness with enormous social and fitness clubs and activities that are available on a daily basis. Active Adult living is high on the list for retirees, and those communities are built around promotinga healthy and long-lasting senior lifestyle.

Tribute Homes specializes in building communities for active adults 55+ in the Carolinas. For more information, visit us at www.tributehomesusa.com or contact us at 877-577-5560.

Senior Techies: A Booming Generation

As rumor has it, boomers, seniors and the elderly do not use, or embrace, technology like younger age groups. Interestingly enough, nothing could be further from the truth. Here are some enlightening statistical facts regarding a booming generation of senior techies:

Computer/Internet Use

1. Computer use among Americans 65 and older has doubled in the past 10 years, while Internet usage among that age group has more than tripled, according to the Pew Internet Project
2. Close to 30 percent of senior citizens shop online
3. Nearly 40 percent of people over the age of 74 bank online

Smart Phones

1. Americans from ages 55-64 are adopting smart-phones faster than any other age group

Social Media

1. 50-59 percent of younger boomers (45-55) use social media
2. 40-49 percent of older boomers (56-65) use social media
3. 10-19 percent of seniors (65+) engage in social media activities
4. 50-59 percent of older boomers (56-65) watch video online
5. 40-49% of seniors (65+) watch videos online

The boomer generation invented high-tech, and they aren’t shying away from their creation. Additionally, they own the majority of wealth and if you want their business – and respect, you better be technically savvy and online ready. They are expecting 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 877-577-5560.

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.

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.