Mexico As A Retirement Option

It was estimated in 2004 that 500, to 600,000 Americans have chosen to retire in Mexico. And that number is likely to increase (Kathleen Kirkwood, McClatchy News Service).

$1,000/month can provide a comfortable and attractive lifestyle south of the border since the cost of living is low.

Expatiates claim that there is plenty to do there and in nearby San Diego. They enjoy the culture, the mercados and the boulevards.

And in spite of travel warnings often due to narcotic-driven violence, many Americans feel as safe or safer than where they lived before in the States.

State Spending To Lure Retirees: Retirement Destinations

Ed Vogel of the Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Nevada spends practically nothing to lure retirees and he feels they're missing the boat. That's because seniors create jobs, spend a lot of money and are not a drag on government services (Applied Analysis in Las Vegas).

In addition, seniors offset unemployment because they bring in a steady income.

Now that housing costs have declined since the onset of the recession, states should be spending more, not less, to appeal to boomers and seniors.

Gay Retirement Communities Grow

The American Society on Aging reports that at least 21 gay and lesbian retirement communities are under construction in the United States. That's because "the number of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans over 65 will more than double in the next 25 years," according to Bob Moos, Knight Ridder News Service.

Since many in the gay community do not have children to call on for help, they have successfully created "families of choice."

Rainbow Vision, a 13-acre community of residences for active adults as well as assisted living suites in Santa Fe, New Mexico, provides a number of luxury services.

But more importantly, Rainbow Vision provides a place where homosexuals can be themselves among people who understand their common history.

For more on services and advocacy for GLBT elders, resort-style condos, lesbian and gay aging issues, and resources for older GLBT, visit 50somethinginfo.com

Minnie Mouse? No, Mini-House: Boomers And Seniors Downsize

As children are leaving the nest, parents give thought to downsizing.

Many are dispensing with clutter and monstrous utility bills and opting for smaller spaces.

Dianne Carlson, Community Service Directive at Area Agency in Aging, reported that as boomers age, they prefer smaller homes situated in urban vs. suburban areas. They look for open floor plans, single stories or master suites on the first level.

The Tiny House Company designs homes that are as little as 300 square feet, costing $100-200 square feet.

Tumbleweed Tiny House Company's tiny houses range from 65-140 square feet. The extra small one costs about $39,000. They are on wheels and do not require a building permit. Then the company also offers plans for homes of greater than 120 square feet which you can build yourself!

You, too, can join the new socioeconomic housing movement that reduces the world's carbon footprint. Emily Pilloton presents her "Top 5 Tiniest Prefab Homes." These homes are well built and versatile and they can even be plopped on a rooftop or squeezed between two urban dwellings.

For more on housing, visit 50somethinginfo.com.

Why Some People Move to Retirement Communities In Warmer Climates

You, too, can be eligible for retirement communities--providing you are at least 55.  Carol Fena suggests why you should consider moving into one:

1. Your neighbors:  Retirement communities have rules and restrictions that protect you from barking dogs, loud music, and unkempt property.

2. Home maintenance: In a retirement community you may not have to be concerned with the constant upkeep of your home nor do you need to worry if you leave it unattended for lengthy periods of time.

3. Climate:  Older people find colder weather a deterrent to going out.  Warmer climates make exercise and fitness easier.

4. Health: Not having to cope with traffic, getting cleaner air and water, and being closer to medical facilities increase the likelihood of more pleasant later years.

5. Family: Children worry less when parents are able to easily elicit help and assistance.  

6. Social life: The activities that they never had the time for are now abundant and welcoming. 

Finding Work: Boomers, Seniors and Retirees Search For Jobs by Networking

I was moments away from writing a fabulous article about boomers and seniors conducting their job search.  Then I visited BoomerLifestyle.com where author Anne Holmes presented such clear, easy-to-follow instructions on how to search for jobs that I threw in the towel.  

For instance, Ms. Holmes recited a story about a financially prudent (obsessive was more like it) man who penny-pinched his way to quite a nest egg only to have it disappear with the economic recession.  Yup, Ron invested only in stocks and we all know too well what happened to that once-lucrative arena.  

We learn on Holmes' blog which areas are likely to need workers.  

She comments on generational conflict (younger workers wanting positions older workers leave behind + older workers needing to stay in their positions longer).

However, according to this boomer mentor/coach, networking appears to be the principal key to success.  Not only traditional networking like we do at parties, work, or in conference rooms.  Social media networking (like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn) need to be tapped as well.  

Follow Ms. Holmes simple instructions and find my own job search info --to begin your search for the job that you've always wanted.  

Elderly Safer With Tech Gadgets

I'm still part of the old school who wonders whether this techy stuff is really good for civilization. There can be no doubt, however, that at least some peace of mind for long-distance caregivers can be delivered if these devices are used to keep an eye on mom and dad.   

Kim Komando, a journalist in our local paper, reviewed some of the latest safety gadgets to preserve and protect your parents independence.

Take web cams, for instance.  Buy matching models with panning and tilting features and hook up to Skype for inexpensive monitoring.  

You may want to opt for a security camera which provides viewing and/or email and text alerts.

  

Or a two-way intercom may fit your bill.  Consider senior-friendly cell phones, panic buttons or personal emergency response systems.  

Microsoft's HealthVault or Honey HomMed's Sentry Telehealth Monitor downloads vital health  statistics where they can be scrutinized before health related issues escalate. 

Think about  home security alternatives.  

Ms Komando further suggests complete systems such as eNeighbor, QuietCare and SimplyHome (all with monthly fees and usually supervised by professionals) for additional instruments  to ensure the well-being of your loved ones and peace of mind for you.  

Finally, check health insurance policies to determine if any of these expenses can be covered.  

Boomers Pack Audience For Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot

It was like Car-man going to Concours d'Elegance or Chef-man going on Top Chef.  

Hearing Harvard sociologist and much-acclaimed author Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot speak was like listening to the ultimate concert or a precisely-constructed poem for a "word person" like me.  

Take these phrases and let your mind go wild:

"Arc of life and learning"

"Looking back and giving forward"

"Futuristic and transformational"

"Deep gladness meets the world's great hunger"

"Their stories became their compass"

"Season in search of a purpose"

"10,000 baby boomers turn 60 every day." (S L-L)  The third chapter of life, between 50 and 75 years, is a period when we're neither young nor old, when we urgently need to get on with what we need to be.  

Top 10 Websites for 2009, Part 1

The volume of information on the Internet can be overwhelming.  I've reviewed thousands of web sites to find user-friendly and relevant resources for inclusion in my boomer search engine.

To compile my Top 10 list of trustworthy, informative and enjoyable sites for 2009, I've selected that sites that I've revisited many times.  I'm sure you, too, will find them invaluable this year.

1. Grandparents.com

Where it's "great to be grand"!  Grandparents.com is "the place for today's new generation of active, involved grandparents."

Find assorted age-appropriate and weather-appropriate "things to do" (even in dozens of cities), including suggestions that won't cost thrifty grandparents a dime.  Mix in travel, gift ideas (find the perfect toy), video, and food suggestions (you might be inspired to cook with your little darlings).  Take advantage of expert advice on family, education law, finance and health and get a peek into the psyche of celebrity grandparents.  You'll get a treasure trove of information.

2. Dynamic Living

Where else can you find photographed independent living aids displayed boldly and accurately? Protected by the Better Business Bureau of Connecticut, Dynamic Living consumers shop with confidence--either by use (moving around, sitting/standing, vision, communication, caregiving, memory) or by location (car, kitchen, bathroom).

I like this site for its clarity, simplicity, readability, references and responsiveness.

Two warnings:  See what other customers recommend but select well to avoid restocking charges.  Also, customer service operates Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. only.  

3. ElderLawAnswers

Get your age-driven legal questions answered here.

Elderlaw covers Medicaid, Medicare, nursing home rights, and estate planning.  Elderlaw 101 dumbs down additional topics, including veterans benefits, so you don't need to have a law degree to understand.  Find state-specific information and an attorney or listen to Elderlaw radio such as "Finding the Money to Age Well."

One Source That Helps With Housing Options

Seniors For Living does a fine job of providing useful definitions, tips, tools, and articles about different housing options for the aging.  

Here you can learn and differentiate: 

Assisted Living

Independent Living

Alzheimer's Care

Continuing Care

Retirement Living

Home Care

Should you conclude, however, that there are few housing options in your area, do not despair. Seniorsforliving appears to mention only a fraction of the actual numbers. Whether this is because the website owners have not yet accumulated the information or whether they promote only licensed facilities that advertise with them, I don't know. 

Be aware that certain websites appear to promote certain products and services at the expense of better ones.  Before making decisions as life-altering as housing, do your homework.    

 

Less of Mom to Love

Mom's in one of those retirement communities that provides 2 meals a day. Granted the portions are miniature but they are served appetizingly. They're not "what mama used to make" but they are healthy and balanced.

Not unlike many of us mom's not-so-secret stash of chocolates took the shape over the years of more generous thighs, middle, and behind and little could reverse the direction of this unwelcome expansion.

Now mom entered this new phase of life. She's more active than she's been in ages and appears much happier.

What the rest of the family didn't expect was that within a few months there has been "less of mom to love."

That's right. Without any effort mom is taking off weight and finding the urge to replenish her goody drawer less urgent. Her phone calls now include, "I wish I had kept my sewing machine" to "Can you find me a good seamstress or tailor" to "when can we go shopping?"

Who would have known that mom may become svelte again? Move over, Marilyn Monoe!!