Are you looking to bring some positive change into your life? Then getting a pet is one of the best decisions you can make. Once you are retired, you will have time and energy to take care of a pet. In return, you will get unconditional love and affection. With all these reasons to get a pet when you retire, you will see why many other retirees have decided to become pet owners.
1.      Having a pet means never being alone
One of the perks of having a pet is never being alone. With a new pet in your life, you’ll always have someone by your side. Pets give us the emotional support we need when we feel alone. Because of this, pets can help you stay emotionally healthy. Pets give unconditional love to their owners when they take good care of them. When you stop going into the office, you may feel lonelier as you don’t see as many people every day. But a pet can change this and help you feel loved every day.
2.       You’ll have enough time for a pet when you retire
​All pets require a lot of work and attention. You may have delayed getting a pet because you didn’t have enough time for them when you were employed. However, now that you are retired, you have all the time in the world to commit to being a good pet owner. You will have enough time to help your pet get used to the new surroundings. With more free time as a retiree, you may even be able to teach your pet a lot of tricks. That can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your pet. They'll appreciate having an owner who genuinely cares about them. 

3. It’s easier to socialize when you have a pet
Pet owners can socialize much easier than people without any pets. And when you retire, you’ll have more than enough time to meet new people. Socializing is one of the most important things a person needs to do when they retire. Taking your dog to the park is the perfect opportunity to discuss with other dog owners. When you have a pet by your side, you will appear friendlier to other people. You will be easier to approach as well, as someone can just ask you questions about your dog if they want to start a conversation with you.
4. You can exercise more with a pet
When you retire, getting as much exercise as when you are working can be difficult. But these are the years when exercise is crucial for your overall health and wellbeing. Getting a pet can be a great solution to this problem. All pets need daily physical activity, especially cats and dogs. As a pet owner, you’ll ensure they get the daily exercise. As a result, you’ll be more motivated to exercise. And by taking your dog or cat for a walk, you’ll also exercise a bit. So, if you want to stay healthy and fit, this is another one of the great reasons to get a pet when you retire. 

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5. A pet can help you get through difficult times
Unfortunately, some changes and life events can be damaging and difficult to deal with. But having a pet by your side can make these times more manageable. They will support you emotionally through everything you are going through. For those significant life changes, such as having your kids leave your home or downsizing to a smaller house, your pet will stay there to help you get through it. Moving to another place at this age can be even more difficult than for younger people. That’s why it’s essential to stay organized and have someone you can count on, such as your pet. When you move as a senior, a good plan is key, especially regarding packing. Before making big life decisions, plan them thoroughly and have someone there to support you.
6.  Pets will keep you entertained
Aside from their emotional support, having a pet has numerous other benefits. One of these reasons is that they are an endless source of entertainment. Just simply playing with them can make your day more fun. Your pet type will determine the activities you can do together. Reptiles may not be as affectionate as dogs, but they can be fun to play with and take care of. Birds can be fun pets as they can mimic humans. It all depends on your preferences and the kind of lifestyle you choose to have. 

7.   They will help you stay in a routine
That is another reason why retirement is the perfect time to get a pet. When you stop working, it’s easy to forget about your routine. You may find it challenging to get up simultaneously every day. And it may not be so easy to organize your day and fill it with activities. But with a pet, this will be no problem. You can organize your time around the commitments you have towards them. For example, getting up will be less of a problem when you know you have to give breakfast to your pet. And you’ll be more motivated to make a healthy meal to start the day. A pet is one of the best ways to motivate you to keep up with a healthy routine.
To sum up, the reasons to get a pet when you retire
​From emotional support to helping you stay in a routine, there are many reasons to get a pet when you retire. With so many different lifestyles and health benefits, it’s easy to see why many retirees choose to get a pet. Once you get your pet, you will notice a positive change in your life. And now that you have all this free time, you’ll become the best pet owner you can be. 

​Arizona
Arizona is a warm-weather state with a sizable senior population that gives retirees a chance to enjoy the great outdoors at a relatively low cost of living. The state also includes several 55+ communities that provide retirees with various activities and amenities. It is also home to beautiful national parks and monuments like Mount Rushmore. In addition, Arizona offers a lot of top-notch golf courses, making it a fantastic option for retirees who like the sport. One thing you should consider is essential home security tips for seniors that will make your life easier. 

South Dakota
South Dakota is an excellent option for seniors seeking a more laid-back lifestyle thanks to its low taxes, low cost of living, and wide open areas. In addition, the state offers a variety of outdoor adventures, including hiking, fishing, and hunting. It is a fantastic option for retirees searching for a close-knit community because it contains a lot of small towns with a strong feeling of community. So if you're an extrovert seeking new friendships and adventures, South Dakota might be the best US state to retire in for you!

Wyoming
​Wyoming, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, allows retirees to take advantage of the great outdoors while also enjoying a relatively low cost of living. In addition, Wyoming offers several tax benefits for retirees, including one for anyone over 62. This state has breathtaking scenery, including the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Wyoming also has a low cost of living and no state income tax.

As people get older, they often choose to stay in their homes. Even if it means feeling a little lonely at times, it is, after all, familiar and comfortable. It is home. However, as they age and their movement and response time diminish, minor safety issues around the house might become more serious. As a result, a few small but essential home security tips for seniors can go a long way toward making a home a safe and comfortable place to live for seniors. Also, while each senior has unique problems and concerns, there are universal safeguards that everyone can take. And those are the things that we will discuss in this article. Therefore, keep reading to see how you can make your home or your loved one’s home a safer place for the elderly.

Prevent falling around the house.
Falls may happen to anybody, not just the elderly, and in any household. However, when elderly adults fall, they are more likely to get fractures and injuries. In addition, it is more likely for them to be alone when it happens. As a result, the first step in making a house safe for the elderly is to remove potential fall risks.

​First, you must identify areas where slips are possible. For instance, if you have throw rugs, they are an unanticipated hazard. They may provide some cushioning during a fall, but they're unstable, so tripping on the rug's edge might result in a fall. But, you can address this risk without compromising aesthetics. You can just tape the throw rugs to the floor or carpet. In addition, pay extra attention to thresholds and stairways. They are particularly susceptible places for falls. Install sturdy handrails and add textured no-slip strips or safety steps with treads.

When it comes to bathroom safety, make sure restrooms are accessible and safe by installing grab bars in bathtubs, showers, and next to toilets. Also, consider changing your classic bathtub or shower to a walk-in type. It is far more convenient and much safer. In addition, you can also set thermostat limits to minimize overheating or unexpected burns. And to reduce slippage risks, use rubber mats over other materials.

Pay extra attention in the bathroom and kitchen.
Hard surfaces and water are two things that both bathrooms and kitchens have in common. And if we already talked about what can be done in the bathroom to make it safer, we still have to talk about the kitchen.

There is always some danger, no matter what precautions we take, but a few simple but essential home security tips for seniors can significantly lessen the likelihood of harm. For instance, nonslip or textured surfaces on floors prevent them from becoming slick when wet. Also, if the elderly are in a wheelchair, install controls within reach as much as possible. The elderly shouldn’t have to reach across hot burners to adjust the temperature. In addition, make the necessary modifications to the cabinets. They should be accessible without the need for a step stool. Install pull-out shelves in lower cabinets so they are comfortable to reach and there is no need for bending.

Remove fire hazards
In the event of a fire, an older person may not be able to respond as quickly or move as rapidly as is required to get out of the home. As a result, installing warning devices to reduce the danger of fire is essential. The first line of defense is a network of smoke detectors strategically placed in the kitchen, bedrooms, and near appliances. For these, you should replace the batteries twice a year and get them checked just as often. In addition, check all the home appliances regularly and consider having an electrician come over to check all the outlets, power supplies, and electrical cords. Checking all the light sources is also a good idea, just as installing additional ones if necessary. Over the sink, in chopping areas, near worktables, and in the laundry area are just some ideas.

Improve senior home security with a surveillance system.
Investing in a smart home security system can make a house safer and brings additional benefits for an older person. It allows residents to simply control lights and door locks and ensures that everything is locked and switched off without the need to move. Doorbell cameras can connect to smartphones and enable seniors to check to see who is at the door before opening it. You can also have a voice-activated assistant installed in case of an emergency. That way, dialing the number of police, ambulance, or a family member is much easier if the phone is out of reach. Raise security by adding windows and outdoor cameras with motion sensors so that the elderly can feel safe from possible break-ins.

At the same time, you should consult with different security companies to choose the security system that fits your needs. Also, with security experts working for you, you will have permanent maintenance and monitoring. They will be there for you in the fastest time possible by only pressing a button. Or, if they have specific instructions, they can alert family members of the emergency.

Prepare a list of emergency numbers.
Many of us now keep all of our phone numbers on our phones, making it difficult to recall them in an emergency. Furthermore, details can fly out of your mind when you are under stress or in danger. Not to mention that the elderly can become forgetful and have difficulty searching through a phonebook or finding a misplaced phone. As a result, posting a list of important phone numbers in a visible location is essential. It should contain the numbers of family members, friends, or neighbors that can call in an emergency. Also, don’t forget to add the health care provider’s office number, poison control number, and the essential 911.

Final words
Many older folks find it more comfortable to age at home than in an assisted living center. However, once they make that decision, it makes sense to take the required precautions to make the house as secure and pleasant as possible before the need arises. As a result, using these essential home security tips for seniors can allow the elderly to remain safely in their homes.

It can be challenging to leave a house full of memories. As a result, you must think of ways to make the transition easier to bear. However, things can get a bit more complicated when it comes to making the transition for the elderly. Fortunately, helping your elderly parents move house can be a smooth experience if you follow some easy steps. So if you need to help your parents downsize, move to an assisted living community, or your home, here are some tips to help you plan better.

1. Make decisions together
When the time comes to relocate, talk with your parents about all the alternatives available. Find out what they think about care and stand-alone houses, as well as moving in with you. Make them part of the process and outline all the steps with them. Ensure they understand each step and are ready to take it. After all, they must first want to relocate and have the time to do so. 

When all of you agree that moving is the best option, you can begin planning the details. For instance, start looking for neighborhoods for the elderly together. Your  parents need to live in a community where they can integrate, feel safe, and stay active. Also, they need to have all the necessary amenities as close as possible. Therefore, look together for neighborhoods with a hospital, shops, parks, bus stations, and whatever else your parents need. That way, you will ensure they have an easy and happy life following the move. At the same time, they will have something to look forward to before the move. 

In the end, you will see that having open talks with your parents about the relocation will only be beneficial. You will guarantee that everyone is on the same page and understands that relocation is the best choice. Furthermore, your discussions will make the whole process less stressful and easier to handle.

2. Create a detailed plan for the move.
When helping your elderly parents move house, you must plan meticulously. Moving is a difficult change, and you need to make it as smooth as possible. Therefore, a plan can help your parents have an easy transition to their new home. First, you can set the date and time of the relocation. Then, organize the steps you need to take between now and moving day. For example, decide when and what you will pack, what car you will use, and which road you will take. Plan the meals for the day before and the day of the relocation. If you need to travel for more than a day, look for accommodation for the number of nights necessary. In short, consider all the tasks you need to do before the big day, and you will make the relocation easier for everyone. 

3. Don't forget the essentials
Before you move your parents to their new home, there are a few things you must arrange. First, notify the neighbors that your parents will be leaving and provide a contact number. Second, update the mailing address and inform relevant institutions. Banks, utility providers, local authorities, and insurers are some examples of such institutions. Third, talk to your parent's doctor and ask for a referral for a new doctor. Also, transfer their medical files and prescriptions. Doing all these tasks will allow your parents to have an easier relocation. And if everything is in order before they move in, they can concentrate better on settling in and nothing else.

4. Sort and organize their belongings
Moving your parents will probably require some downsizing. As a result, you should walk through the whole house and make an inventory of their belongings. Then you can sort them into categories and decide what to do with them. You can make boxes with labels on them to make sorting easier. You can, for example, make containers for items to keep, donate, or throw away. However, don't let your or your parents' feelings overwhelm you too much when it comes to sorting. Even though there might be items that you are emotionally attached to, not all of them are worth keeping. At the same time, remember that what may seem insignificant to you may be a priceless memory for your parents. So let them keep some of the items they love, especially if they don't take up too much space. Or deposit them in a storage unit for safekeeping. 

5. Get help with the move
During the relocation of your elderly parents, you might need some help. All of the planning and tasks can be a bit too much for just you and your spouse. As a result, get the whole family involved. Call your siblings and other relatives that can help, and work as a team. If needed, you can also call friends that are willing to help. Yet, ensure that you let everyone know in time that you will need their help. That way, they can plan the days or weekends when they can come and help with packing, sorting, or whatever else you need.

However, if it's hard to find help amongst friends and family, you can hire a moving company. You can research which ones are the best in your area and ask for quotations. Besides that, you can read reviews and see what other people think of a company's services. That can help you spot unprofessional companies and stay away from scams. So, if you come across a company with only vague and positive reviews, you might recognize fake moving reviews and avoid them. Instead, ask for recommendations from family and friends that have used moving services to make the final choice.

6. Prepare the new home
One of the main concerns while helping your elderly parents move house is their safety. As a result, before you relocate them to their new home, ensure you set it up. For instance, make all the necessary renovations, such as making the bathroom more senior-friendly. Also, decorate the place to make it feel comfortable and familiar. Use some old pictures and items that they love to help them accommodate faster. Your loved ones should have a much smoother transition if you carefully prepare the new house for them.

Final words on helping your elderly parents move house
Moving the elderly can be a difficult task. However, if you use these tips, you can make the transition a lot easier. Pay attention to your parents' needs, listen to their concerns, and work together on a plan. That way, you will avoid creating trauma.

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For many seniors, retirement means more time to spend on activities they enjoy. And starting something new can be fulfilling and energizing for retirees. So read on for a few ideas from the Livingston County Consortium on Aging that will add some spark to your life.
 
Find Community
If you’re getting close to or entering retirement, you may find yourself with more free time than you’ve been accustomed to. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, so it’s important to surround yourself with a supportive community such as your church. Being involved in your church can not only provide you with a community of peers, it also gives you the opportunity to share God’s love with the next generation.
 
Start Your Own Business
For a growing number of seniors, retiring means starting the business they always wanted to launch but never had enough time or energy to actually do it. Once you’ve developed your business idea, do some market research and figure out who your target clients are. When you have a business plan in place, assess your finances: startup costs can vary widely depending on the type of business you’re trying to start, and you may need funds beyond what you have available in your savings account. Besides looking for investors, Bench notes that you can apply for grants earmarked for small business owners.
 
Take time to write an outstanding grant application to catch the eye of the reviewers. Don’t hesitate to consult a guide on how to start a business to help you with all the legal steps when it’s time to register or incorporate your company. Having professional help on your side could save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run.
 
Discover New Hobbies
If you’ve ever wanted to learn to dance, paint, or play a musical instrument, now is the perfect time for you to finally try that new hobby. Many classes are available for seniors, and thanks to the internet, you can even learn from the comfort of your own home. Tutors offer their services online or in person to teach just about anything: a foreign language, writing, graphic design, or even cooking.
 
Having a hobby allows you to escape the tedium of your everyday activities; Mindvalley explains that it increases your personal creativity and can even lead to personal growth as you find a new purpose for your life. Your confidence level also gets a boost as you get better at something. Furthermore, hobbies are a great way to make new friends: by joining clubs and attending group classes and activities, you will meet people who enjoy the same things as you. Plus, a relaxing hobby can help lower your stress and anxiety levels, making you an all-around happier person.
 
If you find that anxiety or depression creeps up on you as you age, you may wonder whether it’s worth finding anti depression meds. For many people, prescription medication can be a boon for alleviating symptoms, though this isn’t for everyone. If you’re interested in finding out more about depression medications, you can book a telehealth appointment to meet with a doctor online who can evaluate your symptoms, and, if necessary, prescribe medication. They will also be able to answer any questions you may have about treatment or potential side effects. And once a medicine has been prescribed, they can send the prescription to your local pharmacy for easy pickup.
 
Stay Healthy
As you get older, you should strive to make exercise part of your weekly–if not daily–routine in order to maintain bone strength and health, good balance, and flexibility, but please be sure to check with your physician before starting a new exercise regimen to avoid potential injuries. Research shows that extra pounds can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and a slew of other ailments, and regular exercise will help you maintain a healthy weight.
 
Your diet also plays an important role in keeping your body in shape and energized. Now that you’re retired, you may find yourself spending more time dining out or snacking between meals, which can greatly contribute to weight gain. Eat a variety of fresh, nutritious, healthy foods to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs to function properly, and consider “meal-prepping”, or planning your meals in advance, for a more balanced diet throughout the week.
 
Enjoyable activities and a healthy lifestyle will keep seniors going strong as they age. So, explore new hobbies and discover your passion. It’s never too late to get started on a new adventure!
 
The Livingston County Consortium on Aging is an active network of public and private individuals and agencies that provide advocacy, outreach, and resources for local seniors. For more information, please visit our website or contact us today!