Tips On How to Get Organized

Whether you’re planning to move to a senior living community or just trying to finally get your home organized, here are some tips on how to tackle a few things that may cause clutter in your Orlando home.

1. Mail: Keeping mail that isn’t very important will clutter your home. A good tip is to sort your mail as soon as you retrieve it. Be sure to keep the important things such as bills or notes from family members. Sort through coupon books and newsletters, only keeping the coupons you actually have a need for and throw out the rest. At this point in your life, you’ve built your credit already, so if you get any credit card offers, shred them.

2. Don’t put off your bookkeeping. Have a family member help you set up systems to pay your bills in a timely fashion and meet other obligations by their deadlines. If you feel the need for it, hire a financial advisor to keep track of your payments and savings.

3. Medical records: Organize your medical history and records, especially if you have an illness or chronic condition. Keep histories, test results, and doctor’s notes in an expandable file folder system (such as this one) along with all your other records and important paperwork.

4. Organize your important current records such as legal documents, insurance policies, investment records, bank account information and ownership documents. Keep all of these in a file folder system like the one mentioned in tip #3 for easy access whenever you need it.

5. Keep a calendar: Keep a wall calendar or appointment book to keep track of important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries, as well as doctor appointments and payment due dates. Writing important things down helps you remember them better.

6. Avoid stockpiling. Keep a written inventory of cleaning supplies, cosmetics, medications and household items, and only buy more when you are near running out. It helps to stick a color coding label (such as this one) when you notice you are almost running out of something, as this will remind you that it is almost time to buy more of that product. Also, take a close look at your wardrobe seasonally. If you haven’t worn it recently and feel like you won’t be, donate it. Try to recognize and overcome your “hoarding” tendencies.

7. Organize current prescription and over-the-counter medications. If someone isn’t doing this for you and you’re keeping track of your own medications, chart each one and lay out a schedule for taking them. Use a daily pill organizer or pill bottle I.D. band to help you keep track of your medications as well as ensure that you are taking them as directed. Keep a list of your current medications with you at all times.

8. Safety first. An orderly house is a safe house. Clutter and crowding create trip hazards especially in entranceways, pathways and stairs. Keeping your home organized will help keep you out of harm’s way.

If you’re ready to take a new step in your life and relocate to a luxury senior living community in Orlando, call Oakmonte Village today to see how our staff can help keep you comfortable, organized, and worry-free. 407-732-5800

Hot Weather Tips for Seniors

Due to aging, seniors have more trouble dealing with hotter temperatures than younger people. They can’t cool down as well, can’t feel thirsty as often, and don’t perceive heat as accurately as younger people do.  Here at Oakmonte Village, we like to keep our residents as healthy and informed as possible. We’ve compiled a small list of tips to help you prep for the hot summer ahead:

• Dress for the weather. Light-colored clothing doesn’t absorb as much heat as dark-colored clothes do. So, if you’re going to be exposed to the sun, try to stay away from your darker shirts. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes are also more comfortable if you’re going to partake in outdoor activities that may cause you to sweat.
• Always use a hat. If you’re going to be exposed to the sun, you should try to protect your face. Shielding your skin from direct sunlight will prevent sunburn and will keep your skin healthy.
• SPF isn’t just for the beach. Don’t leave the house without putting some kind of sun protection on your skin. If you don’t want to wear sun block or sunscreen, most facial moisturizers and some makeup foundations now contain SPF.
• Keep your baths and showers cool. After a long day in the sun, taking cool baths and showers instead of hot ones will help regulate your body temperature.
• The AC is your best friend! Although most of us want to take advantage of the nice sunny climate, spending more time in air conditioned areas isn’t a bad idea either.
• Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you’re feeling light-headed or dizzy, you’re probably thirsty! Staying properly hydrated during warm weather is extremely important. If you exercise, drink sports drinks to replenish your body of lost water.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Alcohol and caffeine are bad for you in general, but they actually dehydrate you. So, avoiding them when it’s warm outside will prevent you from getting dehydrated as easily.
• Keep your home temperature cool and comfortable. Nothing makes a hot day outdoors better than coming home to a cool and comfortable atmosphere. This will help cool down your body temperature and relax you after a long day.

If you’re ready to be living independently in a luxurious Orlando community full of people as active as you, give Oakmonte Village a call at 407-732-5800. Or, check out our blog for more tips on active senior living.

Staying Active for Healthy Aging

Keeping a healthy mind means keeping an active body. Exercise is essential for people of all ages to stay healthy. For active seniors, exercise also brings additional benefits. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise routine to see what will work best for you. Also, ask him/her what the best equipment is for your chosen routine.

Exercise provides many benefits for seniors, including:

• keeps your brain and memory working properly
• helps you sleep better
• keeps you independent
• reduces risk of falls and broken bones
• lowers risk of heart disease and diabetes

There are many different kinds of exercise that you can do to stay healthy and strong, the main types that benefit most seniors are cardio, balance training, and strength training.

• Cardio keeps your heart pumping and blood flowing throughout the body. This keeps your body in shape and everything functioning smoothly. Be sure not to overdo it though, everything is good in moderation. Some examples of cardio would be swimming, walking, water aerobics, tennis, or golf.
• Balance training is also important for anyone who is health-conscious. Improving your balance will help prevent accidental falls and keep your muscles stretched and flexible. Some examples of balance training are pilates, yoga, and tai chi.
• Strength training works on your muscles and overall body strength. Stronger muscles make daily chores easier. Examples of strength training include: the use of resistance bands, light weights, and using furniture or walls for resistance.

Exercise is more fun when you have a workout buddy. At our retirement living community in Orlando, we offer various exercise classes for active seniors, as well as other fun activities you can participate in. If you’re ready to start living independently in an Orlando community that’s as active as you are, give Oakmonte Village a call at 407-732-5800.