Over 55 Retirement Communities by Four Seasons

Are you looking for a well-built, comfortable retirement home in an active adult community?  You may want to consider one of the many Four Seasons age restricted communities built by K. Hovnanian builders for residents who are over age 55.

Where are you interested in living?  You can find developments built by K. Hovnanian in Southern California, Northern Delaware, Southeast Florida, Maryland, Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, North and South Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Texas, New Jersey, Virginia and in Minnesota near Minneapolis/St. Paul. All of these locations have lovely developments and many of these developments have been specifically designed as Four Seasons age-restricted communities. Other developments are very appealing, but are open to residents of all ages.

The variety of locations makes it possible for people to live on either the East Coast or West Coast, in the Sun Belt or in the Upper Midwest.  Many people will find that they can experience an enjoyable retirement lifestyle while still living within driving distance of their adult children and grandchildren.

Amenities at Four Seasons Over-55 Communities


K. Hovanian Homes offers diverse home styles as well as a variety of locations.  Depending on the community you select, you can choose from a condominium, a townhome or a single family home.  Prices vary widely, as well.  For example, the Four Seasons at Beaumont in Southern California and the Four Seasons at Bakersfield in Central California both have single family homes with prices starting around $200,000.  Home prices may be higher or lower depending on the location that interests you.

I have visited the lovely community in Beaumont.  It is a gated community with a gorgeous lodge that contains a restaurant, pool, movie theater and space for club meetings and other activities.  The community also offers an exercise room, billiards room, ballroom, shuffleboard courts and nature trails where you can take an afternoon stroll.  Although there is no on-site golf course, there are a number of public golf courses in the surrounding area.  While Beaumont is not near the California coast, it is only a little over an hour drive away.


Whichever style of home you prefer, the goal of Four Seasons active adult communities is to provide you with a "resort-at-home" experience.  They offer a variety of recreational activities that are available the year around.  Living in a gated community with other retired adults offers you security, peace-of-mind and an endless variety of opportunities for friendship and socializing.  Many people have found this to be a more desirable lifestyle than living alone in their former neighborhoods.


You can learn more about the different  K. Hovanian communities, both those that are age restricted and those that are not, at http://www.khovfourseasons.com.

If you are looking for other wonderful places to retire in the United States and abroad, us the tabs at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of other articles.

If you are exploring your retirement home options, you may also be interested in reading some of these articles:

Over 55 Retirement Communities by Del Webb
Sun City Texas is a Premier Retirement Destinations 
Living in an RV after Retirement 
Tellico Village Retirement Community 
Best Places to Retire on $40,000 a Year

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FDA Advice about Statin Drug Dangers

In early 2013, the Food and Drug Administration updated their health advisories on the safety of statin drugs.  Statin drugs are commonly prescribed to millions of Americans to help lower their cholesterol. 

The FDA deputy director for safety in the Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology Products, Dr. Amy G. Egan, assures patients that statins have been clearly shown to prevent heart disease.  However, she also wants people to be aware that they need to educate themselves about potential side effects so they can let their doctor know if they experience any strange symptoms.

With that thought in mind, here are the FDA advisories:

Liver Injury

The good news is that liver injury is so rare that doctors have been told they no longer need to routinely monitor liver enzymes.  In fact, this monitoring has never been shown to be effective at preventing or predicting serious liver damage.

On the other hand, everyone should be aware of the symptoms of liver damage.  If you experience these symptoms, you will want to notify your doctor as soon as possible so liver enzyme tests can be performed at that time.  The symptoms to watch for are: unusual fatigue, discomfort in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, dark colored urine, and yellowing of either the skin or the whites of the eyes.

Memory Loss or Fogginess

Some patients have reported unfocused or fuzzy thinking.  The good news is that these symptoms are reversible once patients stop taking the statin drugs.  However, the FDA recommends that no one should stop taking their statin medications without first talking to their doctor.  The risk to their hearts may be too serious.

Diabetes Risk

Some people have experienced a small increase in their blood sugar levels and the development of Type 2 diabetes after taking statin drugs.  However, the FDA also feels that this small risk is outweighed by the benefits of statins.

Muscle Damage

One well documented risk associated with statin use is myopathy, or muscle injury.  This is characterized by unexplained muscle weakness or pain.  This is more common when patients are taking lovastatin (for example, Mevacor), especially in combination with other drugs.  Once example of this is Advicor which is lovastatin combined with extended-release niacin.  If you experience unexplained muscle pain or weakness, notify your doctor as soon as possible.

Resource Information

Whether you take statin drugs or other prescription medications, you may want to subscribe to FDA updates.   Check out the FDA website at http://www.fda.gov/ConsumerUpdates.

If you want additional health information that is geared specifically to Baby Boomers, you may also be interested in reading:

Alzheimers Symptoms, Risk Factors and Treatment Options
Healing Relationships with Your Adult Children
Choose Optimism for a Happier, Healthier Life
HIV AIDS and Baby Boomers

You are reading from the blog: http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo of pills courtesy of http://www.morguefile.com

Alzheimers Symptoms, Risk Factors and Treatment Options

Did you know that the U.S. government has a website devoted to providing information specifically about Alzheimer's Disease?  There are also other websites that provide valuable information to the families of people who are suffering from Alzheimer's. 

These resources are especially important because the U.S. government estimates that there are over five million people in the United States who are currently living with Alzheimer's Disease.  As Baby Boomers age, the number of these patients is expected to increase dramatically to 15 million by 2030.

Alzheimers is the most common type of dementia.  It causes behavioral problems as well as memory loss.  Eventually it can lead to death.  The more we know about this serious illness, the better prepared we will be if it affects someone we love.

Reliable Alzheimer's Disease Websites

First, everyone needs to know how to find reliable and current information online.  Below are two websites, one from the government and one from the Alzheimer's Association.

http://www.alzheimers.gov/medical_treatment.html
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_standard_prescriptions.asp

The remainder of this article summarizes the detailed information that can be found on these websites.

Like many of you, my family has also been affected by this tragic disease and we have seen the effect it can have on both patients and their families.  Everyone should be familiar with the symptoms and treatment options.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

It can be difficult to diagnose Alzheimer's because the symptoms can be similar to those caused by other health problems.  Here are the most common symptoms:

Memory loss
Trouble finding words
General disorientation
Difficulty making decisions
Changes in behavior and personality (often this can mean hostility, becoming suspicious, or exhibiting anger)

The longer the person has the disease, the more likely they are to also exhibit some of these additional problems:

Sleeplessness
Agitation
Wandering
Anxiety
Anger
Depression

If you are the caretaker of a person with Alzheimer's, it can be exhausting to continually watch over them, especially if they become agitated and angry.  It is very important that caregivers seek outside assistance.  They also need to take care of their own physical and emotional health without feeling guilty.  Caregivers need to be able to leave the patient with others while they spend time in relaxing and enjoyable activities.

Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease

Although there is no clear cause of this disease, there do seem to be certain factors that make us more likely to develop Alzheimer's.  However, even if you have several of these risk factors, there is no guarantee than you will develop the disease.  There is still a great deal about Alzheimer's that is not understood.  The most common risk factors are shown below, and are frequently beyond our control:

Aging (the frequency doubles every five years after age 80)
Genetics
Downs Syndrome
Other intellectual or developmental disorders
Repeated concussions in the past
A traumatic brain injury

Alzheimer's Treatments

There is no cure for Alzheimer's, but there are some medications that seem to delay the symptoms and may even improve the patient's quality of life:

Cholinesterase Inhibitors and Memantine

These drugs, which are sold under the names Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne, Cognex and Namenda, help treat memory loss, confusion and similar problems with reasoning and thinking.

In some cases, high doses of Vitamin E may also be prescribed.

Other Medications

In addition, medications may be prescribed to help with other symptoms of Alzheimer's, such as depression, insomnia and anxiety.  While these do not stop the progression of the disease, they may make the patient happier and improve their quality of life.


If you are interested in learning about dementia, Alzheimers and aging you may be interested in reading these excellent articles:

The Mind Diet Reduces Alzheimer's Risk:

http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com/2015/07/mind-diet-reduces-alzheimers-risk.html

Is it Alzheimer's or a Treatable Disease?:

http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com/2014/05/is-it-alzheimers-or-treatable-disease.html

How to Talk to Someone with Alzheimer's:

http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com/2014/05/how-to-talk-to-someone-with-alzheimers.html

The UCI 90+ Study at Laguna Woods Village

http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com/2014/05/the-uci-90-study-at-laguna-woods-village.html



You are reading from the blog http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

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Over 55 Retirement Communities by Del Webb

If you are looking for a retirement community in the coming years, one over-55 community builder that should be on your list is Del Webb.  This company is one of the top developers of retirement communities in the United States with attractive homes and amenities that appeal to many retirees.  Before my husband and I chose our current retirement community, we looked at some very appealing Del Webb communities.  While we were just looking in the Southern California area, I was surprised to learn that Del Webb builds retirement homes across the United States.  Consequently, I thought my readers would like to know more about what these communities have to offer.

Locations Where You Can Find a Del Webb Retirement Community

Del Webb has retirement communities in Northern California, Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts and Connecticut.  As you can see, they are not limited just to the Sun Belt.  They have communities in nearly every region of the United States.

Typical Community Amenities

A typical Del Webb retirement community has a large, beautiful clubhouse, swimming pools, tennis courts, clubs, classes, social events and volunteer opportunities.  Many of them also have golf courses.  These communities are designed to help residents lead an active lifestyle after retirement.

Examples of  Del Webb Retirement Communities

Below you will find information on two retirement communities that were built by Del Webb, with homes built by Pulte, the major home builder that owns Del Webb.  This will give you an idea of prices, sizes and community amenities.

Solera Diamond Valley in Hemet, California

Prices in this community range from about $225,000 to $350,000.  Homes range in size from 1511 to 2340 square feet and have two to three bedrooms and bathrooms.  Community amenities include a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, indoor walking track, courts for tennis, bocce ball and pickle ball, hobby rooms, clubs and classes.

Sun City Shadow Hills in Indio, California (near Palm Springs)

Prices in this community range from about $250,000 to $500,000.  The houses range in size from 1321 to 2955 square feet and have two to three bedrooms and bathrooms.  This community has an 18 hole golf course, an 18 hole par 3 golf course, an 18 hole putting course, indoor and outdoor pools, courts for tennis and bocce ball, a library, amphitheater, ballroom, hobby rooms, clubs and classes.

Where to Find More Information

If you believe that you might want to find a Del Webb retirement community in your area, you can get more details at: http://www.delwebb.com/

If you are looking for more places to retire in the United States or abroad, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of this article.  They contain links to hundreds of additional articles on where to retire, financial planning, health issues and more.

If you are trying to choose a retirement community that is right for you, you may also be interested in reading:

Over 55 Retirement Communities by Four Seasons

Cheap Places to Retire

The Best Sunny Places to Retire

Finding Niche Retirement Communities

Best Places to Retire Outside the US

You are reading from the blog http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

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Help Soon for Boomers Without Health Insurance

Several Baby Boomer women I know are in the uncomfortable position of having lost their health insurance.  This happened because they were paying for their insurance through their husband's employer.  When the husband retired, sometimes sooner than they had planned because of an illness or job loss, the husband was able to go on Medicare if he was at least 65 years old.  Unfortunately, if the wife was under 65, they were not eligible for Medicare.  Some of these women have been able to obtain expensive personal policies, often through COBRA.  However, others are just hoping and praying they stay healthy until they are old enough to go on Medicare, too, especially if the high cost of COBRA or a pre-existing medical condition makes the cost of health insurance prohibitive.  I'm sure this same situation has happened to men who are dependent on their wife's employer for health insurance, too. 

New Health Insurance Exchanges

Fortunately, this should no longer be a problem after the end of this year. Beginning in 2014, insurance companies can no longer refuse to insure adults who have pre-existing conditions.  Starting this October, most states will have online insurance exchanges that will enable people of any age to begin shopping for affordable insurance policies, whether they have a pre-existing condition or not. The AARP Bulletin for January - February, 2013 recently reported on the status of the new health insurance exchanges, which were mandated by the Affordable Healthcare Act.

According to AARP, most states have already begun to decide how they will handle these exchanges.  Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have announced that they will operate their own exchanges; five states will partner with the federal government; eighteen states have said they will accept the default exchange that will be operated by the federal government; the remaining states have not made a decision.

How the Health Insurance Exchanges will Work

These exchanges will operate online.  They will be open to small businesses and individuals who cannot get affordable insurance through their employer.  The exchanges will also help people identify if they are eligible for any financial assistance through tax credit premium subsidies.  This will make it possible for even low income people to afford health insurance.

The goal of a health insurance exchange is to help anyone who does not have insurance, or who loses their insurance for any reason, to be able to replace their policy quickly, efficiently and at a reasonable price, even if they have a pre-existing condition such as a history of cancer, kidney disease or diabetes.  If the exchanges work as planned, they will give couples on the verge of retirement one less reason for worry.

There is another reason why we may experience some financial relief as a result of these exchanges.  Many Baby Boomers I know have been helping their adult children pay for health insurance.  Others are assisting their adult children by helping to pay off large medical bills their children incurred because they were uninsured.  The new insurance exchanges should bring us all some peace of mind.

If you are a Baby Boomer concerned about health issues, you may also be interested in reading these articles:

Sexually Transmitted Diseases After Age 50
Doctor Housecalls Provide Home Medical Care
How to Avoid Phony Online Pharmacies
Planning for Long Term Medical Care

You are reading from the blog: http://baby-boomer-retirement.blogspot.com

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