A Lesson From "Love Story" the Movie..

These words were spoken by Ryan O'Neal in the movie "Love Story." I watched it on TV the other night.  Did you see it.   I think it is the best line in the movie.  I don't know if it is in the book. 

Ordinarily, we might think these words are disrespectful to say to a father.  On the surface they are.  But the father deserved them.  He was fabulously wealthy, owned a mansion and a building on the Harvard Univ campus.  That is a lot to be arrogant about.  However, he looked down on the girl his son considered the love of his life.

The father was so consumed with his money, prestige, appearances and wealth that in Ryan's words "You don't know the time of day."  The father did not have time for "the little people."

There are a lot of people like that.   The ones that look down their noses at others not like them.  But do they know the time of day.  

When we retire, we have time to be something than what we have been most of our lives.  If we are of a high status, we might wish to be a little more laid back--find a retirement home by the ocean or countryside.  If we are broke at retirement, we may decide to look at a retirement mobile home park in a nice climate and affordable lifestyles.  This, even if we have been prosperous and enjoyed a large home in a nice neighborhood.  We are just desperate to change our lifestyle and get off the treadmill.

There are many lifestyle changes going on in retirement.  You feel you can finally dust off the trappings of society and be yourself.   That is the fun of retirement.

You've heard it said that older people no longer care what people think.  And that is true.   So have fun and explore in retirement what you can or cannot afford.   Just be yourself. And for some, easier said than done.  That is what retirement is for and that is the time of day.

Explore retirement communities today and get excited about your future.

You May Want a Large Shower in Your Retirement Home: 5 Reasons!

Seat in large separate shower

If you had your choice in your retirement home, would you choose a large shower or a small shower stall. Most people might say a smaller one not really giving it much consideration. When reviewing retirement communities, I see many very large separate showers, some with 2 seats. Liking smaller, cozier things in general I would wonder if I needed such a large shower (and more to clean). Some even had 2 seats in them--why would I need that.

Large separate shower

Well, now I know.   As you age, as I have said many times, things change.  Your preferences change, too.   Sitting around too much?  Have high blood pressure? Circulation impaired?  Need to help your spouse shower?   Wanting your shower to be your spa?   All of these things may influence your choice of shower. 

Here are some reasons you may not have thought of for choosing a large shower in your retirement home (and maybe a separate one with 2 seats, too).

1) Spending time in the shower --  you may be needing more than one shower for your active retirement lifestyle swimming, sunbathing, playing golf or tennis and you are finding the shower is more important. 

2) Helping spouse in the shower -- sometimes one person in a couple requires assistance in the shower -- a larger separate shower makes it easier to get into and maybe one with one or two seats.

3) Have additional spa-like gadgets in the shower -- a hand-held shower preferably with a massage feature can be enjoyed better in a large shower.

4) Improving circulation with hand-held shower head -- As we age, circulation becomes more important -- and a hand-held shower head is an inexpensive way to improve circulation -- a seat in the shower is helpful too when massaging the legs and feet.

5) Therapeutic uses such as cooling off in the shower or frequent showers may require a larger shower -- using the shower to cool down on a hot day is a pleasant way to relax or a hot shower to soothe aching muscles.

Yes, a large shower could be desirable for more reasons than pure aesthetic enjoyment--it may be a practical consideration.  Take this into consideration when you are looking for your retirement home.

Check out Best Guide Retirement Communities listings to find your perfect new home!

Why a Full Community Brochure is Helpful to You!

A Full Community Brochure is Filled with Information You Need. Be sure to ask for a full community brochure if not offered.

There is a sheet in the full brochure listing items included in your home purchase. This list is titled something like: "Outstanding Features of your new home." It is a list of included features and benefits. This is the list you want to see.

Go through the list and check off things you want that are on the list. The list will also remind you of things that are missing.
After checking off the things you want in what we'll call Community A, do the same for another community you have seen, Community B. Only compare items that are desirable for you to have as top priority. Here is an example of what I did:

Community A:

• Cathedral ceilings … check
• Eat in kitchen with Island and sunny in the morning … check (reminder: check lighting at location I choose)
• Gas range … check
• Wood floors…check
• Walkin shower .. check
• Fireplace …check
• Gated entry … check
• Outdoor Pool .. check
• Energy Star .. check
• Walk trail
• Low Taxes
• medical and fire 10 minutes

Missing from Community A:

• Granite counters was an option
• No indoor pool which meant I could only swim during the warm season
• No whirlpool tub offered
• No night patrol
• No restaurant
• Some traffic noise
• No nearby shopping to walk to if it was necessary (was there a shuttle)
• Ocean beaches 20 minutes

Community B: (I did not receive a full brochure at community B which made my information limited.)

• 2 heated pools .. indoor and out.. check
• Indoor spa .. check
• Elegant clubhouse .. check
• Ceramic floors standard .. check
• Upgraded kitchen cabinets standard .. check
• Granite countertops were included .. check
• Fireplace .. check
• 24 hour manned gated entry with night patrol .. check .. check
• extra large water heater .. check
• whirlpool tub offered as option . .. check
• Gas range..check
• Energy Star..check
• Low taxes..check
• miles of Walking path .. check
• ocean beaches 5 minutes .. check..check
• Quaint town
• Location isolated but away from traffic noise
• Shopping 10 minutes

Missing:

• Wood floors optional
• No restaurant
• Shopping 30 minutes
• medical and fire 20 minutes

Both communities were in the same price and square footage range. The Community B offered more of what I was looking for and had more of the options I wanted included in the price. The definite plus was the 24 hour manned patrol at Community B and being near beaches.
So by comparing the items on the Feature list, I had a pretty good idea of which community I would prefer.
Instead of listing what I wanted, I checked off what the communities offered. This way I kept an open mind.
Doing these comparisons will help you define what is important to you.