Author: Family Fun

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Clothes donations Donate clothes to red cross Used clothing donations

Want to Help Others? Here Are 7 Reasons to Donate Your Used Clothing to Charity

Clothes donations

If you are like most people, you like helping others and giving back to your community. More than 70% of people across the United States make charitable donations every year. A good deal of these are Red Cross clothes donations. Making used clothing donations is a great way to help others. Here are some reasons you should consider giving your used clothing to charity.

  1. You help other people directly. When disaster strikes, many people are often left with nothing but the clothes they are wearing when they are told they need to evacuate an area. While monetary donations are often needed the most by large non-profits, when you make Red Cross clothes donations, the items you give can go directly to people who have lost everything. If you also have blankets or bedding that can often be used after big natural disaster like a flood, hurricane or tornadoes strike an area.
  2. You donations allow the non-profit to pay for its operations. Many non-profit organizations run consignment shops to help fund their operations. Many times, Red Cross clothes donations are used this way. Charities provide a wide array of services that help people in the community who need it. The funds raised by selling the clothes that have been donated help them provide those services and employ people to do the work that needs to be done. Every year, non-profits put more than $660 million back into the American economy. Consignment shops brought in more than $2.5 million in 2015. This money was used to fund local and national programs.
  3. You get a more organized house. Most people around the United States have closets and storage spaces that are full of stuff they no longer use. If your children have outgrown their clothes and you have no one to hand them down to, you should consider whether you want to make a clothing donation. Organizing experts recommend people go through their clothing every year and check for items that they no longer wear or need. If you have had an outfit that has gone unworn for two seasons or more, it is time to get rid of it.
  4. You can lower your tax bill. When you donate clothes the Red Cross, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats the donation the same way they treat a monetary donation. If your Red Cross clothes donation is worth more than $250, you will need to include a receipt. A used man’s overcoat is generally given a value of $60 or more, to give you an idea of what you can mark the value of the items you donate. It is aways a good idea to keep good records of all of your donations throughout the year so you have all of your paperwork ready when you go to compile and file your taxes.
  5. You inspire others. We are all influenced by the people around us. Sociologists and others note that when people see others acting in a certain way, they are more likely to act in the same way. Your example will inspire other people to donate as well. In that way, your good deeds get magnified over and over. If you have children, this is a great way to teach them the value of helping others.
  6. You reduce your carbon footprint. It has been estimated that the typical American throws away about ten pounds of clothing items every year. Those items end up in a landfill where they do nothing to help anyone and they add to the worldwide problem of global warming. The space they take up is also very valuable. You can help others and keep material out of landfills by donating your clothes to charity.
  7. It is easy! If you cannot get to the charity, they may be able to come to you. Many charities will pick up donations.

When you are donating clothing, you should make sure you clean and wash all of the items before you make your donation. Also, if you sort your items, you will make it a lot easier for the charity’s staff to go through and make the most of your kindness and generosity.

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Furniture delivery Residential moving company San diego moving and storage companies

Essential Budgeting Tips When Using a Residential Moving Company

If you plan on moving to your new home, the best way to move your stuff out of state is by hiring a moving company. Moving companies have pods that enable you to pack all your items. The best part is that you get to keep the pods until you are done putting everything together before calling your moving company. The cost of pods cross country move varies from region to region depending on factors such as distance, terrain and time you spend using the pod. If you have difficulty finding movers, you can find movers online.

You can always find reviews for the most cost effective moving company on the website from multiple customers. Pods offer a secure and efficient way to store your items before and after moving. The strong metal casing of the containers also prevents possible damage from rain or harsh climatic changes. Pods are secure in that you are the only one with the key to the vessel, making it difficult for anyone to access your belongings. You can also have your items stay in the pods as you wait to move them into your new house. You will also have the time to unpack as you arrange your house.

Antique furniture movers

The average American relocates to a new home about 12 times in their lives. When you try to figure out the amount one spends on each relocation, you may realize that some people are forced to dig into their life savings to meet the costs. Fortunately, it is possible to cut any unnecessary expenses by choosing the right residential moving company to get the job done. There are varied tips that homeowners can take into account to ensure a seamless and feasible moving.

Plan Ahead
Many homeowners can attest that moving is quite overwhelming and stressful. You just can’t wake up one day and decide to move. If possible, get old boxes at work or borrow some from your friends. Label each box with the room it will go to so the moving crew can have an easy time unloading the boxes. Get all the necessary materials and change your address in time. Research on cable, utility and internet services for you new home. This helps to reduce the moving time hence cutting costs for settling in your new home.

Snag a Tax Break
For those who are moving because of a job change, you can enjoy deductions for some expenses such as storage rental, transportation, travel and lodging costs. You will need to verify that you incurred the expenses while moving from your old home to the new one. You can talk to a tax preparer to find out if you qualify for the deductions. The IRS also provides guidelines and rules for such tax breaks.

Insurance Helps
Chances for breaking an item during the moving process are usually high. This is one single reason you need a professional residential moving company because you can insure your belongings. Before getting an insurance, check your renters or homeowners insurance to find out if you are already covered. By covering your items, you won’t be responsible for replacing broken items and this saves you money in the long run.

DIY Home Repairs
After a home inspection of the new home, you can list down the tasks that are considered DIY. Use Freecycle to find people in your new neighborhood that are giving away extra countertops, paint or cabinets for free. This is only necessary if the project is not big. Lowe’s and Home Depot offer coupons for people who are relocating and this allows you get the repair tools you need. For big projects, get local contractors or handymen instead of getting one you know from your original home.

Moving to a new home can be quite exciting regardless of the expenses and stress. By working with a reliable residential moving company, you can identify several ways to cut down the costs. DIY moving can be time-consuming and stressful. Movers in San Diego CA can get the job done for you including packing, loading, unloading and arranging your new home. Typically, you need to pay attention to the financial aspects of moving to enjoy a feasible transition and moving process.

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Retirement in virginia Virginia assisted living facilities

Does Your Parent or Grandparent Need to Move Into an Assisted Living Care Center?

Assisted living in va

Many of lives transitions are very difficult. A recent career in America is aimed at helping one of these transitions. Life coaches that help families make choices about selecting an assisted living community or other kind of elder housing environment aims to help families make one of the most difficult life transitions: moving a loved one from their private home into a care facility.
Sometimes the guidance of someone outside of the family can help everyone involved look at things objectively and with a clear head. A black and white list of the advantages and disadvantages of different options can help families feel more confident about their decision. Once the final decision has been made these elder care life coaches can also provide families with many tips that will help make the actual move and the first few days less stressful and and more comforting.
Senior Living Communities with a Variety of Care Options Allow Residents to Progress Through the Phases that Work Best for Them
An assisted living community is one of the first places that some people move to when they are no longer able to live on their own. With independent apartments that allow residents to enjoy their own private space where they can cook for themselves if they wish, an assisted living community can also provide meals, cleaning services, and social activities.
Because many women live longer than men, it should come as no surprise that the population in many residential care centers for the elderly are comprised of 74% females and only 26% males. Because of this disproportion, many seniors enjoy the opportunity to live in a group setting where they are able to enjoy the company of others their age.
Even though some seniors are in fairly good health, the job of maintaining a home and a yard are often simply too much. For these residents, moving into an assisted living community can be a perfect solution. Still getting the independence that they want, these healthy and active residents can find friends and activities right outside their doors. The fact that many facilities offer a variety of stages of care means that residents can move when they need additional assistance. Some facilities have independent care locations all the way through alzheimer and memory care locations. When a family knows that their aging loved one will be able to transition from one location to another it can make the initial move out of a home much easier.
Consider some of the facts about aging in today’s society and decide if it os time for your family to start researching the future care needs of parents or other aging relative:

  • 63 is he average age for retirement in America.
  • 48% of retirees indicate being happier in retirement than they expected.
  • 81% of retirees cite good health as the most important ingredient for a happy retirement.
  • The happiest retirees regularly participate in three to four activities.
  • The least happy retirees only participate in one or two activities
  • 89.3% of independent living residents rate their overall satisfaction as either good or excellent.

Families Should Take Advantage of All Available Resources When Making Retirement Home Decisions
Many transitions in life are difficult. Families have to adjust when there youngest children go off to preschool and elementary school, and they have to adjust again when those same children grow and move to college. Newly married couples adjust to living together and sometimes moving far away from their family support systems. At the other end of the spectrum, families also adjust when a loved one has to move out of their own home and into a retirement or care center.
Given that as many as 75% of assisted living residents have had at least two of the 10 most common chronic conditions, families want to find a place the provides qualified medical care and oversight, as well as an engaging social environment. Caring for high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementias are often the most prevalent needs that many senior care residents need, so understanding the strengths of a possible facility can make family members and resident feel good about these necessary late in life transitions.

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Commercial roofs Metal roof contractors Metal roof wisconsin

Metal Roofing Lasting Longer And Costing Less Than The Competition

Are metal roofs cheaper than tile? While this will depend on your situation, it might make metal roofing a more appealing option as you consider your upcoming roof replacement. Many people consider are metal roofs good for houses? They can be. Metal roofing lasts a long time and is often less expensive than other options like tile or asphalt. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice for you. So make sure you do your research before either investing in a metal roof or giving up the opportunity to get one.

Consider your climate. Are metal roofs hail resistant? This could be a dealbreaker for you if you need to keep repairing it. Think about the condition of your home as well. Are metal roofs heavier than shingles? You’re asking your home’s support beams to hold everything up, so you want to make sure that they can. While money is an important consideration before a roof replacement, it is not the only important thing to think about. All of these things can also have a major impact on your decision.

Metal roof installers

A commercial roof is an important thing for people to take into consideration. Whether you’re repairing damage in a roof or replacing it entirely, a commercial roof should not be approached like a residential roof. It isn’t just about appearance — it needs to have a certain amount of durability. A commercial roof has to not only withstand the elements; it needs to be protective as well. Oftentimes, commercial roofs are one of the few things that stand between valuable goods and inventory and the elements. Clearly, these roofs can’t be made of the same materials as the typical roofs. This is why, oftentimes, commercial roofs are made up of metal. Metal roofing provide advantages that can’t be found in roofs made of wood or your average slate shingles. However, even metal roofs have different options for people to choose from. It’s important that you speak with metal roofing contractors before choosing the option that’s best for you. But below, we’ll give an explanation of which types of metal roofing are better than others, and why one in particular might be best suited for your needs. One thing’s for certain — these roofs won’t crumble under pressure as easily as others.

The Durability Of Metal Roofing

As we mentioned above, there are a few different types of metal roofing on the market. One is the classic steel roofing. It can be coated with aluminum-zinc alloy, which can stretch the roof’s lifespan to 100 years. The other main type of roofing is aluminum roofing. Aluminum roofing is preferred to steel roofing by many people, and it in turn can come with different color options and more. However, both steel and aluminum roofing are strong and known for their durability. Most roofs collapse after a certain amount of time even without extreme damage. By choosing a metal roof, you’re picking an option that is sturdier and automatically more likely to last than others. With proper maintenance, a metal roof of any kind can be expected to last at least 50 years. The main competitor of a metal roof is usually considered to be an asphalt shingle roof. To put things in perspective, a metal roof will usually last between five and seven times longer than an asphalt shingle roof. Durability, however, isn’t the only reason why people choose metal roofing over shingles.

Metal Roofing And Color Options

Color does figure into you choice of roofing. On a surface level, color changes the way your building is perceived, especially from afar. The color of a roof can also affect how it reflects or absorbs light. Many people appreciate that, whether they’re choosing steel or aluminum roofing, they have a wide variety of color options to choose from. Most modern metal roofs come with a color selection of at least 100 colors, including standard, premium, and customized colors. By comparison an asphalt shingle roof will come with about 15 to 20 color options. Of course, color is not the only thing that figures into the appearance of a roof. They also come in two different general styles. One is the vertical panel style, while the other is made up interlocking shingles. Perhaps even better, however, is the amount of money you can save through metal roofing.

Saving Money Through Metal Roofing

Replacing or repairing a roof is never fun. With that being said, you can save money by choosing a metal roof. Not only are they often automatically less expensive than certain options — they also save you money in the long term in other ways. The more expensive types of metal roofs are zinc, copper, and stainless steel. Even these types of roofing are usually 30% less than the cheapest slate or tile roofs. They also tend to save people money by saving them energy. In fact, they can take as much as 25% off your energy bill. This can save you much more than an originally lower sticker price would!

Categories
Homes for sale in a classic community Luxury townhomes Townhomes near your school disrict

What Are the Strengths of the Home You Are Selling?

Desirable location

Things are getting serious.
After having your house for sale with a second realtor for two months you have only had a handful of showings. Although you had the money in the market you could take out to purchase the new home, you really intended for that money to be out of the market for a very short period of time. The decision to move into a space that would provide low maintenance living has backfired, as you now find yourself mowing two different lawns. Soon, the problems will multiply when the temperatures start to drop and the leaves begin to fall. One of the reasons that you bought the new house was that it was in an ideal location in an ideal neighborhood and it did not, in fact, have any large trees. You planned on a fall of little to no raking. Those plans, however, appear to be evaporating with each passing day that your house for sale sign remains.
As you and your wife leave on a three week vacation to visit relatives our west you have asked the realtor to drop the price on the house again. If, and you hope this is not the case, it does not sell in the three weeks when you are gone, you are going to have to make some drastic changes to the unique floor plan of the unsold home and drop the price again. You are only have joking when you tell your wife that you may actually have to move back into the first home because you know that the new home that you just finished would sell in a heartbeat!
Are You Getting Ready to Put a House for Sale Sign in Your Front Yard?
Listing a house can be stressful. While you fully understand the value of the home you are selling, the possible buyers may not. Instead of noticing that you have a new high grade composite roof on your home, the possible buyers keep saying that they do not like the color of your kitchen counter tops. You still have Corian and they want granite. How exactly do you find a buyer who realizes that the grade of the siding, windows, and roof that you have invested in are worth far more than what it would cost them to switch out the countertops themselves?
The fact of the matter is that while there may be a buyer for every home, it often takes a long time to find the buyer for some homes. Unfortunately, if you are a home owner who currently has two homes, one you are living in and one you are trying to sell, the waiting time for finding a buyer can be exhausting, stressful, and expensive. While your money is out of the stock market waiting for the sale of your empty first home you are missing out on substantial investment opportunities. Likewise, every week your house sits on the market is another week counting against you as a signal that something surely must be wrong with that house that has been listed forever.

  • Make sure your internet photos and details are current. Among buyers who used the internet during their home search, 87% indicated that they found photos and 84% indicated that they found detailed information about properties for sale very useful. overall, online websites were seen as a very useful information source 82% of the time.
  • Work with the best agent. The success of a house for sale often depends on the agent. In fact, 78% of recent buyers indicated their real estate agent was a useful source of information. The best agents are also up front with sellers. They should not, for example, continue to let you think you will eventually find a buyer for your uniquely designed house. If you have a dated kitchen, for example, you may have to agree to provide an allowance for a change or make the upgrades.
  • Ask te right price. Nearly 32% of people looking at homes for sale are actually first time buyers. If you are pricing an older home too high, many first time buyers would rather pass and build their own home.

Categories
Linen rental Residential events Table linen rentals for weddings

4 Things Your Wedding Planner Won’t Tell You

Tent accessories

We all know how stressful it can be to plan a dream wedding. This is why many brides choose to go with a wedding planner to help handle all the small details. Hiring a wedding planner can make your day go by flawlessly, but you do not want to be a hassle to your wedding planner. So here are some secrets wedding planners won’t tell you in order for you to make their job easier.

1. Don’t try too hard, or else it may look tacky.

You don’t want to go overboard with the decorations and proclamations of love everywhere. Keeping it simple can make a bigger impact than if you go crazy with engraved invitations, getting a groom’s cake, or not including personal touches.

2. Go with simple colors.

From your wedding linen rentals, to your chairs and tent accessories, going with simple plan colors will open up your space and make it more streamlined. Keep all of your wedding rental supplies plain and simple, and then use pops of color within the flowers and centerpieces to really make a statement.

3. Focus on the important details. Not many people will notice that you have painstakingly crafted a place card holder or that your wedding cake topper is a replica of your faces. They will notice that the food is warm and delicious, that there are enough chairs to sit on, and that the music is great to dance to. All of these extras really add up, and you can put that money towards your dress or honeymoon.

4. Have a vision, but do not expect a specific image.

It is important to realize that while online photos can offer a source of inspiration for your day, it is completely unrealistic to expect a specific image. First of all, your wedding rental supplies may differ due to what is available, and your wedding planner may not be able to fit certain details into your venue. When meeting with your planner, bring some pictures so they can get a general feel for what you are going for, but expect some changes.

At the end of the day, the wedding planner knows best. Trust them with your day, and you will not have anything to worry about.

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Crib fitted sheet Crib fitted sheets Crib sheet

Waterproof sheets are thing- and you need them for your baby

Crib sheet protectors

Being a new mom is tough, we get it. Between the sleepless nights and endless cleaning up and preparing formula, you’re exhausted. Not that you’re complaining, though, because you love your little bundle of joy more than anything in the world. You just wish he (or she) would sleep through the night so you could too.

Fortunately, we have a solution to your bedtime woes. Waterproof crib sheets that are comfortable, and practical. Hear us out. We bet you (and your baby) will love them.

New technology means that scratchy, stiff waterproof sheets are a thing of the past. Now, they’re just as soft and cozy as any other set of sheets. You’d never know they’re waterproof! They protect your baby’s skin and also have zinc infused in them to reduce the unpleasant odor should an accident occur.

A waterproof mattress protector will also, well, protect your mattress. Investing in waterproof fitted sheets will save your baby’s mattress in the long run and keep their bed area clean and happy for much longer. Babies make messes and you don’t want to have to buy a new crib mattress every time that happens.

Waterproof sheets are also super easy to take care of and clean. Simply toss it in the washer and dryer with the rest of your baby’s laundry and you’re good to go. Try to change the sheets once a week to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria and keep your baby healthy.

Finally, if the idea of ugly, beige sheets makes you cringe, don’t worry. You can buy your baby a waterproof mattress protector or fitted sheets in a variety of cute colors and patterns. Not only will your baby sleep better, but they will sleep in style!

As a new mom, you have to make your life as efficient and easy as possible to deal with all the changes that come with a new baby. Don’t let something as simple as the bed your baby sleeps in be a source of stress. Purchasing a waterproof mattress protector will make both you and your baby happy campers and take a load off at bedtime.

Categories
Adjustable beds and mattresses Full size adjustable bed Twin adjustable bed

How to Choose the Best Mattress For Those With Back Pain

The furniture that you use on a regular basis can affect your back health very substantially. Someone who has a healthy back will usually use mattresses that are made using memory foam, for example. The memory foam will be capable of shaping itself to the contours of the back, and not the other way around. Too many chairs and other furniture pieces will have the opposite effect, which can cause a lot of back pain.
People sometimes get back pain relief chiropractor help when just switching from one bed to another would have assisted them just as much. A back doctor might be necessary to help you with a medical condition that isn’t related to your daily lifestyle habits, of course. Once people have already replaced their mattresses, office chairs, and other products at home, the back pain could still persist. A doctor for back pain might actually recommend physical therapy or other solutions at that stage.
Patients still might have to change their beds or sections of their beds as part of their back pain treatment regimens, however. It’s usually a step that back pain sufferers won’t be able to skip, making it useful to try at any point.

Countless individuals fins themselves waking frequently due to pain or discomfort at night. While some attribute this to chronic pain, countless others could actually be suffering as a result of their mattress.

Picking the right mattress is already a challenge, but it’s one that becomes more difficult when back pain is involved. There are multiple types of mattresses and adjustable mattress options, but here’s how to pick the best mattress for you.

Pay Attention to Personal Preference

Above all else, personal preference is the most important thing to consider when buying a mattress. No single type of mattress has been proven to work for every individual with back pain! Just as different treatment options are available to each patient, different beds are available to every sleeper.

Understand Each Mattress

Before you make a mattress decision, it’s important to understand the components of each mattress that you’re considering. For example adjustable mattresses and other adjustable bed options may provide you with a longer lifespan than a traditional innerspring mattress. In addition, some mattresses may deteriorate or change in a short amount of time, changing your quality of sleep.

Look for a Mattress With Back Support

Some adjustable bed options and other mattresses are actually designed to offer additional back support, which if you have back pain, is something you should seriously consider. Those mattresses are designed to help you get a good night of undisturbed sleep, all the while giving extra support and pain relief to your back.

Know When Your Mattress is Done

A good mattress can last you up to 10 years, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they all will. If your mattress is starting to acquire indents or offer less support, it may be time to invest in a new one. Not only that, but if you start noticing back pain after years without it, it’s definitely time to start the search for a new and more supportive mattress.

Mattress shopping can be a pain sometimes, but your mattress ultimately shouldn’t cause you any more pain than the possibility of a slight headache. With this short guide, even that won’t be a problem. Read more like this.

Categories
Nags head beach rentals Outer banks house rentals Rental

Underrated Vacation Destinations Cleveland and Indianapolis

Vacation destinations

There are beautiful vacation destinations all over the world. No matter where you are living, where you’re from, or where you’re going, you can find something beautiful in just about anywhere. Even your own city, to someone who has never been there before, there could be something amazing that you take for granted.

In the U.S., there are a lot of areas that people just take for granted because they had the good fortune of having been born there. People looking for great U.S. vacation destinations all go to the same few: New York City, Orlando, Las Vegas, etc., but there are plenty of underrated cities that are actually great places to visit.

Cleveland, Ohio

Even prior to the Cleveland Cavaliers bringing a championship to Cleveland for the first time in more than five decades, this city has been on the up. Some areas of the city are rough, yes, but what city in America does not have a few issues? Overall, the city is extremely clean, fun for both families and young singles, and consists of some very friendly people.

In a day’s time, you can spend hours checking out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, walk Progressive Field to watch the Indians play a day game, walk over to the Great Lakes Science Center, walk to a Cavs or Browns game, walk to the casino and then, finally, walk to any beautiful outside bar or restaurant to end your night. Just about everything you’ll need is just a short walk away in the CLE.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Another underrated city with plenty to do for any vacationer is Indianapolis. You can check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum and Lukas Oil Stadium for the sports travelers. You and the family can also check out the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Indianapolis Zoo, the Scottish Rite Cathedral and the Indianapolis 500.

One of the cleanest cities in the country and a beautiful city to walk around and explore. You and whomever you are traveling with will be sure to have a great time in Naptown.

Vacation destinations aren’t measured by how many beach houses there are, they are measured by how much fun and interesting things you and your family can do while you’re there. Don’t just travel to the places you always here about. Branch out, try new things, go to new places and have fun!

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Assisted living vs nursing home Independent living

Senior Care What You Should Know

Senior care on-site activities

People are living longer. Most Americans retire at roughly 63, but there are still many more years of life beyond that retirement age. An aging population brings both benefits and challenges. The type of services and systems needed to cater to an aging population are numerous. Housing demands will change as older populations seek smaller dwellings or move in to assisted living or retirement communities catering to independent living. A recent Harvard University study noted that the number of older people living alone will most likely rise and that this in turn will drive increased demand for in-home healthcare and supportive services.

Most (almost three quarters) of all assisted living residents in the United States are women and at least three-fourths of those living in such assisted living facilities have common chronic conditions such as high blood pressure. Dementia, Alzheimer’s and similar conditions are also common. Close to 40% of those living in assisted living options have had to have help with daily activities including dressing and bathing.

The benefits of assisted living centers and communities are the 24-hour supervision provided, the provision of three full meals every day as well as snacks, and a number of services such as medication management, social services, laundry services, and housekeeping that improve quality of life and encourage independence.

One of the other senior living options is to move into an independent living retirement community. Research shows that seniors ins much communities try new things an make new friends and on the whole find the experience much more positive than anticipated. For most seniors (55%), the fear of being a burden to family as a result of long-term illness is the greatest worry. It is such a worry that it is even five times more of a concern than death. Good health is listed as the most important ingredient for happiness in retirement by over 80% of those surveyed, and just less than half of retirees report being happier than expected after they retire.

Having a community where you can engage in activities, socialize and make connections is a vital part of retirement and can make the difference between a miserable retirement and a joyous one. Participation in three to four regular activities results in the happiest retirees, while those who do only one or two are the least happy. Retirees and their families should weigh up the senior living options to determine the best fit for their needs.