Senior Living Spring 2022

Local solutions

Find hearing and assisted living options, cannabis shops, and volunteering opportunies near you.

Keeping busy

Certain qualities can make a volunteering gig or post-retirement job uniquely suited to you.

Travel perks

Many seniors are entitled to an array of discounts, which take fixed incomes into consideration.

Senior LIVING SOLANO

FOR TODAY’S ACTIVE 55+ ADULTS

A S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E N T T O T H E D A I LY R E P U B L I C • M A R C H 2 0 , 2 0 2 2

Outdoor activities that are perfect for seniors METRO SERVICES

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he great outdoors beckons people of all ages. Fresh air can be hard to resist and the benefits of spending time outdoors are so numerous that it behooves anyone, including seniors, to answer the call of nature.

According to researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, human beings benefit both physically and psychologically from spending time in nature. Such experiences can reduce stress and help lower heart rates, potentially decreasing individuals’ risk for cardiovascular disease. In addition, the Forest Service notes that spending time outside in green spaces has been linked to a lower risk of depression.

Seniors who are retired or even aging empty nesters who are still in the workforce can make great use of their free time by venturing into the great outdoors. The following are a handful of senior-friendly outdoor activities that provide a great reason to get off the couch and take in all that Mother Nature has to offer.

• Hiking: Hiking provides a great workout and an ideal opportunity to spend time in an idyllic setting. The U.S.

National Park Service notes that hiking helps individuals build stronger muscles and bones, improves their sense of balance, has a positive effect on heart health, and can decrease the risk of certain respiratory problems. Hiking is an especially attractive outdoor activity for seniors, as many parks feature trails with varying degrees of difficulty, ensuring there’s a trail for seniors whether they’re seasoned or novice hikers.

• Water aerobics: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that water-based exercises can be especially helpful individuals with chronic diseases, a category many seniors fall into. The CDC notes that one study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology found that improves the use of joints affected by arthritis without worsening symptoms. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also notes that swimming can lead to improved health for people with diabetes and heart disease. Seniors can reap these benefits by going for a dip in their own backyard pools or a local body of water, such as a lake or ocean. Many swim clubs also offer discounted memberships to seniors, making these another great and affordable way to reap the benefits of swimming.

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• Fishing: Of course not all outdoor activities need to make seniors huff and puff. Fishing provides a great reason to get outdoors, and many individuals devoted to fishing report feeling less stressed after a day spent casting for their favorite fish. Individuals who consume what they catch also can benefit by improving their diets, as the American Heart Association notes that consuming certain types of fish has been linked to a lower risk for heart disease and obesity.

• Volunteering: Local environmental groups often sponsor cleanups at parks and waterfront attractions like beaches and lakes. Volunteering with such organizations is a great way to get outside and give back, and working with like-minded individuals can be a great way for seniors to meet new people. In addition, a national study sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service in 2019 found that 88 percent of Senior Corps volunteers who initially reported a lack of companionship reported a decrease in feelings of isolation after volunteering.

The opportunities for seniors to enjoy the great outdoors are endless. Taking advantage of such chances can benefit seniors in myriad ways.

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Brittnie Galapon Funeral Counselor

Dixon Wellness Cannabis Collective keeps focus on customer service DAILY REPUBLIC STAFF

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nterested in the medicinal benefits of cannabis? Not sure where to start? No problem. Dixon Wellness Cannabis Collective is here to help.

The welcoming staff is fully trained in all aspects of cannabis to be the most informative on what products the company has to offer to its customers.

There are so many options available to a cannabis consumer, it can become extremely overwhelming.

The staff is there to help people answer any questions they may have. The staff has been able to help many customers, from trying their

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Dixon Wellness owner Haley Andrew and staff.

very first cannabis gummy for sleep to someone who has been accompanied with cannabis for years.

The Dixon Wellness staff will take the time to meet with each customer individually to give them the privacy they deserve and the chance to have a conversation as to why they are interested in using cannabis. The staff is there to provide a safe and

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positive atmosphere for customers to help them through their healing process.

“We want our customers to feel as though they are part of our family when they come to Dixon Wellness,” owner Haley Andrew says. “Our customers need to be able to trust our staff and their recommendations on cannabis. Cannabis dispensaries

Dixon Wellness Cannabis Collective • In Dixon: 1150 N. First St., Suite B • Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Sunday • Phone: 707-640-1147 • Email: dixonwellness collective@gmail.com • Website: www.dixon wellnesscollective.com can be scary to some and we are consistently trying to help our customers feel at ease when shopping at Dixon Wellness.”

Dixon Wellness, which opened its doors in 2018, is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and is located in the heart of Dixon.

Kenwood Hearing Centers focuses on what best suits people’s individual needs DAILY REPUBLIC STAFF

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Deb Davis is a hearing aid dispenser at Kenwood Hearing Centers.

enwood Hearing Centers in Fairfield has been helping people in the North Bay improve their lives through better hearing for more than 60 years.

The company has six conveniently located offices with professionally trained audiologists and hearing specialists to provide customers with the very best care.

Kenwood is family owned and operated and treats each patient as if they were family, too.

Kenwood Hearing Centers offers a complete

Kenwood Hearing Centers • In Fairfield: 1261 Travis Blvd., Suite 140 • To schedule an appointment, call: 707-766-0782. suite of hearing care services, including hearing testing, hearing aids, repair, custom earplugs and more. If you need a hearing aid, how can you know which one is right for you? With Kenwood’s Hearing Aid Test Drive, you are able to try out different hearing aids at home, work, or wherever you go to make sure it’s the right fit before you commit.

Visitors to the Fairfield office will see the smiling faces of Hearing Aid Dispenser Deb Davis and Patient Care Coordinator Tanya Drummond.

Davis has lived in Solano County for almost her entire life and loves the people and places of Northern California. She has a keen eye for design, a genuine love of people and a deep technical knowledge of the hearing aid fitting process.

With attention to detail and a desire to make a difference, people can be assured that they will feel comfortable with her expert advice.

Let’s play it by ear.

DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, March 20, 2022 | Senior Living 2022 | 5

Cogir Senior Living welcomes Solano County seniors DAILY REPUBLIC STAFF

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rea residents are invited to experience the Cogir Difference, where vitality meets tranquility with Solano County’s premier retirement living communities located in Vacaville and Vallejo.

The zest for life begins with a social model of resort-like living.

Cogir’s independent and assisted living residents enjoy amenities that include restaurant-style all-day dining, bus transportation to weekly appointments and excursions, weekly cleaning services and an array of activities that range from morning exercises to evening paint and wine classes.

Quality, comfort and enjoyment are utmost to happy living and residents take advantage of the warm accommodations and professional

Cogir Senior Living • Call 707-447-7496 for a personal visit to Cogir of Vacaville.

• Call 707-553-2698 for a personal visit to Cogir of Vallejo Hills.

• Call 707-552-3336 for a personal visit to Cogir of North Bay. hospitality services to pursue their passions, socialize and enjoy every day.

Resident satisfaction is Cogir’s number one priority. The on-site executive team is empowered to listen and respond to the needs and requests of individual residents, and the community as a whole, to continuously optimize their dining, activity and event options.

Cogir communities are known for hosting extraordinary special events by encompassing local neighborhoods to enjoy 1950s socials, craft fairs,

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antique car shows, luaus with island themes, and country and western barbecues. Special patriotic holidays are always celebrated. Cogir’s live music and weekly entertainment bring out the rhythm in everyone. It’s not uncommon for residents to embrace the moments by singing along and tapping their feet.

Cogir exercises the body as well as the mind by offering stimulating activities for those folks who prefer brain exercises, challenging quizzes and card games. There is something for everyone to experience socialization, joy and comradery.

Come and experience the Cogir Senior Living lifestyle for yourself. The hospitality shines seven days a week.

In accordance with regulatory guidelines and for the safety of you and your loved one, Cogir now requires all new employees to be vaccinated.

Seniors susceptible to mosquito-borne illnesses DAILY REPUBLIC STAFF

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osquito season is here and it is up to you to help fight the bite.

The Solano County Mosquito Abatement District relies on your help to locate areas where mosquitoes are breeding. Drought years in California coincide with high West Nile virus activity. According to the California Department of Public Health, “People over the age of 60 are at greatest risk of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious symptoms when infected with West Nile virus. People with certain medical conditions (such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease) and people who have received organ transplants are also at greater risk for developing severe symptoms from West Nile virus.”

West Nile virus is spread through the bite of mosquitoes. It is a seasonal disease that occurs in the summer and continues through the fall. Most people are bitten while outside gardening,

Solano County Mosquito Abatement District • In Fairfield: 2950 Industrial Court • Telephone: 707-437-1116 • Website: www.solanomosquito.com barbecuing or relaxing by the pool.

Avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito activity times like dawn and dusk, wear long-sleeved clothing, dump out standing water around your home, have screens on doors and windows, and wear an EPA-registered repellent. There are several natural repellent options, including oil of lemon eucalyptus. For more approved repellent options, visit the CDPH website’s Insect Repellent Toolkit.

Symptoms of West Nile virus will appear several days to weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Although most people will not show any symptoms, seniors are more likely to suffer from symptoms of West Nile virus including fatigue, headache and body aches, fever and swollen lymph nodes. It is always advised to get medical

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THE RISK of Becoming Infected with West Nile Virus

attention if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. The state Department of Public Health goes on to say that seniors “should be extra careful to prevent mosquito bites and should talk to a health care provider if they are worried about West Nile virus or think they have it.”

Help us fight the bite this season by reporting dead birds to the West Nile Virus Call Center at 1-800-WNV-BIRD or go online to westnile.ca.gov to report electronically. Dead birds are an important tool for early virus detection. Birds act as a reservoir for West Nile virus, infecting the mosquitoes that feed on them. Dead birds are often the first indicator that West Nile virus may be present in an area.

There are 24 different types of mosquitoes that are known to live in Solano County. The district uses various types of traps to monitor these mosquito populations. Mosquitoes are captured and identified under the microscope and are then tested for arboviruses like West Nile virus.

A number of types of sources found within residential neighborhoods are capable of producing enough adult mosquitoes to bother not only the residents of one home but a number of homes in the area. These mosquitoes are also capable of transmitting West Nile virus! Water left standing for seven to ten days can produce mosquitoes during warmer weather. There are a number of simple precautions that can be taken to prevent this from happening...

Solano County Mosquito Abatement District

707.437.1116 • solanomosquito.com

Help us fight the bite this season by reporting dead birds to the West Nile Virus Call Center at 1-800-WNV-BIRD or go online to westnile.ca.gov to report electronically.

Dead birds are an important tool for early virus detection. Birds act as a reservoir for West Nile virus, infecting the mosquitoes that feed on them. Dead birds are often the first indicator that West Nile virus may be present in an area.

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Meals on Wheels of Solano County spotlights Fall Prevention Program Meals on Wheels of Solano County • In Suisun City: 95 Marina Center • Telephone: 707-425-0638 • Email: info@mowsc.org • Website: mealsonwheels solano.org

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alls are a threat to the health of older adults and can reduce their ability to remain independent. Falling does not have to be inevitable as you age, and Meals on Wheels is dedicated to ensuring your safety.

The organization’s Fall Prevention Program provides free screenings, clinical assessments and home modifications to those with great risk of falling. Recipients will be assessed by the organization’s Fall Prevention coordinator and physical or occupational therapist to determine fall risk.

Once approved, free

ROBINSON KUNTZ/DAILY REPUBLIC FILE (2020)

Dolores Young assembles salads for Meals on Wheels in Suisun City, March 23, 2020.

modifications such as grab bars, improved lighting and other fall prevention equipment will be provided, though no structural modifications will be made.

Meals on Wheels of Solano County was able to service 143 older adults with heightened risks of falling in 2021.

Among these recipients, 155 home modifications were made, including grab bars, light fixtures and handrails.

Additionally, 146 pieces of durable medical equipment were provided to recipients – anything from shower benches, walkers and canes to toilet seat risers and

bed rails.

Meals on Wheels takes pride in ensuring the health, safety and well-being of Solano County’s older adult population.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the organization’s Fall Prevention Program, contact the program coordinator, Paula Meyer, for your free assessment at 707-425-0638, Ext. 8.

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Volunteer Services For Homebound Seniors Faith in Action is a non-profit agency that serves some of our most vulnerable neighbors in need. Our mission is to promote the independence, end the isolation, and sustain the dignity of homebound seniors, age 60 and over, who live in Solano County.

Senior Peer Counseling Program • Individual counseling offered in-home or by phone.

• Group counseling offered in-person or by teleconference.

• Designed for seniors who feel isolated or are living with grief, loss, stress, anxiety, loneliness, or depression.

Caregiver/Respite Program • Friendly home visits.

• Phone reassurance.

• Door-through-door transportation.

• Respite for family caregivers.

• Grocery shopping and errands, meal preparation, and business help.

Ride With Pride Program • Rides to and from medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores, and other essential destinations.

Fall Prevention • In-home risk assessment.

• Education and tips for physical activity to increase balance and mobility.

• Progress follow-up designed to reduce the occurrence of falls.

Join our Team!

Come along with us as we make the days brighter for seniors living in our local communities.

Bilingual is a plus, but not a requirement.

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Cindy, a Faith in Action volunteer, is standing next to the senior she is matched to, Anne.

Faith in Action gives back to neighbors in need DAILY REPUBLIC STAFF

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Call Faith in Action to Volunteer (707) 469-6675 Or visit our website, www.FaithInActionSolano.org

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Since 1998 • A Neighbor’s Independence Depends on You!

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omebound elderly residents Faith in Action throughout Solano County • Program office in often struggle to maintain Vacaville: McBride their independence in their Senior Center, own homes. Unable to continue 91 Town Square Place driving to get to medical appoint• Telephone: ments or even the grocery store, basic 707-469-6675 needs, which most people take for • Administrative office granted, are not always met. Some of in Fairfield: 3303 these same neighbors are lonely and Whitemarsh Lane simply wish for friendly phone calls • Telephone: or a visit at home.

707-425-6164 Faith in Action, a local nonprofit • Website: https:// agency established in 1998, matches www.faithinaction volunteers to assist seniors during solano.org what can be a difficult stage in their lives. Volunteers give the gift of time on a weekly or biweekly basis each month, providing a variety of services. (See an outline of services in the ad on this same page).

In addition to assuring that the seniors the nonprofit serve are able to access what they need, Faith in Action’s volunteers provide a vital connection to the larger community. We all need a connection. We were not meant to live in this world in isolation. Faith in Action’s volunteers truly believe in the motto, “Leave no one behind.” Through their efforts, our seniors are given hope for another day.

If you have some extra time to give back to a senior in your community, come join our team. Be that special person in someone’s life. Call to volunteer. A neighbor’s independence depends on you.

A-1 Guaranteed offers solution to indoor pollutants DAILY REPUBLIC STAFF

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PA studies indicate that indoor levels of many pollutants may be 25 times and occasionally more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels. In general, indoor air is four to five times more polluted than outdoor air.

• The EPA ranks air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health.

• 87% of American homeowners are not aware that pollution may be worse inside their homes than outdoors.

• About 40,000 dust mites, a common cause of household allergies, can be found in only one ounce of dust.

• Most homes generate about 40 pounds of dust per year for every 1,500 square feet of space.

• Because they breathe faster than adults, children inhale 50% more air per pound of body weight than adults and are especially sensitive to air quality problems.

• The World Health Organization estimates that

approximately 30% of newly constructed and remodeled facilities have indoor air quality problems.

• Many ordinary activities such as cooking, cleaning and redecorating can spread indoor air pollutants.

• Even a spotless home can allow indoor pollutants to flourish. Bathrooms, damp basements and even carpets and furniture are often the prime causes.

• According to a study by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, indoor air contaminants are responsible for half of all illnesses.

If you suffer from allergies or asthma, call A-1 Guaranteed today and see how a new

A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. • In Vallejo: 1768 Broadway St. • Toll-free: 888-421-2473 • Vallejo telephone: 707-645-0734 • Fairfield telephone: 707-421-8782 • Contra Costa telephone: 925-609-8800 • Website: www.A-1 Guaranteed.com air cleaning system can remove up to 99.98% of all airborne allergens, helping your family breathe better.

Call A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air Inc. today to speak with one of our friendly, customer care professionals.

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DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, March 20, 2022 | Senior Living 2022 | 11

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Parkrose Gardens’ care for residents shines bright DAILY REPUBLIC STAFF

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AMENITIES and SERVICES • Studio & Companion Suites with private bathrooms • Three Well-Balanced Meals Daily • Daily Social Activities and Programs • Engaging Activities Calendar • Professional Housekeeping • Personalized Care Plans • Medication Assistance / Personal Care • 24/7 Care Available • 24-Hour Emergency Response www.ParkroseGardens.com | info@parkrosegardens.com

1095 E Tabor Avenue, Fairfield, CA 94533

707-422-1565

LIC# 486803845

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he mission at Parkrose Gardens is to enrich the lives of residents through extraordinary experiences.

Staff members believe in caring for the resident community through compassion, education and love.

At the heart of it all, they are a group of passionate individuals who operate as a team to provide exceptional services and a joyful, active lifestyle to the people they serve. The company’s revolutionary approach is designed to Parkrose Gardens enhance the daily lives of memory care of Fairfield residents and provide the individual • In Fairfield: attention and care they deserve while 1095 E. Tabor Ave. engaging with the resident community • Telephone: and families to assist in positive 707-422-1565 connections for residents and their • Website: www. loved ones. parkrosegardens.

Parkrose Gardens of Fairfield is com proud to announce that it has been honored as a Best of Senior Living 2022 award winner by A Place for Mom (APFM), the leading online platform and trusted advisory service for senior care in North America. The best of senior living honor represents the best of the best in assisted living and memory care among senior living providers, determined by the reviews of seniors and their families.

A Place for Mom’s 2022 Best of Senior Living Award recognizes the top 2 to 3% of nearly 45,000 senior care providers across the country for providing exemplary care and support to aging loved ones. The Parkrose Gardens community received 10 or more reviews in 2021 with an overall average rating of at least 4.5 stars on either APlaceforMom.com or SeniorAdvisor.com.

The Bright Spot owners turn eyes toward serving hometown residents DAILY REPUBLIC STAFF

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he Inglebright Family would like to introduce you to The Bright Spot, a safe and regulated cannabis retail dispensary that is located in their hometown of Fairfield.

With easy access and plenty of parking, The Bright Spot welcomes visitors with knowledgeable staff and a wide range of products to choose from. Purchasing the best products available, The Bright Spot will become the designation “spot” The Bright Spot for many individuals who have chronic and minor afflictions as well • In Fairfield: as those who simply enjoy the 1990 Walters Court benefits of the available products.

• Website: www.

As third-generation family thebrightspot.com business owners in Fairfield, the Inglebright family has devoted themselves to serving the community. Providing safe and tested access to cannabis and CBD products within Fairfield’s city limits, the Inglebrights have eliminated the search for products in unfamiliar areas for the community members.

With 10 serving stations available, the Inglebrights invite you to meet their “budtenders” and make The Bright Spot your new wellness location.

DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, March 20, 2022 | Senior Living 2022 | 13

Qualities to look for in a postretirement job

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he notion of relaxing on a beach all day in one’s golden years is still a retirement dream for millions of adults across the globe. But many individuals also harbor a desire to keep working after retiring. t• Flexibility: Retirees may be looking to contribute to their communities or simply earn a little spending money, but they will likely still want the freedom to travel or spend time with their families whenever they choose. So flexibility is something to look for in a post-retirement job. This is what makes consultant work so attractive to retirees. In-person hours may not be required of consultants, who can then offer their input while visiting their grandchildren or traveling the world.

• Socialization: Though the ability to work from home can make it easier for retirees to earn some extra money, some seniors aren’t concerned about their finances but want to work so they can get out of the house. In that case, look for

a job that offers the opportunity to socialize and meet new people. Socializing as an older adult is a great way to fend off loneliness. In addition, one study published in 2007 in the journal of the American Public Health Association found that social support networks have a positive effect on cognition among older adults. So a post-retirement job that enables retirees to socialize could delay or reduce the severity of agerelated cognitive decline.

• Engagement: A job seniors find engaging also is more likely to provide the types of benefits seniors are looking for in post-retirement work. For example, researchers at Boston College’s Sloan Center on Aging and Work found that seniors who find a job or volunteering opportunity truly engaging are more likely to benefit psychologically from those experiences than those whose post-retirement work is not engaging. If seniors find themselves simply going through the motions with their postretirement work, they can look for

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opportunities that they can be more enthusiastic about.

• Pressure-free: Regardless of what retirees did for a living prior to calling it a career, chances are they dealt with work-related stress. In fact, the American Stress Institute reports that 83% of workers in the United States suffer from work-related stress, while Statistics Canada reports that 62% of Canadian workers say work is their main source of stress. After a lifetime of confronting work-related stress, individuals who want to work in retirement should look for pressure-free opportunities. This is an important quality, as the ASI indicates that stress has been linked to increased rates of heart attack, hypertension and other disorders.

The right post-retirement job may differ from what individuals looked for during their careers. Various qualities can combine to make for a post-retirement gig that benefits seniors in myriad ways.

Pam Watson

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425-4697 • BRYANBRAKER.COM DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, March 20, 2022 | Senior Living 2022 | 15

Inside active senior living

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ousing needs may change as adults grow older and their children move out. Adults nearing retirement may want to reduce their cost of living and could find a big house is more than they need at this stage in life.

According to the financial management resource The Motley Fool, in 2019 48% of seniors planned to downsize, while 52% wanted to remain in their existing homes.

A lower cost of living could be the primary motivator to sell, but less house to maintain and the extra free time that comes with fewer chores can be powerful motivators as well.

Many adults age 50 and older consider adult communities when seeking to downsize their homes. Senior home options are categorized based on the level of care they provide. “Active adult living” is a relatively new option that reflects a growing desire for residences that afford aging adults a chance to downsize their homes and engage in their favorite activities.

Active adult living, leisure living or active adult communities include single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums, and other housing options within a community that offers an array of amenities and services.

According to Retirement Living, residents in active adult communities enjoy country club settings with amenities like swimming pools, clubhouses, golf courses, exercise centers, walking trails, computer labs, hobby centers, and even on-site restaurants. Active adult living communities may provide transportation options and have their own travel clubs. Though active adult residences do not typically provide medical services, many communities are conveniently located close to local shopping centers and complexes, ensuring that the doctor’s office is not that far away.

Other features of active living covered by homeowner’s association fees include outdoor maintenance like landscaping, snow removal and sanitation services.

Security, internet service and cable also may be included in the monthly fees.

Active communities emulate the

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benefits afforded by all-inclusive vacations, where day-to-day details are handled by management so residents can focus on fun and leisure.

Unlike general neighborhoods, seniors may appreciate active living communities because they have access to an array of services within the community. Some promote a resort vacation feeling, while others may focus on sports or cultural life. What’s more, since age is restricted, residents know that many people in these communities have shared experiences.

Active adult communities also are amenable to adults who like to travel.

Residents get the peace of mind to lock up their homes and leave knowing lawns will still be mowed and shrubs trimmed – removing signs that the residence is unoccupied. This is an ideal situation for a snowbird who spends time in a different location for part of the year.

Active adult living is the relatively new kid on the block for senior communities, filling an important niche for independent retirees and near-retirees.

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395-A E. Monte Vista Ave., Vacaville

MONTE VISTA

707.449.6385

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RELIABLE. DEPENDABLE. KNOWLEDGEABLE. JIM AND DARLA STEVER

Jim Stever was born in Fairfield and has been selling real estate here since 1978. Darla was born in Vallejo and has been selling real estate since 1989. They know Solano County and strive to meet the specialized needs of each client, using the highest ethical standards. Jim and Darla are both Past Presidents of the Solano County Association of REALTORS. They were voted one of the top ten real estate agencies and Brokers for the past 25 years!

BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER. Voted in the Top 10 Real Estate Offices the last 25 years! Thank You Solano County!

JIM

STEVER R EALTY S &A TEVER

SSOCIATES

Serving Solano County since 1978

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! 690 E. Tabor Ave., Ste. F, Fairfield www.JimSteverRealty.com

(707) 421-1000

Jim & Darla Stever BROKER/REALTOR®/Owner Cal DRE#01085687

DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, March 20, 2022 | Senior Living 2022 | 17

Safe ways for seniors to volunteer

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haritable organizations rely on the efforts of volunteers to meet their missions every day. People of all ages can volunteer, and a great number of volunteers are seniors.

A 2016 survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that nearly one-quarter of American volunteers are age 65 and over. That was never more apparent than during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many nonprofit organizations were suddenly forced to confront a volunteer shortage due to the adoption of social distancing guidelines that were designed to keep vulnerable populations, such as seniors, as safe as possible. One study from Fidelity Charitable found that two out of three volunteers decreased or stopped contributing time during the pandemic.

The rollout of various Covid-19 vaccines has allowed vaccinated individuals to return to a certain degree of pre-pandemic normalcy. However, the threat posed by strains of the virus like

the omicron variant has made some seniors apprehensive about returning to volunteering. Though each individual should consider various factors before returning to volunteering during the pandemic, the following are some options seniors can consider as they aim to safely pitch in once again.

• Look for contactless opportunities.

Interactions with the people they help and work alongside is what drives many volunteers to lend a helping hand. That’s especially so for seniors whose children have grown up and moved out. In person interactions may be too risky during the pandemic, but seniors can still volunteer via contactless opportunities. For example, in lieu of delivering meals by hand, seniors who work with organizations such as Meals on Wheels can deliver prepackaged meals outside recipients’ residences.

• Pitch in with fundraising. A report from Giving USA released in 2021 revealed that Americans gave more to charity in 2020 than in 2019. That increase came in spite of an economic

18 | Senior Living 2022 | Sunday, March 20, 2022 — DAILY REPUBLIC

downturn that saw millions of people lose their jobs or take pay cuts as companies scrambled to deal with lost revenue related to the pandemic. Though giving might have increased in 2020, many nonprofit organizations, including local community theaters, likely suffered due to cancellations and audience restrictions. As a result, many local nonprofit organizations are in need of financial support. Seniors who want to pitch in but stay safe can volunteer to help local organizations raise funds. Seniors can participate in fundraising efforts from the comforts of their own homes.

• Offer professional expertise. Many seniors retired after spending decades mastering their crafts, and that experience can be an invaluable resource to local nonprofit organizations. Seniors can offer professional advice and mentor youths remotely via apps like Zoom without putting their physical health at risk.

Seniors concerned for their safety can still lend a hand by volunteering with their favorite nonprofit organizations.

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DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, March 20, 2022 | Senior Living 2022 | 19

Travel perks, discounts for seniors METRO SERVICES

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aving made it to their golden years, seniors enjoy not only the privilege of earned wisdom, but also a few perks that come with aging. Many adults who have reached a certain age are entitled to an array of discounts, which take into consideration seniors’ fixed retirement incomes.

Discounts are available on various services, including many travel options.

Seniors have a lot of time to devote to recreational pursuits. This list of available travel discounts can help seniors get the most bang for their vacation bucks.

Airline tickets Before booking a flight, it is worth investigating if a particular airline carrier offers senior discounts. The global pandemic has changed how some airlines do business, and many have faced significant adversity since early 2020. Airlines may offer more affordable flights to drum up business. In the past,

American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, British Airlines, and United Airlines have offered various discounts for people ages 65 and older.

Ground travel

stateroom categories. Smarter Travel notes that most chains require travelers to book directly rather than through an online booking agency/deal site to be eligible for discounts.

Flying isn’t the only mode of travel available. AARP partners with various car rental companies to offer senior discounts. Seniors also may be entitled to discounts of 5 percent or more on tickets from Greyhound, Amtrak, and Trailways. Seniors who live in metropolitan areas also may get reduced fares on public buses and trains through providers like New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Dining out

Accommodations

Tours and more

Getting there is one thing, but seniors also can receive discounts on hotel stays or cruise cabins. AARP reports that many major hotel and motel chains offer senior discounts between 5 and 15 percent. Royal Caribbean has offered senior discounts on select sailings and

20 | Senior Living 2022 | Sunday, March 20, 2022 — DAILY REPUBLIC

Many restaurants, and national chains in particular, offer senior discounts with or without AARP membership. Applebee’s offers 10 to 15 percent off to those age 60 or older. Brick House Tap & Tavern, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Denny’s, IHOP, Outback Steakhouse, and many others provide discounts or special senior pricing.

Seniors also can speak with travel agents or booking services about discounts on sightseeing tours and other vacation excursions.

One of the perks of getting older is the chance to save money on travel-related services.

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DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, March 20, 2022 | Senior Living 2022 | 21

How active seniors can lower their injury risk

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hysical activity is one of the key components of a healthy lifestyle.

Though physical activity benefits people of all ages, it can be especially helpful for seniors by making it easier for them to overcome some of the obstacles associated with aging.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical activity supports daily living activities and independence. That’s a significant benefit for seniors who are worried that age-related physical and mental decline might one day compromise their ability to live independently. The CDC also notes that physical activity lowers the risk for early death, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

The CDC reports that physical activity is generally safe for fit individuals who are 65 and older and have no existing conditions. Despite that, it’s best for any senior to consult his or her physician prior to beginning a new exercise regimen. Once doctors give seniors the go-ahead to begin a new workout routine, seniors can take the following steps to reduce their risk for injury.

• Warm up before working out.

Seniors may think they don’t need to warm up before exercising because their workouts are not as high-intensity as they might have been when they were younger. But Harvard Medical School notes that warming up pumps nutrientrich, oxygenated blood to the muscles and helps increase heart rate. The American Council on Exercise reports that warming up helps reduce workoutrelated injury risk by improving tissue elasticity. So prior to beginning a workout, regardless of how moderate- or low-intensity that regimen will be, seniors should warm up for five to 10 minutes.

• Start with a routine that’s commensurate with your abilities. Seniors excited by the prospect of working out must temper that excitement if they’re not accustomed to physical activity.

Such individuals should consider working with a personal trainer. Personal trainers design exercise regimens based on each individual client’s fitness levels and goals. As clients make progress and their bodies become acclimated to routine physical activity, personal trainers can then tweak regimens to make them more challenging. Seniors can take on these responsibilities

22 | Senior Living 2022 | Sunday, March 20, 2022 — DAILY REPUBLIC

themselves, but are urged to begin slowly and gradually build up their exercise tolerance.

• Don’t skip strength training.

Seniors may think lifting weights is for young people who want to look buff, but the AARP notes that muscle-strengthening activities protect the joints, reducing seniors’ risk for injury as a result. The Department of Health & Human Services recommends seniors who have been cleared to exercise engage in strength training at least twice per week.

• Stretch after your workout. Harvard Medical School reports that efforts to cool down after a workout, including stretching, can prevent muscle cramps and dizziness a nd lengthen muscles throughout the body, which improves range of motion. Harvard Medical School recommends holding each stretch for 10 to 30 seconds, as the longer a stretch can be held the more flexible individuals’ muscles will be.

Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle for seniors. Active seniors can take various steps to reduce their injury risk so they can continue to reap the rewards of exercising for years to come.

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www.SolanoLifeHouse.com DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, March 20, 2022 | Senior Living 2022 | 23