Aging Baby Boomers Need and Demand One-call Home Care Services

The demographics of America are changing – and fast. There is a growing population of aging baby boomers who are savvy, smart and independent, and they know they have choices for their future lifestyles.

The statistics show that this population is on the rise. In 2003, there were 36 million Americans who were 65 and older; by 2030 it’s projected that this population will grow to 71 million. And an AARP study from 2005 found that 89 percent of people 50 and older want to stay at home as long as possible.

To do this, our aging U.S. citizens will likely need assistance in many areas such as housekeeping, yard upkeep, home maintenance, and, in some cases, relocation to new homes or care facilities.

These people, whether they are in need of physical assistance or are busy traveling during retirement, will need others to help them take care of things at home.

With this trend, a unique business opportunity is now flourishing – a “one call resolves it all” home care services for seniors.

It’s an ideal time for investors to capitalize on this new business trend. That’s exactly what Kim and Paul Abelman did when they decided to start a business.

The Abelmans found their new business in Spectrum Home Services. Spectrum is part of a national growing industry offering personal home care for older adults and busy homeowners.

But Spectrum Home Services is different from traditional home care service companies. They are simply one-call away for people who need a broad spectrum of services including housekeeping, yard care, maintenance, companionship and relocation services. Other companies offer a few of these types of services, but not the number of services available through Spectrum.

The Abelmans are happy to offer this service to area seniors and other busy homeowners through Spectrum Home Services.

Kim Abelman shared that “people who choose home care can find it frustrating making calls for numerous services. Many of our clients were calling a handyman for broken items around the house, a yard service to mow their lawn, a home cleaning service to do their laundry and a nursing service to make sure their medication is taken on time.” One call to the Abelman’s Spectrum Home Services fulfills all these needs and more.

In September 2006 they purchased franchise rights to Spectrum Home Services in New Albany, with the guidance of franchise consultant and expert, Barney Greenbaum.

Greenbaum works with clients in the Ohio market through the national organization, FranNet. Using FranNet’s proprietary process, he matches his clients with the right franchise using safety, risk avoidance, high standards, and affordability as criteria.

“My job is to act as first a facilitator to help find the business that matches their requirements, then I coach them along with helpful resources, such as financing, franchise attorney, and accountant, once they find a good fit. We spend 30 to 60 days on the search with a well thought out action plan. My goal is for the client to find the right tools to make the process less scary, and help them reach those important goals,” Greenbaum explained.

He demonstrated this trend in the home care service industry to the Abelmans. “With 10,000 people now turning 60 every day the baby boomer generation will need more caregiver services than the caregivers can easily provide,” said Greenbaum. “Paul and Kim wanted an affordable business they could grow, while maintaining a balance with their family, work, spirit, and health. Working with active seniors on home care projects allowed them this flexibility.”

The Spectrum Home Services approach to home care drew the Abelmans to this business. They discovered that Spectrum was for them after reviewing several other business options.

“We knew that the eventual goal for this business is to provide services that are very much needed,” Kim Abelman said. “We ‘got’ the concept after meeting with Greenbaum and going through the FranNet process.”

The Abelman’s also wanted something that would give back to the community. “We work closely with families and do everything they need done – trash, cleaning, clearing out for Goodwill, running errands,” Abelman explains. “We’ve become like family for many of our clients.”

Abelman says she “liked the networking and marketing aspect of Spectrum. To reach people that need the services, I do in-service programs with discharge managers in hospitals and at realtor meetings. As a former college lecturer, it’s easy for me to put [our business] into words. I’m okay going out and meeting people to teach about this new concept of senior home care.”

With no other franchise like Spectrum in the area, the Ablemans are getting a lot of calls for the services they offer. They’ve also experienced a rise in the number of younger, busy homeowners who call. Some companies are even offering Spectrum Home Services as part of employee benefits to help working families.

Greenbaum enjoyed matching the Ableman’s with Spectrum Home Services and summed it all up: “At the end of the day they added some value to someone’s life, and occasionally they might even get a hug for it.”

To learn more about FranNet in the Columbus area, contact Barney Greenbaum at

614-882-7777 or call 1-800-FRANNET.

Baby Boomers: Changing The Face Of Retirement

“Old age” was never in the vocabulary of the boomer retirees. They live under a creed of despising the aging process throughout their history. Born as activists questioning everything, they combat inevitable aging and dispose antiquated retirement concepts embraced by their parents. Instead, boomers give more attention on how they are going to lace up rollerblades, download in their iPod’s, or skate into sophisticated, hip energetic adult communities. They called this as lifestyle communities created all over the country to cater to their whim.

The previous architecture director of Del Webb Corporation, Bill Parks foresees that the approaching great numbers of boomers retirees would delight and bewilder many developers. For a less period of time, adult communities will be springing up meeting the needs of active adults.

There are over 1,200 adult communities all over the country and some are on the stages of planning. The underlying purpose of building such communities remains constant. To give a place for empty nesters to rationalize after their kids leave them. The location, ambiance, size, and amenities are great, too far from what had already existed.

Home builders consider this as a very big trend. The senior housing councils for the National Association of Home Builders, Jeff Jenkins, announced that after the first set of age-qualified boomers availed more than 55 communities, it staggered the impacts since 2001. Boomers aged 55 years old and above accounted for about 1/5 (207,000) of the 1.1 million purchases of new homes in 2003. The adult active market accounted for approximately 51 billion dollars of sales in new homes. This is the main reason why adult communities are springing up in all places.

The generation of World War II in fact invented the retirement standard of living in various ways. They outlived their work and accumulated significant wealth to enjoy their golden years. Their prospective places are Florida, California and Arizona due to its sunny weather with a handy golf course and pool and a country club or community center where they could establish their new social functions.

However, the boomers have a different viewpoint according to the CEO and founder of ICAA (International Council on Active Aging) Colin Milner. ICAA is an adult active advocacy organization in British Columbia, particularly Vancouver.  

Baby boomers have acquired so many life experiences that will soon be reflected in their adult communities. The only difference is that they have adopted what they have learned. Take for example fitness issues. Boomers parents didn’t incorporate fitness in their lifestyle considering it as a boring routine. So, the entire exercise trend was started by the baby boomers. It is not a turnoff for them because they have accessed it throughout their lives. Therefore, adopting it in their adult communities as a part of their lifestyle is not a big deal. Developers are creating adult communities reflecting their rich baby boomers history.

The major difference between the retirement villages of the first generation and adult active communities is location. Numerous surveys reveal surprising results. 2 out of 3 boomers wanted to live 100 miles away from where they lived and worked. The reason that motivated boomers to moving further does not mainly lie on the type of weather. But they chase their friends and family who have transferred in that location.

The phenomenon called as stay-at-home caught some developers off guard. They never realized that one day the resort-style adult communities near main urban centers will become lesser in demand. The Midwest and Northwest location was once the best seller. During the mid-90s one half of such communities are situated in Sunbelt. Washington D.C is not a very popular retirement location however there are dozens of adult active communities available wherein some people never believe it is possible. Today, three fourths of these communities are not within Sunbelt anymore. The price ranges 150,000 dollars and above for a town home having two bedrooms and two baths.

The boomers generation has been separated from its Me Generation. For ill or good, the history’s largest generation changes the faces of everything on the path they once lived. They exchange health care from entertainment, investing from childbirth, and education from fitness. It will hold no surprise that boomer retirees will reinvent the entire retirement village.  Boomers regardless of their age still continue to make changes.

Old Colony Elder Services Urges Baby Boomers To Learn More About Long Term Care Planning Now

 BROCKTON, MA.

Old Colont Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, is supporting the Executive Office of Elder Affairs’ (EOEA) campaign “Embrace Your Future” to raise awareness about the importance of long term care planning.

 

Anyone between 45 and 60 years old who is interested in more information about planning for retirement and long term care should contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 to request a brochure.

 

The “Embrace Your Future” campaign is targeting the people born between 1946 and 1964 and encouraging them to take steps now to plan for their future needs. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information, planning for future long term care needs is important for a number of reasons:

 

Expense – Long term care services are often much more expensive than people think. Care often exceeds what the average person can pay using their income and other resources. You may not meet the eligibility requirements for federal or state assistance. Medicare, disability insurance and health insurance do not pay for long term care services.

 

Financial and emotional stress – The financial and emotional burden of your care will rest solely on your family members unless you plan ahead. Remember, your assets may not be enough to cover the costs of your care.

 

More care choices – By planning ahead, you will have more choices as to how your long term support needs will be met as well as where you wish to receive that care – for many, the desire is to remain at home for as long as possible.

 

“When you are healthy and active, there is often no sense of urgency with regard to planning for long term care because the potential needs seem so far into the future. But, planning ahead is the best way to ensure that your future needs will be met and that you will have the resources to pay for those needs. Long term care costs are rising and the government will not have the funds to support them. We strongly encourage anyone between 45 and 60 to contact us for more information,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

 

The best way to begin planning is by taking the first step to obtain more information. Contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 to request that an “Embrace Your Future” brochure be mailed to you at no charge. Or, 800ageinfo.com or www.longtermcare.gov/campaign/ma for more information.

 

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

 

OCES offers these programs in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman. 

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent
unnecessary or premature institutionalization. 

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Baby Boomers Downsizing To Smaller Homes

There is an interesting trend happening with the Baby Boomers. According to an article in the Christian Science Monitor by Marilyn Gardner, Boomers are moving to smaller living quarters and are increasingly prepared to pare down possessions in the process.

For those of you who need to know who these ‘Baby boomers’ are, they are the people who were born just after the World War II and are called so because of the boom in the number of babies during that period.

According to a study by FH Boom, a group that studies this generation, Boomers have an adventurous spirit. They love to travel and are known to prefer a ‘lock and leave’ kind of housing. They are ready to move to smaller quarters much earlier in life, say 50’s while they are still working, when compared to their parents who often waited to the later part of their lives to do the same.

Baby Boomers are moving to favor housing such as condos, active adult communities and city apartments. According to the Over-50 Council of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), about 6 percent of people, between the age bracket of 55 and 64, move every year. The reasons usually vary from empty nests, to unexpected job offers, and early retirement plans. Whatever the reason for moving, Baby Boomers seem to do so with a fair amount of alacrity.

Most experts agree that for the Baby Boomer generation, it is easier to part with their belongings as they grew up during times when most of the things were disposable. Baby Boomers are more in tune with the changing times than their parents were, who were weighed down by precious possessions such heirlooms and large furniture. Therefore, Baby Boomers do not hesitate to shift to homes that offer less spacious living than they are used to.

Baby Boomers are more adaptable to change and are willing to make compromises in the process of downsizing their homes. Besides reducing their living spaces and giving up their long-term belongings that they have no use for anymore, Baby Boomers also have a flexible approach toward modifying their home space to make it more user-friendly, sometimes radically too.

Nevertheless, Baby Boomers seem to have limits to how much they can downsize their homes. According to one real estate broker, while the older generation preferred 900 to 1200 sq. feet, Baby Boomers want 1800 to 2400 sq. feet even after the nest has emptied.

A simpler lifestyle and the thrill of moving are some aspects that seem to counter any hard feelings that result while downsizing their quarters or reducing their possessions.

Hey Baby Boomers – Here is Some Travel Advice Just for You!

If you were born between the end of World War II and the beginning of the Vietnam War, you are a Baby Boomer. Some Boomers have taken early retirement already, and others are on the verge of this new chapter in their lives. ‘Travel’ is at the top of the list for many.

Planning Your Trip

Your travel itinerary should be part of a careful process. Plan a holiday with plenty of ‘you’ time. You should finish every vacation feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Baby Boomers are generally quite fit when compared to our ancestors. However, increasing numbers of obese or overweight adults are plagued with bad backs, high cholesterol levels, and fragile knee joints.

Don’t just pick a cruise and pack your bags. Keep your interests and physical limitations in mind. If you are a swimming fanatic, you might want to try scuba diving. However, asthma would preclude a scuba vacation. You might have to settle for snorkeling instead. If you have a bad back, don’t plan to go hiking in the Andes.

The older you are, the less likely you are to have a comfortable night’s sleep. Try to find a hotel or bed and breakfast with memory foam mattresses and soundproof walls.

When booking your room, ask the reservations desk if they offer discounts for seniors. Some lodging establishments will provide a substantial discount as early as age 55. Don’t consider yourself ‘old’ just because you are 55. Think of some fabulous Baby Boomers like Suzanne Somers, Donald Trump, Sylvester Stallone, and Dolly Parton. They all celebrated 60th birthdays in 2006.

Preparations

Apply for a passport at least 6 months in advance if you don’t already have one. Some countries will not allow you to cross their borders with a passport that is near its expiry date. Contact embassies or do some research online so that you are aware of current regulations.

Check with your physician to see if there are any activities you should avoid. Your doctor can also advise you regarding immunizations, give you prescription refills, and provide photocopies of crucial medical information. Many countries will only allow clearly labeled prescription medications where the name on the bottle matches the passport. If you require supplies like alcohol swabs and other support products, purchase them ahead of time. You may not be able to locate what you need in a foreign country.

Be aware of the coverage provided by your current medical insurance policies. It may be prudent to purchase extra insurance for unexpected (and uncovered) contingencies such as air evacuation.

Packing

Travel activities can cause swollen feet. Sensible, comfortable footwear that is one width wider and 1/2 size larger than usual is advisable. Never pack brand new shoes or boots.

Sleep disturbances become more frequent as we age. Pack some foam earplugs so you won’t have to worry about your partner’s snoring, creaking floorboards, or disturbances in the hallway outside your room.

Many of us find that foods we used to enjoy now cause symptoms like gas, cramps, or constipation. At home, we can compensate by watching what we eat. However, when dining in restaurants, we are often faced with unfamiliar and exotic fare that can wreak havoc with the gastrointestinal system. Pack a bottle of digestive enzymes. They are available in big department stores like Wal-Mart, as well as pharmacies and health food stores.

A small memory foam travel pillow can cradle your head while you nap onboard the plane – or it can provide relief from a sore back if you put it between your knees while you sleep at night.

Keep your hands free when you go on tours. A good backpack is the key. Shop around until you find a comfortable pack that is easy to put on and remove.

Partay!

Each day before you leave the room, check the weather forecast and dress accordingly – in layers. If you get too warm later in the day, you can peel something off and put it in your backpack.

Your backpack can also be used for meds, your travel pillow, a bottle of water, and other essentials. Valuables and important papers should never go in the pack, however. Keep them in a next-to-skin money belt (zipper side in) with only small amounts of cash in another easily accessed wallet or pocket.

Fresh water is crucial. Proper hydration will keep your energy level at optimum and prevent that old travel bane – constipation.

Wherever you go, whatever you do, wear a smile and be polite. A cheerful attitude will be infectious and will transform your time away from home into a truly happy, memorable experience.

©Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author’s note below (with active links) are included.

Career Planning For Baby Boomers — Re-Entering The Workforce

Studies have shown that a large segment of mature people now want to stay employed or re-enter the workforce at the middle aged stage. There are several reasons as to why more mature people choose to start working again and many of these can be inter-connected.

The reasons why mature workers remain motivated for staying in, or re-entering the workforce, can be diverse and include:

A necessity based approach that if focused on wages and pay.
Satisfaction based, from contribution to economy and social contacts in the workplace (important especially for women or people living alone)
Continuing usage of skills and abilities, expertise and capacities that are relevant to the workplace but with limited visibility and relevance outside.
A good set of principles and work ethics, or a good set of values they have about work
Complete pleasure and satisfaction in working, or comfort and familiarity with regular routines

However, most senior citizens don’t necessarily have to work where they worked before, or they don’t need to work in the same style as before. In fact, a considerably large number don’t want just any ordinary job, they want a kind of occupation or vocation that will allow them to fully express their interests and beliefs, values and morals and even changing objectives. While most mature adults can be looking for changes as to where and how they would like to work, for others, work might actually be something akin to a financial necessity. Today, in the United States, people aged over 45 are increasingly getting back into work, largely because they need good health care coverage, for example.

Financial independence is also and important factor in the work force re-entry of mature women. In the group of ethnically and economically diverse mature women in America, freedom from men seems to be a major motivation for work. Part of this emphasis on freedom from men – be it financial or any other sort of ties (whether spouses or children) comes from past negative experiences, some from the perceived risks of divorce, separation, abandonment, and ill treatment, faced by dependant women.

A number of reasons, in addition to the financial ones drive older, more mature people to get back to working. These may range from the fitness to the social issues. The reasons why mature adults re-enter the workforce are:

To remain physically as well as mentally active.
Due to family and relationship changes
Job satisfaction
Because they need a routine
Want more to do
Crave for more social contacts that can only be provided by work

The ones who do retire may not permanently leave the workforce, finding retirement less enjoyable than expected and may soon re-enter the workforce.

As increasing number of mature workers enter the workforce, there is an increasing number of 50+-year-old job seekers. Barriers, real or perceived, and the expectation of rejection undermine morale, and hurt self-confidence. Despite legislation making age discrimination illegal, it can be quite problematic, particularly for the unemployed seeking work out of necessity.

Some of the negative aspects that are attributed to older workers are:

Lack of creativity and flexibility
Outdated and archaic skills and abilities
Tend to be accident prone
Less capable of physical labor
Poor health

In fact, research shows that older workers are:

Faithful
Trustworthy
Diligent workers
Productive
Sophisticated
Enthusiastic
More experienced

Dedicated

Baby Boomers And The National Service

Some interesting facts about baby boomers

Before we start discussing the facts about baby boomers, let us discuss who these baby boomers are. Baby boomers are those who were born between 1946 and 1964. There were 78 million babies born in America during these boom years of 1946 to 1964. These baby boomers turned 60 in 2006, and they are expected to live till a ripe old age of 83. Interestingly one out of four Americans is a Baby boomer. This means that 28% of the total population of the United States of America is that of baby boomers.

Baby boomers as volunteers

Volunteering is something that baby boomers seem to be inclined to do. Almost one third of all the baby boomers, nearly 25.8 million people have become volunteers for some organization or the other. An interesting fact to observe here would be that baby boomer volunteers form the highest group of volunteers at 33.2% and that is more than the national average of 28.8%. The rate at which baby boomers are volunteering is increasing steadily and gradually. It was 25% in the year 2002 and reached 30% in the year 2004. Now the reason why so many baby boomers are volunteering is because they feel obliged or out of a sense of duty. It is because they want the kind of social interaction they would not otherwise get because most baby boomers are retired. Volunteering gives them a sense of social and self-development and motivation, it also helps to build their self-esteem.

Baby boomers and National service

Baby boomers should not be viewed as a cost to the economy; in fact they are an asset to the economy and the community and an underutilized asset at that. In fact, the conference on ‘Aging of 2005′ was completely based on promoting the volunteering of baby boomers for national and community service. It was also centered on changing the infra structure, so as to enhance the volunteering and the conference even put forth some policies to benefit the volunteering by baby boomers.

These policies and initiatives were:

- To change the way the non-profit sectors think about how to use the volunteers and to make a cultural shift that would encourage the baby boomers.

- To offer flexibility to the older volunteers like the baby boomers and to encourage a feeling of better corporate citizenship.

- Handing a more prominent and appropriate role to the government, which includes involving the baby boomers in civic activities.

- Promoting the need for volunteers and services and civic engagements by baby boomers and retired adults.

- To encourage educating the public and the promotion of health benefits.

Before getting these already capable baby boomers to volunteer in the field of national service and community it is important to change the image of age. These baby boomers are going to be attracted to programs that do not use words like old, seniors or retired. It is also necessary to reflect volunteer work as not something only retired people can do; it needs to be portrayed in a way that appears challenging to the baby boomers

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Baby Boomers Back to School

Get Motivated for a Positive Career Transformation

In this day and age, it’s not uncommon to see more and more seasoned adults returning to college to acquire essential skills and training to gain an edge in the competitive job market. Despite the fact that baby boomers are at retirement age, the age group (55-64) is the fastest growing segment of the adult population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of individuals 65 and older in the year 2050 is projected to be nearly 87 million. That means one in five people will be a minimum age of 65 or older by the year 2030.

Today, retirement-age baby boomers aren’t necessarily in the market for a retirement home in Florida. The older generation of thinkers and doers is breaking ground with continuing education and post-secondary education to stay active and knowledgeable, thus remaining a critical element in shaping the ever-evolving future of this nation.

Baby boomers aren’t yesterday’s generation, and they’re demonstrating that older persons can be a vital part of society. Instead of high school-age students awaiting happy returns from prospective colleges, it’s the baby boomer generation anticipating acceptance letters into the school or university of choice.

Today’s boomers are settling for nothing less than a meaningful and enriching lifestyle, which often includes going back to school to re-train for new and exciting careers that benefit society.

Some rewarding career-training programs are attracting baby boomers to post-secondary education in the field in which they’ve worked most of their lives. For example, if you’ve worked in computer technology your entire life, you could pursue education from a local tech school or college to become a computer educator in elementary schools or in senior citizen centers. Other popular academic options include natural healthcare courses for those who’ve served as medical health practitioners.

Of course, there are multitudes of career-training opportunities for those undecided about how they wish to spend their golden years. Whether you choose to pursue a new career in beauty, health, education, or alternative medicine, rest assured that baby boomers aren’t throwing in the towel for retirement. Now, more than ever is the right time to rethink your future plans. Transform your tomorrows into personally and professionally-rewarding fields today.

Baby Boomers back to School

Get Motivated for a Positive Career Transformation

Copyright 2008

The CollegeBound Network

All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active

Baby Boomers Still Fueling Florida Real Estate Options

Whether it is buying a second home or acting on the long-planned dream of retiring to a sun destination, Baby Boomers are moving to Florida to take advantage of a well-deserved rest from the corporate world, or other nine-to-five path they had been on. The current excess of properties at reduced prices in Florida provides a perfect opportunity for new retirees to purchase a home and join the fun in an active community.

Of course, the old adage “location, location, location” still applies when purchasing a retirement property in Florida. Baby Boomers are at an age where they can take advantage of activities such as golf, water sports, biking and other outdoor adventures. The life span for healthy Baby Boomers will allow them to still be celebrating birthdays long into their 80s or 90s. However, aging also means needing easy access to medical facilities, which is part of their decision making when purchasing homes in Florida.

As one of the largest demographics in the country at roughly 28%, or 74 million adults born between 1946 and 1964, Baby Boomers were part of the “me generation” and had access to a plentiful job market and a good economy in the 1980s. This allowed people to get into their first home and they took advantage of the rise in real estate. Many people succeeded in putting away funds for retirement and are now reaping the benefits of good planning. Being able to sell their home at a significant profit has further allowed Baby Boomers to purchase their retirement residence in the destination of their choice.

You know a topic is current when there is a conference promoting the subject, like the 2010 Florida Boomer Lifestyle Conference. This event highlights the state’s lifestyle offerings and shines a light on how vibrant this generation is today, and how it will be in the years to come. As the saying goes, “60 is the new 40.” Baby Boomers are taking advantage of all that life has to offer, from education to travel to starting their own businesses. Buying a home in a sun destination is just one piece of their retirement plan.

Many promotional pieces show images of couples enjoying retirement activities, but there are also many single men and women who, after years of marriage, are living the single life and enjoying every minute. These people are Baby Boomers who are also looking into purchasing homes in retirement communities, where they can join in on activities with other adults, either singles or couples.

Information options for Boomers wanting to retire in Florida include a number of books and websites devoted to the topic. In the spring of 2004, a Baby Boomer survey was conducted and it noted that 55 percent of boomers would move when they retire. They plan to purchase a home in an Active Adult Community, and Florida is an ideal choice with its sunny climate and plethora of activities for men and women. Recently, a retirement-based website stated that six Florida cities made the list for 20 Most Affordable and Best Places to Retire.

The Baby Boomers Retirement Plan in Thailand

One enterprising lady who recently decided to retire to Thailand is saving diligently to sponsor a beachside home in her dream location and expressed the desire to spend her final days in the ‘Land of Smiles’ and eventually when she dies to be wrapped in a sail and gently floated out to sea in a candlelit ceremony!  Baby boomers, along with everyone else, receive a warm welcome in Thailand and the retired American community has expanded in recent years, prompting the Thai government to consider various affordable financial facilities for Americans wishing to buy their own property.

 

Thailand is proud of its incredible beaches; lush forests and impressive mountains.  The lifestyle in Thailand is to die for, with its warm climate; low cost of living; wide use of English as the country’s second language and plenty of opportunities for laid back entertainment.

 

Baby boomers who have worked in Thailand know that is a popular holiday destination with the rest of Asia and many Americans who spent part of their career working in Asia choose Thailand for their retirement.  The country is quite simply gorgeous, with beautiful gardens, a perfect living environment and an impressive cosmopolitan culture.  Baby boomers with the right financial criteria can attain a retirement visa to allow them to settle permanently in Thailand. 

 

Psychological articles recommend that medical facilities in Thailand are of a high standard and there are plenty of high quality clinics and hospitals to choose from all over the country.  An international ISO certificate may be applied for to entitle attendance and most medical conditions are catered for. 

 

Local color is impressive: the fabric markets are a must for lady baby boomers with a taste for opulence – Thai silk is not as cheap as it once was but every bit as beautiful and tactile.  In Thailand it is possible to find fantastic 3D wall art and expertly carved furniture at a fraction of the cost in the US and many visitors to Thailand take advantage of opportunities to ship large quantities of local furniture back home. 

 

Psychological articles note that for many, the transition from tourist to retiree in Thailand is a gradual one.  Most take the time to explore the country in detail before making the all important decision on whether to retire there.  It is quite useful that property rental is low, allowing prospective retirees to ‘try before they buy’.  

 

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