Mexican Retirement Communities – New Direction in Lifestyle

While Mexico offers many excellent locations with properties and services ideal for retirement, a new trend is growing that will make Mexican retirement communities even more appealing for Americans and Canadians looking for a community-focused lifestyle.

 

And the new trend is just that – developments that offer a strong focus on community; plenty of green space, central club houses to enjoy playing cards and pool, swimming pools and lounge areas and a complete set of maintenance and convenience services allow retirees to focus on relaxation and time with their neighbors from back home.

 

One new Playa del Carmen development, La Escondida, demonstrates this new trend very well. With a variety of property choices, including villas, homes, penthouses and garden apartments, all including a large amount of balcony and patio space, private space and time to yourself is definitely easy to be found.

 

But La Escondida has integrated these excellent properties into a community-focused design. Only 26% of the total space will be used for construction; the other 74% is pools connected by canals, walking trails, yards and garden areas. There is even a mini-putt for residents, and a children’s playground for when the grand-kids visit.

 

A central club house includes card and pool tables, as well as a gym, meaning that retirement will be relaxing, but also active and healthy. Within walking distance is a new mall with a large-screen English movie theater. There are plans for a golf course nearby, and 8 more already exist in the surrounding area.

 

La Escondida offers full condo-hotel style services, including baggage delivery directly to your home, transportation to and from areas within Playa del Carmen (car ownership is unnecessary, and the community is car-free, but parking spaces are provided inside the gated entrance), a concierge and a tour company to help plan outings to the area’s many attractions. These attractions include Mayan ruins, eco-parks (theme parks with a focus on the area’s nature and culture), protected wildlife parks, colonial cities, large shopping centers and much more.

 

This Mexican retirement community is only a 10 minute drive from the beach, and the transportation services make this easy and hassle free. Low condo fees cover maintenance, and allow retirees to stretch their savings as far as possible. A rental service also allows retirees who use their property only in the winter to rent out to vacationers and enjoy an extra income.

 

One of the most important points is that those who choose retirement in La Escondida will be enjoying much more than just a warm weather retirement at an accessible price – they will enjoy being part of a real community, where they know their neighbors and enjoy many relaxing hours and great experiences together.

 

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

Will Omabacare Eat Into Your Retirement? Create a Firewall

This is a tough question because none of us will know the answer until it becomes fact. The healthcare bill is roaring along like a runaway freight train, yet no one in government can say with certainty if will create jobs…or take them away. No one in government can say with certainty if it will eventually bankrupt this country…or it will promote a new wave of prosperity. No one in government can say with certainty if the new taxes imposed upon us to pay for it will bankrupt us taxpayers…or put extra money in our pockets. It’s all a speculation. No one knows for certain what the outcome will be.

I’m Paying Now For Bad Career Decisions

Hello, I am an old codger, 73, who made too many bad career decisions over my lifetime—decisions that left me without a cushy pension. I still work a part time job and depend on Social Security and Medicare—but all of these are in jeopardy. If you are one of those fortunate folks that made the right career decisions and are living comfortably, then this article probably won’t be of much benefit for you. This article is directed at those out there that are genuinely concerned about what our government is doing and what you can do to offset some of the consequences.

This Has Nothing To Do About Politics

Please understand that I’m not some wild-eyed political activist. I’m not talking about politics at all. I’m talking about survival during some very uncertain times. I’ve been characterized as a survivor most of my adult life. Most of my friends, relatives and former classmates who are my age have been retired for years. For me personally, retirement sounds like a scary situation—I’d be bored to death. As long as I have some semblance of good health I must keep occupied. In a little bit I’ll tell you what I’m doing to maintain my sanity, and help out with the monthly bills.

I’ve lived through the same economic downturns and recessions as you did. I learned that if you leave it alone, the economy will rebound on its own—it always has, and it always will if government would stop meddling with it. Meanwhile each of us has established a lifestyle that may be sufficient—but could always use improvement. So what are the options?

Some College

I have a part time job that pays well for a high school graduate with about one year of college behind him. But at times I wonder whether it’s worth the cost. I commute 42 miles round-trip each working day. Factor in the cost of maintaining a car, insurance and the wear and tear on the car and me, and I question the value of the income it produces. On the other hand, could I stand retirement if it meant scaling back the lifestyle I’ve become accustomed to?

A couple of months ago I had an idea—why not look into some sort of activity that I could pursue from home. My job is writing complex technical articles for a manufacturer of crime scene investigation equipment. There was a time when I had a lot of first-hand experience in using that CSI stuff. I asked my employer about “out-sourcing” this work—I could do it from home. No deal, no comment. So I looked into finding something else I could do that didn’t involve a commute. What I stepped into at first was like falling into an open cesspool.

The Retail Store Is Close To Extinction

Internet marketing has become a serious threat to the “retail store” way of life we know. Chances are buy things you need over the Internet—most of us do. It saves time, avoids the crowds (and the swine flu they may be carrying with them), and it saves on gasoline!

I wondered if there might be a way I could get involved in Internet marketing in some fashion. I soon learned that I can—but you know the old saying, “Let the Buyer Beware.” I started clicking on those pesky little ads that are plastered all over the websites I visit. “Start Your Own Home Business,” “Make Big Money On The Internet,” “I Made Over $10,000 Last Month On The Internet.” You’ve seen them and maybe you were tempted to click on them.

It’s Not A Get Rich Quick Scam

The most successful “experts” in Internet marketing will tell you that over 90% of these “Get-Rich-Quick” schemes are bogus, pure garbage, and the only ones getting rich quick are the scum-bags selling them. After a couple of miss-starts, and a little over $100 spent on crap, I decided to find the 10% that were genuine, honest plans that could help me to get started and not wipe out the little bit of savings I had left.

Begin Your Home-Based Business In three Easy Steps

What I decided to try was “affiliate marketing.” It works like this:
1.    I signed up (at no cost) as an affiliate with ClickBank (CB). This 10-year-old company has paid out over $1.4 Billion in affiliate commissions. CB carries 10s of thousands of electronic books (e-books) covering virtually any topic you can think of.  All products carry a 100% money back guarantee.
2.    Next, I opened the CB Marketplace and searched for products I know a little bit about. I started with Digital Photography and Weddings (mostly because I still photograph weddings occasionally). I contacted the authors of these e-books and signed on (again at no cost). They gave me a “Hop Link,” that people searching for information on these two subjects would click on to purchase the e-book.
3.    CB takes the credit card information and immediately sends the e-book to the buyer.  And every two weeks CB sends the affiliate a check. Commissions average 50%-75%. It’s all done on autopilot. I can be at home asleep or walking the dog when orders are processed.

Now, how do I get people to click on the Hop Link. The method I use is “Article Marketing.” You are reading an example. Below is the Hop Link to ClickBank. I write articles and post them on article directories like this one (once again at no cost to me).

The only problem was, I had no idea how to write articles. My forte was technical manuals—stuff like how to develop latent fingerprints, test for illegal narcotics, how to search and photograph a crime scene, and so forth. Once again I turned to the Internet and sure enough, I found an e-book that taught me—step-by-step—in language I could understand, how to write articles and how and where to post them. The $39.00 I spent on this e-book renewed my faith in the free market and in my own ability to supplement my income. It will do the same for you!

Don Penven (Treefern) is a freelance writer with locations in Raleigh and Morehead City, NC. He is an affiliate marketer representing nearly a dozen different e-books and downloadable software. His articles appear on many of the top-rated article directories.

Did this article answer some of your questions? Did it start you thinking that starting your own home business may be a very good idea? If you are ready to look at a new venture with minimal cost, minimal risk, then Click Below for more information. This e-book is sold with a 100% Money Back Guarantee!

Don strongly recommends the purchase of “Turn Words Into Traffic,” the e-book that gave him the knowledge to supplement his income. For more information:
Click ===> HERE.

One last thought, nearly 90% of the newcomers to Internet marketing fail in the first year–mostly because they just give up. Let’s face it, if it was truly that EASY, a few more million people would be trying it! So if you are just a tire-kicker looking for a fast buck, you won’t find it here.

Pet Friendly Retirement Communities

Since we are in the aging of America, many baby boomers have pets for companions. It is said that seniors live longer, happier, healthier lives with a pet.

 

 

Most communities or developments do consider themselves as pet friendly retirement communities. What does this mean?  In general, it means that pets are o.k. to have and are not prohibited. However, depending where you live, in a pet friendly retirement community, there may be restrictions on the pet you own. For example, you may not be allowed to own Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinchers, or dogs weighing over a certain weight. Your pet friendly communities or development has what are called ‘Docs’ or Documents that do have restrictions listed.

 

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  friendly retirement communities you choose may have a certain area that is dedicated to a pet park. There may also be restrictions on where you can walk your pet.  Be sure to carry all the paraphernalia needed to poop-a-scoop.

 

Are you going to an assisted living community or independent living

community? Be sure to review their policies as to a pet friendly retirement communities:

 

* a deposit to cover pet related damages.

* insurance against dog bites

* pet care fee’s for pet care you can’t provide

* vet availability

 

It really is not uncommon to see pets in pet friendly retirement communities. Ask those around you in the community where you plan to retire.  They will tell you what a delight it is to have a pet companion in their lives.

 

Like anything else, do your due diligence in your research for you and

your pet friendly retirement communities.

Aging, Elder Care, and Senior Retirement Centers

There was a time, not that long ago, when a senior citizen could plan on living with an adult child as the years took their relentless toll. Now senior retirement centers are popping up seemingly everywhere.

It’s a good idea to take a look at why these changes are taking place and how each of us can best fit into this new pattern of elder care.

The most glaring difference today is the prevalence of working women. Even a few decades ago, a full-time homemaker often had the time and energy to care for an aging parent in her own residence. Many homes boasted a “mother-in-law” apartment in the basement, over the garage of somewhere else on the premises. In many economic, social and religious groups it was a matter of pride to “care for one’s own”. In addition, there were few really appealing options beyond that ethic.

The reason there are so many senior retirement centers today is not just the lack of wives at home to take on the responsibility of geriatric care, there is also a preference surfacing in the seniors themselves. No matter how welcoming the environment is, a private home usually doesn’t offer the stimulation and peer relationships that the new senior retirement centers are providing. Many seniors frankly want to choose their own support-oriented residence.

If incomes are high enough, savings are adequate or HUD and Medicaid benefits are available, it can be a win/win situation. Full calendars and new friendships can replace the isolation that living in another person’s home can produce. Even the most loving adult child is usually busy with the demands of a full life of his/her own. What can ensue is mutual independence.

Not all senior retirement centers are supportive. Careful investigation needs to be done to find a match. However, the rewards that come from putting some serious time and effort into the search can be great.

As this cultural change develops, a surprising factor is surfacing. At one time, the dread of making such arrangements kept seniors from moving on until it was absolutely necessary. What we are starting to observe is a trend involving seniors moving into these new facilities earlier out of choice. Enthusiasm is replacing fear and years of active, support-oriented living can be the unexpected bonus.

Those who doubt the wisdom of selling their homes and moving into a senior retirement center are visiting friends who have made just such a choice. They often find that the pros outweigh the cons. As the new centers appear, competition is emerging and the units, amenities and perks become increasingly attractive. It’s getting to be a “don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it” situation with positive results.

Finding Retirement Homes In Tampa Bay

Many retirees are drawn to Florida’s West Coast, specifically the Tampa Bay area. These folks relocate to Florida for its temperate climate and easy living.  Our nation’s baby boomers are coming into their retirement years, and they are a part of this group.  Modern trends are shifting to accommodate the lifestyles and needs of this largest segment of our population and the Tampa Bay area is a perfect example.

Florida’s Tampa Bay area has miles of pristine beaches and beautiful natural landscapes as backdrops for the finest living available for individuals, families, and retirees. Life here can only be described as “Treasured Living.”  The sun, silky-smooth sandy beaches, and the warm waters flowing into Tampa Bay from the Gulf of Mexico will allow you an escape from the ordinary stresses of daily life. The museums, restaurants, theatres, night clubs, recreational activities, and close-knit communities will add color, and vibrancy to your life!

When it comes to retirement, everyone has their own idea of what they want their retired living to look like. Some will want to live in larger, more metropolitan areas filled with lots of constant activity, while others want to get away and slow things down a bit. The type of housing desired, will also vary among individuals from condominium living, to manufactured home parks to large waterfront homes. Another consideration for folks coming into their well-earned retirement years is the opportunity to engage in the activities that they enjoy most such as golfing, fishing, boating, shopping, hobbies, and entertainment. The Tampa Bay area can offer a wide-range of options to ensure that your retirement years are truly “Golden,” as you rightfully deserve.

Consulting with a Tampa Bay Realtor is an excellent way to begin the search for your retirement real estate. These representatives are quite knowledgeable about all of the housing and amenities available throughout the area, and thus, they can be a great help as you decide where you would like to live, and what your retirement will mean to you.

If you enjoy an active lifestyle, you might consider relocating to one of the Tampa Bay’s many vibrant 55+, adult communities. These are tight-knit, mini-cities, made up of other retired people who share in the same desires for maintaining an active lifestyle as you.

Some of the best adult living communities are located within Tampa, Clearwater and surrounding areas. Highland Lakes, On Top of the World, and Imperial Cove, just to name a few, located in beautiful Clearwater Florida, are just minutes from the area’s beaches, and offer its residents a community center to gather together for some fun, as well as plenty of outdoor recreational activities to keep you busy. These senior communities are also conveniently situated to nearby shopping, dining, and entertainment resources. Pool and spas are located on the grounds of most of these properties.

Nearby Pasco County, another Tampa Bay area, offers many 55+ communities which are affordable and sought after.  Some of the most popular ones are Chateau Village, Eagles Point, Wedgwood Village, Summertree, Heritage Lakes, Timber Greens, and Linkside Village. These communities boast fitness centers to help you get into shape, plenty of recreational activities to help you stay fit, a pool and spa for residents to enjoy, community centers, gated-entries for added security, and spectacular landscaping.

If a 55+ community isn’t for you, and you would rather be among families or professional singles, there are plenty of alternative solutions for your perfect retirement destination. Your local Tampa Bay Florida real estate agent is ready to help you find that solution.

Mexico Retirement Communities On The Caribbean Coast – Comparison

While there are a wide variety of choices in Mexico retirement communities throughout the country, the Caribbean coast, on the west of the Yucatan Peninsula, offers an excellent variety ranging from well-established expat communities to new retirement areas. While each has its own benefits, they all share a few things in common – the wide, soft white beaches, the turquoise water and the warm weather which has made this area famous.

 

Playa del Carmen is a good example of the first kind of area – a retirement community which has already become a favorite, with many expats (around 15,000 Americans and Canadians) and offers a large number of modern services resulting from a thriving tourism industry. In most communities in Playa del Carmen ideal for retirement, a retiree will find neighbors from the U.S., Canada, Europe and many other countries – and a significant number of them will be at or near retirement age, making it easy to find neighbors and friends with similar interests. Playa del Carmen includes all services, from large-screen movie theaters in new malls, to international quality hospitals, to world-class golf courses.

 

Playa del Carmen properties suitable for retirement can be found in a variety of communities, both next to the beach, or a short taxi ride away. The price range starts around $150,000 U.S. for a high-quality 2 bedroom condo to upwards of a million for a luxury home on the beachfront. While there are certainly some properties and areas more suitable for retirement, the variety of styles and locations is large.

 

On the other end of the spectrum, Costa Maya, at the south end of the Caribbean beachfront area, just before reaching Belize, offers a smaller, but very close-knit expat community. Costa Maya real estate offers quaint, one story homes right next to the downtown area of Mahahual, (the main town) a very short walk from the boardwalk and many little restaurants, shops and several local grocery stores. For those who are prepared for a retirement a little bit more quiet, and away from everything, the beachfront homes in the nearby areas provide close contact with pure, untouched nature, and an ideal place for quiet relaxation – the neighbors are just about the only thing nearby.

 

The area’s main tourism comes from the cruise dock in Mahahual. The disadvantage of retirement here is that many services can only be found an hour and a half away in Chetumal. Those who are not bothered by this, or do not have any very specific retirement needs, can enjoy a lifestyle more laid-back then in most parts of the world.

 

The Caribbean coast provides options between these two extremes, and numerous other destinations for retirement including Cancun, Cozumel, Tulum and Akumal. Consider a retirement on what many consider the most beautiful stretch of beaches in the world; whatever your lifestyle, you will find the ideal place.

 

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

Emotional Problems in Later Life: Common issues in late life are retirement, divorce, widowhood, misuse of prescription drugs, suicide, and neglect

Getting old is no fun, the 83 year old told her daughter. Having lost her husband suddenly, the result of an aneurysm nine years earlier and currently recovering from a complicated spinal surgery, she expressed the sentiment of many elderly adults. We have all watched as our parents, grandparents, neighbors, or friends navigate their way through the minefields of aging, hoping to avoid the disruptive effects of physical, mental, and social deterioration. Aging has emerged as an area of concern worldwide. Life expectancy has increased, largely due to advances in medical science, improved health care, and improved nutrition. As a result, the elderly population has rapidly increased, bringing a growing consciousness of this distinct group to society.

The 60+ population increased 50.4% from 1960 to 1980 with projections of 57% from 1980 to 2000, and about 65% from 2000 to 2020.

 

This 60-year span from 1960 to 2020 has a projected increase of 410% while there will be only a 157% increase for the total population.1 The elderly are traditionally characterized in either a positive or a negative light. Some view the elderly as a source of wisdom, and they are respected, exerting influence in their families and in community life. Others see the elderly as dominated by major and irreversible losses, both physical and mental. Each view has demonstrable legitimacy. How individuals perceive old age is greatly influenced by how society as a whole views old age. The contrasting view of Asian cultures as opposed to our societies is evidence of these two views.

The idea that aging can be stressful is a prevalent notion. The aging process can be fraught with an endless list of physical problems that result from both normal and abnormal physiological changes. Physical deterioration is inevitable. Mental deterioration and memory impairment, while frequent in later life, may not be inevitable. Physical and mental problems can be devastating for aging adults and their families. In addition, older adults are faced with changes that constitute significant losses. Numerous adjustments are required of aging adults as they encounter: retirement with its altered daily schedule and economic decline; marital disruptions related to divorce and widowhood; changes in living arrangements; experiences of trauma related to abuse and neglect; confrontations about the misuse of alcohol and prescription drugs; and an inability to deal with the inner turmoil that can lead to suicide. This is not a complete list of problems faced by elders, but it is an indication that there are obstacles in the path of aging adults that impact their remaining years. Christian mental health professionals have the opportunity and obligation to minister to this segment of society and bring a measure of comfort, healing, and blessing.

Retirement

Retirement, in most cases is a onetime event. Retirees reactions to retirement may vary from delight to dread but typically involve moving through stages, according to Atchey.2 These stages are not fixed and are not necessarily experienced in sequence or in total.

1. Pre-retirement stageanticipation of impending separation from

employment.

2. Honeymoon stagea joyful phase of fulfilling old wishes and exploring

new things.

3. Immediate retirement routine stagea phase for those who made advance plans and now can organize their lives into activity patterns.

4. Rest and relaxation stagea time of respite often followed by boredom

and, for some, an attempt to reinstate some of the previous

lifestyle.

5. Disenchantment stagein some cases, this stage can deteriorate into depression.

6. Reorientation stagea search for more realistic and appropriate life

choices.

7. Routine stageselecting and committing to a new set of more satisfying patterns of activities.

8. Termination stageretiree either reenters the work force, becomes involved in new interests, or experiences poor health and chronic impairments that preclude other choices. Retirement can be viewed as an achievement, an accomplishment. The retiree has completed a major phase of life and now can enjoy the fruits of the labor. For those who have developed interests and hobbies, this is a welcomed time of life. But for others, who have lived to work, this may be a time of difficult adjustment. For some, retirement represents more than just a cessation of work. It may represent relinquishing of power, control, and/or authority. The sense of accomplishment is lost as is the security of a daily routine.<!–[if gte mso 9]><xml> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE </xml><![endif]–><!–[if gte mso 9]><xml> </xml><![endif]–> <!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:”Cambria Math”; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:”"; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-priority:99; color:blue; mso-themecolor:hyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; color:purple; mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} span.apple-style-span {mso-style-name:apple-style-span; mso-style-unhide:no;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:10.0pt; line-height:115%;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –> <!–[if gte mso 10]> <! /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:”Table Normal”; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:”"; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} –> <!–[endif]–> Take help from internet counseing.

For those whose life was their work, there can be a loss of identity. Even in the best of circumstances, retirement requires some adjustment and problems may emerge. Marital problems develop when couples have difficulty adjusting to changes in their roles or to different lifestyles. Most couples have evolved into specific roles and division of labor. Retirement may disrupt this structure. Isolation can result for those whose social life revolved around time spent with co-workers and who never developed a circle of friends outside the workplace. If retirement is accompanied by the decision to sell the marital home and relocate, the adjustment can be more difficult. Moving to another state, away from support systems in the neighborhood, the church, and the community, can result in times of loneliness and isolation. Older adults tend to find comfort and security in familiar surroundings.

Financial concerns are a major issue when facing retirement. Most people have not been able to arrange their retirement income to maintain the same standard of living experienced during the employed years. Incomes are usually fixed and are only a portion of the previous income. Social Security alone is well below poverty level. Adjusting to a reduced income can result in stress and worry about the financial stability of the future. Plans for a wonderful retirement may not be realized. Adjustment to retirement is not automatic. Retirement means change, whether welcomed or dreaded. Counselors can help the process along by being aware of the impact of this major life transition and can facilitate the adjustment by offering realistic suggestions for problem solving. For example, retirees have much to offer, and serving as a volunteer can enhance ones self-image and fulfill the need to be needed.

Late Life Divorce and Widowhood

Marriages are dissolved in two ways: by death or divorce. Either way, the loss is painful. Divorce is a time of crisis and one of lifes most stressful events. It is often compared to the death of ones spouse, especially with regard to the emotional impact and the need to reorganize ones life. Divorce in late life is especially difficult and profoundly affects the quality of life for the elderly. It tears apart a relationship that has existed for many years and forces both parties into new lifestyles that bring changes in every facet of everyday life.

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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.

Emotional Problems in Later Life: Common issues in late life are retirement, divorce, widowhood, misues of prescription drugs, suicide, and neglect

Getting old is no fun, the 83 year old told her daughter. Having lost her husband suddenly, the result of an aneurysm nine years earlier and currently recovering from a complicated spinal surgery, she expressed the sentiment of many elderly adults. We have all watched as our parents, grandparents, neighbors, or friends navigate their way through the minefields of aging, hoping to avoid the disruptive effects of physical, mental, and social deterioration. Aging has emerged as an area of concern worldwide. Life expectancy has increased, largely due to advances in medical science, improved health care, and improved nutrition. As a result, the elderly population has rapidly increased, bringing a growing consciousness of this distinct group to society. The 60+ population increased 50.4% from 1960 to 1980 with projections of 57% from 1980 to 2000, and about 65% from 2000 to 2020. This 60-year span from 1960 to 2020 has a projected increase of 410% while there will be only a 157% increase for the total population.

1 The elderly are traditionally characterized in either a positive or a negative light. Some view the elderly as a source of wisdom, and they are respected, exerting influence in their families and in community life. Others see the elderly as dominated by major and irreversible losses, both physical and mental. Each view has demonstrable legitimacy. How individuals perceive old age is greatly influenced by how society as a whole views old age. The contrasting view of Asian cultures as opposed to our society is evidence of these two views.

 

The idea that aging can be stressful is a prevalent notion. The aging process can be fraught with an endless list of physical problems that result from both normal and abnormal physiological changes. Physical deterioration is inevitable. Mental deterioration and memory impairment, while frequent in later life, may not be inevitable. Physical and mental problems can be devastating for aging adults and their families. In addition, older adults are faced with changes that constitute significant losses. Numerous adjustments are required of aging adults as they encounter: retirement with its altered daily schedule and economic decline; marital disruptions related to divorce and widowhood; changes in living arrangements; experiences of trauma related to abuse and neglect; confrontations about the misuse of alcohol and prescription drugs; and an inability to deal with the inner turmoil that can lead to suicide. This is not a complete list of problems faced by elders, but it is an indication that there are obstacles in the path of aging adults that impact their remaining years. Christian mental health professionals have the opportunity and obligation to minister to this segment of society and bring a measure of comfort, healing, and blessing.

 

*Retirement*

Retirement, in most cases is a onetime event. Retirees reactions to retirement may vary from delight to dread but typically involve moving through stages, according to Atchey.2 These stages are not fixed and are not necessarily experienced in sequence or in total.

 

1. Pre-retirement stage anticipation of impending separation from employment.

2. Honeymoon stage a joyful phase of fulfilling old wishes and exploring new things.

3. Immediate retirement routine stage a phase for those who made advance plans and now can organize their lives into activity patterns.

4. Rest and relaxation stage a time of respite often followed by boredom and, for some, an attempt to reinstate some of the previous lifestyle.

5. Disenchantment stage in some cases, this stage can deteriorate into depression.

6. Reorientation stage a search for more realistic and appropriate life choices.

7. Routine stage selecting and committing to a new set of more satisfying patterns of activities.

 

8. Termination stage retiree either reenters the work force, becomes involved in new interests, or experience poor health and chronic impairments that preclude other choices. Retirement can be viewed as an achievement, an accomplishment. The retiree has completed a major phase of life and now can enjoy the fruits of the labor. For those who have developed interests and hobbies, this is a welcomed time of life. But for others, who have lived to work, this may be a time of difficult adjustment. For some, retirement represents more than just a cessation of work. It may represent relinquishing of power, control, and/or authority. The sense of accomplishment is lost as is the security of a daily routine. For those whose life was their work, there can be a loss of identity. Even in the best of circumstances, retirement requires some adjustment and problems may emerge. Marital problems develop when couples have difficulty adjusting to changes in their roles or to different lifestyles. Most couples have evolved into specific roles and division of labor.

Retirement may disrupt this structure. Isolation can result for those whose social life revolved around time spent with co-workers and who never developed a circle of friends outside the workplace. If retirement is accompanied by the decision to sell the marital home and relocate, the adjustment can be more difficult. Moving to another state, away from support systems in the neighborhood, the church, and the community, can result in times of loneliness and isolation. Older adults tend to find comfort and security in familiar surroundings. Financial concerns are a major issue when facing retirement. Most people have not been able to arrange their retirement income to maintain the same standard of living experienced

during the employed years. Incomes are usually fixed and are only a portion of the previous income. Social Security alone is well below poverty level. Adjusting to a reduced income can result in stress and worry about the financial stability of the future. Plans for a wonderful retirement may not be realized. Adjustment to retirement is not automatic. Retirement means change, whether welcomed or dreaded. Counselors can help the process along by being aware of the impact of this major life transition and can facilitate the adjustment by offering realistic suggestions for problem solving. For example, retirees have much to offer, and serving as a volunteer can enhance ones self-image and fulfill the need to be needed.

 

 

 

*Late Life Divorce and Widowhood*

Marriages are dissolved in two ways: by death or divorce. Either way, the loss is painful. Divorce is a time of crisis and one of life’s most stressful events. It is often compared to the death of ones spouse, especially with regard to the emotional impact and the need to reorganize ones life. Divorce in late life is especially difficult and profoundly affects the quality of life for the elderly. It tears apart a relationship that has existed for many years and forces both parties into new lifestyles that bring changes in every facet of everyday life. Although both men and women experience difficulties as a result of divorce, women are especially impacted. In her 10-year longitudinal study on divorce adjustment, Judith Wallerste in found that the economic, social, and emotional status of older women was distinctly different from that of the other subjects.3 Older women faced worse economic troubles as their incomes declined significantly. They experienced more widespread anxiety and loneliness, decreased involvement in interpersonal relationships, and none of the older women remarried.

The differences between older women and all other subjects was striking and sobering. This does not suggest that older men do not suffer economic, social, and emotional consequences. They experience the same difficulties that older women do; however, they tend to remarry at a much higher rate than older women do. As age increases, the opportunity for women Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not  merely given back given back with bonus and blessing. Luke 6:38

 

(The Message, E.H. Peterson translation)to remarry decreases greatly because they outnumber men. Currently, older women outnumber older men in every state in the United States except Alaska where the ratio is equal. Loss of a marriage impacts the quality of life and requires changes in ones lifestyle, but there are significant differences between divorce and widowhood. Those who have lost a spouse through death are afforded a parting ritual (funeral) and an extended period of time to grieve. The divorced are expected to get on with life. Sympathy and compassion are not equally distributed between the two situations. Death generously allows the widow the comfort of remembering the good times, while divorce tends to flood the memory with the bad times. The widowed have pictures to remind them of past joys with their spouses; the divorced often must still encounter the ex-spouse and re-experience the anger and pain. Economically, widowed and divorced older adults have a lower standard of living. And the older woman may be plunged to poverty level.

For the widow, there is often a downward adjustment on the pension and social security that results in income somewhat less than when the husband was alive. For the divorcee, access to the former husbands pension is usually denied, and the ex-wife has only her Social Security and any settlement awarded by the court. For women who have not participated in the workforce, Social Security is meager. Most older divorced women and many widows experience a severe decline in economic status. Socially and emotionally, divorced and widowed older adults must reorganize their support networks. The divorced may lose support from the ex-spouses family and from friends shared during the marriage. Widows are more likely to maintain some support from extended family and shared friends. The support that follows a divorce or the death of a spouse tends to diminish over time, leaving the older adult vulnerable to loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression. Connecting with others and developing new support networks facilitates the adjustment to the single lifestyle. At a time in their lives when they anticipated that life’s demands would

decrease, the widowed and divorced are faced with life’s most demanding transition.

 

 

*Suicide and the Elderly*

The suicide rate in most countries is higher for older adults than for any other age group. In the United States, suicide in the 65+ group is twice the rate of the rest of the population, with older males at highest risk. Although women attempt suicide three times more often than men, they are less successful than men, who typically choose more lethal means like firearms. Older adults commit approximately 20- 25% of all suicides.4 The risk factors for suicide among older adults are numerous. Depression is, of course, a major predictor for suicide and is generally correlated with significant changes in the aging adults life. The deterioration of physical health, cognitive dysfunction, stressful life events, substance abuse, relationship problems, bereavement, and genetic predisposition are contributors to later life depression. Suicide is most likely a response to the panorama of life’s circumstances rather than to a single factor or incident. Older adults commit suicide with

 

less warning than younger adults and are less likely to express suicidal intent. Previous attempts are significant predictors, but for men who tend to be very successful, this predictor may rarely appear. Treatment for the suicidal older adult may be difficult because the elderly (especially men) generally do not seek mental health services. Identification of suicidal older adults by others who have contact with the potential victims is essential. Because most elderly suicide victims have visited their primary care physician in the month prior to their suicide, recognition and treatment of depression in the medical setting is a promising way to prevent elderly suicide.5 Psychiatric hospitalization can provide an opportunity to involve suicidal older adults in therapy. A hospitalized patient who fit the high-risk profile was referred to me for therapy. He was an over-65 male who had lost his farm and his wife, had stopped going to church, had become a heavy drinker, and exhibited warning signs for potential suicide. Helping him reconnect with his previous spiritual foundation brought a fresh awareness of Gods love and opened the door for developing a treatment plan.

 

*Misuse of Alcohol and Prescription Drugs*

Alcohol and prescription drug misuse affect over 17% of the 60+ population. Substance abuse lowers the quality of life at any age, and it can have a devastating impact on the lives of older adults. Older adults consume alcohol for some of the same reasons younger adults use alcohol to numb psychological or physical pain. Several studies have indicated that about one third of alcoholism among the elderly began after entering later life. This suggests that a significant group  of older adults had alcohol problems prior to entering the last third of their lives. Late onset occurs more frequently with women; men more

commonly were drinking at an earlier age. Alcohol consumption tends to decrease over the life span; older adults drink less than their younger counterparts, but the drinking patterns are similar for all age groups.

 

The effects of alcohol on older adults differ from younger adults. Due to the aging process, tolerance for alcohol decreases with age. Health problems, social problems with family and friends, grief and loss, and mental problems exacerbate drinking patterns or are factors in late onset alcohol abuse. A significant danger exists when alcohol and prescription drugs are mixed. The ability of the aging liver to metabolize alcohol and medications is a concern. Accidental overdose can occur. Whereas older men are at greater risk for alcohol abuse, older women are at greater risk for the misuse of prescription drugs.

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse reports that 2.8 million women over age 60 are addicted to psychoactive prescription drugs. Older women are more likely to visit family physicians and receive prescriptions, especially for psychoactive drugs. Although older adults make up about 15% of the general population, they consume 2535% of prescription drugs and a disproportionate amount of over-the-counter drugs.6 Misuse of prescription drugs can occur when the elderly patient does not understand the directions for the medication, forgets to take the medication, or accidentally or deliberately takes extra doses. The elderly experience numerous physical and emotional problems that require medications, such as chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular problems, and respiratory problems. Drug dependence and drug interactions are a major concern for the elderly.

The aging body typically has a decreased ability to clear the system of drugs, leaving the older adult at risk for overdose or serious side effects. The same medication that is a blessing can also be a curse. Treatment for alcohol problems and the misuse of medications varies according to theoretical orientation. The counselor s belief regarding the etiology of alcohol dependence (disease or dysfunction) will inform the choice of treatment. Engaging the older adult in treatment may be difficult and may require the assistance of family and friends. Unfortunately, most alcohol treatment programs are designed for younger populations and seldom address the unique problems of the elderly.

Treatment for the misuse of prescription drugs commonly begins with an intervention.7 Interested persons express their concern for the one who is abusing drugs, explain

how the problem has affected their relationships, and encourage the person to seek professional help. This method (also used with alcohol related problems) addresses the denial that is typically present. The prescribing physician is often unfairly blamed for the problem (Well, he’s the one who got this started by giving the prescription). In some cases, physicians do contribute to the problem and need to be included in the solution. Having a significant person go to the doctor with the older patient can be helpful for understanding directions for medications. Also keeping a list of all medications for the physician to review can aid in correlating the drugs. There are containers specifically designed for organizing medications by the week and indicating the day and time to take the medication. As is the case with alcohol abuse, there are few drug treatment facilities that accommodate the elderly. Hospitalization is an alternative; however, managed care generally does not pay for the treatment.

 

 

 

*Abuse and Neglect of the Elderly*

Elder abuse is generally divided into four broad categories (physical, psychological, financial, and neglect), and the definition of abuse usually depends on intent, severity, intensity, and frequency. Currently, only four prevalence studies have been cited in the literature and the results are considered an underestimate of the worldwide occurrence of abuse.8 One of these studies9 surveyed over 2000 non-institutionalized elders in the United States and found that: The prevalence of elder abuse ranged from 4% to 10% of those 65 years and older; abuse was perpetrated more often by spouses (58%) than adult children (24%); victims were equally divided between men and women; and neither economic status nor age were related to risk factors.

 

According to Wolf, the risk factors include: the abusers dependence on the victim (i.e., financial support); the psychological state of the abuser (i.e., mental health, substance abuse); the physical and cognitive state of the victim (i.e., frailty, memory deficiency); and family social isolation (i.e., housebound).10 Although empirical studies are lacking with regards to the consequences of abuse and neglect, Wolf reports that depression, learned helplessness, alienation, guilt, distrust, withdrawal, fear, shame, and post-traumatic stress disorder appear to be responses to abuse. Similar to the victims of domestic violence and child abuse, the elderly tend to hide or minimize the abuse, fearing abandonment and rejection. Interventions for elder victims of maltreatment vary according to the individual case, from crisis intervention strategies to treatment of longer duration. Of course, the primary goal is to end the abuse. Counselors need to explore the elders view of the abusive situation, keeping in mind the fear of abandonment and rejection experienced by most victims.

 

*Conclusion*

As Christians, we are instructed to minister to the hurting and wounded that we encounter in our society. As Christian counselors, we have no less of an obligation. The elderly are a segment of society that is often neglected and ignored by the professional world. As we become aware of the numerous problems the elderly face, we have the opportunity to bring help and healing. Christian Counselor is always available to help you out.

One of my students recently told me that I need to help her overcome her resistance to working with the elderly. She is aware of her responsibility to minister to her clients but has not developed a willingness to open her heart to aging adults. As I have talked and listened to others, I realize that there are many who share her view. This may be the result of living in a society that does not value the aged, or it may be an inability to face ones impending entrance into this dimension of life. There is an open field for harvest and an opportunity to minister to those in the final phase of life. Web counselor plays a vital role for the welfare of society.

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