Why Are So Many Seniors Moving to Arizona?

Arizona is a hot spot for retirees. The state had the second-highest net increase in seniors this year with a total gain of 23,515. That accounts for 61,688 moving in and 38,173 leaving. Arizona also ranks 12th highest in the percentage of people over age 65 compared to all other U.S. states.

Florida is usually referred to as the prime location for retirees, but Arizona comes in a close second. There is much to love about living your golden years in Arizona, from its amicable climate to lower taxes and plenty to see and do.

Age brings many challenges, even for people who are overall healthy and active. That’s why it’s so important to find the right place to live. Many things must be considered, including:

• Cost of living
• Access to healthcare providers
• Access to support services
• Climate and overall comfort
• Availability of recreation and entertainment

Arizona provides all of this and more. Why are so many senior citizens looking for Arizona retirement communities?

Arizona is a Tax-Friendly State for Retirees

One of the key factors of a fulfilling retirement is to manage money well. Finding a place to live that allows you to stretch your retirement funds further helps. 

Arizona is a tax-friendly state for retirees. Younger seniors who want to buy homes will pay less property tax compared to most other U.S. states, including Florida. The average Arizona annual tax bill comes to around $1,786 compared to over $9,000 in New Jersey.

Should residents decide that they no longer want the hassle of homeownership, they can explore the many retirement communities in Arizona. It’s great flexibility for aging seniors who want more options when it comes to independent living.

Transportation is Available for Seniors in Arizona

Senior citizens who drive can save more money thanks to Arizona’s reasonable insurance rates. The rates stay around the national average. For example, the national average comes to $1,895 for full coverage. Arizona averages a little less than that at $1,812.

There are also options for seniors who don’t want to or can no longer drive. Organizations are available that provide rides for older adults. Many senior living communities also supply transportation services.

One of the social benefits of living in an assisted living community is the access to transportation. Being able to go out and see the local area encourages seniors to attend events, participate in activities, and visit public spaces with other people.

Winter in Arizona is Warm and Pleasant

Senior citizens living in northern states face uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous winter weather. Places that see low temperatures with snow can be hazardous for aging adults. Slipping and falling on ice can lead to severe, life-changing injuries.

Arizona has a generally warm climate that’s welcoming to retirees. During December, while other states are coping with frigid temperatures, Arizona usually ranges from 45 degrees F to 66 degrees F.

Summers are hotter than many other regions, but it is considered a dry heat that feels different than the humidity experienced in Florida. Most indoor spaces are properly air conditioned as well, which helps reduce the impact of hot summers on seniors.

Arizona Encourages Seniors to Go Outdoors

Arizona offers a beautiful natural environment with lots to do. It’s a haven for golfers but also has something for the adventurous with hiking and biking trails.  The state is packed with natural beauty that will be available right from your front door when you live here.

Vista Living Senior Care communities offer stunning views of desert and mountain landscapes. Residents can enjoy the scenery and fresh air while sitting on the patio. Our Camelback View location is found on world famous Camelback Road with commanding views of the beloved mountain.

Our Paradise Valley assisted living community is 10,000 square feet with 270 degrees of unobstructed views of Camelback and Mummy Mountains with the Phoenix Mountains Preserve to the north. Seniors can walk trails along the 1.1-acre property.

Our Camelback community includes 10 bedrooms with private bathrooms and also features a breathtaking view of Camelback Mountain.

All Vista Living Senior Care locations put residents close to the natural beauty of Arizona.

Natural resources and green spaces also contribute to the health of the population. Scottsdale is ranked the 30th healthiest city in the United States out of over 200 urban areas. It also has the highest concentration of spas per capita along with access to many hiking trails.

Easily Find a Growing Community of Peers

An influx of retirees coming in makes it easier for seniors to find a community of peers. It also means more access to senior-friendly clubs, organizations, activities, and events.

Many adult children struggle to figure out how to discuss assisted living with a parent. The thought of moving into a senior living home can be scary. One of the big concerns seniors have is being put in a place with no friends or family. 

An Arizona retirement community can provide the care and support they need as well as the daily enrichment and socialization required for good emotional and mental health.

Living among your peers makes it easier to find things in common and build a strong social circle. Studies have found that having an active social life can increase longevity, improve health, and encourage a happier outlook as a person ages.

Affordable living, pleasant winters, and ample social opportunities make Arizona an attractive option for senior citizens.

10 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors in Assisted Living

Winter brings snow, ice, and cold temperatures to many regions. If you or your senior loved one live in such an area, it’s important to understand the risks of the season. It’s a beautiful time of year with lots of excitement as the holidays approach, but it has its hazards. The conditions can be a danger to people of any age, especially the elderly.

The best thing to do is to know how to mitigate the risks of winter so that you or your loved one can enjoy the season and stay safe. Be mindful of the weather and remember that older people face challenges that younger people do not, like being more susceptible to the cold.

If your loved one resides in an assisted living community, then they are already a step ahead when it comes to safety. These facilities are built to protect older adults all year round. If you have been asking yourself “Is an assisted living community a safe place for my loved one?” then it may be time to look into it.

What can you do to protect yourself or an aging loved one from the potential perils of the winter season?

Monitor the Weather Forecast When Making Plans

If you plan to go out or to take your loved one out, monitor the weather forecast. This will help you determine if it’s a good time to travel and how to prepare.

The weather can change, so make sure you keep an eye on the forecast leading up to the day of your plans. If there is a risk of severe conditions, it may be best to postpone an event or reschedule an appointment.

Some areas can see dramatic changes during this time of year. While one area may have heavy snow, another might see rain or rain and ice. Use this information to ensure that you have appropriate attire with you in case conditions change or become extreme.

Always Dress for the Weather Using Layers

Seniors should dress in layers when going out during winter. This is the best way to stay warm but also have the option to remove a layer if they start to overheat. Everyone should be comfortable when going out, and layering is a great way to do that.

Keep in mind that slush or melting snow can cause garments to become damp. It’s always helpful to bring a change of clothes if possible, or at least a few basics like dry socks.

Always wear shoes that provide plenty of foot support with good treads for traction. Even if a senior won’t be hiking in the woods, they may still encounter ice and snow on sidewalks or in parking lots. Road salt can also be a slipping hazard when wearing the wrong footwear.

Follow Doctor’s Orders for Immunizations

Seniors should check in with their doctors to discuss winter health preparations.  The fall and winter are considered flu season because infections peak during this part of the year.

Your doctor may recommend a flu shot or other measures to protect you or your loved one. Talking directly with their doctor will give them the best recommendations based on their individual needs.

It’s best to start this process during or before the fall so you or your loved one are ready when the time comes. Your doctor can also suggest lifestyle changes that will help build the immune system during the cooler months. For example, your doctor may suggest safe ways for seniors to stay fit indoors to avoid weight gain during winter.

Use COVID-19 Safety Measures at Holiday Events

While COVID-19 is not as rampant as it was a couple of years ago, it is still around. And it is still a big concern for the elderly. Keep this in mind during the winter when people often attend crowded holiday events and gatherings.

If you or a senior loved one will be going to a family get-together or a community event, make sure they are vaccinated. It may still be advisable to wear a mask and try to avoid close contact with others.

Verify That Their Living Space is Comfortable

One of the biggest benefits of assisted living is that these communities provide seniors with a safe, clean place to live that’s well-maintained. Staff handles all cleaning and repairs as needed.

It doesn’t hurt to check in with your loved one and make sure they are comfortable in their living space. Is their room as warm as they like? Have they noticed a draft coming from a door or window?

If so, be their advocate and talk to staff to find a solution. It’s possible that a minor repair was overlooked, or something needs to be reinsulated.

Have Extra Blankets or Heating Pads Ready

Having extra blankets or a heating pad on hand can help seniors stay cozy this winter. A spare blanket or two will ensure they can always bundle up if they are feeling chilly.

Heating pads are great, especially if they are portable. Electric pads work well but will require an electrical outlet. There are microwavable heating pads that are safe and convenient. After warming in the microwave, they can be used anywhere without an outlet. They come in different shapes with and without straps so that they can be held or worn.

Avoid Travel During Inhospitable Weather

Human beings can’t control the weather. If it’s going to rain or snow, we have to adapt. Unfortunately, these conditions can appear when we have other plans. When this happens, it’s important to put safety first.

For example, a family gathering may fall on a day that has a blizzard in the forecast. It may be best to not bring grandma or grandpa to the festivities if the weather poses a risk.

It’s sometimes a difficult decision to make, so it helps to have a backup plan. If you can’t reschedule the whole gathering, consider planning another event at a later date that will include your loved one.

Talk About Assisted Living Emergency Plans

Every assisted living facility should have an emergency plan. This should include different potential situations. If the region experiences winter conditions, then staff should know what to do if something occurs during a heavy snowstorm.

Ask staff about their emergency plan. What will they do if the power goes out on a cold, snowy day? What if there is too much ice and snow to leave? Do they stock several days’ worth of supplies in case they are snowed in?

This information will help families feel confident that their family member is in a safe place. You can also share the details with your loved one so they can feel comfortable knowing they are safe, and the staff is prepared.

Know the Signs of Hypothermia in Seniors

The cold can affect older adults quicker than others. You and your loved one should know the symptoms of hypothermia so that you can take action before it’s too late.

The early signs of hypothermia include:

• Cold hands and feet
• Slowed speech
• Feeling confused, sleepy, or angry
• Pale skin
• Shivering
• Swollen face

If a senior doesn’t seek warmth, hypothermia can progress. Later signs include:

• Uncontrollable jerking in limbs
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Slowed heartbeat
• Going in and out of consciousness

If you notice the signs of hypothermia, move to a warm place immediately. If you can’t do that, you can also try skin-to-skin contact to transfer body heat. Wrap both people in a blanket for insulation.

A warm non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverage can also help.

You should seek immediate medical attention to get body temperature back to where it should be and ensure there are no other health complications.

Consider a Move to a Warmer Climate

Seniors who struggle with winter weather conditions should consider a move to a warmer climate.

Arizona is a popular choice among senior citizens. The state has high temperatures and a dry heat. The lack of humidity makes the warmer season more comfortable compared to other parts of the country.

Depending on which part of Arizona you live in, you may never or rarely have to deal with snow. It’s an ideal setting for seniors.

Learn More About Assisted Living at Vista Living

Begin your search for a warm place to call home with Vista Living Senior Care. Our residential facilities provide all the amenities of home without the risk of heavy ice and snow. Visit the Vista Living Senior Care website or give us a call to learn more.

10 Reasons Why Seniors Need to Have an Active Social Life

An active social life isn’t just for young people. Senior citizens also benefit from socialization.

Human beings are social creatures. It is a part of our survival. We thrive through cooperation with others. Social interactions influence our mental and emotional wellbeing. This has a direct influence on our overall health.

Elderly people are at a higher risk for medical conditions. They are also more likely to experience feelings of loneliness and depression. As we age, we tend to experience more life changes. One of the biggest is the loss of those around us. Physical limitations can make it difficult to expand our social circle. While loved ones grow older and pass away, many seniors find it challenging to meet new people and remain socially active.

If you or someone you love is a senior, it’s important to be proactive about being social. Find opportunities to meet people and connect with friends. Whether it’s in person or online, interactions can help us live happier, longer lives.

Why is an active social life an essential part of healthy aging?

• Social Seniors Tend to Be Mentally Healthier

An active social life encourages better mental health. It helps lower the risk of depression. Spending time with others prevents feelings of isolation.

Seniors who socialize regularly are less likely to experience feelings of despair and worthlessness. Mental health has a significant impact on a person’s physical wellness as well as their outlook on life. Many elderly adults decide to live in a retirement community because of the benefits of social interactions.

• Socializing Encourages Seniors to Be Physically Active

Seniors who are social are also more likely to be physically active. Getting out and meeting people makes us move around. Even if you aren’t doing exercise as a group specifically, just the act of going to an event or visiting a friend requires moving.

This can have a profound effect on overall health. Physical activity reduces the risk and impact of illnesses.

Research has found a link between isolation and loneliness and many common health conditions like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. Staying social will reduce your risk of these and other medical problems.

• Social Activities Nurture a Sense of Belonging

Being such social creatures, humans want to feel like they belong. A person’s sense of belonging can be shaken as they face life changes like the effects of getting older.

Socializing helps elderly adults feel like they have a place where they belong. It allows them to connect with peers or strengthen bonds with younger generations. Assisted living communities are a great place to inspire a sense of belonging. These places offer activities and events that residents can join with a group of peers. Seniors can find others who they can relate to with similar life experiences or meet people who are different, adding variety to life.

• Friends Help Us Lower Stress and Improve Mood

The effects of aging along with personal commitments and health changes can increase stress. Socializing helps seniors reduce stress and improves their mood.

Talking with a good friend can help a person relax. Discussing concerns and worries helps us work through these feelings. It gives us a way to vent and help our minds think clearer as we navigate life. Building friendships provide an outlet for seniors to find healthy ways to work through what they are feeling and experiencing.

• Socialization Can Boost a Senior’s Self-Worth

Friends and loved ones make us feel better about ourselves. Getting older can make it difficult or impossible to do the things we once did, like work or engage in hobbies. This can lead to feelings of worthlessness that may worsen as a person ages.

Everyone deserves to feel worthy of living. The people around us remind us of what makes us unique and valuable. They give us meaning in our lives. Friendship requires give and take. Being a part of that makes a person understand that they are needed and wanted.

• Gives Seniors a Stronger Support System

As loved ones pass away, many seniors find themselves with little to no support system. This can become a serious problem if they require assistance.

Some seniors may not realize that they need help until something bad happens, like a fall injury. Staying socially active helps fortify a person’s support system. Having more people in a senior’s life gives them more places to seek support if they need it. It also means that more people are around to notice if anything changes in an elderly person’s ability to care for themselves and live safely and comfortably.

• Those Around Us Help Us Live More Purposefully

Having a purpose helps many people wake up in the morning. It motivates us to keep going or look for opportunities to improve.

As seniors age, they sometimes feel like they have no purpose. They may no longer work and may not be able to do things that they used to do. Building friendships give us a purpose. These relationships require give and take, making both people feel needed. Having another person who cares about you will give you purpose.

Social events and interactions also give us something to be excited about. Anticipating an upcoming event or activity gives a senior something to look forward to, which helps us feel like we have a reason to exist and be present.

• Seniors Who Socialize Have Increased Cognitive Function

Seniors who socialize have increased cognitive function. They tend to perform better on related tests compared to those who have less interaction with close partners.

A study conducted at the Center for Healthy Aging at Penn State found that adults ages 70 to 90 who had pleasant social interactions showed better cognitive performance the same day or over the next two days following the interactions.

A six-year study published in 2013 also found that participants over age 65 who had more social interactions were less likely to develop dementia. In the study, social interactions included trying new things, reading the newspaper, and spending time with others.

Research has also indicated that quality is more important than quantity. Simply having a lot of friends isn’t enough. Seniors need to have meaningful interactions that involve give and take to get the benefits of being socially active.

• Social Interactions Inspire Positive Living in Seniors

Social interactions inspire seniors to live more positively. Older adults who build strong friendships tend to have a more positive outlook. They are usually happier and experience a better quality of life compared to those who are isolated.

Meeting others and building relationships exposes us to new ideas and experiences. These enrich a senior’s life and help them stay positive as they age.

• Socially Active Seniors Tend to Live Longer

Scientists have studied longevity for generations. Current data has shown that a varied social circle helps many seniors live longer. This is primarily because of the many other benefits that come with being socially active.

The University of Texas at Austin researchers found that older adults who interact with a broader range of people were more likely to be physically active and displayed improved emotional wellbeing. These factors can add years to a person’s lifespan.

Assisted Living Communities and Senior Social Lives

One of the best benefits of moving into an assisted living community is the social opportunities. These facilities place seniors among a group of peers with built-in activities. No travel is required to participate since most events and groups are hosted on-site.

If you would like to learn more about how assisted living can strengthen a senior’s social life, let us know. Visit Vista Living Senior Care now to get in touch or schedule a tour of our community.

Is An Assisted Living Community a Safe Place for My Loved One?

Moving an elderly loved one into an assisted living community is not something families take lightly. Many are concerned about the level of care and safety provided for an aging parent or grandparent. In some cases, medical conditions can make it difficult for a senior to do things on their own, which means they will rely heavily on the facility that they live in.

A lot of consideration should be given before moving a loved one into an assisted living community. Many great locations are out there and offer different accommodations and services. Families should look for somewhere that will give their loved ones the best quality of life with maximum safety.

The good news is that assisted living communities like Vista Living Senior Care are among the safest places your loved one can reside. They are designed with the needs of seniors in mind, which allows them to create an environment that feels like home but with a lower risk of injury.

A national survey found that 91% of adult children with a parent living in a retirement community were pleased with the safety and physical security provided by the facility. The survey also found that 60% of seniors who live alone felt unprepared for an emergency while 93% of retirement community residents felt that there was a safety plan in place to protect them.

Those with a loved one who is experiencing cognitive decline can look for facilities that also provide memory care. Even if a resident isn’t at the point of needing support now, it will be available when or if that day comes.

What is it about assisted living communities that make them safe for seniors?

Staff Members Are Available 24 Hours a Day

As a loved one’s care needs increase, it can become difficult for family members to juggle the responsibility and keep up with their own commitments. Assisted living communities lift that burden and allow seniors and their loved ones to live without the stress of an increasing workload.

When choosing a location, you should ask about staff availability. Someone should be on-site 24 hours a day. That means if your loved one has an accident or needs assistance in the middle of the night, help will be there.

Even if your loved one lives with other family members, it’s difficult for someone to be awake all night long. Assisted living communities typically schedule staff so that someone is available and awake all the time. This allows for a quicker response time and ensures that the person responding is alert and ready to provide support.

Rooms Include Railings, Handles, and No-Slip Surfaces

Assisted living rooms and communal spaces are designed and built around the needs of the seniors who will live there. That means they will have fewer tripping hazards and more safety measures.

These usually include things like sturdy railings on all stairways, handles in bathrooms, and non-slip surfaces on steps, hard floors, and bathtubs. They may also have additional features like a button to call for assistance.

Halls and doorways are sized to ensure that there’s plenty of room for walkers and wheelchairs.

Support for Activities of Daily Living

Activities of daily living refer to the things a person has to do to take care of themselves each day. The list includes things like bathing, eating, dressing, moving, and using the bathroom. These are things that most people take for granted. When a person ages or develops a health condition, it can affect their ability to do one or more of these on their own.

An assisted living community like Vista Living Senior Care provides additional support for activities of daily living. The care provided is customized to the needs of the resident so that they can live as independently as possible but remain clean, properly fed, and healthy.

It may not be immediately apparent that a senior is having a problem with activities of daily living at home until the situation becomes more severe. They may begin to miss meals or stop bathing. In an assisted living community, support is available along with staff who can monitor for changes that need to be addressed before they become a health problem.

Continued Monitoring of Health, Hygiene, and Wellness

Age comes with its challenges. Physical changes or medical conditions can make it difficult to live independently. Depression and other mental health conditions also become a bigger risk.

Moving into an assisted living community will help give families peace of mind. Staff continuously monitor seniors to watch for changes in their physical and mental health. They can alert a medical professional and family if an evaluation or further care is required.

Many conditions are much easier to handle and treat when they are caught early. Experienced staff will also understand how to look for the early signs of common age-related conditions and will know where to direct the resident or their family members to get assistance.

Extra Security Measures to Prevent Wandering

Security is essential to the wellbeing of seniors. Remembering to do things like lock the doors and windows at night can become difficult. A senior may look like a vulnerable target to a criminal. Keeping strangers out of your loved one’s home is important.

There’s also another side to the safety equation when it comes to senior living. Dementia can cause seniors to change their behavior suddenly and unexpectedly. They can begin to do high-risk things like wander off at random times, even in inclement weather. This is extremely dangerous and can have heartbreaking consequences.

Assisted living communities have locking doors to keep unauthorized people out and prevent residents from leaving the safety of the facility. This is especially true if the community includes a memory care unit.

Cameras are also usually installed in key areas. Staff monitor residents so they know where everyone is at all times. It is a level of security that is difficult to achieve at home without making significant changes and having someone present 24 hours a day.

Encourages Better Physical and Mental Health

Good physical and mental health contribute to safety. When a senior is physically well, they are less likely to experience a fall injury or become ill. Being active won’t eliminate the risk, but it can help lower it.

Assisted living communities host groups and activities that can boost physical and mental health. Senior fitness classes give residents a fun way to build strength and flexibility. Having opportunities to socialize is great for their mental health, which helps the brain stay sharp.

Groups and activities are available outside of these facilities but having them conveniently located on-site makes it much easier for seniors to attend.

Housekeeping is Included in Care

Cleaning, yard work, laundry, and home maintenance are a normal part of living on your own. Even if you rent an apartment without a yard, you still have to clean it. These are tasks that become more difficult as we age.

A senior carrying a basket of laundry up and down stairs every week could be putting themselves at risk of falling or could suffer a back or knee injury. If an elderly loved one cannot keep up with the housework, their home may become dirty and unhygienic, which increases the risk of illness.

Vista Living Senior Care handles all the housekeeping so that residents remain safe and comfortable in a clean, tidy environment.

If you have questions about safety in assisted living, let us know. Visit Vista Living Senior Care now to learn more or to see our Phoenix assisted living community.