Getting older can be challenging for people. There are greater risks of injury for older people. The home that used to be secure and safe now feels like it is full of hazards. Seniors who want to remain at home often feel they are left with few choices as to how best to stay in place rather than move somewhere else. Giving up a home is difficult, including moving belongings and going somewhere new to start over again. Find out some of the tips to eliminate falling risk in the home and to maintain safety.

Balance

Many times older adults struggle with balance. As people age, their bones and muscles weaken. The best way to prevent this side effect of aging is to do yoga, Pilates, and water aerobics classes to improve balance. Many seniors have the option to take classes for free. Health insurance may also offer plans that cover benefits for seniors who want to age well. Check with local park district programs, fitness centers, and gyms to find out more information.

Check Flooring

One of the most high-risk situations for seniors is flooring. Hardwood, linoleum, or similar types of flooring are hazards for older people. Carpeting can also be tricky to navigate. Certain rooms have an increased risk of falls, including bathrooms and kitchens. Replace floors with non-slip flooring to make walking safer.

Enhance Bone Strength

Bone density wanes over time. The more a person can work to keep their bones healthy, the better. If bones are frail, they are more likely to move out of joint or break in a fall. Seniors who experience serious fractures or breaks are often susceptible to more diseases, surgeries, and shorter life expectancy. Prioritize taking care of bone health by getting screened by a doctor and speaking with them about supplements to support stronger bones.

Stairways and Handrails

Stairs are almost a no-brainer for aging adults. They are a huge fall hazard for seniors, especially those living alone. It may be time to think about how to move living quarters into another area of the house or live on one floor of the home. Handrails are also important. In rooms where seniors might not be able to navigate a home well, handrails can help seniors move around the bathroom, stairs, and hallways with less risk. 

Falls can be scary and even life-threatening. They may be a sign of other things going on like Alzheimer's. It is best to check in with older adults to see how they can best set up their homes to keep them there as long as possible. If necessary, an adult child or family member may have to move in with them to support their journey of healing into their older years in a healthy way.

Families who are looking for properties to purchase need look no further than Ohio. Choice properties help families make good decisions when it comes to their home purchase or sale. Call us if you are ready to make the choice to move forward with buying or selling your home. 

Buying a Home for Retirement

Buying a home after you have retired may feel like an overwhelming challenge. You may be asking: Should I stay in my current home? Should I downsize to a smaller house? Will moving into a new home fulfill my needs? Buying a home for retirement is a financial commitment, but comes with a return of investment and a list of benefits! Whether you are looking to downsize or simply desire a fresh start in a new home, here are some considerations to ask yourself along the way.

Location

The first step to buying a retirement home is choosing the area you wish to live. Real estate is all about location, meaning it is especially important to choose the correct spot to retire. Depending on the situation some of the factors that may influence your decision include proximity to friends and family, the yearly climate, and neighborhood preferences. Perhaps a community with sidewalks for evening strolls, or nearby parks for afternoon picnics will suit your needs.

Budget

Purchasing a home upon retirement depends on your budget, and how much you are willing to spend. Of course, choosing to apply for a mortgage is always an option although most include home buying into their retirement plan. If you are planning to purchase or build a retirement home, knowing how much you can realistically afford to spend will help set expectations.

Maintenance

It's well-known that the cost of owning a home is more than just the mortgage, taxes, and insurance. Factoring in the expense of maintenance and upkeep is also an important consideration when browsing for a retirement home, as most desire low-maintenance living. Whether you are seeking a home with ample yard space for a seasonal garden, or a neighborhood with homeowners association that tends snow removal and lawn care, the award winning agents at Choice Properties will help you meet your goals.

Choice Properties offers you a chance to find the home of your dreams. We work with your budget and ideas in mind to support your ultimate vision. Call us if you are ready to check out the available inventory or to speak with a reputable agent who can assist you with your home buying needs.

The low cost of living in Ohio and numerous recreational areas make the state one of the best places to consider retirement for people who love to have fun and relax without sacrificing quality of life. The arts, culture and entertainment scene along with outdoor activities make this retirement-friendly locale the place to be, whether in a major city or small town. Learn about all the benefits of retiring in Ohio.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Ohio is approximately 8 percent less than the national average as of 2015. Housing costs are 21 percent lower than the national average. Utilities are also ranking lower than the national average which makes affordability one of the key benefits of retiring in Ohio.

Culture

Ohio is home to several colleges and universities with several college towns being created in the surrounding towns. Arts and culture are huge in and around the college campuses. Oxford, in particular, has a vibrant artistic scene which includes a free summer concert series, an art museum, college theater scene and more offerings for people of all ages to enjoy. It depends on an individual's tastes but having so many young people in the area can bring a vibrancy to an area and support lots of creative endeavors for individuals wishing to retire close to artistic communities with lots of activities.

Activities

Throughout the state of Ohio, outdoor activities abound with lots of space to explore for the outdoor enthusiast. Year-round opportunities are available including bike trails, 330 miles of connected trails in Yellow Springs and Dayton and across the state. Headlands beach is located near Mentor where residents can swim or fish and hike the trails or spot rare plant life at the 450-acre Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Marina. Whether it is hiking, biking, bird watching or other activity, there is something for all enthusiasts to enjoy across the state of Ohio.

Senior-Friendly Fun

One of the biggest challenges for retirees is finding activities which are fun and engaging while supporting community with groups and organizations. Senior citizen centers and communities across Ohio provide activities and groups just for this reason. The city of Lakewood, for example, has a Division of Aging which organizes senior-only activities such as a photography club and others including lectures, movies, poker and a book club, to name a few. The opportunity to connect with other mature residents is endless and the chance to see and do many great things are available at an individual's fingertips in Ohio.

Retirement is a state of mind, which is very individualized depending on a person's desires and goals. There is also lots of quiet space to find respite and peace from the hectic city life in smaller towns which offer scenic views over a lake or hills and trees. Enjoy the four seasons in Ohio and enjoy a low cost of living and higher quality of life that is unsurpassed.

Looking to retire in Ohio and live life on the lake?

Choice Properties Agents can help you find the perfect retirement home here in Indian Lake Ohio.