Aging in place is a concept that has gained steam in recent years, particularly as COVID-19 caused people across the world to stay home for the sake of their health… and for their neighbors, too. Many are realizing the value of making their homes safer and more accessible. However, many do not realize the impact that aging in place has on the environment… it’s actually a more Earth-friendly option than moving into a new home that’s seemingly more manageable or an assisted living facility.  

In the United States alone, there are circa 17,019,726 vacant homes, according to information from the United States Census Bureau. Millions of houses stand empty, gathering dust and capturing the attention of select few interested home buyers. Why are there so many vacant homes in the U.S.? Quite frankly, the answer isn’t simple. Homes may have lost value over time, extensive repairs may be needed, or a health hazard may have necessitated abandonment of the property. Either way, these homes create pollution that negatively impacts the environment.  

Older buildings may have asbestos and lead piping, and leaking appliances and forgotten chemicals offer further health hazards. Plus, a lack of maintenance can lead to mold growth, which comes with its own list of public health issues. 

Some types of homes, like split-level houses, remain difficult to sell, meaning they stand at risk of being abandoned after appearing unattractive to buyers. This remains a dark reality as a multitude of new homes and nursing homes are built every day. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the number of building permits has risen in the last year. Let’s take a moment to analyze the environmental risks that come with new construction. 

New Residential Construction & Environmental Impact 

You know that joke about the “new car smell”? There’s just something about that new home smell, isn’t there? And the way the sun seeps through those beautiful new windows… Let’s be honest. New housing is an attractive incentive. However, construction leaves a greater environmental impact than most realize. 

Near Leaf Home Safety Solutions’ corporate office in Northeast Ohio is one of the oldest archaeological sites in North America, dating to around 13,000 years of age. What is so magnificent about this site is not only the tools and charcoal-filled pits that showcase early human activity in the New World, but also the post holes that show that a seasonal home was once erected there. Despite thousands of years of change, evidence of human dwellings remain. 

That, of course, was eons before the incorporation of modern building material. Today, our building processes leave a much more shocking environmental impact. In fact, the carbon footprint left behind by the construction industry is hard to ignore.  

GreenSpec, a U.K.-based group striving to spearhead sustainability initiatives in the construction industry, published an eye-opening collective of research on just how harmful concrete production is. Cement production alone contributes to circa 5 percent of the worldwide total of CO2 emissions. For some perspective, the transportation sector accounts for around 14 to 15 percent of worldwide emissions. Air travel accounts for circa 3 percent of these global emissions. How is cement production so destructive? Perhaps it is less about its destructive manufacturing process and more about the sheer quantity of yearly cement production that causes such a drastic environmental impact. It’s a necessary evil in the construction industry, providing foundations, walkways, and more.  

Of course, construction itself is a process that leaves a huge environmental impact. According to Environmental Pollution Centers, construction impacts a few aspects of our environment in particular: 

        • Airborne contaminants spread via wind 
        • Water runoff may contain paints, glues, and other toxins 
        • Soil will inevitably capture construction contaminants 

Noise pollution is another matter altogether, and a matter that neighbors near construction sites vehemently lament. Of course, all of these issues can be negated into an existing home… but old homes often require repairs, sometimes as huge as foundation repair or replacement. 

So, the alternative to aging in place or moving into a more manageable home is moving into an assisted living facility… right? That comes with its own set of challenges. 

Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Homes, And Quality Of Life 

Quality. This is a word that’s deeply resonant, no matter who you are or where you come from. We crave a quality life, we want to utilize quality products. We long for opportunities that help us enhance the quality of day-to-day living, but some environments inevitably present hurdles. 

One of the major concerns over life in nursing homes is one that most people would not even consider: air quality. Our sister brand LeafFilter spotlighted Legionnaire’s Disease on their blog, explaining that the sickness was first discovered due to bacteria thriving in moist airways at the American Legion Convention in Philadelphia back in 1976. However, this is not the only bacteria that could impact indoor air quality (IAQ). 

According to a 2021 publication in the periodical Science of The Total Environment, IAQ in nursing homes is seldom monitored and oftentimes lacking. This can lead to negative health impacts in older adults, many of whom move into long-term care facilities due largely to health concerns. Air pollution in nursing homes is, believe it or not, a common problem. Do a Google search if you’re brave enough… but the years of evidence of poor and polluted air in shared living spaces is plain to see.  

Of course, nursing homes impact another aspect of health, and this one is often at the forefront of the aging in place vs assisted living debate: mental health. Studies prove that the adverse risks of mental health increase as humans age. AARP found that 3 out of every 4 adults over 50 would prefer to stay in their own homes rather than living in a group home… although many fear that such a fate is inevitable. 

This, of course, takes a mental toll on a person. There’s nothing worse than feeling old, especially since research suggests that feeling young by maintaining a youthful mental state may actually be linked to longevity. And the price of nursing homes inevitably takes a toll on family members who step up to assist with the sky-high residency costs.

  

Living At Home & Living GREEN 

So you have a home, and it’s one you’ve lived in for quite a bit of time. It’s clearly more sustainable to modify your home to meet your needs than to pursue a new construction that’s smaller or contains fewer stairs. Of course, we’ve also learned that staying in one’s home rather than living in a nursing home has its benefits, too. So how can we live an earth-friendly lifestyle without totally disrupting our lifestyle? 

1. Invest in durable, long-lasting materials. 

It may seem silly when you think about it, but many products we use are meant to be replaced in just a few years. You’ve probably heard someone lament that “things just aren’t made like they used to be,” and this is largely true. Production has changed. The economy has changed. In actuality, human culture has changed with each new generation of thinkers and doers. However, there are many long-lasting products like fade-proof siding and composite deck materials that lessen your investment in the cycle of manufacturing, transportation, and pollution.  

2. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. 

It’s an age-old adage that remains in use today: the three R’s. Reduce your consumption, reuse and upcycle what you can, and recycle goods that can be remade into other products. It’s an easy and obvious way to reduce your carbon footprint and to help reduce the number of goods that end up in landfills. Did you know that more than half of the aluminum in the U.S. is recycled? It’s easy to do, and many places will even pay you for scrap.  

3. Put your health (and diet) first. 

While we’re talking about aging in place and the health benefits it brings, it’s also worth mentioning the power of quality foods. Fruits and veggies don’t need plastic packaging to keep them fresh, and things like apple cores can be composted to prevent landfill contribution. Of course, the benefit of consuming vitamins and minerals speaks for itself. If you choose to grow your own food, this has its own benefits as well – in addition to cutting out a trip to the grocery store and providing easy access to delicious foods, gardens lend beauty to your yard as well. 

  

Whether you are exploring aging in place for yourself or for a family member, you’ll find that it has endless benefits, including the opportunity to live a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle in the home you love. Want to learn more about aging in place? Let the Certified Aging in Place Specialists at Leaf Home Safety Solutions provide a free estimate and some lifestyle-enhancement suggestions to get you started on your in-home journey. 

Alrighty, ladies and gents, let’s place our cards on the table for just a moment and talk about social media and the many generations that use it. Millennials use it too much, Boomers don’t know how to use it, and Generation Z is using it to encourage one another to eat Tide Pods. No matter which generation you belong to, you’ll encounter some of the aforementioned stereotypes throughout your time spent on social media. While stereotypes are obviously cruel and unnecessary, they’re especially out of place on social media. Why? It’s a platform for anyone and everyone, and these awesome senior social media influencers prove that: 

 

1. Suzi Grant of Alternative Aging

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Any captions for where I might be going on my broomstick are very welcome! . . AD# Near Split we visited a country house and had the very best Croatian farm feast of local produce with freshly baked bread made in front of us! This is the kind of excursion I really enjoy & @halcruises did not disappoint. It was so lovely to see the countryside & we had another Game of Thrones moment on the way back! Much more on Stories. And perfect timing for this post – tonight is Orange night on board this amazing Dutch ship ? . . . . . #myhappycapture #over60 #styleover60 #styleover50 #stylewithasmile #greyhairdontcare #cruises #halcruises #vintageframes #onholiday #whpgoingplaces #travelblogger #sponsoredpost #hollandamerica #halaboard #cruisetravel #travelover50 #travelover60 #cruisinginstyle #mumsnet #gransnet #instacruise #arnhemclothing

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If you’ve never visited Suzi’s blog, you are absolutely missing out. This timeless influencer is absolutely adorable, as she’s got a killer sense of style and sense of adventure. She shares her travel tips and tricks as well as offering lifestyle advice, and her blog is user friendly and beautiful.

2. Helen Ruth Elam, or Baddiewinkle

At the age of 85, Baddiewinkle became an online influencer and debuted her unique style… much to the surprise of unsuspecting Twitter users. Sassy and unashamedly colorful, Baddie has amassed nearly 4 million Instagram followers and has since walked the red carpet, starred in commercials, and celebrated her 90th birthday.

3. George Takei, otherwise known as Hikaru Sulu from Star Trek

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Spill that tea ☕️

A post shared by George Takei (@georgehtakei) on

While female influencers are largely the norm on Instagram, this talented actor has translated his on-screen personality into an online personality… and we’re obsessed! He found his start in Hollywood in the 1950s, but he’s enjoyed something of a rebirth in this modern technological era. His Facebook and Instagram pages are full of wit and charm, and they’ve attracted fans from every generation. 

4. Sarah Jane Adams of Saramai Jewels

Cute, colorful, and quirky, this talented jewelry designer has turned her lifelong passions into a brand. She collected and sold antique jewelry throughout the 1980s, and, eventually, transitioned into a designer inspired by her travels and collections. She’s now amassed nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram, and her brand isn’t slowing down anytime soon! 

5. Lance Walsh, Supreme Fanatic

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Stay Fly ☠️☠️☠️. Photo: @ben_awin

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If you’ve never heard of the brand Supreme, then you’re probably not a fan of skateboarding or hip hop culture. Lance Walsh, however, is – and it’s that fact that’s earned him fame. Lance runs a fruit stand on Berwick Street in Soho, and photos of his mad style went viral over time. Now moving into his 60s, Lance has garnered nearly 53,000 followers on Instagram… and, yes, he’s just as stylish as ever!

 

Whether you’re 20 or 90, there’s probably a social media platform that offers something you love. The internet is incredible in that it removes boundaries… both in terms of borders and generational gaps! These senior social media influencers have more than demonstrated that fact, and they’re blazing the way for other adults that have an interest in building their own online brand. 

If you have not yet connected with us on social media, then you’re missing out! Follow us on Facebook today! 

Aging comes with preconceived expectations. Unfortunately, approaching senior status comes with stereotypes of fragility, fatigue, and a slower pace of life. While this may be a reality for some, it’s certainly not a defining trait of senior status. In fact, many seniors pick up the pace, and some even transform their life in a downright unbelievable way. If you’re looking to keep in tip-top shape, you might want to take a few health and wellness tips from these incredible senior athletes: 

1. Kay Glynn

Kay Glynn is nothing short of a superstar. When she graduated from Nishna Valley High School in Southwestern Iowa in 1971, she held the high school long jump state record. Of course, that was way back in the day… right? For most, high school glory days are worth reminiscing on. For Glynn, they were worth returning to. After about three decades, she returned to track and field. Armed with experience in acrobatics, she fell back in love with the sport and began competing. She’s now a world renowned athlete… even though she graduated from her high school athletic career nearly five decades ago!

Check out this incredible interview by Aberdeen American News to see her in action:

2. Vivian Stancil

Incredible and inspiring is Vivian Stancil, a senior that decided to take her health into her own hands. She was 50 when she decided to learn to swim… even though she has been blind since the age of 19. Believe it or not, swimming was just one of many hurdles she overcame in her life. She married at a young age and had children, yet she still managed to put herself through college and retire at a young age. Her weight and health become a concern a couple decades ago, and that was when she decided to start swimming. Ever since, she’s participated in (and placed in) a number of competitions.

We absolutely adore her energy in this interview with Humana:

3. Flo Meiler

Flo Meiler has achieved what every athlete hopes to – she’s set records and has taken home a number of medals. What sets Flo apart from the average athlete is the age at which she began exploring track and field: 60. Just a few years later, Meiler took up pole vaulting. She attributes her skill to a lifetime of water skiing, but she’s adhered to a rigorous workout schedule over the years to stay in shape. Now in her 80s, Flo Meiler is as fierce as ever.

Catch her in action in this interview from TODAY:

4. Nancy Burnham

The last news anyone wants to receive is that their heart has a problem. When Nancy Burnham discovered that she had two prolapsed heart valves, she decided to take action. At age 61, she stepped into a gym for the first time and set out to turn her health around. She did so in just one year, and she was certified as a personal trainer by age 65. Now in her 70s, this super star continues to help others transform their health.

Want to transform your own health? Be sure to pick up Burnham’s book:

5. Sister Madonna Buder

When most people hear the name Madonna, they think of a pop star from the 1980s… not a racing star in her 80s. However, Sister Madonna Buder is slowly redefining not only the name, but what it means to age with grace. This talented athlete was born in 1930, and she started running at age 47 under the encouragement of a priest. Oh, did I forget to mention that this athlete is also a nun? Sister Madonna Buder originally pursued running as a way to hone and harmonize her mind, body, and spirit, but in addition to inner peace… she found that she was particularly good at it. She’s now known as the Iron Nun, after attempting and completing the Ironman Triathlon on several occasions. This intensive race requires participants to complete a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run in under 17 hours.

Want to get to know Buder’s secret? You just might find it in the pages of her book:

6. Yūichirō Miura

Yūichirō Miura is just like you and me… except he’s done something most people can only dream about. Ever heard of Mount Everest? The odds of dying while climbing it are particularly high for a young, healthy person. Miura, unphased by this statistic, became the oldest person to climb the mountain in 2003 at age 70. He underwent heart surgery in 2006 and 2007, and then he set out to beat his record again! In 2013, Miura was 80 when he ascended the world’s highest mountain. If that achievement wasn’t enough, you might be impressed to learn that this old school daredevil was also the first person to ski on Mount Everest in 1970.

Check out the post-adventure celebration from when 80 year old Miura returned home in this video by ODN:

7. Tao Porchon-Lynch

Yoga is a craze that’s sweeping the nation, but it undeniably has ancient roots. It was already an old art when Tao Porchon-Lynch discovered it in 1926 at just eight years of age. Porchon-Lynch was born on a boat in the English Channel in 1918, and she was actually initially scolded for taking interest in an art that was considered to be primarily meant for males. Being the world’s oldest yoga teacher isn’t even the most remarkable thing about this epic athlete; Porchon-Lynch also engaged in demonstrations alongside  Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.

This video from the Associated Press shows just how talented this incredible athlete is:

 

8. Fauja Singh

Last but not least is the oldest athlete on our list: Fauja Singh. Singh was born in 1911. Yes, you read that right! Birth records were not kept in India at the time, So Singh has unfortunately been unable to receive recognition by setting a World Record, but this centenarian has proved that age is just a number. He purportedly was unable to walk until around five years of age due to weak muscles, but he found a passion for running as a young man. He fell out of the sport for several years, but he eventually returned to it at the young age of 89 years. Ever since, he’s been shocking athletes everywhere by continuing to run… and even race!

Check out this video the BBC created a few years ago to see him in action:

 

To some, aging is a depressing reality. After all, who wants to be old, feeble, and out of shape? The truth is that being “old” is a state of mind, and your physical fitness is in your hands. These incredible and inspirational senior athletes prove that we can accomplish anything we put our minds to.

If you are on your own fitness journey, congratulations! Just remember to take everything step by step, and remember not to overdo it. If balance is an issue, consider exploring a stair lift solution or walk-in tub to ensure you don’t overdo it in your own home.

Once upon a time, retirement meant you were done working and ready to relax. However, changes in lifestyle trends have turned retirement into something else altogether. What does this mean for you? To figure it out, we’ll have to identify what has changed. These retirement trends are items you just may encounter in your own journey:

1. The age at which we retire is unpredictable

Once upon a time, reaching age 65 meant it was time to say adios to the office. Nowadays, of course, the economy has changed. In fact, the world has changed. A large chunk of would-be retirees are continuing to work past their anticipated retirement date, for a number of reasons. According to one study, some common reasons to push back retirement include facing a higher cost of living than originally anticipated, lack of faith in social security, inadequate finances and, most commonly, the poor economy.

2. We’re living longer, which means more healthcare costs

Centenarians, or people who live to be 100 or older, are becoming more and more commonplace in our society. Modern medicine has doubtlessly increased lifespans, and so, too, has a decrease in risks like foodborne illness. While centenarians tend to be “super agers,” or people that show signs of aging at a slower rate, the average, everyday person is living longer, too! This does mean, unfortunately, that additional healthcare costs may pop up. It’s important to think of this when planning your retirement to ensure you don’t experience an unexpected turn for the worse when your nest egg has dried up.

3. Aging in place is the new black

Once upon a time, retirement meant a few great years of memory-making bliss followed by eventual placement in a retirement home or assisted living facility. While that might have been the status quo for our grandparents, we’re certainly not looking forward to leaving our homes. For that reason, we’ve started to modify them to fit our needs. Stair lifts, walk-in tubs, grab bars, and changes as simple as rearranging furniture to diminish tripping hazards has made a world of difference for those looking to stay in their homes. Additionally, just think of all you’ll save by not moving into a nursing home!

4. Retirement? You mean partial retirement

It’s true that during retirement, many people return to work or take on projects to earn additional income. As with people pushing back retirement to adjust to a poor economy and changes in social security, some will retire, notice an unexpected change, and head back to work. Some simply get bored and enjoy having the opportunity to do something in their spare time. Either way, it’s undeniable that retirement nowadays often encompasses the occasional side job.

5. Adventure is in the eye of the beholder

While retirement was once about lazy days on the beach with a cocktail in hand, retirees are exploring adventure more and more. Nowadays, many find ziplining just as appealing as a tropical vacation… if not more so! There’s never been a better time to bring your dreams to life and try something adventurous.

 

Okay, so things have changed. Fortunately, some things have not changed at all. If you’ve been told to expect the following, then you’re well prepared:

 

1. More time with family

If you have discussed retirement with friends that are already retired, you’ve surely been told that “family is everything.” When you’re not traveling or indulging in the finer things, you’ll find that your family is on your mind all the time! Now that you’re not working, you’ll be able to find more time to fit family time in your schedule. And you’ll love every second of it.

2. You’ll take your health seriously

When you’re retired and have the time to focus on your body, diet, and overall health, you’ll be amazed by how much better you feel. Unfortunately, there’s been a notable rise in obesity and, in association with that, diabetes. Retirement presents to you the opportunity to stay active and fit, effectively combating the very risks that may impact your health.

3. There’s no better time to explore a new hobby

You’ve got some spare time on your hands following your retirement, and you’ll doubtlessly observe an initial sense of boredom once you fall out of a working routine. It’s the ideal opportunity to explore a new hobby or dive head-first into something that’s always interested you. Your retirement is all about you, so make it count by investing in yourself.

4. Retirement is unpredictable

Planning for the future requires a lot of guesswork, and we do guess wrong when it comes to some things. While it’s easy to assume that things will unfold in a particular way, adulthood has surely taught you a thing or two about expecting the unexpected. The same is true for retirement – as much effort as you might put into planning, you’ll surely encounter a surprise or two along the way. Surprise is the spice of life, however, so stay optimistic!

 

Something as high anticipated as retirement will surely be on your mind for a while before and after you approach this landmark. It’s okay if things don’t go as planned – when it comes to something as big as retirement, sometimes it’s best to go with the flow. The future is bright, after all, and you’re the star of the show! 

As our needs change over time, so, too, do our surroundings. A young toddler is often surrounded by bright and colorful toys, and seniors… well, many home upgrades and products offered to seniors have a starkly medical feel. What’s stylish about a solution that feels like it belongs in a hospital room? Nothing!

Nothing makes your home feel less homey than accessibility solutions that feel… well, medical. Fortunately, there are many solutions that fit into your existing space and also come with a pleasant flair for the dramatic. 

 

Walk-In Showers

Navigating the edge of showers can be a challenge as your mobility needs change. However, low-entry showers are a great alternative! Shower surrounds from Leaf Home Safety Solutions (LHSS) fit into your existing space and come in a variety of colors to match your existing space. With a classy granite or tile feel, these heavy duty walk-in showers make your space feel modern and stunning.  

Walk-In Tubs

Want to feel like you’re sitting in a glass of champagne? Walk-in tubs provide easy access as well as hot tub-worthy relaxation. At LHSS, we set out to make our tubs stylish and functional. Heated seat options ensure you stay cozy and comfortable while you relax, and air and water jets provide luxury in the form of immersive hydrotherapy. 

Stylish Grab Bars

Grab bars tend to come in a generic stainless steel color… or, at least, they used to. Nowadays, you may be surprised to learn that grab bars come in a number of different metal finishes, and some even come in curved or squiggly designs! 

Stylish Wall Fixtures And Lights

Oftentimes, our vision does not age like a fine wine. In fact, many of us find that as our vision changes, so does depth perception. If you are concerned about falling, especially in the dark when your ability to see is compromised, there are many modern and stylish fixtures that can be installed. Nowadays, many lights can be activated via remote control… so the days of fumbling with the light switch can finally be put behind you!

A New Toilet Seat

Surely you’ve seen commode chairs – they’re lifted, stand-alone toilets that make lowering and lifting yourself easy. However, they’re not exactly stylish. Believe it or not, they make raised seats that provide a much less disruptive solution… in fact, many raised seats blend seamlessly with your existing toilet! 

 

Don’t let aging in place make your home feel like a hospital. Home is where the heart is, and it’s meant to feel warm, welcoming, and happy. How many of these home upgrades have you introduced into your own home? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Join the conversation on our Facebook page. 

Are you considering upgrading your home? You might consider a walk-in tub! Learn more about the benefits of hydrotherapy here.

Once upon a time, retirement involved getting older, leaving the workplace, and moving into a nursing home. Fortunately, those days are long gone. Retirement is a period of adventure in one’s life, and it opens many doors for those with a taste for adventure. While some brave Boomers travel far and wide and even trade homes with other retirees, there’s also great benefit to chilling out at home for extended periods. In fact, staycations (alternatively called a holistay) are growing in popularity.

A staycation is like a vacation, but at the end of the day you retire to the comfort of your own bed. It involves exploring your region and community like a tourist, embarking on day trips and indulging in delicious dining without the hassles of actual travel. Interested? Here are some great places that are worth exploring: 

 

Local Parks

Communities all around the world have splendid park systems that are worthy of exploration. Many have trail maps uploaded online, offering you the opportunity to hand-select the ideal route for you. When you’ve lived in place for so long, it’s easy to lose appreciation for your surrounding community – this adventure is an incredible way to rediscover what makes the local landscape so magical.

Area Wineries

Wineries are enchanting, and every single U.S. state has at least one. They are typically cozy, and many include their own vineyards with vibrant and delicious local fruits. The very best wineries offer their own selections to pair with the wine… sometimes it’s a full menu, other times it is simply tapas. Either way, wineries are a great way to get a taste of local culture!

Museums

Museums are a wealth of information… although they’re not always geared toward history or art. Your local museum just may house a unique collection – we’ve seen some weird museums that explore medical history, witchcraft, the history of cats, and even a Dr. Seuss museum. 

Cultural Hubs

Culture is at the heart of each and every community, and each unique destination has its own personality. Whether you’re swinging by a public park built to host a former World Fair or strolling through your region’s own version of Chinatown or Little Italy, you’re sure to adore immersion in whatever it is that makes your community so special.

Darling Communities

After you’ve explored your community, look around the regions for other destinations worth visiting. Is there a New England-style fishing village nearby? Maybe there’s a quaint country town just around the corner. Feeling daring? Traipse through a local town with an infamous haunted history, or swing by your state’s ghost towns.

Anywhere And Everywhere!

If anything, retirement shouldn’t slow you down. It’s an opportunity to unleash your inner self and enjoy life to the fullest! When you’re embarking on an area road trip, keep your eyes peeled for interesting places. When you see something fascinating, pull over! You just may discover your new favorite destination, and its proximity to home might surprise you. There’s a lot of value in exploring your region like a tourist, especially if you take family or friends along for the ride. 

 

There’s a lot of value in exploring your own community. In fact, you just may be surprised at what you discover in your own backyard! We’d love to hear about your own staycation discoveries on our Facebook page! 

When our grandparents retired back in the day, they finally had an opportunity to kick back and relax. The goal was to take it easy, but retirement looks rather different today. Baby boomers once redefined what it means to be young… and today, they’ve turned retirement into an absolute adventure.Zip lining, kayaking, stand up paddleboard, and other unusual activities are attracting retirees, who are proving that sports and adventures know no age limits. But the newest lifestyle trend is almost unbelievable… Boomers are now trading houses!

Nowadays, there are actually apps and websites that allow retirees to connect with homeowners in other cities. Believe it or not, interested homeowners can trade houses for a set period of time and enjoy living in another city without incurring the costs of a hotel room. Additionally, this unique trend negates the need for a homesitter! 

Interestingly, many websites, like Home Exchange 50 Plus, offer stays both in the United States and around the world. Want to experience another country? With this program, all you’ll need to do is secure travel accommodations and a passport! You’ll also find other great home exchange websites and apps like:

If you’re a little reluctant to let strangers stay in your home, that’s 100 percent understandable. You might consider a staycation, which has endless benefits… especially if you have hotel-like luxuries like a Leaf Home Safety Solutions bathtub in your home! 

Regardless of how you choose to spend your golden years, there is a lot of value in incorporating a bit of adventure into your day-to-day life. It is important to remember that age is just a number – there’s no better time than now to live your life to the fullest! 

What is your favorite travel destination? Join the conversation and share other ideas on our Facebook page! 

Aches and pains are common in humans – from growing pains to aches related to arthritis, there are a number of things that can cause people of all ages to hurt. Back in the day, your mother may have sped up recovery by drawing you a bubble bath… and, as it turns out, she may have been onto something. Hydrotherapy is the use of water to treat muscle ailments, and studies reveal that warm water is related to a reduction in pain. While pool-related therapy is beneficial to many struggling with pain, as is the case with those afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis, you can actually reap the benefits of hydrotherapy from the comfort of your own tub. 

A Full Soak

A full body soak involves immersing yourself in water up to your chest – this is, amazingly, an incredible way to combat insomnia. Why is this? Relaxed muscles can lead to a relaxed mind, meaning warm baths offer an incredible natural remedy for insomniacs. You’ll also enjoy these benefits:

  • Soaking helps to ease muscle strain
  • Arthritis and hemorrhoidal pain are reduced
  • Warm baths increase circulation
  • Steam can clear out your sinuses and provide cold and flu relief
  • Warm baths also provide relief with urinary and bladder problems.

A Sitz Bath

A sitz bath is a soak up to the hips. Interestingly, this style of bathing evolved from an old school European custom to a modern therapeutic treatment that provides relief without causing dizziness, something that full soaks may do to a select population. This style of soak can provide relief to those with irritable bowel syndrome pains, and this bath also provides the following benefits: 

  • Provides relief to menstrual pain
  • Lessens inflammation in the abdominal area
  • Eases hemorrhoidal discomfort
  • Sitz baths increase blood flow, helping to fight off infections
  • Relieves internal discomfort in the kidneys and intestines

A Foot Bath

There are plenty of benefits that come with soaking tired tootsies. This style of bath is known as ashiyu in Japan, and it can be enjoyed in public bathhouses. You can, of course, soak up to the calves to promote circulation. You may also reap these benefits: 

  • Foot soaks relieve discomfort with varicose veins
  • Reduce swelling around feet
  • Prevent infection by eliminating bacteria around blisters
  • Eliminate aches (like headaches) in other parts of the body

There are many benefits to hydrotherapy. Here are Leaf Home Safety Solutions, we’ve tricked out our bathtubs with additional therapeutic features like massaging air and water jets, a heated seat, and an aromatherapy system, all of which you can learn about here. It is incredible just how many benefits we can enjoy in our own bathroom, which leads into the age old question – do you prefer a bath or a shower? Join the conversation on our Facebook page! 

Ever heard of a concept known as aging in place? As time marches on, this term is appearing with more frequency, and more people are choosing to pursue this option. So what is it… and why do we need to know about it?

As you likely have noticed, humans are living longer, healthier, and happier lives with the advancement of modern medicine. This means that older members of our population are facing new challenges, including if they are able to continue to care for themselves in their own home. While the decision to stay at home, move into a nursing home, or move in with family members is deeply personal, there are some facts that can help your decision-making process easier.

It’s no secret that most adults would prefer to stay in their homes, but we often reach a point where it becomes difficult to perform everyday functions. Oftentimes, this can be easily overcome via home modification ⁠— such as in the case of grab bars or stair lifts. Oftentimes falling is the primary concern of independent seniors, and this is a hurdle that can often be combated by simply rearranging hazards like rugs and wires.

If you are dealing with mobility complications, you are certainly not alone. While stair lifts are a great option for many, there is much more you can do to improve the livability of your home. Vertical lifts make spaces more accessible, and solutions like walk-in tubs and showers can easily help you maintain your independence in the home you already cherish. If you are on a budget, many companies, like Leaf Home Safety Solutions, offer financing.

You might be surprised to learn that a renovation is not necessary for most homes, and upgrades like those outlined above typically cost less than a single month in a nursing home. A homeowner could easily have several upgrades done at once and still pay significantly little in comparison to what a single year in a nursing home would cost.

According to LongTermCare.gov, the national average monthly cost of an assisted living facility is $3,628. The national average monthly cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home is nearly double at $6,844, and a private room is more than double that cost at $7,698. Many nursing homes also charge additional fees for certain services.

Whether you own your home or live with family, staying at home is often a cheaper alternative to moving into a nursing home. You may even find that many upgrades, as in the case of our walk-in tubs, both add value to your home and provide relaxation to all members of your household. If you are ready to start aging in place, consider thriving in place instead with solutions designed with you in mind.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines aging in place as, “The ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” Aging in place is a hot topic in this day and age as more and more adults are choosing to spend their golden years in their home over moving into a nursing home or assisted living community. While it’s often easy to upgrade your home to accommodate your ever-evolving needs, others find it beneficial to hire an aging in place specialist.

Aging in place specialists typically analyze your unique situation and offer suggestions to improve your home’s efficacy and livability, something that may be necessary if your needs have evolved in a way you did not necessarily expect. These experts are a goldmine of information, but there are just a few things you will want to take into consideration:

Are you working with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist?
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) developed the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist designation, otherwise known as CAPS. This designation is earned after extensive education in the unique needs of our older population, and it is a designation often sought by architects and remodeling experts. Their extensive knowledge of optimizing space combined with this impressive education in accessibility solutions makes the CAPS designation something you will want your aging-in-place specialist to have. Be sure to ask about this when you are searching for a specialist.

Do you have an occupational therapist?
An occupational therapist, or OT, is someone that will understand your needs inside and out. They’re a wealth of information, particularly if they have additional training as in the case of the Specialty Certification in Environmental Modifications. Your OT may even have a CAPS designation! If they do not have this designation, it’s often a good idea to introduce your OT to your aging-in-place specialist to allow both parties to discuss your safety needs.

Can you afford home modifications right now?
Not prepared to modify your home right this second? Don’t stress, now is the perfect time to meet with an expert to discuss⁠—and budget for⁠—a long term plan. While many companies, like Leaf Home Safety Solutions, offer financing and can help you fit upgrades into your budget, it’s often easiest to upgrade your home in phases. The first phase may be as simple as rearranging furniture to remove tripping or falling hazards, and the second phase may be as painless as a installing a stair lift.

How can I make my home more maintenance-free right now?
There are many products available throughout the nation that can help you make your home more low-maintenance, something you’ll doubtlessly appreciate as you navigate your golden years. Even if you are not ready to meet with an aging in place specialist, you can still make your home safer with upgrades like grab bars, anti-microbial bathroom appliances to lessen your cleaning load, and LeafFilter Gutter Protection to keep you off the ladder and to protect your home from damages associated with clogged gutters.

It can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders when you’re making long-term plans, but there are plenty of people along the way that can offer help. A partnership with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist can be extremely beneficial when you are upgrading your home or planning for the long-term, and experts like our team at Leaf Home Safety Solutions can help make the transition back to independent living seamless.