If you are newly retired or planning for your retirement, figuring out where to live might be one item on your to-do list. You’ll want to contemplate not only what type of housing is a good fit, such as a condominium or a senior living community, but also which part of the country best meets your needs.

Older adults who want to live an active and independent retirement have a variety of factors to consider, from weather and cost of living to easy access to health care. Let’s take a look at what experts say are good cities and states for people to move to after they retire.

Ideas for Where to Live During Retirement

Among the states gaining in popularity with retirees are two you might not have thought of before: Michigan and North Carolina. While they are different from one another geographically and in terms of weather, both share some similarities. Both are home to a wide range of age groups, strong health care institutions, and a multitude of activities to enjoy, as well as a variety of senior living communities.

Within these states, cities that often win awards for best places for retirees to live include:

If low cost of living is your primary concern in deciding where to retire, financial experts say these locations, in no particular order, might be of interest:

For older adults with a chronic medical condition or those whose leading priority is access to quality health care, some states rank much better than others. According to CNBC, the top 10 states for health care and overall wellness are:

Equally important, if health care tops your list of retirement considerations, are the states that rank worst:

Finally, it might be worth noting the states people are exiting upon retirement. Those include Oregon—the state with the highest percentage of retirees who are leaving—followed by Maryland, Idaho, Texas, and Virginia.

If you’re considering retiring to one of these states, it may be worth digging a little deeper into why people are leaving. Some of their reasons for leaving may not be important to you, while others may be among your top priorities for retirement. Either way, it’s a good idea to investigate further if one of these states is on your list.

With new articles published weekly on intergenerational topics ranging from healthy aging to caregiving, the Life Protect 24/7 blog is a good one to follow. Bookmark this page and stop back often!

Are you planning for your retirement or newly retired? This information can help you decide where to call home.

Best Cities and States for Seniors to Live During Retirement

As we age, maintaining a healthy diet becomes increasingly important. In fact, experts believe eating well is one of the best things you can do to protect your overall well-being. For seniors who live alone, preparing nutritious meals can be challenging. This might be due to limited mobility, poor vision, or low energy, or sometimes a lack of motivation to cook for just one person.

In this situation, preparing healthy meals in batches and freezing them can be incredibly beneficial. Not only is it convenient and cost effective, but it also helps ensure that seniors have access to nutritious food options without the hassle of daily cooking.

Freezer meals offer convenience for seniors. They can prepare a batch of meals at one time and then simply freeze individual portions for later use. This eliminates the need to cook every day and allows them to enjoy a variety of meals without much effort. For seniors with limited mobility or those who find it difficult to stand for long periods, having pre-prepared freezer meals can be a game-changer.

Ensuring that you or an older adult in your family have easy access to good nutrition is crucial for maintaining health and quality of life. Freezer meals can be specifically designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of seniors. That includes balanced portions of proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. Tufts University’s MyPlate for Older Adults is a good resource to help you learn more about senior nutrition.

Cooking in bulk and freezing meals can also be cost effective for seniors on a budget. Buying ingredients in larger quantities often translates to a lower cost per serving. By taking advantage of seasonal produce and sales, older adults can stretch their food budget even further. Additionally, having freezer meals on hand reduces the temptation to order takeout or buy pre-packaged convenience foods, which tend to be more expensive and less nutritious.

One of the challenges many seniors face is food waste, especially when cooking for one. Freezer meals allow people to portion out exactly what they need and freeze the rest for later use. That minimizes the amount of uneaten food that gets thrown away. This not only saves money but also promotes sustainability by reducing overall food waste.

When planning freezer meals for seniors, focus on nutrient-dense ingredients that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Include plenty of vegetables, lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, or fish, and whole grains like brown rice or quinoa. Avoid excessive use of salt and processed ingredients. Instead, opt for herbs, spices, and healthy fats like olive or avocado oil.

Seniors often have specific dietary needs based on their age and health conditions. When preparing meals for future use, consider portion sizes that are appropriate for one person. Use individual containers or freezer-safe bags to divide up meals before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat exactly what is needed.

Proper labeling is essential for freezer meals. Clearly mark each container or bag with the name of the dish, date of preparation, and how many servings are in the bag or container. This makes it easier to identify what’s inside and know how long each meal has been frozen. Some people also find it helpful to keep a list on a whiteboard on the door of the freezer. You can add or erase meals as you use them or create more.

It’s also helpful to attach simple reheating instructions to each freezer meal. That allows seniors to enjoy their meals without having to shuffle through cookbooks or search online for directions. Whether reheating in the microwave or oven, or on the stovetop, make sure you include clear guidance on time and temperature.

Chicken and vegetable stir-fry: This is such a simple meal, but one that is often overlooked. Sauté precooked chicken breast strips with mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas) in a light soy sauce, garlic, and ginger sauce. Serve with brown rice.

Vegetarian chili: A hearty mix of beans, tomatoes, onions, and spices makes for a healthy meal on a cold winter day. Freeze in individual portions for a quick and nutritious meal option.

Sweet potato and turkey shepherd’s pie: This casserole features lean ground turkey and vegetables topped with mashed sweet potatoes or cauliflower. Bake until golden brown and freeze in single-serving portions.

Vegetable lasagna: Another freezer meal option is to take a favorite lasagna recipe and substitute ingredients to make it a little healthier. For example, use whole wheat noodles instead of traditional lasagna noodles. Adding steamed spinach that is carefully drained also improves the nutritional value of the dish. Cut and freeze individual slices for easy reheating.

Finally, as you are creating menus, keep in mind the role food can play in inflammation and how that impacts healthy aging. Best and Worst Anti-Inflammatory Food Choices has information you might find helpful.

Cooking and freezing meals in batches can be a great way for seniors to eat healthy. Here’s what you should know to get started.

Healthy Freezer Meal Ideas for Older Single Adults

As older adults prepare for the return of winter, many start to dream of escaping the cold and snow. The idea of getting away to a warmer climate can be very appealing. Snowbirds—the term coined to describe people who relocate to warmer regions as the mercury drops—often look for cities that offer not just warmer weather but also a variety of activities and amenities. Whether you’re a first-time snowbird or a seasoned veteran, here are some cities across the country to consider for your winter retreat.

Whether you’re drawn to the arid deserts of the Southwest, the sun-drenched beaches of Florida, or the historic charm of the Southeast, the following cities can provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy a winter filled with warmth and sunshine. Each offers unique experiences likely to appeal to snowbirds, from outdoor adventures and cultural destinations to culinary delights and relaxation.

What’s not to like about a city that boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year? Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale is a prime destination for those seeking warm, dry winters. The city is renowned for its upscale resorts, world-class golf courses, and abundant outdoor activities. They include excursions such as hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and exploring the Desert Botanical Garden. Art enthusiasts will appreciate Scottsdale’s vibrant art scene, with numerous galleries and the Scottsdale Arts District offering a diverse range of exhibitions and events.

Nestled in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is a longtime favorite for older adults. It is celebrated for its mid-century modern architecture, hot springs, fabulous golf courses, and luxurious resorts. Snowbirds flock here year after year for the city’s reliably warm and sunny weather. The city also hosts a variety of cultural events, including the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Located on the Gulf Coast, Naples entices snowbirds with its pristine beaches, upscale shopping districts, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. Known for its relaxed ambiance and high-end dining, the city offers a sophisticated yet laid-back retreat from winter’s chill. Nature lovers can explore the nearby Everglades National Park or take a sunset cruise along the coast. Art aficionados can stroll through the renowned Naples Art District to enjoy galleries and local crafts.

Surrounded by five mountain ranges and boasting a rich cultural heritage, Tucson is a combination of stunning natural beauty and a thriving arts scene. Snowbirds come here to enjoy the mild winter climate, explore the hiking trails of Saguaro National Park, or immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant Hispanic and Native American cultures. Tucson also offers excellent dining options. The variety of choices, ranging from Southwestern cuisine to international fare, ensures there’s a restaurant to satisfy every palate.

For snowbirds seeking a blend of history, charm, and mild winter weather, Charleston is an ideal choice. Known for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic plantations, the city offers a unique glimpse into America’s past. Seasonal visitors can spend their days exploring museums and art galleries, as well as indulging in Southern cuisine at local eateries. In recent years, Charleston has earned a reputation for being a popular getaway for foodies. The city’s temperate climate allows for outdoor activities year-round, such as boat tours to the nearby barrier islands.

San Antonio combines a rich cultural heritage with warm temperatures, making it a favorite winter destination for people looking for sunnier skies. Visitors can explore the historic sites of the Alamo and the Spanish colonial missions, stroll along the vibrant River Walk lined with shops and restaurants, or attend the city’s diverse festivals. San Antonio is also home to a lively arts scene, delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, and numerous parks and green spaces. It offers a welcoming retreat at reasonable prices.

Mobile Monitoring Units Offer Peace of Mind for Travelers

Whichever city you choose, embracing the snowbird lifestyle can be a great way to enjoy your retirement years. One way to increase your peace of mind as you are traveling is to invest in a mobile monitoring unit. These emergency call systems allow the user to press a button to be connected with help, no matter where they are. In the event of an emergency, that can be life-saving.

Call 1-844-203-5617 for more information!

Looking for some warm-weather destinations to escape to this winter? We have a few you might want to consider.

Warm Winter-Getaway Destinations for Snowbirds to Consider

As we grow older, maintaining our sense of independence and feeling that we can safely manage our own lives becomes increasingly important to us. That’s why helping a senior loved one requires a delicate balance of respect, empathy, and collaboration. It’s vital that you approach the situation with a genuine desire to help, rather than trying to take control.

If you are wondering just what that means, we can help. Here are some ideas that may be useful in supporting the needs of an aging family member while still protecting their independence.

Tips for Providing a Helping Hand to an Aging Loved One

The first step in assisting an older adult without taking over is to understand their specific needs and preferences. This means engaging in open communication and active listening. Take the time to ask your loved one directly about the areas where they might appreciate help. It could be anything from household chores to managing appointments, or simply having someone to accompany them on outings.

But providing meaningful assistance also requires you to pay attention to what they do—or don’t do—as well as what they say. For example, your family member might be too embarrassed to tell you that they are having a tough time with personal care or are fearful of falling as they get into or out of the shower. Signs they are struggling might be body odor, disheveled hair, or wearing the same clothes several days in a row.

Once you have a better understanding of your senior family member’s challenges, you can find positive ways to offer your assistance:

Promoting independence is crucial for a senior’s overall well-being and self-esteem. Encourage them to continue doing tasks they can manage on their own. Offer a helping hand when it’s genuinely needed or requested. This might mean patiently waiting while they complete a task at their own pace, rather than intervening immediately.

On the other hand, be sure to consider your loved one’s safety. Maintaining independence requires that you create a safe environment. That includes factors such as understanding the leading causes of falls, setting up a medication management system, and more.

Respecting the senior’s personal space and privacy is essential. Avoid rearranging their belongings or making decisions about their living environment without consulting them first. Always seek their input and permission before taking any actions that directly affect their daily life.

Sometimes the most valuable form of assistance is emotional support. Aging can be challenging, and seniors may appreciate having someone to share their concerns with. Listen attentively and offer reassurance without dismissing their feelings. Avoid using phrases that might demean their struggles, such as “I know how you feel” or “You shouldn’t feel like that.”

Our last tip is to be careful of the tone of your voice and your body language. Both might leave your family member with the wrong impression about your desire to help. Try to watch how you express yourself just as closely as the actual words you use.

Consider Investing in a Personal Emergency Alert System

Finally, having a way to call for help in the event of an emergency might give your family member peace of mind. By investing in a mobile monitoring unit, one that can be accessed from almost anywhere, you’ll both likely rest easier. In case of a medical crisis or other emergency, a simple press of a button will connect the senior with someone who can help.

Are you struggling with how to help a senior loved one without coming across as bossy or demeaning? This information can help.

How to Support a Senior’s Needs Without Taking Over

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. The statistics on falls are quite frightening: every second of every day, a senior in this country experiences a fall. That translates to one in four older adults. And once a senior has taken a tumble, their risk of falling again soars.

While there are a variety of reasons why older people fall more than their younger peers, some of the most common include:

And the reality is that recovering from a fall involves not only healing from injuries but also correcting whatever caused it, as well as helping the senior cope with the anxiety that so often follows.

Ways to Help a Senior Recover From a Fall

Here are a few suggestions you might find helpful as you assist a senior loved one in their recovery:

Conduct a home safety audit: Even if the older adult’s fall wasn’t the result of an in-home hazard, it’s still a good idea to have someone conduct a safety audit of their house. It can help identify potential fall risks, such as poor lighting, uneven stair treads, poorly placed extension cords, and more. You might want to ask your primary care physician for a referral to a physical or occupational therapist who can conduct one. If you prefer to do it yourself, this room-by-room fall prevention checklist from the National Institute on Aging might be useful.

Review medication list: As we grow older, the need for prescription medications often increases. Some commonly taken by older adults, such as sleep aids and medications for chronic pain, can create side effects that may include problems with balance. Other times, interactions between prescription and over-the-counter medicines can pose a fall risk. It’s a good idea to have the senior’s pharmacist review their medications once or twice a year to check for any potential problems.

Schedule an eye exam: Because vision issues are more common with age and are linked to an increased risk for falls, it’s important for seniors to have regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist. They can evaluate the older adult for macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and other vision challenges.

Consider outpatient physical therapy: If your loved one’s fall was related to sitting too much and exercising too little, they may be in need of physical therapy to rebuild core strength. Outpatient therapy has numerous benefits, including reducing pain and lowering the risk of a repeat fall.

One last tip: Investing in a mobile monitoring unit can help give your senior loved one peace of mind as they recover from a fall. In the event they fall again or have some other emergency, they can press a button to be connected to someone who can help.

Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more about plans and pricing!

Falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors. Having a plan for recovering from one will be important. These tips can help.

Tips to Assist a Senior Loved One Recovering From a Fall

Did someone say movie night? If you are looking for a fun way for several generations of your family to spend time together, consider an outdoor movie night. It’s easy to organize and won’t cost a lot of money, even if you invite a big crowd. Hosting your own outdoor movie night doesn’t have to be overly complicated, either. In fact, other than making sure you have the right equipment, all you’ll need to do is pick a few intergenerational movies and purchase some tasty snacks and drinks.

First, you will need to rent or invest in a movie projector and possibly speakers. You might be able to find a gently used set that’s relatively inexpensive on Facebook Marketplace or eBay. If you need advice before making a purchase, Good Housekeeping’s tech pros tested and rated movie projectors at various price points.

If you don’t have the budget for an outdoor movie screen, or a place to store it, it’s easy to improvise. A simple white sheet hung on the side of the house or between two patio torches can act as a screen. Ask guests to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.

While finding a movie that appeals to a variety of ages might seem difficult, it really isn’t at all. This is especially true if you are willing to go back in time to include classic titles in your family gathering. This list of suggestions might help you decide on a few to show:

Freaky Friday: Jamie Lee Curtis and a young Lindsay Lohan star as a mother-daughter duo who accidentally switch bodies. Rated PG.

Uncharted: This title, starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, is something of a modern treasure hunt—a combination of action and fun. Rated PG-13.

The Greatest Showman: If your kids are middle school age or older, this might be a fun addition to movie night. It’s a musical with Hugh Jackman starring as circus maestro P.T. Barnum. Rated PG.

Mrs. Doubtfire: The late Robin Williams made this movie a forever favorite for many people. You can introduce a new generation of your family to the fun of seeing Williams play a dad dressed up as a nanny whom his ex-wife unknowingly hires to care for their kids. Rated PG-13.

Daddy Day Care: Eddie Murphy stars in this hilarious classic. A stay-at-home dad, Murphy starts his own home day care to make a little money. Rated PG.

Finally, just like a trip to an indoor movie theater wouldn’t be complete without snacks, neither will your family gathering. You could keep it simple by just having on hand bottled water, sodas, boxes of candy, and fruit. Or you could take it up a notch by renting or borrowing a theater-style popcorn maker to serve up everyone’s favorite movie treat. Another idea is to ask everyone to pitch in and bring something. It might be an appetizer, their favorite adult beverage, or homemade cookies.

Remember, the idea is to create an opportunity for several generations of your family to spend time making memories together. Take lots of pictures to document the occasion and keep the focus on having fun!

Mobile Monitoring Units Give Peace of Mind

Whether you are a senior who likes to travel alone or a college student looking for a little extra peace of mind when you are running in the morning, investing in a mobile monitoring unit might be a safety solution to consider. If you experience an emergency of any kind, a quick press of a button on the Life Protect 24/7 mobile monitoring unit can connect you with help. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more!

Are you looking for a fun summer activity that multiple generations of your family can enjoy? We provide tips on how to host an outdoor movie night, from picking family-friendly films to supplying tasty snacks.

Hosting an Intergenerational Outdoor Movie Night

Best Cities and States for Seniors to Live During Retirement

Ideas for Where to Live During Retirement

States Retirees Are Leaving

Bookmark the Life Protect 24/7 Blog

Recent Posts