Blog Posts

Still on the Fence About 55+ Active Adult Living? See What Our Residents Say About Living at Overture

Does the thought of residing in a 55+ active adult community make you feel old? It definitely shouldn’t. In fact, Overture is way more than a place to go and grow “old.” It’s a place to live and stay young. If you don’t believe us, here’s what some of our residents have to say: You’ll Always Feel at Home “I walked into my apartment and I knew I was home.” That’s what Overture Plano resident Ann Garrett said as she remembered her first experience in her apartment home . With plenty of space to display your family treasures, as well as a gourmet kitchen and private balcony or patio, you’ll easily be able to make your apartment home feel like your own. Apartment homes range in size from studios to two bedrooms with up to two bathrooms, so it’s your choice as to what size you choose to fit your needs. There’s Always Something to Keep You Busy “We’re so impressed with the opportunities they give us to meet other people.” That’s one resident’s thoughts, followed by another who chimed in to note how much he hates seeing the days end. While your apartment will certainly feel like home, you may opt to spend more time out and about around the community. From continental breakfasts and cooking classes to a fitness center and yoga studio, there will always be something to keep your interest. It may sound hard to believe without seeing it for yourself, so let our photos and videos paint an incredible picture as to what awaits you as an Overture resident. There’s Always Incredible Staff On-Site to Meet Your Needs “The most important thing about living here is the staff. They really care about us. Anything that we bring to their attention, it’s quickly handled. It’s like a family.” As some of our residents have put it, an Overture community feels like living on a cruise or in a five-star hotel. It’s paradise. Some residents say they feel like they aren’t even aging. This easy-living experience is due to the abundance of activities and amenities that await you in addition to the attentive and caring staff members who keep life maintenance-free so you can live the way you desire and deserve. It’s these reasons, and many more , that have us asking: What are you waiting for? Contact Overture today so you can start the first day of the rest of your carefree life. *Not all amenities and activities are available at every Overture community. Please contact an Overture leasing specialist for details.

6 Ways Staying Positive Impacts Overall Health

Is it a rainy, miserable, depressing day? Or is it a great day to get some stuff done around the house? When you’re stuck in a long line that isn’t moving, are you upset and crabby? Or do you strike up a conversation with the person next to you and turn an annoyance into an opportunity to make a new friend? Life is full of ups and downs, and though we can’t control what the universe throws at us, we can choose to react with optimism instead of pessimism. The power of positive thinking can be especially beneficial to the aging process. It helps us cope with the challenges and stressors associated with advancing years. A positive outlook can impact our health and wellbeing in a myriad of significant ways, both enhancing and prolonging our lives. Benefits of Positive Thinking According to research, a positive attitude can: Increase longevity Reduce the risk of depression Lower stress Support the immune system Boost cardiovascular health Enhance your psychological well being and coping skills Motivate a healthier lifestyle How to be a Positive Thinker Recently our lives have been affected by a dark cloud, the likes of which most of us have never seen. Now, more than ever, we need to look for the silver lining. Here are a few suggestions for rising above the negativity out there and focusing on going forward with hope and happiness. Start Small When approaching a task that generates negative feelings, take a moment to refocus and look for a positive spin. We can change our own small piece of the world one positive thought at a time. Smile Laughter is the best medicine. When times are tough, remind yourself to smile or laugh and appreciate life’s humor. Laughing with a friend, or even laughing at yourself is a great stress reliever. Get Moving Nothing creates positive energy like exercise. Even a 10-minute walk can positively impact mood and outlook. Negativity — Just Say NO Try to surround yourself with positive people who are supportive and give you thoughtful advice and feedback. Try to avoid those Negative Nellies who think misery loves company. Be Kind to Yourself Give yourself positive pep talks that are gentle and encouraging, not punitive and critical. If you are feeling particularly negative, shower yourself with positive affirmations. Get in your own face with appreciation. Find a Purpose Whether it’s finding a hobby or donating your time to a local hospital or animal shelter, pursuing activities that promote positive feelings of self-worth and accomplishment will generate positive thinking. A positive attitude cannot eliminate all unpleasantness. But when the glass is half full instead of half empty, we have a better shot at creating our best possible lives.

Top 6 Blogs That Every Older Adult Should Follow

Do you remember going to an airport with no security checkpoint, driving a car without a phone in it, and using whiteout to correct typos? If so, congratulations! You’re either headed for imminent retirement or already actively enjoying its perks. You’ve also witnessed an explosion of tech and the emergence of a little concept called social media that has dramatically altered the way we live, love, and learn. Rising to the tech challenge, more and more active adults are now fully engaged in social media fever , taking advantage of senior websites and blogs that are enhancing every aspect of this new and exciting chapter. Check out some of these top senior blogs. Whether you’re looking for lifestyle advice, news and current events, or just some info to make your days more fun, there are plenty of sites for you. Health and Nutrition While the New York Times no longer has a dedicated senior health blog, its other two sites have valuable info and tips for living well, staying healthy, and avoiding injury while exercising. One is the New York Times Health section , and the other is their “Well” blog . Love and Stuff It’s no secret that AARP is an excellent resource for all things senior. But you may not be aware of a little blog called “Sexology. ” This site tackles love and intimacy-related issues for the 55+ in a straightforward, helpful manner. Its focus is to assist seniors as they navigate the challenges of relationships. The Good Life Elder Chicks is a senior lifestyle blog run by two senior women. The site features opinion pieces, guest authors, advice on a range of topics, and a forum that invites viewers to share their thoughts with the blogging community. Tech Tips Senior Planet is a lifestyle site with a focus on digital technology, aimed at making seniors an active part of the digital conversation. Topics range from news and health to sex, dating, art, senior travel, and entertainment. It’s all about aging with attitude. News You Can Use AARP offers news and current events blog that is specifically designed to keep seniors informed, safe, and healthy. Bulletin Today helps keep you both informed and safe from the scammers out there who target your demographic. Travel Be prepared when it’s time to start traveling again! The Roaming Boomers is an online luxury travel magazine geared toward providing you with unique adventures and memorable experiences. There is no time like the present to turn on the power button and become connected to the online community. These great websites are literally at your fingertips. Overture Active Adult communities, or their parent company Greystar, are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with the companies listed in this blog post. This blog post is designed to be a resource and in no way guarantees the quality of service or content of the companies included.

How to Practice Gratitude During an Uncertain Season

“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” – Albert Schweitzer Literally speaking, the definition of gratitude is the state of being grateful. Under our current conditions, it’s tempting to pack up our suitcases and move out of that state, focusing only on fear, anxiety, and where to find our next roll of toilet paper. Though we’re all stressed and uncertain about the immediate future, rising above that negativity and shining a light on what is positive and meaningful in our lives can provide nourishment to our flagging spirits. According to the American Health Association and the National Institutes of Health, gratitude for the gifts of the present will improve both mental and physical wellbeing. Even simple gestures like taking a few moments each day to count our blessings can have a profound impact on our immune systems, lower the risk for depression, and reduce stress levels. So, yes. Life may be restricted at the moment, but there’s no limit to the inner peace a moment of gratitude can elicit. Here are a few suggestions on how to practice gratitude. Start the Day with a Smile Every morning when you wake up to face the new day, try to find three specific things for which you’re grateful. Whether it’s waking up to beautiful sunshine, opening an email with a picture of your grandkid, or opening the door to find you received your long-awaited Amazon delivery, take a moment to enjoy the little pleasures as you start your day. Write it Down As the day progresses, try to write down thoughts of gratitude as they come to you. Maybe it’s finding a place that feels safe and relaxes you or focusing for a moment on one thing that is going well in your life. Try writing down something you are looking forward to or someone you’ve been thinking of with love. Recognize and Reflect Try to press pause when you’re enjoying a particular moment and take the time to reflect on the joy you’re feeling. It could be while having a conversation with a loved one, hearing a favorite piece of music, or just playing with a pet. Recognize the beauty of the moment and appreciate it. Pay It Forward Part of practicing gratitude for the good in your life is reaching out to those who may need your support. Now more than ever, there are people who would love to hear a friendly voice or see a kindred spirit on Zoom or Facetime. Nothing is more satisfying than knowing you’ve connected with a friend or loved one in need. End the Day With a Smile As the day comes to an end, take a moment to think about the joy you experienced or brought to others. Did you do something you really enjoyed? Did you hear your grandkid laugh? Did you accomplish a task you’ve been putting off? Did you finally finish that 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle? Before you turn out the lights, appreciate what the day has given you and what you have given others. Times of crisis remind us to make every moment count. An attitude of gratitude can be a powerful tool that helps strengthen our reserves as we face the challenges ahead. As self-help guru Melody Beattie says, “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

What Amenities are Available at Overture Active Adult Communities?

As you get older, a large, empty house can start to feel less and less like a home. The kids have moved out, and some of your time is likely spent traveling. Has your house become too big for your needs? Our active adult communities offer apartment homes with everything you loved about your house and none of the daily chores or unneeded space, allowing you to seamlessly move on to the next chapter of your life. Apartment Home Features Regular home maintenance will be a thing of the past when you take up residence in one of our move-in ready apartment homes. Plumbing, electrical, and appliance repairs become the responsibility of Overture, allowing you to focus more on attending a Yoga class, meeting a friend or neighbor for lunch, or simply relaxing on your patio with a good book.. If you want to visit family or go on an adventure, you can simply lock your door and leave, knowing your apartment home is taken care of. Depending on the community you select, our apartment homes range in size from studios to two bedrooms with up to two bathrooms, enabling you to rightsize efficiently . Individually controlled air conditioning and heating systems mean you can set your ideal temperature and be comfortable any time of year. Food-lovers will rejoice when they see our kitchens. Each apartment home features a gourmet kitchen outfitted with an island, GE appliances, and glass-tiled backsplash to give you the perfect space to prepare your favorite home-cooked meals. Select kitchens even feature wine refrigerators and glass-paneled cabinets to give your new home that extra dash of personality. Now you can host a birthday dinner or holiday celebration without worrying about having enough space or the right appliances. Keep your kitchen fully stocked with ample storage space in your spacious kitchen cabinets and pantry. If that doesn’t sound like enough space, you’ll find even more room for your belongings in the walki-in, linen and coat closets. Community Amenities Live life the way you want in our active adult communities with over 12,000 square feet of amenity space. Each community boasts a number of ways to enrich the lives of our residents . If you strive to maintain your physical fitness, Flex, your community’s state-of-the-art fitness center, provides the perfect place to fit in a workout. Find relaxation at your Namaste yoga studio or in the sparkling waters of your resort-style heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. Wake up feeling refreshed and renewed with continental breakfast at Nosh Coffee Bar and Bistro while enjoying a gorgeous sunrise on a serene courtyard. Large gatherings are often held in The Scene, and smaller events can be found in Relish, our demonstration kitchens that are often used for cooking classes, guest chefs, and wine tastings. Movie buffs can catch up on some of their favorite films in The Reel Room, our on-site theater, or appreciate playing billiards and a variety of other games in The Pad. For additional social time, our outdoor kitchens and Sizzle grill stations are ideal for having a barbecue with friends, family, and other loved ones. Ready to experience carefree living in the city of your dreams? Discover all of the amenities you desire and deserve at an Overture community. *Not all amenities and activities are available at every Overture Community. Please contact an Overture leasing specialist for details.

A Guide to Improving Gut Health For Older Adults

Get two active adults together, and sooner or later, the conversation will involve some facet of the digestive process. The digestion and absorption of our dietary intake is controlled by a sensitive ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms in our stomachs. Or you can just call them our guts. The importance of gut health cannot be overstated. Acting as the command center for the body, this complex mix of bacteria actively influences our well-being. A healthy mix of bacteria keeps harmful inflammation at bay and bolsters our immune system. But as we age , our gut microbiome has a tendency to change, creating an imbalance that can cause annoying changes in bowel habits and is also linked to a wide variety of chronic and autoimmune disorders. Are You Pro Probiotics? Probiotic supplements contain healthy bacteria believed to support digestive health. If you’re considering taking these supplements, consult a health professional who can assist you in deciding whether or not this is the right course of action. If so, they can help you wade through the tons of choices out there. How Do We Improve Gut Health Naturally? Maybe your, um…gut tells you that you’re not comfortable taking supplements. Here are some easy guidelines for how to improve gut health naturally. Fermented Foods Fermented foods are a natural source of probiotics – or good bacteria – and can support a healthy gut population. Examples of fermented foods include: Fermented vegetables Kefir Kimchi Kombucha Miso Sauerkraut Tempeh Prebiotics Prebiotics – not to be confused with probiotics – are found in certain foods. Eating them initiates a digestive process that encourages beneficial gut bacteria to multiply. A few prebiotic-rich foods are: Asparagus Bananas Chicory Garlic Jerusalem artichoke Onions Whole grains Just Say No to Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners Steering clear of sugar and artificial sweeteners is one of the best actions you can take to prevent digestive issues. Both are believed to cause a condition called gut dysbiosis, which is a critical imbalance of gut microorganisms. Studies suggest that the overabundance of sugar and fat in our diet adversely affects gut bacteria, which can negatively impact brain function . Based on research, the artificial sweetener aspartame is believed to increase harmful bacteria that are associated with metabolic disease. Manage Stress Stress can negatively impact our health on many levels, including what’s happening in our gut. Research suggests that psychological or environmental stress can disrupt the makeup of our intestinal tract. The same goes for sleep deprivation. Relaxation exercises like meditation and yoga will result in less stress and better sleep. Antibiotics Are the Good News and the Bad News While antibiotics save lives and are often necessary to cure bacterial infections, overuse can lead to harmful changes in the gut and immune system. To promote gut health, avoid taking antibiotics unless necessary. Keep It Moving Exercise is a critical piece of a healthy, active adult lifestyle for several reasons, including heart health, strength, agility, and weight control. But studies indicate it may also be a factor in maintaining diverse and well-balanced gut flora. Don’t Smoke It’s no surprise that smoking is hazardous to our health. But did you know that it’s also been shown to alter our gut bacteria by decreasing our levels of beneficial strains and causing an increase in the growth of harmful varieties? If you needed yet another reason not to smoke, here it is. Go Vegetarian There is evidence that a vegetarian diet may improve gut health. Studies suggest the high levels of prebiotic fiber in the vegetarian choices promote the growth of healthy bacteria, decreasing harmful gut inflammation. A strictly vegetarian regime may not appeal to your taste buds, but altering your diet even slightly to include more vegetarian choices can have a positive impact. Watch one of Overture’s creative cooking class videos and discover new and delicious ways to maintain good health. The equation is simple: A healthy, diverse gut population equals enhanced overall health and immune function. Talk to your doctor to create a plan that will keep you – and your microorganism population – flourishing.