Housing Information from Our Team in Atlanta, GA

December Holidays & History December ushers in winter holidays such as Christmas, Kwanza, and Chanukah. It is also a time when families gather in the warmth of their homes. Throughout the month, our thoughts and actions turn toward charity and peace. During the twelfth and final month of the year, December inspires a flurry of activity both in the business world and our personal lives. Sales, shopping, family gatherings, school holidays, baking, and seasonal changes remind us of the past while we look to our futures. But December is not so somber, peaceful, and busy as to have no fun at all. Holidays like Ugly Sweater Day, Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf Day, and National Ding-A-Ling Day add a bit of whimsey. The name December comes from the Latin word ‘decem’ meaning ten. On the Roman Calendar, December was the 10th month. However, Numa Pompilius adjusted the calendar when January and February were added. December became the twelfth month, and the calendar more accurately reflected the length of a year on Earth. During December, the winter solstice tips the Northern hemisphere its furthest distance from the sun. Through most of the month, its inhabitants lose about 2 minutes of sunlight per day until the winter solstice. The winter solstice marks the start of winter and the shortest day on the calendar. However, from that day forward, the days will slowly lengthen. They may not be warmer, but the Earth is tilting on its axis back toward the sun. December is a big baking month for many. In the United States, families, churches, schools, and organizations bake cookies to exchange. They are often part of the gift-giving and ugly sweater parties that occur right before or during Christmas, Kwanza, and Chanukah. Winter sports are in high gear throughout December. Whether indoor or outdoor, fans tune in or fill arenas. While hockey, football, and basketball seasons bring thrills each year, skiing and snowmobiling keep the outdoors busy. Beyond sports, the December holidays also offer lots of ways to celebrate our free time. National Crossword Puzzle Day is just one way to spend some quiet time. Plenty of baking and food days bring celebrations to the kitchen, too. In fact, there are 29 food-related days in December in addition to the popular beverage holidays. We can even celebrate our laundry with National Sock Day. Those born in December claim three icy cool birthstones. Tanzanite, found only in Tanzania, is a deep glacial purple. Blue Zircon (not to be confused with cubic zirconia) is the oldest mineral on Earth and comes in a variety of colors. However, for those born in December, the icy blue zircon is beautiful. Finally, turquoise, with its distinct color and veins, comes in a variety of shades. Prevalent throughout the Southwestern United States, turquoise also added value and meaning to clothing, ceremonies, and more. The fragrant narcissus usually blooms in spring. However, for December birthdays, some species bloom in winter. The paperwhite is one, making the narcissus the ideal birthday flower for December. Among its several meanings, narcissus also means hope. During winter, hope is a thing often looked for through the cold, ice, and snow.

Whether you're approaching retirement or have just entered this new phase of life, you'll have plenty of time to fill it with exciting activities . Your freed-up schedule is an opportunity to have fun and devote energy to new or long-familiar hobbies and interests. But many retired folks have dedicated so much focus to their working lives that they aren't sure what to do with all the free time they now have on their hands. Here are three popular ways to fill that time and get the most out of your retirement. A Brief Guide to Retirement Activities 1. Take Classes Taking classes in retirement is a wonderful way to explore a new subject, expand your horizons and skill set, and meet new people in the process. And there are health benefits , too, like memory improvement and a lowered risk of dementia. You can find a variety of classes available; check area community colleges, extension programs, and local libraries. If health or mobility concerns are an issue, consider taking an online class. 2. Exercise Staying physically active is especially important as you age. It builds strength and balance; prevents or slows common age-related illnesses, like heart disease and osteoporosis; and it boosts mood and cognitive function, to name just a few of the benefits of physical exercise . Aim for 30 minutes of exercise a day, five days a week. The workout doesn't need to be intense; anything that gets you moving and your heart rate up is a step in the right direction. Walking, bicycling, swimming, water aerobics, and yoga are some popular options for seniors. 3. Volunteer Donating time and energy to a worthy cause can help a retiree find new purpose, feel useful, and fill their time with meaningful activities. Food banks, hospitals and hospices, churches, and senior meal-delivery programs are always looking for volunteers. Or, you might want to devote some time to a political campaign or candidate that you support. While seniors are a very active voting bloc, they and the issues that face them remain sadly underrepresented. But you can change that by making your voice heard in retirement. These are just a few of the common activities enjoyed by retirees at Cathedral Towers . This vibrant senior living community in Atlanta, GA, offers affordable housing for area seniors. From clean and comfortable accommodations to state-of-the-art safety and security, they provide the perfect place to call home during retirement. Call (404) 231-3020 to arrange a tour or visit their website to explore their property.

Whether living in a retirement community or another type of residence, seniors need consistent social interaction to support their physical and mental well-being. When you’re a grandparent, it’s especially important to find ways of nurturing the relationship you have with your grandchildren. Although the generational gap might create some challenges, there are plenty of opportunities to maintain this special bond. How to Maintain a Presence in Your Grandchildren’s Lives 1. Utilize Technology It’s common for younger people to use technology in almost every aspect of their lives. Learning to work with different apps and programs will allow you to keep in touch with your grandkids virtually, no matter how close or far away you may live. Video chatting, texting, engaging on social media, and playing online games with one another are a few ideas that can help foster the closeness you desire. 2. Get Involved in School Activities Since school is a major part of any child’s life, it’s helpful to know as much as you can about your grandkids’ activities while there. Find out what they’re discussing in class, which subjects they’re most interested in, and what they think of their teachers. These conversations will show them you care and strengthen your relationship. You can also ask for a calendar of events and try to attend the ones they’re participating in. 3. Start a Hobby Together Doing activities together will generate lifelong memories for your grandchildren to hold onto. You can have them join you at home or your retirement community and spend time baking, sewing, scrapbooking, or gardening. Depending on your interests, it could also be fun to get out and go hiking, fishing, or birdwatching. 4. Send Something in the Mail Handwritten letters and photos are something your grandchildren can keep as a remembrance of you, and they’ll look forward to reading your personal messages. It also gives them the chance to write back and share details about their life. They’ll enjoy including drawings and other homemade gifts they make just for you. If you’re looking for a safe and comfortable retirement community where you can spend quality time with your grandchildren, consider Cathedral Towers in Atlanta, GA. This senior apartment complex supports independent living in an active and social environment. They’re proud to provide residents access to a range of amenities and clean, spacious units that are the ideal place to call home. To schedule a viewing, contact them today at (404) 231-3020 . You can also visit them online for more information on their services.

Monitoring your health is a key part of living in a retirement community . While only an evaluation from your physician can determine if you have Alzheimer’s, there are early signs you may notice that could prompt you to make an appointment. Keep reading to learn some of the common early signs of Alzheimer’s. What Are Some Early Signs of Alzheimer’s? 1. Memory Loss that Disrupts Daily Life As you get older, you or a friend may become more forgetful with age. While this is normal, watch for signs of deeper memory loss. For example, they may forget how to prepare a meal or get to the grocery store. Other common ways that memory loss shows up are asking the same questions over and over, forgetting important events or dates, or forgetting recently learned information. When memory loss affects daily life, it’s time to see a doctor. 2. Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems Early Alzheimer’s disease can also cause difficulty in developing and following a plan, especially one with numbers. For example, following a familiar recipe or doing the bills can become a struggle. A lack of concentration can make these tasks take longer than usual. It could even get to the point where you or a friend may get frustrated and experience sudden mood swings. 3. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks Although many seniors have mobility challenges as they age, they should still know how to perform their routines. Talk to their health care provider if you notice them having difficulty completing tasks they usually do with ease, like buying groceries, playing with the grandchildren, heating food in the microwave, or finding a favorite show on TV. If you are looking for a retirement community and apartments, look no further than Cathedral Towers in Atlanta, GA. This apartment complex offers seniors independent living with a great community of activities and support services. You will love the adult retirement community along with the safety of their security. Call (404) 231-3020 to speak with a team member and schedule an appointment to see an available unit or visit them online to learn more about their services.

Every September, Healthy Aging Month encourages older Americans to focus on their health, whether they are living in their longtime home or a senior living complex. Healthy Aging Month spreads the message that it's never too late to improve your health. Many local, regional, state, and federal campaigns have sprung up to support or augment that goal. Here is what you should know about staying healthy in your golden years. Why It's Important for Seniors to Stay Healthy By 2030, seniors ages 65 and older will outnumber children for the first time, according to projections by the U.S. Census Bureau. Baby Boomers make up 28% of the U.S. population. As people age, the years take a toll on bodies and minds. Seniors are more at risk of developing illnesses and conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, strokes, and depression. This could put a significant strain on healthcare and social systems, the senior living industry, and family units. By staying healthy, you can not only extend your life, but also maintain more independence. Healthy Senior Living Tips Whether you live in a senior living residence or still in your own home, you can follow some simple tips this month to boost your health: Exercise regularly: Walking, swimming and yoga can prevent or delay the onset of chronic conditions by working out the cardiovascular system, toning muscles, improving agility and balance and sharpening the mind. Get good sleep: A restful seven to eight hours can make a meaningful difference in cognitive functions and memory retention. Watch your diet: Nutrition needs will change with age. Eat a variety of items from the five food groups, with an emphasis on lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables and reduces levels of saturated fats, sodium and sugar. Drink water: Consume six to eight glasses a day. Socialize: Loneliness and depression are real problems among seniors. It's important to maintain connections with family and friends, engage in new activities and hobbies, and participate in the community. If you are searching for a comfortable, fun senior living community, consider Cathedral Towers in Atlanta, GA. The affordable independent living complex is the choice for many active seniors who take full advantage of the convenient location with easy access to local shopping, entertainment, and community centers. They offer roomy, well-appointed units and numerous amenities, including recreational opportunities. Call (404) 231-3020 to schedule a tour and visit their website for more information.

When in search of a thriving senior living community , the place you choose must sufficiently meet your material and emotional needs. That's why so many communities rely on the seven dimensions of wellness model, which includes the aspects necessary to maintain optimum health and happiness. This guide explains each component and why they're so crucial to a happy and fulfilling life. Pursuits Hobbies and personal interests offer enjoyment to participants. They also ensure mental stimulation to help boost cognitive function. Because each person is different, communities should offer a variety of fun pursuits, such as gardening, hiking, game nights, and more. Fitness Fitness is crucial for people of all ages, but it's especially beneficial for seniors. Fantastic retirement communities offer a wide range of fitness activities to suit all needs and lifestyles. Walking, swimming, and doing yoga are just a few examples of exercise regimens perfect for seniors. Ecolife As people become more and more concerned about their environmental impact, their desire for "green" living only grows greater. In addition to recycling and composting, green living also entails choosing sustainable foods and limiting the use of single-use plastic products. Emotional Well-Being A person who is emotionally well will feel contented in all areas of their lives. They will also experience a sense of belonging and security within their community, which is essential for maintaining a good outlook. Social Socialization is extremely important for seniors. Meeting new people, forging new friendships, and spending time with the people you care about are essential to a person's quality of life. Socialization also offers cognitive benefits and can even reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Spirituality Spirituality can be different for every person. For some, it involves religious faith and beliefs. For others, it stems from a deep connection with nature. In either case, seniors must be allowed to explore and express their spiritual sides in a supportive environment. Intellect Maintaining one's intellect into their golden years offers a wide range of cognitive benefits, including enhanced memory and problem-solving abilities. Seniors can expand their cognitive ability by reading, talking with friends, or taking classes. When searching for a senior living community in Atlanta, Cathedral Towers has so much to offer. Using the seven dimensions of wellness as a guide, residents will find a comfortable, enriching, and supportive home environment when living in these senior apartments. The staff provides many recreational activities and encourages residents to form bonds with one another. They also prioritize fitness and physical activity to ensure optimum mental and physical wellness. Visit the website to complete an application today. You can also call (404) 231-3020 for more information.

Retirement should be a time when seniors are free to enjoy the company of their peers and to explore favorite hobbies and new activities. Until recently, few senior living communities offered accommodations suitable for a wide array of needs. Since that’s changed, however, it can be a challenge to find the right community. Here are a few factors to keep in mind to help you as you search for the ideal solution. What You Should Know Before Searching for a Senior Living Community 1. Determine the Needed Care Level It’s important to first consider your interests and what you will need on a daily basis, including assistance with household tasks, transportation, medical care, and more. It's a good idea to explore the neighborhood surrounding any senior living community to look for things like entertainment venues, shopping centers, medical services, and other amenities and essentials. 2. Neighborhood and Environmental Safety Another important, and often overlooked, factor to consider is the surrounding environment. A senior living community should have not only comfortable, well-appointed residences, but should also be located in a safe, inviting area with ample lighting, well-paved walkways and sidewalks, and accessible entrances and exits. When touring communities, set aside some time to walk through the neighborhood to get a sense of how safe and welcoming it is. 3. Social Integration Efforts and Other Programs Social integration, or opportunities for seniors to interact with the surrounding community, is just as important as medical care for seniors’ mental and emotional well-being. Many senior living communities will offer activities such as game nights, shopping trips, and classes on exercise and new activities. Residents should also feel that they’re a part of the wider community and welcome to engage in social and local life with others. When you’re looking for a comfortable retirement community for the seniors in your life, you can turn to Cathedral Towers in Atlanta, GA. This comfortable, affordable senior living community offers a selection of well-appointed apartments with plenty of convenient amenities and easy access to local shopping, entertainment, and community centers. All of their residents can count on friendly professional staff members to help them maintain an excellent quality of life in their later years. Call (404) 231-3020 to schedule a tour, and visit their website to learn more about what they offer .

Voting is an opportunity to share your voice and have a say in the laws and rules of the country. Such outcomes impact citizens regardless of age. For that reason, it’s important that seniors take part in the process, even after moving to a retirement community . Here’s a closer look at what you need to know. Why Seniors Should Vote From infrastructure to sales tax, the process gives citizens control over various aspects of daily life. Yet, it’s particular important for seniors as many of the top issues impact them directly. For instance, Congress is responsible for Medicare and Social Security funding, which can impact a retirees medical coverage, prescription costs, and living expenses. By voting, seniors help determine who represents them. Choosing candidates with like-minded viewpoints can help ensure their needs continue to be met when budget concerns arise and new legislation is proposed. How to Vote 1. Check the Registration To vote, citizens must be registered in the state they live. In Georgia, official enrollment is required by the fifth Monday before the election to cast a ballot. As such, make sure the registration is active via the state’s online portal . If not registered, qualifying residents can sign up on the website as long as they have a valid driver’s license or ID card. For those that have relocated to a retirement community, make sure the address on file is updated. 2. Gather Identification All voters in Georgia are required to show a government-issued photo ID to vote. The state also offers a free voter ID card through the local Registrar’s Office. Double-check identification ahead of time to make sure the source is valid and accepted. 3. Find a Polling Place Voters are assigned to different polling locations based on where they live. Check the portal ahead of time to determine the exact spot to avoid any confusion on election day. The state also accepts early in-person voting in each county for three weeks prior to the big day, as well as absentee voting. The latter is an excellent option for seniors that may not want to stand in long lines or travel to the polling site. Make the most to your retirement years at Cathedral Towers in Atlanta, GA. The premier retirement community combines comfort and affordability with their low-income housing options for seniors. The local facility offers impressive security and dependable maintenance, along with a convenient location. Find out if you qualify today online or by calling (404) 231-3020 .