Searching for Senior Housing Options?

Are you or a senior member of your family thinking about future housing options? If you are considering anything from a supportive living residence to an apartment or strata complex that is senior-oriented, you may find the right housing option for you on Senior Living's newly launched online senior housing directory for British Columbia.

The Upside to Downsizing

By Dr. Patricia Tway

People spend the first half of their lives acquiring possessions, and the last half getting rid of them. Downsizing is often seen as a negative because people fear change and cannot let go, but change can keep a person young and allow him or her to move on.
Downsizing is necessary when moving to a smaller home or an apartment, a retirement facility or to live with a relative.

The Float Home

By Nadine Jones

I wouldn't say it was moving from the sublime to the ridiculous, but it was a tremendous leap from a 5,000-square-foot log home in the northern B.C. forest to a 900-square-foot houseboat in the city.

Senior Housing Buying Trends for 2010

Fueled by the large boomer demographic, not only are seniors the fastest growing segment of Canada's population, but this is a consumer group in high transition when it comes to housing. In a recent Senior Living survey, about 42% of respondents said they would be buying property, selling or doing both, in the next five years.

Co-Housing: NOT a Hippie Commune

By Thomas Hoy

Co-housing maximizes the creation of positive and sustained human relationships.

Our Dream Home in the Forest

By Nadine Jones

My first challenge when we built our log house in northern B.C. was standing at the base of a 70-foot [21.3 m] cedar tree, peering up to its crown, and trying to decide whether it would look better in the living room or kitchen.

Where to Live When You Retire?

Successful retirement involves living in a place that fits both your needs and your lifestyle desires. Before you make a decision, you will do well to consider some of the more practical criteria like climate, proximity to activities and family, and finances.

Are You a Good Conversationist - Senior Living seeks volunteer online discussion moderators

By Barbara Risto

Senior Living is looking for seniors willing to volunteer their time to moderate discussions on our website. See www.seniorlivingmag.com/discussion

How Long Will It Last?

Ever wonder how long an appliance, home renovation, etc will last? What is its approximate life span before you will probably need to replace it. Here's some rules of thumb to help you.

Somewhere to Sleep

By Nadine Jones

The issue of access to quality care in our senior years touches all of us, sooner or later. Unfortunately, increasing costs and decreasing government funding have made beds in both private and subsidized not-for-profit care facilities harder to pay for and harder to find for seniors needing these services in B.C.

Retirement Home Trends: Present & Future Developments in Senior Housing in North Amrerica

We consulted with the experts to compile a list of retirement home trends. Here are some of the most important factors affecting the senior housing industry today.

Senior-Focused Realtors

Many financial planners, insurance professionals, and other business people are now obtaining special designations that speak to their ability to deal with seniors' issues. Realtors are also taking courses to better understand the senior market.

Water Heaters Eligible for Federal Incentives

If you own your water heater or rent it from a utility, now may be an excellent time to consider replacing an older unit with a new, energy-efficient model. Not only will you save money on utility bills, you may also qualify for assistance from the Government of Canada.

Adapting Your Home

Few people have a perfect home, but adaptations to the home can make life easier and safer for someone who may have some mobility limitations.

Aids To Daily Living

By Barbara Risto

"Aids to Daily Living" (ADLs) are devices that help people with disabilities to function at their highest possible level and enjoy the highest possible quality of life. ADLs are also referred to as "assistive devices," or "adaptive technology."