Tag Archives: sherwood oaks retirement community
Use Your Hobbies to Earn Extra Cash
Hobbies can entertain us and give us a sense of accomplishment. They help us define ourselves and give us a way to connect with others who have the same interests. Hobbies can also be a great source of additional income, offering a fantastic opportunity for a retiree to fill their time and their wallet.
Think hard about the things you do for fun. Could you be making some extra cash WHILE you are enjoying yourself? Or perhaps there is always a lucrative hobby you’ve always wanted to try out but never had the time? The time is now.
Woodworking
Woodworking is a fine skill that can prove to be a very enriching hobby. It’s amazing what you can make by hand once you have the training, like furniture, picture frames and other decorative items, and stylish storage boxes. Sherwood Oaks has a large wood shop for residents to work in, giving you plenty of room to bring your creative ideas to life.
Ceramics
Original work is more sought after than generic art you can get from a big box store. Ceramic creation is a wonderful hobby to have, as you can make items that are both beautiful and functional. Molding and painting custom mugs and sculpting ornate vases will help you to keep your creative juices flowing, and once your masterpiece is complete it can serve as a great gift item for someone to buy. Sherwood Oaks makes the entire process simple, as there is also a ceramics studio on campus!
Other Crafts
If you’re a master knitter or have a talent for creating stunning holiday wreaths, you should turn that fun into funds! In the past few years, there has been more and more focus on shopping locally and opting for handmade items. You don’t need to look any further than the online merchant site Etsy to see how successful handcrafted items have become. If you aren’t sure of the kind of project you would like to work on, spend some time on the DIY section of Pinterest, or the project section of the Michael’s website.
Baking
It’s no secret that a little bit of sweetness is hard to resist. If baking for family and friends has made you the favorite person at every get-together, try to benefit beyond just their compliments. Start baking for pay at community events or by order for private events. You can even serve a certain niche by baking diabetic-friendly or gluten-free items.
Lending a Hand
It’s a hassle for many people to do even simple “handy” tasks around the house. Those who are good with their hands can make a good amount of money from doing household maintenance for other members of the community, whether it’s helping to install a new window or painting a room.
Carrying on Your Former Career
Retirement doesn’t mean that you have to completely abandon the skills you acquired during your career. If you spent the last 40 years of your life enriching the lives of children as a teacher, you could take on some work as a tutor or after-school babysitter. Former accountants can help others with their taxes. Writers can start a travel blog and allow businesses to advertise on their sites. There was a reason you chose the career you did, and it can be easier than you think to keep the aspects of your life’s work that you loved the most.
Maybe you’re thinking, “I’m pretty financially stable. I would rather do my hobbies for fun rather than pay.”
In that case, how do you feel about using your talents to make money for others? If you’re active, you can ask friends, family, and community members to donate money to a charity of your choosing in order for you to complete a 5k. And for those bakers we mentioned above, why not have a bake sale and donate your proceeds to a good cause?
No matter where the money goes, there is money out there to be made, even in retirement!
3 Reasons Why Americans Might Be Putting Off Retirement
According to Gallup’s Economy and Personal Finance survey, the average age of retirement in 1994 was between 57 and 58. In 2013, it was 61. The poll also revealed that only 26% of working Americans expect to retire before the age of 65. So why over the past 20 years have senior citizens chosen to put off their retirement? Here are some possible reasons:
1. They don’t have the money to retire.
Retirement isn’t cheap, especially for those who wait until later in life to start saving and those who fail to save at all. The earlier you started saving for retirement, the better off you’ll be for the final time you have to clock in.
According to a CNBC article from 2011, “Fidelity Investments estimates a 65-year-old couple retiring in 2011 will need $230,000 to pay for medical expenses throughout retirement, not including nursing-home care. This figure assumes there is no employer-provided retiree health-care coverage, and life expectancies of 17 years for men and 20 years for women.”
And that is just a rough estimate of medical cost – not housing, travel, or any other unforeseen expenses that might pop up over the decades spent in retirement. Because of this, 50% of workers say they believe they will return to work during retirement. But there is some good news here, too…
2. They really love their job.
Some people choose to put off retirement just because they really love their job. If you’ve spent most of your adult life building a career you can be proud of, you will obviously have mixed emotions about leaving it behind.
No one is required to retire in a certain year, on a certain day, so there shouldn’t be anything holding someone back from continuing to do a job that they love and are talented at. Some people even feel a loss of identity when they do take the plunge and retire. They were used to their routine and being needed as part of a company or organization. Even if you do eventually want to quit working for good, it’s always nice to have a plan on what your new “thing” will be in retirement.
3. It keeps them active.
Gallup provided another fact that supports the idea of retiring later in life:
Gallup has found that Americans aged 60 to 69 who work have slightly better emotional health than those who do not work.
While waking up and going to work every day might not be what everyone considers to be the “dream,” many jobs keep you physically active, while others help keep your brain active – something that is just as important as physical exercise.
That isn’t to say that you can’t challenge yourself physically and mentally during retirement. In fact, we encourage our residents to be active in body and mind through activities like fitness classes and book clubs. But being held accountable at a job is a good motivator for you to stay at the top of your game.
At what age did you retire? What made you choose that time in your life to make the switch?
10 Simple New Years Resolutions for Senior Citizens
Happy 2014! We’re glad to have another exciting year in the books at Sherwood Oaks retirement community, and we are looking forward to everything the New Year will bring. With each New Year comes a new set of resolutions to set for a happier and healthier you.
If you’re looking for simple ways to make 2014 better than the last, here are some of our favorite suggestions:
1. Take Your Health Into Your Hands
Listening to health professionals is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Knowledge is power at any age. Do your own research on healthy habits you can begin based on your individual health needs. If you’re trying to watch your blood sugar levels, find some great sugar-free versions of your favorite foods. If you’re active and trying to come up with stress relief techniques, think about yoga or meditation. From dropping your diet soda habit to taking an hour-long walk a day, you can make small changes for a big difference.
2. Eat Better
Speaking of food habits, 2014 is a great year to provide you body with the right fuel that it needs.ChooseMyPlate.gov is a great resource on nutritious eating, and it suggests that 50% of your plate be fruits and vegetables. It’s a known fact that when you eat better, you feel better!
3. Find a New, Healthy Activity
Not everyone is a runner, and some people hate working out in a group! The great thing about physical fitness is that there are so many ways to incorporate it into your lifestyle. Now is a good time to try out a sport you’ve always wanted to take part in or to swim laps a few times a week like you used to. Experiment and find the right activity for your personality and activity level.
4. Check Something Off of Your Bucket List
Entering your golden years doesn’t mean that the excitement is over! This can be the year you finally take that trip to Paris, reunite with your childhood best friend or buy your dream car. It might take some work, but think about the biggest goal you have yet to accomplish and start working toward it!
5. Connect More With Friends and Family
As children and friends get older, their families grow – and their free time shrinks. Make connecting with loved ones a priority this year. This can happen by scheduling a weekly Skype call with your grandchildren, having coffee every other week with your old high school pals or making sure to fit in a date night every month. Time spent laughing with those that mean the most is time well spent.
6. Reduce
One of the best lessons we ever learn is the difference between “want” and “need.” Making the move from a house to a retirement community is a great example of downsizing and making this important decision. But it doesn’t have to stop there. Look around your home and see where you can reduce clutter. In just a few minutes you can sort through one of those messes you’ve “been meaning to get to” and make your space more usable!
Similarly, the beginning of a new year is a good time to look at your budget and decide where you may be able to cut back.
7. Be a Kid Again
Did you love riding bikes as a child? Did you take Saturday morning shopping trips with your mother? Think about a happy memory from childhood and bring it back to your life in a new way!
8. Tell Your Story Your Way
Sharing your life with your children and grandchildren will mean more to them than you know. Technology makes it easier to share photos and stories than ever before. Upload old photos toFlickr or start a blog to share your story with the world!
9. Brush Up on New Technology
Speaking of new technology – are you confused about theFacebook feature your granddaughter explained to you? Would you like to figure out how to video chat on your own? Learn about a piece of technology that is of interest through a local community class or your own research! Searching YouTube for tutorials is a good place to start, or reach out to the tech addict in your life!
10. Celebrate the Little Things
Every healthy check up, child’s birthday, and reached goal is another reason to celebrate. Make 2014 the year that you acknowledge and celebrate the good moments!
Six Simple Ways to Give Back This Holiday
Christmas has a way of creeping up on even the most prepared person. So while you may have all of your gifts wrapped, cards sent, and meals planned for the big holiday season, other things may have gotten ignored on your list.
The holidays are a popular time for volunteering and contributing to communities, but many charities have already done the heavy lifting this close to Christmas. The Pittsburgh Marine Corps Toys for Tots program handed out gifts last Friday and Saturday so that area children could have the joy and excitement of opening gifts on Christmas morning.
If you want to give back this season but feel like you’ve missed your deadline, don’t worry! There are still many small things that you can do to make a big impact on someone’s day.
Unexpected Greetings
You remembered to send Christmas cards to your sister in Florida and your grandchildren, but did you remember to send one to your favorite bus driver? How about the sweet woman who has been handling your banking for the past five years? These people who touch your life will be thrilled to receive a hand-written card thanking them for helping you to make it a happy one.
“This one’s on me!”
The next time you’re in line at your favorite coffee shop, pay for the beverage of the person behind or in front of you in line. It only takes a few seconds and a few dollars to buy someone a drink to warm their hands and heart.
A Helping Paw
Are you an animal lover? While there are many happy children who get puppies for Christmas, there are still plenty of animals that spend the holidays in shelters. Provide them with a good Christmas dinner by donating food and treats to a local shelter. And if you know of anyone who is thinking of picking an animal as a last-minute gift, encourage them to go to a shelter rather than a breeder.
Make Some Change
Instead of avoiding change as you do your Christmas shopping at the mall, welcome it with open pockets. Then, before you leave, find a donation area to drop it off. Many charities collect money up to Christmas, so you’ll be sure to find a wonderful way to give your money to someone other than the cashier in the food court.
That’s a Wrap
Simple holiday tasks can be difficult for friends or neighbors. Ask around and see if any of yours need help preparing for the holidays, whether that means wrapping gifts or accompanying them to the grocery store to do some shopping. You’ll get to spend quality time with a loved one and check off items on their to-do list!
Shop Responsibly
As you hunt for last-minute gifts, consider buying a few gifts that ARE good and DO good. Does your niece want new shoes? Maybe she would like Toms, where every purchase also means a new pair of shoes for a child in need. Or you can browse (RED) products for a gift for everyone on your list. You can also support the local economy by purchasing locally-made items.
‘Tis the season of giving, and it’s easy to give in small ways to help those around you have a happier holiday.
From our family at Sherwood Oaks Retirement community, we hope that you and your family have a holiday filled with love, laughter, and magic. Cheers to a happy and healthy 2014!
10 Reasons to Love Winter in Pittsburgh
It’s beginning to look (and feel) a lot like winter in Pittsburgh and at Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community. And while winter doesn’t officially kick in until December 21, winter activities in and around the city are already happening!
We’ve already made some suggestions for a few wonderful holiday shows, but our city has plenty more to offer. So we’ve made a list, checked it twice, and decided to share our top 10 Pittsburgh winter activities with you!
1. Gingerbread Houses
The PPG Place Wintergarden is one of the best places to get some holiday cheer in Pittsburgh. Each year, dozens of Gingerbread Houses call the building home for the Gingerbread House Display Competition. Many groups, from elementary schools, professional organizations, families, and nonprofits, will decorate gingerbread houses in hopes of getting named the number one gingerbread house in the city! You can see all of the winners for free every day through the New Year.
2. Ice Skating!
Whether you are a fan of ice skating or enjoy seeing family and loved ones on the ice, you have plenty of options right near home! The Rink at PPG Place allows skaters to circle a beautiful Christmas tree while skating with Santa and taking in a great view of the city. Plus, it’s close to some other fun winter activities in Market Square that are also on our list! To avoid some of the holiday rush, you could also visit the Schenley Skating rink.
3. Giving Back
It’s the season of giving, and volunteer opportunities are an easy but meaningful way to bring joy to yourself and your neighbors during the holidays. Browse resources like Pittsburgh Cares to search for a volunteer opportunity close to your heart.
4. Light Displays
What makes the holidays so bright and cheery? The lights certainly help! You and your family can enjoy the lights at both Kennywood and Phipps Conservatory.
5. First Night
Ring in 2014 in downtown Pittsburgh at First Night on Dec. 31 beginning at 6 p.m. The evening’s festivities include a parade, children’s activities, live music, fireworks, and more!
6. Winter Sports
Football and hockey will be going strong this season. While we love catching a game at Heinz Field and Consol Energy Center, it’s also fun to curl up on the couch and watch a game from home!
7. The Holiday Market
Located next to The Rink at PPG Place, The Holiday Market is a spectacular display of cultural gifts, food, shows, and more! Pick up a fir tree or a handcrafted ornament while snacking on European sweets.
8. Joy of Cookies!
Sugar, gingerbread, chocolate chip… which is your favorite holiday cookie? No need to narrow it down, because you can get your fill of holiday sweetness with the Joy of Cookies Cookie Tour in Lawrenceville from December 5 to December 8 for free! More than 30 businesses are taking part in the event, where shoppers can enjoy shopkeepers’ favorite cookies at stores throughout Lawrenceville.
9. Pittsburgh Twists
We love holiday traditions, but we especially love when holiday traditions have a Pittsburgh twist. It’s hard not to sing along to the yinzer-inspired carol, “Santa Claus is Coming Dahntahn.”
10. Nationality Rooms at Pitt
Experience holiday traditions from around the world with the Nationality Rooms Holiday Tours. Not only are the tours fun, but you can give yourself the gift of learning something new.
Add Some Play to Your Day and Beat the Winter Blues!
While winter is a time that many spend with friends and family, it can also get you down. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than 6.5 million Americans suffer from depression, and many Americans of all ages feel particularly glum in the winter due to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD is a type of depression that hits during one particular season. Lesser versions of SAD are referred to as the “Winter Blues.” Women and people who live in areas with infrequent or weak sun are more likely to suffer from SAD, according to the National Institutes of Health. Luckily, your chances of having SAD reduce as you age, but that doesn’t mean that everyone can always feel the happiness of the holiday season.
So how can you fight off seasonal sadness? By incorporating a little bit of play into your every day! Here are a few ideas to help you beat the blues:
- Cook dinner with your family or spouse instead of cooking solo. If you want to add an extra element of fun, have a themed dinner night once a week. From a French twist to a meal honoring your favorite movie, the planning and implementation of the meal can be fun for everyone!
- Take a day trip! There are plenty of things to do in and around Pittsburgh, and we will even provide the transportation. Our buses take residents to cultural events downtown and regularly go to local malls, grocery stores, hospitals and doctor’s offices.
- Spend the day with a child. They may take a lot of your energy, but spending time with grandchildren or family friends can remind you what it’s like to see the world from a child’s eyes. Take some time to enjoy coloring books and puzzles to bring out your inner kid!
- Also playful are animals! Visit a nearby animal shelter and spend some time playing with the animals. It will give you the fun of spending a day with man’s best friend, without all of the responsibility!
- Add a special ritual to your day or week. Do you LOVE spending time enjoying your morning cup of coffee? Make it even better by trying out new flavors or by finding a coffee shop drink that you can go out and enjoy once a week. If you love a particular TV show, start hosting screening parties at your home for friends. Whatever makes you happy, be sure to do more of it!
- Smile! Studies have shown that even forcing a smile can actually relieve stress.
You don’t have to be somber this season, especially if you’re a Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community resident. Residents always have the option to take part in activities like chorus, handbells, line dancing, ceramics, painting, sewing, book club, bridge, and board games, and we also have scheduled activities such as fitness classes, resident parties, special speakers and musical performances.
Please note that if you do feel that you are suffering from depression, speak with a member of our medical staff.
You’re never too old to add some fun play into your day, so start having more fun now!
Catch a Show This Season!
Although Pittsburgh offers entertaining and unforgettable shows year round, fall and winter are the perfect seasons to visit one of the city’s many theaters for a festive show.
Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, tucked conveniently downtown across the Allegheny River from Heinz Field and PNC Park, consists of six beautiful theaters: the August Wilson Center, the Benedum Center, the Byham Theater, Heinz Hall, the O’Reilly Theater, and the Cabaret at Theater Square.
Located just half an hour from Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community, the Cultural District is perfect for anyone looking to plan a fun-filled day or night out. There are many dining options and retail stores to walk to from the theaters, not to mention a selection of galleries filled with various genres of art.
Sherwood Oaks wants you to enjoy as many events as possible, so we make your trip to the Cultural District and other venues as simple as possible. In fact, we’ll pick you up and drop you off right at the door! We provide transportation to:
- Pittsburgh Symphony concerts at Heinz Hall
- Pops concerts at Heinz Hall
- Operas at Benedum Center
- City Theater in the Southside
- The Pittsburgh Speaker Series at Heinz Hall
- The Pittsburgh Public Theater at O’Reilly Theater
- River City Brass Band concerts at Carson Middle School in North Hills
- Pittsburgh Philharmonic concerts at North Hills Jr. High School
- The Pittsburgh Concert Chorale at Carnegie Hall and Ingomar United Methodist Church
So, which can’t–miss holiday shows and concerts are coming up this winter?
- A musical version of A Christmas Carol is coming to the Byham Theater, beginning December 6
- Also beginning December 6, The Nutcracker springs to life at the Benedum Center
- Elf makes its debut at the Benedum Center, beginning November 26
- And don’t forget to catch Christmas with the Rat Pack, starting on Christmas Eve
- Consol Energy Center will host the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on December 7, then Donny and Marie Osmond on December 12
You can view full schedules and purchase show tickets on the Cultural District website or on Ticketmaster.
Don’t forget that you can get entertainment at home with shows and concerts at Sherwood Oaks! Our next show is “Sammy Davis & Friends,” a Rat Pack tribute and comedy show on November 22, 2013 at 2 p.m.
Educate Yourself on Cancer Risks in Patients Over 50
Cancer can affect patients of any age, but cancer risks increase with age. According to Senior Homes, “Approximately 2.15% of all adults over 65 will be newly-diagnosed with cancer each year compared to 0.2% of those under 65.”
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the word “cancer” seems to be everywhere. And while everyone has been affected by cancer, whether firsthand or by watching a family member or friend fight the disease, those near and above retirement age should take a particular interest in the topic and what it means for them.
Women and men should do monthly self-examinations to check for Breast Cancer, and women over the age of 40 should schedule yearly mammograms. According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, women who go through menopause later in their life have an increased risk of breast cancer.
But there are also things you can do to lower your risk! According to recent research by the American Cancer Society, taking a brisk walk for an hour a day can help women over 50 reduce their chances of breast cancer by 14%.
Here are some other facts about cancer as you age:
Age-related illnesses, such as arthritis, can make cancer treatments less effective and make healing after cancer treatment more difficult.
The most common fatal cancer in men is prostate cancer, which is why it is important to get a yearly exam.
Men die from cancer more often than women because they fail to visit a doctor and get proper treatment, according to the Daily Mail. Women are also more informed about the signs of cancer.
As is important to patients at any age, a healthy diet, limited exposure to UV rays, not smoking, and living an active lifestyle can all reduce your risk of cancer.
The American Cancer Society clearly lays out guidelines for cancer screenings, and the closer you follow these guidelines, the better chance you will have at detecting a problem early. If the unthinkable would happen and you are diagnosed with cancer, you can find comfort in Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community’s excellent level of medical care.
10 Reasons to Love Fall in Pittsburgh
Have the end-of-summer blues? The season of sun and surf may have ended on September 22, but that’s no reason to get down. The city of Pittsburgh has plenty to keep you busy. Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community residents can, of course, enjoy a nice stroll around campus when they want to take in the vivid colors of autumn, but when you want a fun fall day on the town, you have many options. Here are 10 of our favorite reasons to love fall in Pittsburgh:
- A giant duck?
A 40-foot rubber duck is currently floating in the Allegheny River, and you’d better catch him before he’s gone! A series of rubber duck sculptures have been floating in Amsterdam, Osaka, Sydney, Sao Paulo, and Hong Kong, and Pittsburgh became the first U.S. city to host the duck when it arrived last Friday! The duck was created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman and will remain at the Point until October 20. - Pumpkin patches.
Choosing a pumpkin to carve or display in your home is one of the most important decisions you make during the fall. One of the most talked-about pumpkin patches in the Pittsburgh area is Soregel Orchards in Wexford. Their Fall Festival takes place every weekend from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from now until October 31. You won’t want to miss pumpkin painting, a cornstalk maze, hayrides, and more. Choose apples and pumpkins for all of your fun fall needs. It’s perfect for the entire family. Another local pumpkin patch is Trax Farms in Finleyville, Pa. - Rides on the Clipper.
When you have as many rivers to choose from as we do, it’s a shame to not enjoy them! The best way is to enjoy a cruise on the Gateway Clipper. Along with their regular sightseeing cruises, they have seasonal offerings for tourists and locals alike to enjoy! Throughout October, you can enjoy a Fall Foliage Cruise, a Halloween Whodunnit Cruise, a Halloween Fun Cruise, or a Haunted Halloween Dinner. Ticket prices and times vary. - Halloween at Phipps.
Phipps isn’t just a beautiful experience in the summer, it’s also a must-visit spot for fall. The fall Flower Show takes place from October 19 to November 10. The stars of the show are chrysanthemums in bright, seasonal colors, which have been featured in the Flower Show since 1893. From 4-8 p.m. on October 25, Phipps has Halloween Happenings for everyone! Kids in costumes are welcome to enjoy an afternoon of spooky fun with parents and grandparents. - Museums.
When the air gets chilly, it’s a great time to get indoors and enjoy some of Pittsburgh’s most interesting art and history sites. The Carnegie Museums, the Heinz History Center, the Mattress Factory, and the Andy Warhol Museum are some of the most popular options for a fall day filled with art and culture. - The scenery!
It’s no secret that Western Pennsylvania has some of the most beautiful foliage to view in the country. One of the best perks of calling Pittsburgh home is witnessing the transition from greens to browns, yellows, and reds! - The shows.
Autumn is the perfect time to catch a show in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. October’s shows include “Defending the Caveman,” “Ina Garten: The Barefoot Contessa,” “Our Town,” and “We Will Rock You,” a musical featuring music from Queen. - Pumpkin everything!
This might not be a regional perk, but we sure do love it, either way! From pumpkin coffee and pumpkin cookies to pumpkin soup and pumpkin gobs, everyone is seeing orange! Enjoy a delicious pumpkin soup at Nicky’s Thai Kitchen on the North Shore or fill up with a pumpkin bagel from Oakmont Bakery. The world might be going crazy for pumpkin, but Pittsburgh is making it a local specialty. - Phantom Fright Nights.
If you don’t scare easily, you might want to take a chance on Phantom Fright Nights at Kennywood Park. Phantom Fright Nights, which is celebrating its 10th year this season, takes place on Fridays and Saturdays through October 26 (Plus October 13), and includes some of Kennywood’s favorite rides, plus tricks and shrieks around every corner. This event is not recommended for children under 13. - The sports!
We are now in the midst of both hockey and football seasons in the City of Champions, but everyone is talking about the Pirates! Good luck to the Bucs in tonight’s National League wild-card game.
Share Travels with Friends and Family
Saint Augustine said, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” Many people choose to use their retirement as a time to experience new places and make memories through travel. And they love to share their adventures with friends and family! Today’s technology makes it simple to instantly share your travels with the ones you love.
Use your smartphone
There are plenty of applications on your smart phone that can help friends and family feel like they are there with you as you explore. Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Google +, Foursquare and Instagram make it easy to share photos and videos, check into places, and let users know what you are up to.
But there are also apps made specifically for travel. These apps include Travelog, which allows you to share stories and media from your travels
Start a blog
Blogging is a great way to keep people updated with each leg of your travels. If you have a laptop, you can take it along with you to document your trip. Or you can simply plan out posts for when you come back, writing about individual days, weeks, or locations. Blogs are also great for including video and photos and can easily be emailed to friends and family.
Send a letter or email to friends and family
Speaking of emailing, why not email a summary of your trip to friends and family to keep them updated on your journey? You might even consider snail mail if there is a specific person you would love to reach out to. You can include photos, funny stories, and give them the best souvenir that they could have asked for.
Take good notes
Take a notebook with you or use your smartphone to jot down interesting, funny, or romantic details of your trip. When you go to tell your stories to your loved ones, you’ll remember the best moments in vivid detail. Because you wouldn’t want to forget that time you ate pizza in Napoli or finally saw the Statue of Liberty!
Or snap a photo wherever you go
If you don’t feel that you will have time to take notes while you’re on your trip, you can just snap a photo when you want to remember a specific moment. It will save you time and help you keep memories alive and frozen in time!
Make a scrapbook
If you’re crafty, consider making a scrapbook of your travel time to show guests. While this can be a little bit more costly than the other solutions on this list, it is also the most creative! In fact, you can make this a project for you and your spouse, children, grandchildren, or friends! Let everyone share in your adventure.
Make an online photo album
Once you’ve snapped photos of your trip, you can simply upload them to a photo-sharing site like Flickr. You can then share the link with whomever you please and have a place online where these photos will always be stored.
At Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community, we love to hear our residents’ travel stories. And we keep an eye on their home while they are gone! Security keeps an eye on their patio home, and maintenance is on-call in case of an emergency. So pack your bags and start making memories to share!