An Active Adult Community Blog

Have you always wanted to build your dream home? In your 50s, you may finally feel like you’re able to afford it but wonder whether it makes sense at this stage—especially if your kids are or soon will be grown. Building a home can be a great way to start out a new phase of life, though, and it might be the ideal option. It’s definitely not too late to build your dream home!

After years of owning a house that worked for you but just wasn’t the dream home you’ve always wanted, you’ve decided to build your own home. Congratulations! This can be an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming.

When you’ve lived in the same home for decades, your belongings tend to accumulate in any available storage space. This makes more to clean, more to maintain, and more to keep track of, such as decorations, bedding sets, kitchen items, and old toys. Getting rid of the clutter can help alleviate stress and give you more time for things you enjoy.

If you’ve ever searched for a new home, you may have seen or heard the term homeowners association (HOA) more than once. For some home buyers, the existence of an HOA is a major deterrent; they don’t want to pay a fee to an association created to enforce rules for the property they call home. Other buyers may love the idea of an HOA and purchase a home because of the benefits it provides.

Winter can be hard on everyone’s mental and physical health. Night falls much quicker than we are used to, and the cold convinces us to stay inside under our favorite blankets instead of taking a walk.

Because the COVID-19 pandemic is still heavily affecting our country, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of your health. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, only 28–34% of adults aged 65–74 are physically active, and fewer than 5% of adults get at least thirty minutes of physical activity each day.

There are several ways to keep yourself feeling young, sharp, and energized as the winter season drags on. Make a conscious choice every day to eat healthy foods, move your body, and focus on positive thoughts.

We’ve all heard the expression, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks," but this couldn’t be further from the truth. You’re never too old to learn something new, and being lifelong learners can actually help us enhance our overall cognitive health as we age. 

There are things you can start doing right away to stay sharp that aren’t expensive and are easily accessible. Consider making a change to your life or monotonous routine by incorporating new activities into your schedule, such as developing a new hobby, enrolling in adult learning classes, or cultivating new relationships.

There are many fun activities you can do with your friends or family in the Des Moines, Iowa area. Whether you’re looking for a fun outside activity, good food or drinks, or a place to go for some needed alone time, there is something for everyone.

Here are some of our favorite places and things to do in the Des Moines area:

The holidays are just around the corner, and you may be thinking of fun and safe activities you can do with your family. Decorations from the store are great, but homemade crafts can be even more meaningful.

As summer fades and a new season begins, your home and its landscaping may need a different kind of care in the cooler months ahead.