Everyone knows that most businesses will not hire someone who is nearing or who has reached retirement age. For those who want to keep working even after they have retired, it can be frustrating knowing that your options are limited.

If you don’t want to work a job that you will hate, you should be aware that there are a variety of new ways to work at home.

Here’s how you can start your small business today.

The conventional workforce may be out of reach, but by starting your small business you don’t need to worry about your age holding you back.

The rise of the Internet and remote working has completely changed the playing field. Think about the skills you have and how that can translate into business ideas.

Some of the options available to you include:

• Freelance writer.
• Online Tutor.
• Freelance Translator.
• Web developer.
• Web designer.

​These are only a fraction of the small business options on the table. Spend some time thinking about your options and consider whether they’re viable.

​If you’re retiring but don’t want to quit working, you’re probably wondering how much money you’ll need to invest in your venture.

The truth is that most jobs for the retired can be started for less than a hundred dollars. It doesn’t make sense to incorporate your new venture until you start earning a decent income. All you need is a small budget to establish your presence online.

And free professional websites can be made in hours through platforms like WordPress, which drives more than half of all websites on the web.

Everyone needs a little piece of web real estate to tell people they exist. As already mentioned, opt for a WordPress website. With free templates and the ease of being able to drag-and-drop features onto pages, you don’t need a professional web designer to do this.

You should also consider making your business more professional by getting a virtual online address. It also has the benefit of protecting your privacy because you don’t need to put your home address on anything.

These addresses can be purchased for only a few dollars.

The retired are often accused of not knowing enough about new technology to succeed in the modern business world. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Invest in technology like Skype. Enhance your business communication efforts, even if you intend on your small business remaining a one-man show.

Understand that the world of online business is competitive. Don’t anticipate on matching your previous salary overnight. It’s necessary to start at the bottom again.

You need to build up your name as an authority figure in your industry. This will take months to manage, so don’t be afraid to offer discounts on your work in the beginning to do this.

It depends.

Some people do it to make their business look more professional in the beginning, but if you’re a freelancer this isn't necessary.

However, sooner or later you will need to become an established company for tax purposes. Talk to an accountant and business lawyer to establish when you should start the procedure, and hire a professional to help you.

The answer to this question is always going to depend on a variety of factors, including where your business is and the state you live in.

We recommend not immediately incorporating until you have established the framework of your business. It can be expensive to incorporate and it’s an expense you don’t need in the very beginning.

​It’s a fact that the retired are at a disadvantage when it comes to conventional employment. However, running a small business online levels the playing field.

You have a lifetime of experience behind you and now you have the tools to start your small business. Now there’s no reason why you can’t utilize your skills to build a business for yourself.

What sort of small business do you want to start?

With the countless options available for volunteering, helping incredibly diverse populations, how do you find the right fit? This question is one that Lydia Sussman, a 33-year career educator specializing in working with deaf and hard of hearing children, found herself asking before locating L.A. Works’ Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

For Lydia, her focus was directed in helping children, but she needed some help to find the right opportunity. Now retired from fulltime employment, her volunteer work needed to help her reach two goals: meeting new and interesting people while making a difference in the lives of others.

Lydia is not alone in her journey. Impact is cited across the nation as the primary factor for having a positive experience when volunteering and the primary motivator for returning to a volunteer project. What is often less recognized are the numerous health benefits received through volunteering.

Volunteering has been shown to “bolsters your immune system, reduces your blood pressure and adds years to your life span,” according to a study from the Corporation for National and Community Service. It also states volunteers report positive changes in their health, both mentally and physically, after volunteering for as little as one year.

In her research, Lydia followed the trend of many retired volunteers—surfing online though the vast web trying to find the right project that spoke to her needs. This led her to the nonprofit L.A. Works and their Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). The team at L.A. Works helped her navigate the countless volunteer opportunities and organizations, catering the experience to Lydia’s needs. With the help of L.A. Works, she was able to connect with other volunteers aged 55 years old and above, as well as to organizations that needed her energy, skills, advice and passion.

Initially, Lydia was connected to an opportunity with Jumpstart where she trained other older adults—some in their 70's and 80's—to go into the community and prepare young children with special needs for pre-school.

In a recent interview, Lydia described her transformative experience and working with other older adults, "I love the passion of these folks - many of them low income themselves. I came to believe so much in the value of Jumpstart that I have joined its Advisory Board. I even make calls to recruit new volunteers!”

Lydia's advice for the first time retired volunteer is "Try it out, you can always find another volunteer role if one doesn't work for you." A real benefit for any retiree who volunteers is the exposure to training and to on-going coaching. It's rare that a new volunteer needs to be an expert coming into a nonprofit, and many learn new professional skills through their service.

If you are looking to supercharge your volunteer time, control how many hours you give, and pick the places where you serve, volunteering with L.A. Works RSVP may be the perfect fit for you. Lydia transformed her life and commitment to local causes and connecting with RSVP was her first step. Find your next passion at L.A. Works RSVP, you’ll be surprised at where it will take you.

​Being a retired employee means that you will be living off your retirement savings or insurance funds. You have worked so hard all these years to generate a steady income and prepare for your retirement years. Now there are three things you can do when you retire. One, you can spend your savings to enjoy all the good things life has to offer. Two, you can start a business. Or three, you can have the best of both worlds–start a business that you love and enjoy it!

​There are countless business ideas that you can start with. Especially with your experience, no matter what field you excelled in, there must be at least one expertise, idea, or hobby that you know could be a moneymaker. From consulting and coaching to selling expert services, for sure you can find one that best suits you. Even if you’re one of many retirees in active living communities, there’s no reason not to get those creative juices flowing and come up with a business idea.

​After you get a promising idea that shows great potential for success, it’s now time to get funding to start turning the idea into reality. If you don’t want to touch your retirement savings, or maybe your savings are not enough for startup capital, you can consider getting small business loans that offer affordable interest. You can also look at grants that the government or enterprises are offering and see if you are qualified to apply.

​Building your small business from the ground up may require a lot of legwork and networking, which may be hard for you to do all by yourself. You can hire a trustworthy and qualified individual to help you get your business off the ground. It would be best to get someone who is knowledgeable about business processing, marketing, and sales.

​When you get everything ready–your (home) office has been set up, you get people on board, and you are ready for your first client, it’s time to market your new business. The quickest and cheapest way to get your business out there is through word-of-mouth and the use of social media marketing. If you are not familiar with this, for sure your hired marketing expert does. Brief your employees or your contractors about your business and branding and let them do the rest. Of course, have everything approved by you first before they put out the marketing campaigns.

​Do well on handling your first client. If you promise good services or a good experience with your product and the customer’s expectations are met, chances are, you will land your next customer right away. This is the power of referrals. Always do well to keep away from having bad reviews and scaring your target customers away.

​Your small business can turn into an enterprise someday, especially if it has a potential to become one and you work hard to reach success. Your small business can become the legacy you pass on to your children. There’s nothing better to impart to your children and their families than the stability of their future. Enjoy what it has to give to you and your family. Do it for passion and purpose, not just for the money.

Of the 35 million adults in the United States who are over the age of 65, approximately 6.5 million suffer from depression. 

If you have a parent or loved one who is exhibiting signs of depression (feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, increased fatigue), it can be hard to know what to do to help them feel more like their old self. 

These four tips are a great place to start when it comes to caring for a loved one who’s battling depression.

Several studies show that regular physical activity has a major impact on older adults’ happiness and general health. 

Not only does exercise aid in the production of endorphins, chemicals that minimize pain and promote positive feelings, but it’s also essential for seniors who want to maintain their independence. 

Seniors who exercise on a regular basis -- specifically those who lift weights and focus on building strength -- are less likely to suffer from falls and fractures that can severely limit their mobility.

Regular social interaction is also important, especially for seniors who live alone. In addition to helping seniors feel happier and more optimistic, some other benefits that come with an active social life include:

• Lower levels of inflammatory factors related to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis
• Greater preference for healthy eating and maintaining healthy habits like avoiding smoking
• Decreased blood pressure

There are lots of ways to help seniors get more social time. Arrange for family members to drop by on a regular basis, or encourage them to attend events at a local senior center. 

If they struggle with physical limitations caused by illness or aging, it’s easy for seniors to start to feel depressed and isolated. 

One way to minimize these feelings is to outfit their home with tools that promote independence and make daily tasks easier. Some tools that many seniors can benefit from include:

• Writing aids that improve control and ability to grip a pen or pencil
• Doorknob adapters to make opening and closing doors less taxing
• Reaching tools to make tasks like cleaning and cooking easier
• Portable handrails to help them get in and out of cars with ease
• Portable toilets so those managing incontinence can prevent potentially embarrassing accidents

Many seniors are hesitant to seek out a psychiatrist on their own to treat their depression, but you should still try to encourage your parent or loved one to sit down with a professional and talk about what they’re experiencing. 

You may also want to see if they’re willing to let you participate in the appointment with them. 

Seeing a psychiatrist might be less intimidating if you’re present. You’ll also be familiar with the psychiatrist’s recommendations and can make sure they’re following their advice and taking medications as prescribed.

It can be hard to see a parent or loved one struggle with depression. But, fortunately, there are lots of ways that you can help them feel better. Be sure to keep these tips in mind and don’t forget to be on the lookout for early signs of depression.

Letterheads are to photographers as offers for product providers. Letterheads are the headings of official internal and external documents. They usually include your name and address, logo and personalized elements that emphasize your photography style. 

Letterheads empower your photographer brand. By including it, you will look professional to collaborators and potential clients. The letterhead works as a logo which also includes essential information that customers no longer need to write down or keep on a card. This paper representation of your photography brand creates credibility. It takes part in marketing or business communication that you inevitably encounter throughout your career. Documents are usually necessary when you are hired for an event or a business photo shoot and you sign preliminary papers.

Each photographer has a unique style that defines his or her work. You can emphasize it once more through the letterhead templates for each occasion. You download a personal letterhead design or create your own by following the guidelines of main categories of business communication.

1. Standard: The standard letterhead template is the back-up you need for any occasion. You might sign a contract with a collaborating photographer, an equipment supplier or send a press release for a project. These letterheads are useful even when you make a price offer to an event hall or let brands know of your work. 
2. Business: The business template works for every contract you will sign with clients. If you take pictures at an event, you can also include flyers with your letterhead. Additionally, this should feature a formal design with your name and address one one side of the head. You can create a modern design for the template, but make sure it follows the official style of the documents.
3. Customized: You can create a template design that emphasized your photography style and unique elements. After all, these are the reasons why some clients choose your work instead of other photographers. You can use the customized letterhead for updates and news regarding your projects, and informal communication. Think about even including pictures or quotes.
4. Event: If you want to pitch for a wedding, a halloween party, romantic occassions or Christmas holidays, then the event letterhead is suitable. This template shows consideration for the client’s request. You can insert a specific element or color for the event and even update your logo with that element. It’s not avisable to use such a template for the following communication with the client. However, first impression matters and can make you stand out. 
5. Specialized: This template work best for internal communication, such as potential suppliers, collaborators and offer distributors. If you own a small photography business, then you can also use it to communicate with employees. Also, they work for sending offers to companies that organize certain events. This template looks both corporate and personalized, as it shows your values and mission. You can make more specialized template designs to ensure you cover all such occassions.

​For some, living alone is a dream come true, with your own space, the relaxing quiet, and a rewarding sense of independence as you age in place. However, in your senior years, your body is not what it used to be, and when there is no one immediately by your side, some additional concerns are bound to come up. Ease your family’s mind (and yours) with these essential tips for seniors who live alone:

First and foremost, you need to ensure that your fitness is still functioning at a reasonable level, no excuses. Thankfully, improving your physical condition can be as simple as getting out of the house and walking around as much as possible. The fresh air will help destress and calm you, the movement will strengthen your muscles and bones to avoid falls, and the outdoor scenery will rejuvenate your spirit and minimize your brooding.

Exercise is nothing, however, without a healthy diet to complement it. Stock up on lean protein, colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat alternatives, without forgetting to drink plenty of water. If mobility is a concern for you, look at online services who will deliver groceries to your door, and while you’re at it, ask if there is an option to order your medication too! 

​Speaking of medication, you should regularly go for health check-ups and speak to your doctor about your prescriptions. Even if you are not experiencing any negative side effects, it is still a good idea to reevaluate their benefits and get a professional’s opinion about other choices on the market. During this conversation, you might want to ask if you can get some additional boxes too, as these can be your safety net if you run out and can’t get to the pharmacy for whatever reason. 

Without anyone to remind you, it is imperative to have a foolproof system which tracks your medication schedule. Set up a calendar or (for the more tech savvy) install one of the many available smartphone apps which can keep inventory of your medicine for you, alert you when it’s time to take pills, and remind you when refills are due.

One of the biggest risks that seniors face when living by themselves, is that dark feeling of loneliness, known to aggravate depression, impair physical health, and even deteriorate cognitive performance. Fortunately, there are ways to combat it: go out and see more people! Get to know your neighbors, participate in community activities, make an appearance at local gatherings, and attend classes which focus on your hobbies. 

For family members, it’s important to frequently check in with your loved ones who live alone. Establish a routine visiting agenda, and use technologies like Skype to make contact when a personal stopover isn’t possible. When you do come around, ask about these isolation troubles and review their current medication situation, but only after you’ve given them a big hug! 

The best way to deal with a fall is to not have one at all, which is why the home needs to be set up in ways to avoid this common occurrence. Walk through each room and remove any potentially dangerous trip hazards, such as loose rugs, exposed wires, and general clutter. Reorganize furniture until there is a clear path from one end of the house to the other, and confirm that each room is bright enough to see where you’re going. Install hand railings in the bathrooms and up the stairs, use non-slip covering on tiles, and purchase a fall mat to place next to the bed, preventing any potential injuries from falls at night. 

For additional peace of mind, investigate the security of your house. Are the front door and any other protective gates easy to lock? Does the neighborhood warrant an alarm system? Would a motion-activated light sensor protect against any break-ins? These are only some of the questions which need to be addressed. 

Finally, spare a thought towards preparing for the worst. If a natural disaster strikes or the power goes out, how will this affect someone without a helping hand? Minimize any severe predicaments by keeping a flashlight next to the bed, a collection of spare batteries in an easy to reach location, and a large reserve bottle of water just in case. And, of course, test those smoke alarms every week! 

​At the end of the day, accidents are going to happen, which is why there are certain essentials which cannot be overlooked. List all crucial numbers next to the phone for easy access, purchase a wearable alert system to call for help if you’re unable to move, and keep an ID bracelet on your person at all times, detailing any existing conditions to inform emergency professionals when you are unable to. 

The aftermath of a personal injury accident can be stressful, painful and can seem overwhelming. Being able to simplify, even by a small fraction, the tasks that arise as a result can help victims recover and look forward to obtaining just compensation for their injuries.

A personal injury calculator, like the one offered to victims by our team of Los Angeles personal injury lawyers helps you estimate the worth of your claim by summing up the most common types of expenses that will be incurred by a victim following an accident.

A personal injury calculator is a useful tool that provides guidance on how victims should estimate the total amount of the settlement. It can be used prior to negotiating with an insurance company or with the defendant or even prior to meeting a personal injury lawyer. 

Even if you haven’t dealt with calculating damages after an accident before, you have the opportunity to enter a discussion informed about what should be covered by the insurance company or by the party at fault.

The role of the personal injury calculator is purely an informative one and does not substitute the experience of a personal injury lawyer who will know how to approximate with more accuracy the true worth of your case.

Including all of the proper expenses

The settlement for a personal injury accident will most often include two different categories of compensations. The ones that refer strictly to economic losses and can be easily quantified are the special damages and there are those offered for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, the general damages.

Special damages will include the compensation for medical bills, lost wages during hospitalization, property damage as well as future medical bills and future lost wages and economic opportunities, as best as they can be predicted. General damages will include those for physical pain and suffering, physical impairment and loss of companionship and/or quality of life.

The personal injury calculator helps you add up the special damages. There are five distinct categories and users are advised to fill in each category as accurately as they can. For this purpose, it is advisable to consult with your treating physician in order to estimate the value of the future medical care and even with a car repair shop to calculate the value of autovehicle damage, in vehicle accident cases. Being able to estimate each amount as accurately as possible will allow you to make a realistic prediction of the settlement and you will thus be able to adjust that amount to allow for a negotiation advantage.

Using a personal injury calculator is only a first step and seeking professional legal aid for negotiation and filing a personal injury claim is always advisable.

Did you know that almost 40% of adults over 65 report living with at least one disability? The most common disability among seniors is mobility problems, whether it’s climbing stairs or simply walking.
​Additional mobility warning signs may include:

• Difficulty standing for more than 10 minutes at a time
• Fatigue when walking short distances
• Experiencing frequent falls
• Feeling dizzy and losing balance
• Trouble navigating stairs
• Leg/foot pain, weakness, or numbness

If any of those ring true for you, you may want to talk to your doctor about using a supportive mobility aid (if you haven’t already). From canes to walkers, knee scooters, forearm crutches, manual and motorized wheelchairs, mobility aids had made great strides in the past decades in both engineering and design.

Rather than serving as a “crutch” on which you must rely to get around, mobility aids are instead meant to serve as a supportive device with empowers you to keep moving, keep exercising, and keep getting out of the house. One of the most dangerous consequences of mobility problems isn’t just your increased risk for injury if you don’t have proper support, but you’re potential social isolation and ensuing inactivity that can rapidly degrade your physical and emotional health.

If you have gotten your hands on a top-notch mobility aid to strengthen your movements and keep you active, don’t miss these 5 fun ideas for upgrading it with helpful accessories and style:

Wheelchair Bags - make sure you have everything you need with handy, portable bags and pockets that strap right onto the back or side of your wheelchair or walker. Keep personal items like your keys and phone with you at all times, and even carry around your reusable water bottle or the morning paper.

Cushions - if your wheelchair or walker is lacking in the comfort department, it might be time to upgrade to a better seat cushion. Professional-grade memory foam and gel materials have taken wheelchair cushions to the next level, offering better weight distribution to combat pressure ulcers, better alignment for your hips and spine, and more cushioning for long bouts of sitting.

Lighting - did you know you can add utility lighting to most mobility aids? Affix specially-designed mounted lighting to a cane, walker, or wheelchair and improve your own visibility (and safety) especially at night without having to hold a flashlight or your smartphone while also maneuvering your mobility aid. 

Eating tray - looking for easier ways to eat meals? Oftentimes scooting right up to the table in a wheelchair can be difficult depending on the legs and height of the table. Portable tray tables can attach to a variety of mobility aids including wheelchairs and walkers, offering seniors better access to eating their meals with ease no matter where they are. 

Flare - if mobility issues have you feeling less confident, give your mood a boost by adding some flare and style to your mobility aid. Light-ups casters that fit over your wheelchair or walker wheels add color and light when you’re on the move, and even a fun paint job or colorful tassel or tip for your cane could be a form of self-expression.

In addition to these five fun ideas, don’t forget about:

• Cup holders
• Umbrella holders
• Custom-designed cushion covers
• Grade-aids for wheelchair locks
• Extra-large brake grips

You can find a variety of mobility aid accessories online, in your local big box store, or at your local pharmacy. 

Retiring can be socially isolating. Not only does it mean that you no longer interact with your coworkers on a daily basis, but you may not be able to get together with friends and family members who are still working. You need to make a plan to make new friends and have new adventures.
​
Today’s seniors are living longer, are better educated and more physically active than past generations. They have more time and more options to stay socially active as they age. Some common ways older people engage socially are going to museums and the theater, participating in activities at a senior center or joining a card club. But, there are more ways to connect with others, too. Think outside the box to stay young and engaged. Try these ideas.

​Consider taking a community or university class to meet other people with similar interests. Pick subjects that you’ve always wanted to learn more about, such as biology, political science, history, psychology or foreign languages. Or take a class that can help you learn a new hobby or skill, such as photography, scrapbooking art or carpentry. Keep up with advances in technology by enrolling in computer or technology classes. Some universities have classes designed for seniors without tests or credits and may be offered for free. Check if a college near you offers this perk. 

​Some people start a second career or pick up new skills on the job. Try something new like becoming an Uber/Lyft driver or go back to school or launch a new business or foundation. 

​Get involved in special clubs with events like recreational vehicle groups, quilting clubs, fishing groups, religious study groups, travel groups, society or book clubs. Whether it’s a passion you’ve had your whole life or a newfound interest you want to try, exploring a hobby with a group can expose you to new ideas and adventures. 

​Volunteer your time at schools, churches, libraries, non-profit organizations and community centers. Find something you are passionate about. It is a great way to get together socially with others who have interests similar to yours and help those in need. It also gives purpose to life.

It’s important to stay physically active as you age. Check out groups that provide both physical and social activities, such as dance, yoga, charity walks, biking groups, swimming, golf, pickle ball or lawn bowling. You could even become a referee for your favorite sport.
​
Some activities are open to all age groups, while others are for seniors only. Silver Sneakers is a program designed to keep adults 65 years and older healthy and moving. The program includes 13,000 participating facilities, such as YMCAs, across the U.S. It offers access to exclusive fitness classes, meetups and even Medicare health plans. As a member, you can attend any participating gyms at any time. 
Opportunities abound. It may take a step out of your comfort zone to try something new, but you won’t regret taking the leap. 

Being in college can take a toll on your social life and also your health. If you are in your studies and want to focus on making good grades, a lot of time will probably be devoted to it. Searching “do my coursework online” in a last minute can help you free up that time you need to focus on your health and making healthy choices that places your urgent needs at the forefront of your necessities. Keep in mind that you may get papers within 24 hours.

Focusing on what’s important today might mean cutting down the hours you may need for coursework and having it ordered and delivered in a quick manner. The truth is, if you're down-spiraling, you can be on a fast, slippery slope to bad health. However, with these five health tips, you can learn what to do to keep you on track with not only your grades but your health.

Here are three health tips for students.

​We know that coffee might be the one thing that may be keeping you going, however, it is not the healthiest for you. Drinking these sugary drinks and caffeine might keep you awake to do your schoolwork in the short run, but a crash and long-term negative health effects can come into play here.

​We also know that spring break and getting tan is all the rage but save yourself the heartbreak later on in life. This doesn't mean that you should stay inside all your days and get low on your vitamin D levels. A healthy glow can make all the difference in the world, biologically and mentally, however, focus on that word in particular: healthy. You can still get that healthy glow with sunscreen and avoid skin cancer in the long run.

​You don't have to be a division one collegiate athlete or even join an intramural sports league, however, getting in exercise on a regular basis is a foundation for health that just cannot be avoided. Keeping your body in shape and healthy by walking or biking to your classes can be a simple addition to your schedule and an easy adjustment to your day-to-day life that can improve your overall health.

We know that being in college can be a stressful and busy adventure in your life. However, when done correctly, it can be the most memorable and enjoyable experience. Since it is easy to get caught up in your social life and schoolwork, you still have to remember to get the most out of your health too and keep yourself at your fittest.

We hope that these three easy tips can help get you on the right track to getting healthy. Even if you have to do your coursework, getting a little help online can free your time up, even more, to be able to focus on what truly matters.

​Choosing a care home for you, or for a loved one, can be a daunting experience if you don’t know where to begin. Whether searching for care homes in London, up north, or anywhere in between, the decision is an important one regardless, and getting this right is vital for ensuring comfort in later years. The question remains, however - how do you go about doing just that? We’ve pulled together this simple guide to help you through the decision-making process, so you can ensure that you or your loved one is comfortable in their new home.

There are a number of different types of care on offer in homes around the country, and understanding which is needed is the first step to knowing where to begin your search. These are as follows:

• Residential Care – This is ideal for those that need around-the-clock care. It’s possible to retain independence here while receiving any support that may be needed with day-to-day activities.
• Nursing Care – Residential care often comes with nursing, but some will have a nurse onsite 24/7. This is ideal for those with medical conditions or with physical disabilities.
• Dementia Care – While most care homes will now offer dementia care as standard, some may specialise in the care, treatments and personal needs of those with Dementia.
• Respite Or Short-Stay – If the primary carer is away, or if you or your loved one is recovering from an illness where specialist care is required, a short-stay care home may be ideal.
• Intermediate Care – This is an alternative to a hospital stay, usually following surgery, a fall, or while recovering after illness. Intermediate care can either be provided within a care home, or in your own home.
• Specialist Care – Care homes will often have specialist areas, so if you or your loved one is in need of a specific type of care, then it’s important to research what help and specialist care may be available.
• Palliative/End-Of-Life Care – Palliative care is carefully designed to provide support and care for those who are usually within 12 months of death. This kind of care aims to ensure individuals are comfortable by managing pain and distress where possible. They will also offer support to family members and carers.

​While it’s not impossible to find a care home that has it all, determining your priorities from the offset can make your search much simpler. Some individuals need to stay locally to family or friends, others might need to give up locality in order to receive the best care for a certain condition or illness, and others may want something small and cosy. Deciding on the priorities can help you whittle down the hundreds of care homes across the country to just those with exactly what you need.

​When you begin to research, it’s important not to settle on one care home and one care home only. Make a shortlist of some of your top choices, and then list out what each one has on offer. When researching a number of homes, you can easily forget good and bad points, so making a shortlist and then expanding on why you should and shouldn’t choose each one can clear your mind and make the decision-making process much easier. Work out the costs, what you can afford, what they have on offer and what could potentially cause an issue in the future – all of this will play a huge part in your later years, so making a careful decision is paramount.

The final thing you should do is visit your shortlisted homes. While you may have picked one out that is perfect on paper, you may visit and find that it isn’t at all how you pictured and that you aren’t comfortable there at all. Similarly, a care home that may not appear to have much on offer could actually prove to be much more comfortable and viable to live in. 
Only you or your loved one will truly know what it is you need from your care home, but hopefully with our simple guide you have a good starting point to get you going. Most importantly, it’s vital to remember that a good care home will do exactly what the title suggests – care. It’s just up to you to decide which one suits your needs more. 

​After retirement, there are number of considerations which you must keep in mind when it comes to your home. As you age, manoeuvring around can become difficult, whether you’re losing your balance, or your joints begin to cease up to make climbing stairs more challenging. In order to ensure that you remain healthy in your home, there are a few different points that you may want to think about which you may not have considered before. Here, we’re taking a look at how you can adapt your home in order to remain as healthy as possible. 

​One of the areas in the home that many people forget about as they begin to age is their garden. Ensuring that your garden is completely manageable when your mobility becomes reduced, or you’re simply not as able to carry out as much gardening as you may have once been able to, is important. Making sure you have a comfortable area to sit down in if you become tired of walking around your outdoor area is also important. There are plenty of aesthetic options to choose from, from teak benches to garden furniture sets. With outdoor benches, little maintenance is required, so you can enjoy the sunshine in the summer months, and feed the birds in the spring, in comfort. Having a comfortable resting place is always important, and can be key to maintaining good health particularly if you enjoy being outside. 

There are numerous adaptations which you can implement in your home to ensure you remain as healthy as possible as you age. From transforming your bathroom into a wet room so you no longer have to climb into the bath, to adapting your bedroom to have it on the ground floor so you don’t have to keep walking up the stairs, there’s plenty to consider. However, ensuring your health is optimum is particularly important, and protecting your home from adverse conditions such as damp and mould can ensure that you remain healthy. Hiring damp proofing specialists London can allow you to spot any potential problems, before they cause irreparable damage in your home. Damp can lead to numerous health problems, which can be particular dangerous for young children but also for the elderly. Ensuring that your home is completely protected, and adapting your home appropriately is extremely important. 

Once you’ve carried out any renovation work in your home, and adapted your garden to suit your requirements, you may want to consider investing in different types of technology and equipment which can help to make home tasks much easier. If you need help simply accessing your home, you may want to consider installing outdoor lights so you can see where you are going much more easily. Alternatively, you may want to consider a ramp or handrails to provide you with better access to the front door. 

If, however, you need help moving around the home, then second banisters, or newel rails can help you to better manoeuvre the stairs. In the kitchen, a kettle kipper, one handed chopping board, or board with a clamp to help secure any tins as you are opening them are all small investments which can help to make simple home tasks much easier for you. 
​
There are many different ways in which you can adapt your home as you age, some more drastic than others. Ensuring that your home meets your requirements can help to maintain your independence and ultimately ensure that you are as comfortable as possible, for as long as possible. 

There are many wonderful benefits of practicing meditation in general. However, there are five really great benefits of meditation for boomers and retirees. They are:

1. Increased Health and Wellness. Meditation has been scientifically proven to help decrease heart rate, stress and inflammation while increasing immunity, mood and emotional stability. In fact, Dr. Michael Irwin, the head of psychoneuroimmunology at UCLA found that breast cancer survivors partaking in a certain type of meditation experienced significant down-regulation of the genes that lead to inflammation, and up-regulation of the genes that help protect the body from viral infections. According to Dr. Irwin’s research, the lower the body’s inflammation levels were, the lower the risk for cancer recurrence was in his female test subjects. 
2. Refashioning Neural Pathways. We sometimes forget how much power we have as human beings to control the thoughts that shape our everyday realities. According to recent neuroscientific findings, certain types of meditation have been shown to actively rewire the brain’s neuroplastic networking. “Neuroplasticity” refers to how our brains decode incoming stimuli to conform to our expectations for how reality looks and functions. Rewiring our neural pathways can help boost mental awareness and foster a more empowered, positive outlook on life. This can not only lead to increased cognitive awareness, but also an appreciation for many little things in life we might have taken for granted for most of our lives up until now.
3. Learning to Live in the Moment. Many people spend their entire lives working toward something, but not necessarily appreciating the moments they spend doing said work. As we age, we see more and more people who have worked so hard for what they have lose the ability to enjoy what they have earned for one reason or another. Certain types of meditation can help block out external influences that keep people focused on the future, in order to help them fall totally in the love with the present moment(s) they are given instead. 
4. Projecting Our Thoughts into Reality. Certain types of meditation can directly affect physical reality outside of one’s own head…. Seriously! In numerous clinical trials, Stanford Physicist William Tiller’s test subjects altered the electromagnetic frequencies of electrical devices they were not in the same room as, nor in any direct contact with at any point. This means their minds were able to physically affect matter outside of their own heads. Think about the implications of being able to project thoughts into conscious reality, and then realize how much power we actually have to control the realities outside of our own heads in kind.
5. Meditation Helps Increase Global Cultural Awareness. We live in a world that grows smaller and more intimate everyday. This is a trend that will only increase as technology keeps bringing people closer together. People who choose to open their minds and hearts to other cultures, ethnicities, religions and social backgrounds are better positioning themselves for happiness and harmony inside, as well as with their human neighbors near and far alike. In fact, a clinically validated experiment in Washington D.C. during the summer of 1993 demonstrated that those who partake in certain types of meditation can positively affect their human brethren by the thought intentions they emit where the reduction of social strife is concerned.

​There are many different types of meditation. The only way to know which type of meditation is right for you is to try different types until you find the one you feel works best. There are many organizations and groups that instruct people just like you in meditation techniques. 

One of these organizations is The Human Radio Educational Research Project. The Human Radio is dedicated to helping its students work on their own evolutionary development through a proprietary, deliberately scaffolded visualization meditation curriculum. This organization works with folks of all cultural, religious, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds promoting human empowerment and compassion both inside of one’s self, as well as with one’s human brothers and sisters near and far alike. They rely on donations and the money they bring in from their services to sustain their global presence. You can learn more about The Human Radio by clicking here. You can also try out their introductory visualization meditation exercise in the comfort and privacy of your home on their website, or on YouTube by clicking here. 

No matter what person or organization you choose to help you learn meditation, or what type of meditation you find works best to enhance and enrich your life, the mounting body of scientific evidence only keeps bolstering what many people have intuitively known for thousands of years…. that we are all the masters of our own destinies. People who choose to take the reins of their own destinies with the help of meditation are facilitating their own holistic health and happiness above and below, inside and out alike.

​Whether because of a temporary injury, a side effect of an illness, or simply a consequence of aging, many seniors may need to spend a lengthy period of time lying down in a bed. Naturally, anyone would prefer their own house rather than the impersonal atmosphere of a hospital, but this location comes with its own set of unique challenges. If you find a loved one or friend in this position, don’t miss the follow tips for improving their quality of life:

​Spice up your loved one’s room up with beautiful decorations and stimulating imagery to combat boredom and feelings of depression. Display funny posters or photos specifically chosen by your bed-limited patient (think animals, hobbies, family etc), and rotate these pictures regularly. Even more importantly, ensure the room gets as much natural light as possible, and open a window every day if possible.

Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by plants and flowers? By inviting the fresh scent of nature into the room, the four surrounding walls will feel much less claustrophobic, and you can even encourage a bit of indoor gardening! Research has even shown that viewing roses inside a room can improve comfort levels and induce relaxation.

​Inactivity and boredom may wreak havoc on your loved one’s mind. In addition to a TV, you can help combat this with puzzles, books, music, or DVDs. Also consider purchasing a tablet device, which will allow your bed-limited friend to play video games, listen to audiobooks, or surf the web during this monotonous downtime. 

​In the same breath as diverting their attention out of their heads, it would be even more beneficial to encourage the patient to use this bed as a space of creativity, which will help them feel more useful in this frustrating break. Example suggestions include: catching up on writing letters, making a photo album, learning a new language, learning an instrument, knitting, researching a topic they’ve always found fascinating, or perhaps becoming an origami expert.

There are various products you can invest in to make everyone’s life easier. A multi-tasking bed tray can help mealtimes move faster and provide an accessible surface for books or laptops. Extra absorbent underwear or a waterproof bed pad can keep the mattress dry and free of odors. A bed pan is also essential for those who can’t make it to the bathroom, and installing a bed rail will grant certain patients the option to sit up on their own, if applicable. 

​This point seems obvious but always speak to the patient’s doctor for nutritional advice first, as certain foods can interfere with some medications. Beyond that, talk to your bed buddy about what they feel like eating, and as long as it’s reasonably healthy, treat them from time to time. Keep a record of every meal, discuss any curious patterns with a professional, and don’t forget the hydration! 

​A clean body is a happy body, whilst minimizing the risk of any germs running rampant. Give the patient a good sponging every day using a no-rinse body wash, and change their clothing to keep them fresh and odorless. Brush their teeth as often as you brush yours, trim their fingernails and toenails to stop accidental scratchings or ingrown nail infections, and keep their hair/beard tidy for that warm finishing touch. 

​If the buttocks, legs, or thighs spend too long pressed up against the same surface areas, tissue can break down and form painful ulcers. These are very dangerous, so prevent them by carefully repositioning the patient's body every few hours, whilst checking for any developing sores as you do so, and contacting the appropriate care team members if you do find any.

​You should be replacing the bedding every 2 - 3 days. This will not only reduce the chance of infection but will also keep the bed smelling nice as a happy place to rest a head. Don’t forget to regularly ask your loved one if the linen is soft enough for them, and ensure that they feel warm throughout the night.

​Finally, it is important to remember that everyone needs human contact, which is why you frequent visits or phone conversations are important. Keep topics focused on happy matters whilst inviting friends and family over whenever they get a chance. This is also another reason why you should fill the room with interesting items, as these will allow for easy conversation starters regardless of who has come around.

Even with the life settlement industry growing steadily, with a market value of billions of dollars, several myths about it and life settlements in general persist. These two myths are the “it’s not worth it” myth and the “it’s not safe, you’ll get ripped off” myth.

More specifically, these myths can be true in some life settlement engagements and situations, but painting the whole life settlement industry with such a brush and dismissing life settlements as a possibility means that you might be leaving a lot of money on the table. Life settlements can be a lucrative source of immediate cash for retirement and just as safe as when dealing with established financial institutions – there are just a few things you need to remember and take into account when considering selling your life insurance policy.

First of all, due to their relative obscurity, financial advisors still tend to think of life settlements as something not worth exploring. That is if those financial advisors are familiar with life settlements at all. They may be dismissive of the idea, saying that it has nothing to offer that “simpler,” more “reliable” financial deals don’t have. These are misinformed opinions which can keep you from making a large amount of money from the sale of your unneeded or unwanted life insurance policy. Every year, more than $100 billion in life insurance face value lapses because policy owners don’t know that they can sell their policies, or are talked out of it by well‐meaning people who don’t know any better. On average, according to the Life Insurance Settlement Association (LISA), policyholders receive from four to seven times more through a life settlement than the amount offered by their insurance companies as the cash surrender value of their policy. That means that more than $100 billion is being forfeited to insurance companies every year. Life insurance is an asset like any other that can be liquidated and put to better use to improve the life of the policyholder immediately.

That is the key takeaway when weigh ng up whether selling your life insurance policy is right for you – doing your research and comparing offers before you decide to go forward is critically important to get a good deal.

The second misconception about the life settlement industry is that it is unsafe and unregulated. This is a holdover from the early days of the viatical and life settlement industries when regulations were indeed laxer, and unethical brokers took advantage of desperate people to make money for themselves. Nowadays, however, the industry is highly regulated in almost all US states and is represented by national and international associations of those involved that strive to educate and self‐regulate. Out of the 50 US states, life settlements are regulated in 42 of them as well as in Puerto Rico. This provides more than 90% of the US population with judicial protection when dealing with life settlements.

Of course, precautions should be taken to ensure as smooth a transaction as possible. Different people have different worries about life settlements. Some are worried about their personal information, such as medical records, being shared or sold by the life expectancy underwriters or buyers of the policy to other third parties. Others are concerned about receiving the money, or hidden brokerage fees.

For all of these concerns, the answer is the same: do your due diligence and defend your interests. This means discussing with a broker and potential buyer of your life insurance policy who will have access to your medical records. It means making sure that the full payment amount is placed in escrow before the transfer of the policy to the new owner. It means making sure that the broker you use lays out all their fees or the commission they take on a successful deal. And it means getting all of the above‐mentioned things in writing. Once you have the documents and contracts drawn up, you will be protected by laws both general and industry‐specific. The main thing to worry about is negotiating as good a deal as possible for yourself, as the “Wild West” days of the industry are over.

​In conclusion, life settlements often are – for the seniors who know about and take advantage of them – lucrative financial engagements that take place within an industry that is highly regulated in the overwhelming majority of the United States. Dismissing them out of hand as bad deals taking place in a shady industry is an attitude better left out of the analysis of your financial situation and what you can do to improve it. When done right, life settlements can be a great way to liquidate a life insurance policy you don’t need or want anymore and receive a handsome sum of cash in return – cash that you can use to boost your quality of life, pay off debts, or fund other assets. 

​When considering travel to distant places, it’s helpful to plan excursions and attractions you’d
like to see in advance.  
 
The Hawaiian island of Maui has a plethora of tours and attractions ranging from extreme
outdoor activities that test endurance to tamer things like exploring Hawaii’s rich history and
culture.  
 
This makes Maui the perfect destination for seniors because if offers activities which appeal to
varying abilities and interests; all which take place against Maui’s gorgeous island backdrop.

Snorkeling is a popular activity which requires minimal skill.  No worries if you’ve never tried it
before.  Tours are abundant and include gear rental as well as transportation to excellent
snorkeling sites.

Beginners can rest assured that tour boat captains are experienced in making sure first timers
have a safe experience. 

Snorkel masks are worth mentioning here. With the advent of full face snorkeling masks,
snorkelers no longer have to be concerned with pesky water entering their snorkels- a great
feature, especially for beginners.

Being surrounded by water you would expect Maui to be a fishermans paradise and your would be correct! You can arrange a deep sea charter where you will catch the big game fish.

But if your looking for a more personal and quiet experience, get a guided tour in a kayak so you can find the best spots. If you are the type of person who likes to do it on your own, there are plenty of places to rent or buy angler kayaks. You can also rent or buy a good quality spinning reel and tackle to have you catching some trophy sized fish!

​Helicopter tours are truly a one-of-a-kind way to experience the beauty of Maui.  In fact, there’s simply no better to way to appreciate the multitude of its unique geographic formations.   

Expect a narrated adventure from your helicopter pilot-guide.  Not only will you enjoy taking in the view, you will gain a richer perspective of area’s geology, history, and culture.  

Some areas worthy of touring include: Molokai, which boasts the highest cliff in the world, at a height of over 4,000 feet; the Honokohau Falls, the tallest waterfall on the island; the lava rainforest of Iao Valley State Park; Elephant Rock, an islet that resembles its namesake from an aerial view; and a dormant volcano located in Haleakala National Park.  

​Ziplining may be the most effortless activity you can enjoy while in Maui; but don’t confuse effortlessness with boring.  Ziplining is a thrilling experience where you’re transported between a series of platforms on a course made of cable.  

These platforms are located at a decent height which allows the rider to zip from one to another, while at the same time, taking in amazing views from above. 

As activities, paddleboarding and kayaking are gentle on the ecosystem and on the body.  They allow the paddler to take in the beauty of the ocean while leaving no harm to the environment.

Paddleboarding has become an increasingly popular sport.  As a low-impact activity, almost anyone can partake in it. Standing atop a paddleboard, the rider has a unique vantage point.  As you skim across the ocean’s surface, peer down to catch a glimpse of the varied sea life below. If you have never tried it, this guide will help you get started.
 
Kayaking can be done solo or in tandem (sharing a boat with another paddler) and just about anyone can maneuver a kayak.  The kayaker’s position right atop the water allows for getting close and personal with Maui’s underwater world. 

Whether you prefer venturing out on your own or prefer a tour by a knowledgeable guide, exploring the area on kayak or paddleboard is one of the most serene ways to enjoy caves, craggy coastlines, and native marine life.    

Seeing Maui by bike is a no-brainer.  Rentals are affordable and biking allows you to enjoy the island’s diverse terrain. Trails abound for riders of all skill-level.

Tour operators offer down-hill rides in the Haleakala National Park.   

Those interested in archaeology will enjoy the Olowalu Petroglyphs Trail.  Along this trail you will see around 70 petroglyphs that are about 300 years old.  These are just a couple of bike riding options on Maui.

Hiking is another activity available to those of all levels of physical ability.  

For a leisurely hike, check out Kuloa Point Trail.  At a short 0.6 miles, this trail leads to the Oheo Gulch and the Seven Sacred Pools, which are a series of cascading waterfalls and plunge pools.  

Located in West Maui, the Waihee Ridge Hiking Trail is a four mile trail considered moderately difficult.  It offers dramatic scenery including vistas of the valley and plentiful waterfalls.  Hikers will enjoy cooler temperatures on this trail. 

​If you’d rather seen Hawaii’s spectacular marine life without getting wet, consider the Maui Ocean Center. The Maui Ocean Center boasts the largest collection of living Pacific corals in the world. Featuring over 60 exhibits and a culture and native plant guided walk, the Center is dedicated to sustainable tourism and does its part by educating the public about Hawaii’s unique sea fauna. 

Discover an authentic cultural presentation of music and dance while dining on local, traditional cuisine at the Old Lahaina Luau. Enjoy an authentic luau experience set against a stunning ocean sunset view, and a performance that showcases the rich  culture and history of Hawaii.  

If you’re in the mood for a serene experience, consider checking out the Lahaina Jodo Mission.  This Buddhist Cultural Park is located in Lahaina, Hawaii.  Housing a large figure of the Buddha and several pagodas, this peaceful park is a perfect getaway from the usual tourist attractions.  

Another worthy sight is the Old Lahaina Courthouse.  It’s a compact, informative museum highlighting the history of Maui, and it’s free of charge to visitors!   This little gem includes a small jail and relevant artifacts.  

We hope our guide is helpful in planning your trip to Maui.  With its natural beauty and plentiful options for activities and sightseeing, this paradise on earth is sure to please the most discriminating traveler.

Are you a person with a small monthly income? Are you a person with a fixed monthly income? You must be with a twisted financial problem. In this context, you definitely need some fast loans but if your credit history is not very good, borrowing on the bank is the last option you want.

Fortunately, now is the Internet era where you can search for anything (not just information) from the Internet. You can search for your loan (instantly) from the Internet and I am sure, No Guarantor Loans is what you need.

In fact or in general, there are still many people who do not understand about this type and if you are one of them, this article is a lifesaver for you! Of course each lending procedure has its own rules and as with the bank, No Guarantor Loans also require some requirements. The difference is you do not have to have a credit reputation special and as the name implies, you do not need a guarantee. You must be sure of the following conditions: 

You must be confident with your financial requirements

You must determine your financial position, at least for one semester in the future. This is a prerequisite to run your finances in accordance with what you expect. This will also be asked by the lender because they can really be guaranteed you seriously and will be responsible for the money you borrow.

You still have to have a certain financial feasibility

You can't be a "bum" and get the loan. You must meet certain requirements. Suppose you have to live in the UK and have a clear and legitimate source of income. If you are involved in illegal activities then you will not be able to approve. Your credit history may be reviewed which is not the only consideration but a strong sign of you as a borrower (so far).

Fill out an online application form

Of course you need to fill out a form but you do not have to worry because you will not be asked to fill in the "complicated columns" like you usually do when you're full. You must have an internet connection, of course! Fill in accordance with what you have in yourself. Do not lie and do not falsify anything.

A way to fix your credit history

For most people, applying for No Guarantor Loans is the best way to improve their credit history. By acquiring the loans, they can start from scratch; the money they need and show them able to take responsibility for what they borrow.

From this article you can address the important points about No Guarantor Loans and also their effect on your credit in general. The sooner you can get better quickly. Responsible financial activities will indirectly change your financial condition in a better direction. One thing you need to remember, borrow only from reputable online lenders. Good luck and get your money!

Regular exercise is just as -- if not more -- important for seniors as it is for younger people. 

However, many seniors don’t get anywhere near the amount of exercise that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend (150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per week plus at least two days of strength training).

If you’re struggling to find the right exercise program, you ought to consider yoga. Yoga is a great compliment to other forms of exercise, and it also provides the following health benefits for seniors. 

Falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors. One in four seniors falls each year, and one dies from fall-related injuries every 19 minutes. 

To decrease your risk of falls and the injuries that can accompany them, it’s important to work on your balance. Yoga is a great option to do this in a safe group environment. 

You can even look for yoga classes that are specifically designed for seniors. 

These classes often include props like chairs for extra support, and they typically move slower than traditional classes, so you’ll have the time you need to get situated in a pose before you have to transition to the next one.

Whether you suffer from arthritis-related pain or are in need of plantar fasciitis treatment, yoga can help. 

The movements practiced in yoga help to lubricate the joints, which improves mobility and flexibility. The more mobile you are, the less pain you’ll experience in your joints and muscles as you go about your day. 

Yoga can also improve your posture and make standing up straight much easier.

Yoga is considered a weight-bearing exercise, meaning that it requires you to stand on your feet (at least some of the time). When you’re standing, your bones and muscles have to work together to fight gravity and keep you standing upright. 

Exercises like walking, jogging, and playing tennis are also weight-bearing exercises. However, they can be too intense for some people, especially those who haven’t exercised in a long time. 

Yoga is a great option for seniors who want to strengthen their muscles and bones in a low-impact way while also preventing fractures and conditions like osteoporosis. 

Weight-bearing exercises like yoga also help seniors manage their weight. This is a crucial step in preventing a number of conditions, including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis.  

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is known to contribute to heart disease and kidney disease. 

To combat the oxidative stress that causes high blood pressure, seniors can practice yoga regularly. 

Recent studies show that the calming aspects of a regular yoga practice can fight this stress by helping seniors strengthen their antioxidant defenses.

In addition to all the physical benefits of yoga, it also comes with a number of mental benefits that can’t be ignored. 

Yoga encourages mindfulness and naturally lowers the body’s fight-or-flight response, making it a useful tool for preventing anxiety. 

The calm, restorative nature of yoga -- coupled with the supportive classroom environment -- can also help ward off feelings of depression, something many seniors experience as they age.

Yoga is a great exercise option for seniors who want to feel better both physically and mentally. Check out a class near you today to start reaping all the benefits yoga has to offer.

​According to the most recent statistical data available for the 2016 calendar year, over 85% of folks aged 50 - 64 and 65% of folks over 65 are regular internet users. With the constant push toward online banking, shopping and social communication, the amount of boomers and retirees will only continue to grow in the coming years.

If you have a hobby, skill, or any kind of product or service you want offer for the benefit of other people, then owning a website in retirement can help build a solid bridge between you and your desired audience. Specifically, owning a website in retirement can provide the following benefits:

1. A website provides you with a dedicated, professional showcase to advertise and offer your ideas, expertise and/or goods and services for sale
2. Building off of #1, a website gives you the potential to increase your retirement income to supplement your living expenses and enjoy life even more
3. A website can even help create a healthy emotional bond between you and your visitors, especially when dealing with personal subjects and ideas

There are three main types of websites that are common on the Internet today:

1. Personal. A personal website is simple. It usually has an introduction (or home) page, a biography page, a contact page, and a blog article section. A blog is very similar to a journal, in which you can post articles detailing your life experiences, ideas, skills, expertise, or anecdotal stories that can help add value to other people's’ lives.
2. Business. A business website is more in-depth than a personal website. It usually has all of the components of a personal website, but also has one or more pages to outline/detail the goods and/or services your business offers. The blog article section on a business website usually has articles on specific goods, services or anecdotal information demonstrating your industry expertise.
3. E-Commerce. An e-commerce website generally involves all of the components of a business website, but it adds a dedicated section where you can list individual goods or services for sale. Most e-commerce websites also have some sort of checkout function that includes a way for customers to pay for your offerings directly through the website (either through a platform like PayPal, or a credit card processing company).

The kind of website that is appropriate for you depends entirely on you individual reason(s) for having a website. What is more, choosing a website development platform that allows you to change or expand your online exposure/presence as your desires or needs change ensures your website can always be expanded or customized to grow as you do. 

A website development platform is the software program you choose to either build your website yourself on, or to have a professional construct your website for you on. ​

• Some platforms are very limited. This means if you decide to start with a simple, personal or business website you will not be able to add an e-commerce section to it without building a new website that is e-commerce capable. 
• Other platforms are very expandable, meaning you can start with a simple personal or business website and add many different customizable features as your online presence and/or personal desires grow. 

It is very important to make sure you choose a website development platform that has the capability to grow with you, so that you never need to change platforms because doing so can take time and money you would not need to spend with a bit of foresight and planning.

Besides building a website, you should consider the following things in order to construct your safe, professional online presence:

1. URL Domain Privacy Registration. In order to have a website, you first need to purchase a domain name. A domain name is what a customer types into a search engine like Google to be taken to your website, like www.joepublicswebsite.com. When you purchase a domain name, your personal information is automatically registered in WHOIS, an international database of domain name owners. However, many companies like Google allow you to add privacy registration. This means that your name and personal information remains private with a Google based address and contact information put in its place. This is totally legal, and strongly recommended. 
2. A Reliable Website Hosting Company. Just like a URL, every website requires a host. The host is the connection point between the development software and becoming a live site on the world wide web. It is important to choose a website hosting company that provides its clients with personalized customer service, and is not so large that it treats its customers like ID numbers instead of individuals. It is also important to make sure its pricing is straightforward, and its service does not experience periodic maintenance that causes the websites it hosts to go offline at inopportune times. 
3. A Professional Email Address. This uses your domain name in the address instead of Gmail, Yahoo mail or another free personal account. For example, a professional website would be something like “joepublic@joepublicswebsite.com.” This allows you to have a public email address that is seperate from the personal address you use with family and friends. For businesses, it is also a way to present yourself as a professional, which can help your visitors feel comfortable trusting you.
4. A VOIP Phone Number. If you plan to provide your website visitors a way to reach you by telephone, a VOIP phone number allows you to have a dedicated phone number that is separate from your personal one. Many VOIP numbers even allow you to download an application on your smartphone to make and receive calls through that number than you give your family and friends. This turns your smartphone into a two-line phone without having to purchase two seperate phones to conduct personal and professional business. This also helps protect your privacy by allowing you to have a dedicated, professional voicemail message to help your visitors feel comfortable trusting your business experience and acumen. 

​It is important to understand that just having a website is not a guarantee for online success personally or professionally speaking. After all, there are over 1 billion websites on the internet today. Therefore, you should make sure that your website looks professional and functions flawlessly if you want visitors to be impressed with the presentation of your idea, goods or services versus the many other websites they might choose to visit instead. 

1. Self built websites are usually the lesser expensive option, but they can tend to become overwhelming to some folks who are not computer savvy, or do not have previous web design and build experience
2. Professionally designed websites can cost more to create, but can lay a solid foundation for you to grow online from because you are trusting a team of professionals who design successful websites for a living.

Additionally, a professionally designed website can provide you with specific features like search engine optimization.

• Search engine optimization involves structuring a website for Google to be able to scan, index and recommend the most efficiently and effectively. This includes using keywords that potential visitors search for in Google, Yahoo and other major search engines when searching online for the goods, services or ideas you offer on your website. 

It is important to keep in mind that today, just about every business, and many private citizens, have a website or at least an online presence of some sort. This makes websites as common as listings in the White or Yellow Pages phone books used to be. This is why it is extremely important to trust a professional with creating a new, or reformulating an existing website. 

A professional website developer who is versed in design and search engine optimization can build you a visually appealing, psychologically appropriate, emotionally engaging, and fundamentally solid website separating you from other websites and/or businesses in less time, and with less hassle, than you could build a website yourself. This combination of factors significantly increases your chances for sustained, prominent online success. 

seOdona offers professional website development services to a diverse array of people of all ages, professional backgrounds and general walks-of-life. Although seOdona began in Arizona, their dedicated team now operates satellite locations in Southern California and Washington State that allows their team to serving clients throughout the United States. 

The seOdona team specializes in designing elegant, intelligent and engaging websites that are organically search engine optimized to help clients achieve a prominent online presence personally or professionally. With very fair fees for their expertise and services, as well as a straightforward pricing policy, seOdona believes in educating and empowering its clients while positioning them for long-term online success. 

The seOdona team welcomes you to visit their beautiful, informative website by clicking here, and to contact them if you would to discuss your ideas and visions…. as well as set up a free, no-obligation consultation to help you decide if they are the right professional website development company for you! 

When you retire, it might be time to think about places you’re going to want to visit. Some people enjoy taking extended vacations or a long overdue sea cruise. Others have plans to move away and start a whole new life after retirement. With everything from different countries to different states, you can make the choice to retire somewhere beautiful a reality. If you’re thinking about moving to a new area after retirement, you not only need to consider your options for cities, states or countries to retire to, but you also need to plan on how you will have everything shipped to your new home.  

​Shipping personal property as well as a motor vehicle within the United States can easily be handled with a phone call and a discussion with an agent to handle the move for you. You can go about this in a few ways. You can hire a moving company to come in and pack everything and get it loaded onto a moving truck and delivered to the new home or you can pack things on your own and either rent a moving truck to drive on your own or hire a company to load and deliver everything after you pack it all up.

Before packing everything, be sure to take some time to downsize a little. Sort items to donate, give away, sell or trash. It doesn’t make sense to pay someone to move belongings that you will never use. For large items that you may want to keep but don’t want to bring along, you can place in storage to hold until you return or until you are ready to move them later.

For cars, be sure to contact an auto transport company to have the car hauled via an open trailer or an enclosed trailer. An open trailer is the most common way to transport a car via interstate and is also the most economical way to do so. Up to ten or more cars can be loaded onto one trailer for delivery. If you have a luxury car or a classic car, enclosed transport is the safer option as your car will be fully enclosed during transport. 

Though it may seem like a lot of work, shipping your household items and moving a vehicle to another country is not too hard to do with the help of a qualified shipping companies. 

Different countries throughout the world have specific laws, regulations and documents that are needed to move these items there. To make the transition from one place to the next smoother, it is essential that you find out which documents are needed for the destination country. At the very least, you will need these items for customs clearance to most countries worldwide. 

• Passport
• Residence Visa 
• Itemized List of Items 
• Title of Vehicle 

Transporting a vehicle to another country does come with certain challenges. Some countries will not allow vehicles that are older than a certain age to enter. Some countries make the vehicle pass an emissions test for entry. When you decide which country that you’re moving too, whether it is for a short or long period, check with your shipping agent as well as the customs agency in the country you will move to for information on vehicle requirements including safety and emissions inspections that may be required. 

The cost of shipping varies widely. It depends on the number of items you’re bringing over, where they’re going too and the type of shipping you choose to use for the items or vehicle. Roll-on, roll-off shipping can provide an affordable rate for vehicles, but container shipping is required for household goods. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand to ship the items from one point to another. There may be an option to share a container with another customer who has a shipment for the same destination. Be sure to speak to the shipping company to see if there is a way to share a container with someone so you can save money. 

​You want to make sure that you’re going to be able to get your household items or vehicle within a timely manner. That is understandable. However, keep in mind that some countries have customs that are harder to pass through. By having the necessary documents ready, as well as a professional shipping company, this can reduce the time needed to pass through customs. On average, expect to wait anywhere from 2 weeks up to 2 months for a motor vehicle or household items to be delivered to the destination. 

The specific times, amounts and documents required for shipping depends on the destination of choice. Enjoy your retirement somewhere that you want to be when you make the decision to move. It can be well worth it when you find out everything that comes from relaxing in an area that you thoroughly enjoy. Remember, these are the best years of your life. Make them count! 

After you get engaged, everything starts to get crazy. You and your partner are scrambling to plan things for your wedding, and between choosing the cake and flowers, finding custom bridesmaid dresses, working on losing that extra holiday weight, and everything else you have to do to get ready, it seems you’ve taken away from the whole point of the celebration – focusing on the two of you!

Even if you do manage to find time to spend together, it might seem like that time is spent discussing the details of the wedding and everything else you still have to do. Although it’s important to talk about and plan your wedding, it’s also important to find time to relax together, just enjoying each other’s company and talking about your future.

Now that you’re engaged, it’s important to start planning your life together. You’re going to be sharing all the ups and the downs side-by-side, making sacrifices for your partner’s dreams and having sacrifices made for yours. You’ll have to adjust your schedule to include another person (or persons, if you and/or your partner already has kids), and you may even have new dreams that involve bringing new people in your life.

An important part of planning a life together is setting goals as a couple. You should always keep individual goals and share them with each other so you can support and encourage each other along the way, but setting goals as a couple can strengthen your relationship, give you something to work toward when you’re feeling down, and give you something to celebrate together. Setting goals will help keep your marriage moving forward.

The process of setting goals as a couple is a lot like setting goals as an individual, but because there are two people involved with differing opinions and values, it can sometimes take more time and effort to decide on what goals you have and how to achieve them. Here are some tips to help you set goals together as a couple:

1. Make sure your individual and couple goals don’t conflict.
2. Discuss where you want to be (as a couple) in the next few months, years, and even decades.
3. Make sure your goals are something you both want and value.
4. Write your goals -- and a plan for achieving them -- down on paper.
5. Keep track of your progress and celebrate the milestones.

There are so many different goals you can set together as a couple, but you want to focus on those that  can help you strengthen your marriage, have some fun, and be more comfortable in life. 

Goals to Strengthen Your Marriage – Marriage is wonderful, but it also takes work. Continually setting goals to strengthen your marriage can help you nurture and cultivate it, making it what you want it to be. Some goals you might set to help strengthen your marriage could include praying together daily, leaving love notes for each other, taking a vacation just the two of you each year, or reading a marriage book every year together.

Other goals could include doing something new together every month, having regular date nights, volunteering together, showing appreciation for each other every day, or being intimate on a regular basis, even when life gets crazy. There are so many different ways you can strengthen your marriage and work on making it what you want it to be.

Goals to be More Comfortable – Comfort can mean a number of different things to different people, but in this case let’s refer specifically to financial and physical comfort. Sit down and make goals for budgeting or saving for retirement. Make it a goal to improve your credit score, so you can buy your first home together. You can make a goal to learn more about financial investments and how to get started, or commit to educating yourselves about the different kinds of life insurance policies out there and how investing in one could help you and your family in the future.

You could make a goal to save for a down payment on the new house or pay cash for a brand-new car; whatever you decide, make it a point to come together to set goals for where you want to be financially and how you plan to get there.  

Goals to Have Some Fun – Although marriage takes work, it can also be a lot of fun! You don’t have to make all your goals something serious or for the purpose of strengthening your marriage (besides, sometimes just having fun together is all you need to do precisely that!). Get creative and throw fun goals in the mix, like visiting to a foreign country, making a dish you’ve always wanted to try, taking up a sport together, learning how to paint, or visiting all 50 states.

Not all of your goals have to be long-term or “someday” goals, either. You can set fun goals that you can accomplish next week or even this weekend. You could try throwing darts at paint filled balloons or eat at that new restaurant you’ve been curious about. Try paddle boarding or race down a zipline – whatever it is you choose to do, have fun doing it together. The happiest couples are those who know how to enjoy one another and make situations of all sorts fun, as long as they’re together. 

What goals do you and your fiance share?

If you are over the age of 65 and still drive a car, you are one of 40 million seniors on the road in America, according to a study by a major consumer website. While driving your own car can be a pleasure and offer you a feeling of independence, it can be costly as well, especially when it comes to repairs and maintenance. However, there are several ways you can cut these costs and ease the financial pinch of owning a vehicle on a fixed income.

While some garages may give you a sticker for your windshield to remind you when your next oil change should take place, keeping careful written records of all your car's maintenance needs can uncover small problems before they turn into major disasters. It is wise to track fluid changes, tire rotations, and brake pad replacements so you can schedule the next date well in advance to avoid repairs caused by accidental negligence. This can be especially important if you own an older car or drive one with high mileage.

​If your car needs servicing and you do not have a regular mechanic, it may pay to shop around for deals that apply to you as a senior. Many shops offer daily deals for those 65 and over on services that include maintenance, tire replacement, and basic repairs. Review each deal carefully, as some may have hidden fees or exclusions that pop up at the time of payment. If you take your car in, remember to review the work order with the mechanic to ensure there are no additional costs that may negate a discount.

When it comes to finding repair and maintenance deals as a senior driver, you might not have to look any further than your insurance agent. He or she may be able to offer you extra insight on where to find the best deals or recommend a certified mechanic connected with the agency. Working with local insurance agents can yield considerable savings, as even large companies run hometown offices where you can chat with an insurance expert.

​Driving as a senior can present certain financial challenges, especially in the case of maintaining your car. However, deals, discounts, and a bit of diligence can help you cut costs.

​Finding the best retirement plan to suit your needs can be a tricky task. After all, your life after retirement is completely dependent on this decision! Ultimately, in order to find the best retirement plan for you, you must decide whether you want to undertake a private pension scheme, pension from the government, a workplace pension or a personal and stakeholder pension. Whilst Wizzcash loans might be able to help you if you encounter a financial emergency while you are still working, if you are retired, then you may have to turn to an alternative option. There are several tips that you can take into consideration as you begin to save for your retirement. Discover how to find the best retirement plan for you below.

When it comes to finding the best retirement plan, it is paramount that you understand the options available to you and what they include. The main types include:

• Private Pension Schemes. Have you considered a private pension scheme? This is an effective way to help ensure you have extra money in addition to your standard State Pension.
• Pensions From The Government. Your State Pension is based on your NI (National Insurance) number record the moment you turn State Pension age.
• Workplace Pensions. Workplace pensions are now mandatory for employers to provide, and as such, they can make significant contributions on top of what you have agreed to pay into your pension.
• Personal & Stakeholder Pensions. A personal and stakeholder pension is a great option for those that want to save extra money and top up their workplace pension.

Your Earnings
Ultimately, the first step to finding the right retirement plan is to consider your earnings. It is paramount that you carefully plan your retirement income as it is one of the most effective ways to save money for later in your life. Overall, you may be able to attain:

• A pension from the government
• Money from pension schemes 

You must identify how much money you will need when you retire, because you may discover that you need more money than the State Pension offers.

When Do You Want To Pay Taxes?

Understandably, nobody wants to pay taxes, but unfortunately, we have no choice. Luckily for you, when it comes to your retirement savings, you do in fact get to choose when you pay them. Ultimately, this is one of the major differences between two key types of retirement plans.

If you opt for a traditional retirement plan, you might be able to qualify for a tax deduction regarding the volume of your contributions. However, when the time comes to withdraw the money in retirement, it will be taxable, just like normal income. With this in mind, some forms of contributions however aren’t conclusive, but when you withdraw the money in retirement, it will be 100% tax-free. Ultimately, when it comes to finding the best retirement plan for you, you must consider when you would favour a tax break more.

Will You Need The Money Right Away?

When it comes to finding the best retirement plan for you, it is paramount to consider whether you will need to access the money right away. This is because with pre-tax retirement plans, such as the traditional retirement plan, you are required to start taking distributions after the Stage Pension age. Essentially, this means that once you reach this age, you will have to withdraw an unquestionable percentage of your account’s value per year. With other retirement plans however, this is not a set requirement, and you can keep the money in your account for as long as you wish. 

Working Past State Pension Age

When you reach State Pension age, you may decide that you don’t want to leave your job. Luckily for you, you don’t have to! If you do however stop working when you reach State Pension age, you will no longer have to pay National Insurance. Moreover, the law protects you against discrimination if you have surpassed State Pension age, so rest assured you can find a new job or stay in your current job without worry. Despite this, there are certain circumstances where employers may decide to set a compulsory retirement age, such as those in the construction industry.   

​There are countless factors you need to consider when it comes to finding the best retirement plan for you, including taking your earnings into consideration to pick a suitable plan. Ultimately, there is no ‘best option´ for everyone, which is why when you answer these questions yourself, you will gain a better understanding of what retirement plan you would like to undertake. Good luck! 

A little more than 20 percent of American adults currently suffer from arthritis, and that number is expected to increase to 26 percent by 2040. 

If you suffer from arthritis and want to minimize its effects by building strength and improving your mobility, try out these three tools today. 

If your arthritis has weakened and limited your mobility in your hands, you may want to give therapy putty a try. 

Of all the tools available to people with arthritis, therapy putty is one of the lesser-known options. Many people even ask, “does therapy putty work?” 

The short answer is that, yes, it does work. 

Therapy putty comes in a variety of resistances to help people improve their fine motor skills and grip strength. It’s often used for stroke victims in occupational therapy, but people with arthritis can also benefit from it.

Balance training has been proven to work wonders for people with osteoarthritis. It improves mobility and stability and also helps decrease joint pain. 

A balance board is a simple tool that helps you take your balance exercises to the next level. If you’re comfortable standing on one leg or doing exercises like squats, adding a balance board can give you the extra challenge you need to keep progressing. 

Simply stand on the board and practice balancing on one leg or doing your regular squats (with good form, of course). 

Strength training is essential for everyone, including those who suffer from arthritis. Strength training improves balance and mobility while encouraging good posture and minimizing bone loss. 

If you’re not comfortable using weights or don’t have access to a gym, you can use resistance bands and resistance tubes to strength train from the comfort of your own home. 

Resistance bands are great for both isometric and isotonic exercises and can easily be stored in a closet or cupboard. You can even take them with you on the road, so you can still get your workouts in while traveling. 

Before you start using resistance bands in your workouts, inspect them carefully to make sure there aren’t any cracks or rips that could cause them to tear during an exercise.

​Any one of these three tools will make a great addition to your daily strength-building routine. If you haven’t established a strength-building routine yet, use these tools to help you start one! 

​Every year, thousands of seniors die from fall-related injuries. Many of these potentially lethal falls take place in the bathroom, particularly when seniors are entering or exiting the shower or bathtub. 

If you have a senior coming to visit or live with you, or you’re a senior who currently lives alone, these tips will help you keep your bathroom as safe as possible. 

A grab bar is a tool that provides seniors with something to hold onto while they’re getting in and out of the bathtub. Grab bars are meant to hold more weight than a typical towel bar, so they’re secure and won’t snap off while being used.

Look for a bar that is slip resistant and comes in a color that contrasts with the bathroom walls. It needs to be easy to spot, even if someone isn’t wearing their glasses. 

Grab bars can be attached to the wall with suction cups or bolts. Suction cup varieties may be more affordable, but it’s typically recommended to spend a little more to get one that can be mounted to the wall for extra security and safety.

Seniors who have trouble maintaining their balance while standing can benefit greatly from a shower chair. Even if they don’t need to sit the whole time they’re showering, the chair gives them peace of mind knowing they have the option to sit if they feel weak or dizzy. 

Look for shower chair that has rubber tips on its legs. This will prevent the chair from sliding when someone sits down or stands up.

Some chairs look just like a regular stool or kitchen chair. These are fine for seniors who don’t have issues getting in and out of the shower by themselves. Other chairs come with one side that’s longer than the other. This longer side acts similar to a grab bar and provides extra stability for people getting in and out of the shower.

It’s also important to invest in tools that make the process of bathing as simple as possible for seniors. 

A shower caddy positioned at arm’s height makes it easy for seniors to reach items like shampoo and soap as they need them, without having to stoop or stretch. Like the grab bar, it’s better to buy a caddy that can be mounted on the wall so it doesn’t accidentally get knocked down. 

You can also install dispensers for shampoo and body wash so that seniors don’t have to worry about bottles or bars of soap slipping out of their hands mid-use. A back scrubber can also help seniors avoid having to bend over or stretch while showering. For seniors, the best body brush for showers will have a long handle and a soft brush or loofah that won’t irritate the skin.

It doesn’t take a lot of work to make your bathroom a safe place for seniors. These four simple tips will make a world of difference.

​Non-slip mats are essential for both in and outside of the tub or shower. Place one on the floor of the tub, as well as in front of the tub, in front of the toilet, and in front of the sink. These are places where seniors are most likely to fall while in the bathroom. 

When shopping for non-slip mats, be sure to look for ones that have rubber on the bottom to prevent slipping and sliding. You may also want to buy mats that contrast with the color of the floor and shower so that seniors know where to step when they finish bathing.