Florida is one of the top retirement destinations in the country due to its warm climate, great healthcare, and scenic amenities. If you’re planning on calling the Sunshine State home during your golden years, you’re in great hands. However, retirement is a major lifestyle change, and it requires careful planning to ensure financial security, health, and safety. The first step is to learn some practical tips and advice when it comes to retirement planning in Florida.
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Prepare for the Climate
While Florida’s warmth and heat are a major advantage for most people, especially retirees, it’s important to be prepared for excess humidity and sun exposure. Florida’s warmth is caused by its proximity to the equator, a location on the planet that gets the most direct sun access, resulting in warm or comfortable temperatures year-round. While the sun can damage your skin anywhere, the direct exposure that Florida receives can increase your risk of skin cancer if unprotected, especially for seniors. Additionally, the increased heat and humidity can result in heat stroke or heart attack, and the risk of these concerns is more prevalent in seniors. It’s important to wear sunscreen when going outside and reapplying as needed every two to three hours. Limit your time in heat and humidity, and have access to nearby air conditioning to take frequent breaks. Stay hydrated with water to help keep you cool. Take advantage of shaded areas and bring umbrellas to the beach. Get regularly screened for skin cancer.
Increase Hurricane Awareness
Florida is a peninsula, meaning it is surrounded by water on almost all sides. This water, just like Florida, is warm and subtropical, which makes it a prime location for hurricanes to develop. Hurricanes are major storms that can cause high winds, severe flooding, and heavy rainfall. Many Florida homes, including senior living communities, are directly in flood zones. When hurricanes hit, proper evacuation protocol should be followed to stay safe and mitigate harm. Pay attention to local news and government sources to understand your risk when a hurricane develops, and evacuate when told to do so. Stock up on nonperishable food, drinks, and supplies in case you lose power or lack access to a store.
Stay Active
Seniors need to stay active, as mobility issues can arise due to lack of movement and age. Thankfully, Florida has plenty of amenities and opportunities to get some exercise while enjoying your retirement. Nature trails, amusement parks, zoos, and museums are some of the many amenities Florida has to offer. A brief walk or yoga session regularly can help protect your joints, muscles, and bones from decline.
Research Retirement Communities
While you may not plan to retire to any senior community, your needs may increase as you age. It’s always smart to know how to properly research and vet retirement communities like assisted living or nursing homes in case you need them. Improper research and vetting of senior communities can increase your chances of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment when you’re vulnerable. Florida is not immune to nursing home staff shortages or fines for neglect. In fact, in Fort Lauderdale alone, 45.5% of nursing homes fell short in health inspections. Be sure to review official ratings, reviews, company history, and legal charges (if applicable) against any senior community you’re considering, regardless of type or location within Florida.
Eat Local Foods
Florida is a food haven known for its excellent source of all types of seafood as well as locally grown fruit. Seafood can be very healthy as a lean protein, depending on how it is cooked—seniors can take advantage of easy seafood access to gain protein without adverse effects. Fruits provide plenty of vitamins and minerals to help maintain joint health and mitigate chronic pain. Check out local farmer’s markets and seafood shops to get a supply of healthy ingredients at great prices. Keep your portion sizes reasonable to avoid overeating or gaining too much weight.
Get Social
Social connections can decline as you age for many reasons, but they’re really important for seniors to prevent cognitive decline and maintain good mental health. Thankfully, Florida has plenty of options for socializing, especially for seniors. Joining a senior community can give you access to exclusive events, activities, and clubs with peers and like-minded individuals. You can also consider volunteering at an organization you enjoy, such as an animal shelter, to enrich your daily life and give you social opportunities. If your friends or family don’t live in Florida with you, access to technology can help you keep a digital social connection anytime, anywhere.
Protect Yourself From Scams
Seniors are frequent targets of financial scams due to inexperience with technology or memory conditions. Keep your personal information safe from strangers. Don’t willingly give out bank account or credit card information over the phone or email. Verify someone’s identity before providing information; many scammers will disguise themselves as bankers, community staff, or law enforcement to gain your trust. Before making large financial decisions, donations, or payments, ask trusted advisors or family members to help you avoid scams.
Conclusion
In Florida, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy your retirement years safely and happily. However, there are a few practices you can employ to mitigate risks when they arise, such as financial scams or poor-quality retirement communities. Be sure to plan your Florida retirement well to enjoy everything the state has to offer.
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