As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about the gifts you’ll be giving loved ones. If you’re having trouble figuring out what to give your older family members, we have some excellent gift ideas for you.

At Freedom Village, celebrating the holidays is very important to our Active Life Plan Community. We understand how much it means for loved ones to spend quality time together, as well as the positive effect both practical and thoughtful gifts have on older adults.

Choosing gifts for your favorite senior will make their holiday season extra special. Check out our list below.

13 gift ideas for senior citizens

Choose from any of the following gift recommendations for the special senior in your life.

1. A cozy, weighted blanket

Don’t just gift any blanket to your senior family member or friend. Instead, try a soft and warm weighted blanket. Weighted blankets are therapeutic tools used to provide  comforting pressure to those who use them, and according to Healthline, they can actually relieve the perception of pain, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve sleep quality.

2. Digital photo frames

With digital photo frames, you don’t have to worry about digging through old photos and purchasing several styles of frames. Now, you can create a personalized photo album by uploading photos of cherished memories that rotate throughout the day for your senior to admire.

3. Tea or coffee set

There’s something relaxing about preparing and drinking your favorite cup of coffee or tea. A high-quality tea or coffee set can make the process even more inviting, especially if your loved one enjoys having guests visit. Get inspired with these fun designs!

4. A subscription service

These days, there are many subscription services to choose from. There are streaming services like Netflix and Hulu that make it easy for your loved one to watch shows and movies, book-of-the-month subscriptions, meal prep delivery kits, craft kits, clothing subscriptions – you name it. Take into account what your senior loves and see if a subscription exists to pique their interest! 

5. Reading material 

Large print books, audiobooks, and e-readers help seniors stay connected to their imagination and the world around them. Reading never goes out of style, so this is a tried-and-true way to make your loved one smile.

6. Indoor plants

For the senior who enjoys the presence of greenery but doesn’t want to spend too much time tending to plants, low-maintenance houseplants can bring life to their home. Plants like the peace lily and aloe vera, or even herbs like mint and basil, are easy to grow and take care of. 

7. Puzzles or board games

Is your loved one’s favorite pastime playing games or doing puzzles? These types of gifts are great for engaging the mind. There are now jigsaw puzzles with large pieces and thought-provoking games like Scrabble, Scattergories, and Clue to make spending time with your senior more fun. 

8. Cozy slippers or socks 

This gift idea is practical, especially during the winter months, but who doesn’t love a pair of comfortable slippers or socks? 

9. A personalized calendar 

Somewhat in line with the idea of a digital photo frame, creating a custom calendar with family birthdays, special dates, and personalized photos will put a smile on your family member’s face and help them remember what’s coming up.

10. A therapeutic massager 

A little relaxation goes a long way! If your loved one has aches and pains they’re trying to relieve, a handheld massager or a heated neck wrap can make the perfect gift.

11. A gourmet food basket 

Does your loved one have a sweet tooth or a curiosity for trying new foods? A beautiful gift basket filled with a selection of gourmet snacks, chocolates, or fruit is always fun to receive!

12. Digital assistant or smart speaker

Smart devices like Amazon Echo or Google Home can do so much for seniors, like play music, share the weather forecast, update them with the latest news, provide recipes, make phone calls, and answer their most-burning questions. There’s no information or capability that’s off-limits with a digital assistant.

13. A personal safety device

While not the most fun gift, a personal emergency response system or a medical alert bracelet for added safety and peace of mind will still show your loved one that you have their best interest at heart. SafeWise shares some of the most popular devices.

No matter what, when selecting a gift for a senior, it’s important to always consider their preferences and needs, as well as their level of mobility and independence. Personalized gifts and spending time together can often be the most meaningful presents for seniors.

Experience the joy of the holiday season at Freedom Village

With valued traditions and an exciting lifestyle, the holidays are always cherished at Freedom Village. Call us today at (949) 423-6653 to learn more about our vibrant community.

Our Favorite Ways to Utilize a Spare Bedroom

When you’re moving into a senior living community, you may have a choice regarding apartment sizes. One key difference in some apartments is the number of bedrooms. While you may think you only need one, you should consider the perks of having a spare bedroom.

“Having a spare room opens a lot of opportunities to make your apartment as unique and versatile as possible,” says Jennifer Suckiel, Executive Director of Freedom Village, a senior living community in Lake Forest, California. “Our Delaware floor plan is the perfect option for someone who wants to live in an apartment with a spare room.”

You may enjoy having a spare room for the space–but how can you use it? These ideas for a spare room will give you inspiration on how to choose the perfect use for your spare bedroom.

Home Theater

If you love watching movies, hosting movie nights, or streaming live events like sports, then having a room designated for it would be a great use of your spare room.

You can get black-out curtains to see the screen – something you may not want in your standard living room so sunlight gets in. Depending on your preference, you can pair a projector or large TV with a quality sound system. Add a mini fridge to store drinks and other snacks.

Decorating a home theater can be so much fun. Framed movie posters, ticket stubs, and the classic red and white striped popcorn boxes will tie the room together.

Library

Book lovers often have shelves stacked with their collections. Having your own reading room with your books can offer you a quiet and cozy oasis. Be sure to add a reading lamp and a comfortable chair.

You can also add speakers to the library to play audiobooks and podcasts. Placing your speaker or a record player in the corner could be a fun accent that also gives use to the the room as a music room. Or, add in an Amazon Alexa device and just ask for your favorite tunes to be played!

Art Studio

Do you love expressing your creativity? You can turn your spare room into your personal art studio.

Hobbies like sewing or arts and crafts are so much fun – but they do require equipment and supplies. With a spare room, you have plenty of storage space to organize your crafting tools neatly and have a spacious work table.

Office

Having a home office is often associated with working from home and is one of the most popular room ideas when you have extra space. If you like a designated area to use a computer, journal, or take care of tasks, then having a quiet and tidy home office is something you should consider.

A home office will likely still have some space left over. You can use one half of the room for your desk and the other as a yoga studio. You’ll have plenty of room to roll out your yoga mat and have a quiet space to meditate and stretch.

If you have a furry friend, you may want to place a bed for your pet in the office. This way, they’re not in the middle of your living space, and they have a quiet space to go to if you have company.

Guest Room

Many people use a spare room as an extra bedroom. When you have overnight guests, they have their own designated space that makes it easy to host, as everyone has their own spot to sleep.

This will make it so easy for family members to visit–and you can even plan regular sleepovers with the grandchildren. Being able to share your apartment with visiting friends and family will be so special, and you’ll never have to worry about space.

If you don’t want to make the room a guest bedroom, you can make it an extra sitting room and put a sofa bed that can turn into an extra sleeping option when you have guests.

Dining Room

You can convert your spare room into a separate dining room. This gives you a place to host guests for meals and conversation. You can also use the space as a game room where everyone can gather around the table with plenty of space for a game board, cards, snacks, and drinks.

When it comes to decor ideas for a dining room, you can make it as formal or casual as you want. You may like neutral tones, a dining table set, and curtains that accent the color scheme. Or you could create an eclectic dining area with mismatched furniture, antiques, and jewel tones.

Explore the Apartments at Freedom Village

Freedom Village has different residence options, so you can find the one that suits you best. No matter what your needs or your hobbies are, there are plenty of reasons a two-bedroom apartment is perfect for your senior living experience.

Having a spare room gives you an opportunity to be creative and design a unique space that you can enjoy each and every day. You’ll love showing your friends and family members how you’ve made the space your own–and they’ll look forward to when you invite them back! Call us to learn more.

How Does Amazon Alexa Help Seniors?

Smart-home devices like smart speakers or a tablet are becoming more common in households. For Amazon, this device is called the Amazon Echo, which has several different versions depending on your needs and preferences.

Amazon smart devices use artificial intelligence called Alexa as a virtual assistant. Many commonly refer to these devices as an Amazon Alexa.

Since the Amazon smart devices are voice activated, you can use voice commands to ask Alexa for a number of things, which can help empower seniors to remain independent.

Seniors can use the Amazon Alexa to help them with everyday tasks, as well as an added layer of security. Take a look at all the uses of Alexa for seniors and how they can simplify life and provide more peace of mind.

Amazon Alexa Together for Seniors

Amazon has a program called Alexa Together, a subscription service you can add to your Alexa device. This service is designed for seniors, caregivers and families to stay connected.

• With the Alexa Together subscription, you get the following:
• 24/7 urgent response
• Customized alerts
• Fall detection response (with an Alexa-compatible device that can detect sounds of falling or be manually alerted via a wearable device)
• Activity feed
• Photo sharing

Alexa Together also allows you to create a routine so you don’t have to reset everything each day. This can include reminders to eat, take medication, or get up and walk around at the same time each day.

Caregivers and family members can use remote assist to set reminders or manage lists on their loved one’s Alexa device. Up to 10 people can access the Amazon device through the Circle of Support feature. This ensures that there’s always someone who can check on you.

You can also have peace of mind that if you need to make a phone call to emergency services but cannot access your phone, you can tell the Alexa device to call for help. This will connect you with trained professionals who can contact emergency services for you.

How Alexa Can Help Older Adults

Amazon Echo devices are helpful to older adults even without the Alexa Together subscription. As a virtual assistant, Alexa can do a number of tasks. Using voice commands also means you can use the devices hands-free, making it more accessible to anyone who has mobility issues or visual impairments.

Set Reminders

You can set reminders via Alexa so your smart device will let you know of an upcoming appointment or to take something out of the oven.

This can be helpful for medication reminders, due dates to pay bills, or for anything you don’t want to forget that day. All you have to do is say, “Alexa, set a reminder for my aqua class at 10 a.m. today.”

You can also use Alexa as an alarm clock, and you can set it to tell you the day’s weather or play your favorite song as the alarm sounds.

Ask Questions

You can ask Alexa questions like, “Alexa, what’s the weather today?” or “Alexa, what movies are playing at the theater?”

If you have a question that’s trivia related and you need to know the answer, you can ask the smart device. “Alexa, when was the Dodgers baseball team founded?” Your Alexa will tell you the answer.

Create Lists

Whether it’s a to-do list or a shopping list for the week’s groceries, Alexa has you covered. You can create ongoing lists to make sure you don’t forget anything. It’s as easy as saying “Alexa, add coffee to my grocery list,” or “Alexa, add water plants to my to-do list.”

Provide Entertainment

You can use the Amazon Echo device as entertainment as well. Tell Alexa to play music, play a podcast, or you can even ask Alexa to tell you a joke.

You can be as general or specific as you want. If you want to hear a particular song, you can ask Alexa to play it, but you can also ask for songs of a certain genre or era. The Amazon Alexa may introduce you to entertainment you never knew you enjoyed.

Make Calls

You can use your Amazon Echo Dot to make phone calls. If you have the Amazon Echo Show, the tablet device, you can make video calls to chat with your friends and family while seeing their faces.

But before you make calls, you need to sync your contacts with the Amazon device through the Alexa app on your phone.

• Select “Communicate” and then “Call.”
• Type in your phone number.
• You will receive a verification code. Enter that code and continue.
• Your Alexa can now access your contacts to place calls.

Devices for Amazon Alexa

There are all types of devices for Amazon Alexa with different generations. When you look at the various devices, you’ll see the following:

• Amazon Echo – smart-home speaker with hub that can connect and control compatible devices
• Amazon Echo Dot – smart-home speaker that can pair to other smart devices; less expensive than the Echo
• Amazon Echo Pop – compact smart speaker
• Amazon Echo Show – tablet with visual display

There are all kinds of smart devices you can connect to your Amazon device. Smart light bulbs, smart plugs, and Amazon Echo products like Echo buds are a few examples of what you can control through Amazon Alexa, so then turning on your living room lights is as easy as asking Alexa.

How To Set Up Amazon Alexa

Setting up your Amazon Alexa is a simple process. After you have your device plugged in, download the Alexa app onto your phone. Then do the following:

• Open the Alexa app
• Open the More tab. It will look like three horizontal lines and will provide you with more options.
• Hit Add Device.
• Select your Amazon device. It may prompt you to also select the type like Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show, etc.

Your app will provide you with the rest of the instructions to complete setting up your device. And then you’re ready to enter a new era of technology to improve your life. Seniors can truly benefit from the safety, entertainment and connectedness Alexa has to offer.

Set a Reminder To Visit Freedom Village

Residents at Freedom Village live robust, engaging lives where they make the most of every day. The lifestyle here in Orange County is all about staying active and as independent as possible.

Using a device like the Amazon Alexa is a fun way for residents to stay connected with family and friends, look up new recipes, play favorite music, and also give peace of mind that they’re always one voice command away from anything.

You can live an active, fulfilling life at Freedom Village. The next time you’re creating reminders for your Amazon Echo device, say, “Alexa, remind me to call Freedom Village for a tour!”

The Best Sports Cars for Seniors

When you’re enjoying your retirement, part of that may be getting the dream car you’ve always wanted. During this time of your life that’s all focused on you, there’s definitely space for you to have fun in the fast lane. Gone are the days of minivans and mid-size sedans – now’s the time to get a car that’s fun to drive. 

But which sports car is right for you? There are so many factors to consider – does the vehicle’s fuel economy mean a lot to you, or are you more concerned with the vehicle’s sleek appearance? Do you want a car with rear seats, or is a small two-seater all you need? Are those seats comfortable, and do they offer back support? Do you want all the modern safety features like lane-keeping assist, driver assistance, and automatic emergency braking?

With so many options at hand, it can be difficult to find the car that speaks to you. We’ve narrowed down the best sports cars for seniors to give you a strong starting point in getting the car you’ve always wanted. 

Classic Sports Cars for Seniors

Sports cars exude luxury and character. The sleek design, focus on speed, and smooth ride will make you want to go for a drive every day. Here are some of the best classic sports cars for senior drivers. 

• Mercedes-Benz AMG SL Roadster. When you’re driving, you’ll be able to feel this vehicle’s horsepower – this engine is designed for driving performance. Mercedes-Benz has a long racing history, so any car enthusiast will be excited to drive a Roadster. Remember to put down the soft top and enjoy the convertible. There are different selections of this car – with the base model starting as the 2022 AMG SL 55 Roadster. 
• Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet. Whether it’s the C-Class Cabriolet or the E-Class Cabriolet, these convertibles seat four people, making them the perfect car to take for a Sunday drive. These cars have all-wheel drive, so you can enjoy each season without worrying about how your car will fare in different types of weather. 
• Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. The classic Corvette introduces speed, precision, and a luxurious driving experience. The newest models of the Stingray are the most powerful performance-wise. This car also has features that allow you to personalize the driving performance. 
• Porsche 718. In the Porsche category, there are at least two models you should take a look at: the 718 Cayman and the 718 Boxster. When you think “sports car,” these should be at least on the test-drive list. The Cayman has a covered roof, while the Boxster is the classic convertible. Both cars have a 2.0 liter turbo flat engine with direct fuel injection and boast an acceleration of 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds. If you want to feel a car with power, this is the car for you. 

Many of these cars have a variety of customization options when it comes to design, so you can truly make your car your own. As you learn more about these cars, you may want to consider the range of car options when it comes to the base model and most expensive.

Let’s take a look at some other car options if the classic sports car wasn’t quite what you had in mind. 

Budget Sports Cars for Seniors

When you’re examining the top-of-the-line vehicles, you may experience some sticker shock. While it’s no surprise that classic sports cars can be expensive, the reality of spending that much on a car and paying for car maintenance may not be practical for you.

Luckily, there are plenty of budget sports cars that incorporate luxurious design and vehicle performance but still fit in your budget so you’re comfortable with the price. Older drivers seeking budget-friendly sports cars should take a look at the following vehicles. 

• Mazda MX-5 Miata. If you’re looking for a car that looks and feels like a classic sports car, the Miata is for you. Mazda incorporates the driver’s experience in its design, making the vehicle user-friendly and intuitive.
• 2023 Subaru BRZ. The Subaru 2023 BRZ combines the benefits of having a sports car – rear-wheel drive, 228 horsepower – with the spacious characteristics of other Subaru models. If you’re thinking about having storage space in your car, you can fold the back seat for extra room. 
• Toyota GR 86. This two-seater sports car has all the physical characteristics of a high-end sports car without the price tag. The Toyota GR 68 also has helpful safety features like rear parking sonar and reverse automatic braking. 
• Chevrolet Camaro. Available as a coupe or convertible, the Chevy Camaro has a high-powered engine and  an affordable base model. As a sports car and a muscle car, the Chevy Camaro has a strong presence on the road.
  

With these cars as a starting point for your budget sports car, you’ll have plenty of options to start your search. Before you know it, you could be driving off the lot with the sports car you’ve always wanted.

Drive Into Your Dream Community at Freedom Village

Freedom Village is an Active Life Plan Community in Lake Forest, California. In our community, your freedom to live the life you want comes first. 

Our Independent Living community is thriving with activity and fun things to do. Residents enjoy amenities that include:

• Planned social and recreational programs
• Wellness classes
• Swimming classes
• Monthly music concerts
• Weekly cultural outings

You can safely store your sports car in the reserved covered carports so you can participate in everything that interests you. When you call Freedom Village your home, you’ll be a part of a vibrant, friendly community that will support you in every way. 

We want to welcome you to our senior living community. Call us today at 949-423-6653 to schedule your tour and learn more about retiring to a life you love at Freedom Village. 

5 Best Companion Pets for Seniors in a Retirement Community

Pets are great companions for anyone, and most people will own at least one in their lifetime. Many senior living communities allow, and even encourage, pet ownership and its many benefits. We love our pets at Freedom Village, and residents get their furry friends involved in community events, take them on walks, and more!

The benefits of pets for seniors

Owning a pet can provide a wide range of physical and mental health benefits. For those who are up for the responsibility, owning a pet can be incredibly rewarding. Here are just a few of the many reasons to get a furry (or not) friend:

• Companionship: Pets can provide seniors with unconditional love and companionship, which can help combat loneliness and depression. Seniors who live alone or who have lost a spouse may find that owning a pet can help fill the void and provide a sense of purpose.
• Reduced Stress: Studies have shown that spending time with pets can lower stress levels and reduce anxiety. Pets offer a calming presence and provide a sense of comfort during stressful times.
• Increased Physical Activity: Owning a pet, particularly a dog, can encourage seniors to get up and move. Walking a dog can provide a great form of exercise, which is important for maintaining physical health and mobility.
• Improved Mental Health: In addition to reducing stress, pets can also improve overall mental health. Owning a pet can provide a sense of purpose and can help seniors feel more connected to the world around them.
• Lower Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that owning a pet can lead to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease. This is likely due to the fact that pets offer a calming presence and can help reduce stress levels.
• Socialization: Owning a pet can also provide opportunities for socialization. Seniors who own pets may meet other pet owners while out for walks or at the community dog park, which can help combat feelings of isolation.

The best companion pets for seniors

Ultimately, the best pet for a senior will depend on YOU! Your personal lifestyle and preferences will help guide decision-making when considering getting a pet. It’s important to choose a pet that you’re able to care for and that will provide companionship and joy. Here are a few pets that are well suited for older adults:

1. Dogs

Dogs can be great companions for seniors, particularly those who want to walk and exercise with their pet. Smaller dog breeds, such as Shih Tzus and Chihuahuas, can be easier to manage for those who may have mobility issues or a smaller home. Dogs can join in on the fun more often, making them a perfect addition to an active senior living lifestyle by dressing up for events and taking part in activities with other residents. 

2. Cats

Cats can also make great companions for older adults. They’re relatively low-maintenance and don’t require as much exercise as dogs. Some breeds, such as the Ragdoll cat or the Persian, are known for being particularly affectionate and docile. They’d love to join you for your coffee in the morning or curl up with a good book.

3. Birds

Birds can provide companionship and entertainment for seniors. They don’t require as much physical care as other pets and can be a good choice for people who live in apartments or other smaller living spaces.

4. Fish and turtles

Fish and turtles are also low-maintenance pets that can provide a calming presence for seniors. They’re relatively easy to care for and can be a good choice for seniors who may not be able to provide as much physical care for a pet – or those who enjoy setting up beautiful aquariums!

5. Small mammals

Small mammals, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, or rabbits, can be good choices for seniors who are looking for a pet that’s a little more interactive than a fish or bird but are nearly as easy to care for.

How to choose the right pet for you 

Choosing the right pet is an important decision that should be made carefully. Here are a few tips to consider when selecting a pet:

• Lifestyle: Seniors should consider their lifestyle and choose a pet that fits well with their daily routine. For example, a high-energy dog may not be the best fit for someone who has limited mobility or who lives in a small apartment.
• Financial Considerations: It’s important to consider the financial cost of owning a pet. Be prepared to cover the cost of food, veterinary care, and other expenses associated with each kind of pet ownership.
• Living Situation: Seniors should also consider their living situation when choosing a pet. For example, some senior living communities have restrictions on pets, and some pets may not be well suited for living in a small space. However, if there’s an extra bedroom, it could be the perfect spot for a rabbit playpen!
• Personal Preferences: Finally, seniors should choose a pet that they enjoy and that brings them joy. Some older adults may prefer the companionship of a dog or cat, while others may prefer the low-maintenance nature of a bird or fish.

It’s also a good idea for seniors to consider adopting an older pet, as they may be better suited for a quieter lifestyle and require less training. 

Enjoy a fulfilling retirement at Freedom Village 

When you choose a senior living community that handles all of life’s annoyances like chores, home maintenance, cooking, and cleaning, you have more time to enjoy your favorite things, like your beloved pet. Learn more about our Active Life Plan Community and how it can improve your retirement today.

What is an Active Life Plan Community?

At Freedom Village, our residents enjoy an active and exciting

lifestyle.

We invite you to join our thriving Active Life Plan Community, where every day is filled with friends, delicious chef-prepared meals, engaging programs, and associates who care about your happiness and well-being.

Read on to learn more about what makes life at the Active Life Plan Community at Freedom Village so special.

Stay Active and Engaged

There’s a reason Freedom Village is among Orange County’s top-rated senior living communities. Our Healthy Living Wellness Clinic is just one of the ways we help residents stay active so they can live their absolute best lives. Wellness perks and amenities at Freedom Village include:

• Wellness Clinic staffed by a nurse
• Planned social and recreational programs
• State-of-the-art fitness club with a full-time fitness trainer
• Aqua classes
• Exercise classes, such as balance, stretch, and tai chi

Freedom Village offers a way to experience the life you want, whether you’d like a poolside read, a session to focus on your health and wellness, a lesson in something new, or a class to learn the art of painting. Some of the fun things to do at Freedom Village include:

• Monthly music concerts
• Weekly socials and cultural outings
• Art studio
• Sip and Paint art classes
• Men’s and Ladies clubs
• Book club
• Daily movies, documentaries, and educational programs

Freedom Village’s Resident Council also offers volunteer opportunities, providing another way for our residents to stay sharp and engaged.

Carefree Living Filled With Convenient Services

Free up your time and spend it staying active and doing the things you love. We’ll take care of the chores, home maintenance, cooking and cleaning – no extra charges or surprise fees.

When you move into Independent Living at Freedom Village, you gain access to all the services and amenities our community has to offer. These include:

• Maintenance available seven days a week
• Free scheduled transportation within a 10-mile radius
• 24-hour front desk reception
• Secure and gated parking
• Complimentary Wi-Fi in common areas
• Cable TV
• Water, sewer, trash service, and electricity

Kick back and relax while our dedicated teams keep you and your living space clean, refreshed, and ready for each new day.

A Personalized Continuum of Care

As an Active Life Plan Community, Freedom Village acknowledges that sometimes, care needs change. To meet those changing needs, a variety of supportive healthcare services and affordable options for care are provided on site, including nursing staff and EMTs on duty 24/7.

With unique residences or rooms in Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing, we’re able to address residents’ individual care needs. These services offer peace of mind to the seniors who live here because they know they can count on the community’s support.

Ready to learn more about our Active Life Plan Community? Request a tour or brochure to learn more about the Independent Living lifestyle at Freedom Village today.