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SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2017 LIVE IT UP! 3 M aking the decision to move to an Independent Retirement Community can be a liberat- ing experience. Once you've decided that keeping up with the day-to day-chores and home maintenance takes up more time and expense than you would like, it's time to consider your options. It's time to make way for more fun in your life! Imagine being free from the every- day chores that can consume so much of your precious time. Imagine having your housekeeping and laundry services, utilities, transportation to shopping and medical appointments all included in one convenient monthly fee. Now imagine all the free time you will have available once these details are taken care of! Time to do all those things you've been putting off. Time to make new friends or to start a new hobby. Time to start having some fun! Perhaps you worry that leaving your home means losing your independence. e truth is that in addition to having your own space without the hassles, life at an Inde- pendent Retirement Community usually means that seniors are more independent and active than they were living alone. Many have gardening programs for residents in addition to fitness programs, bingo, cards, and book clubs. Studies have shown that people who are active and engaged are healthier and happier. Extensive activity pro- grams give all residents options and choices tailored to their specific needs, desires, and lifestyle. Or, if you prefer, you can simply sit back and relax! e choice is always up to you! Many Independent Retirement Com- munities offer your choice of lovely one or two bedroom apartments, brightly lit kitch- ens and bathrooms with safety equipped showers or tubs. Most come with spacious living rooms for your treasured personal be- longings and offer private patios and decks. You can furnish your apartment and patios as you like, with your own furniture and personal items. Hang familiar pictures, paint the walls, grow some flowers, and make sure you have space for your most im- portant possessions—a favorite armchair or treasured bookcase, for example. You get to decide how you wish to spend your days and with whom. e doors to your apartment lock and are controlled by you. You should feel right at home and absolutely secure in your environment. Chances are you'll sleep better at night too knowing you now have built-in safety and security measures along with a 24-hour staff looking out for your safety. Features are in place to respond quickly in the event that you need someone to help you. Another perk of Retirement Living is enjoying the freedom of not cooking or cleaning. Delicious and healthy meals are served to you in beautiful community Din- ing Rooms allowing you to socialize and eat at times that are convenient for you. And since apartments oen come with modern kitchens you are free to prepare your own food if and when you prefer. Some even of- fer room service! Finding the right Senior Community can enrich your life. Look for places that offer tours so you can get a real sense of the places you are considering. Bring a friend along to get their opinion. Once you make the move, get ready to have fun and enjoy what very well could be the next best time of your life! Renew youR commitment to have moRe fun in 2017! B y C a t h i B u r n h a m , m a r k e t i n g m a n a g e r a t D o m i n i C a n o a k s B i g s t o C k p h o t o . C o m

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