10 Things You Realize as You Get Older
Donna Nichols • July 13, 2021
Every day we are working with seniors and their loved ones helping them find assisted living facilities in Palm Coast FL. We thought it would be fun to write an article about all the things we realize as we get older Hopefully, some of them will give you a chuckle.
- Adults have no clue about life either! As children, you could ask your parents questions and they would answer the question and you thought they were so smart. Well, guess what, they more than likely made it up because they had no clue either! Even as seniors we have no clue! So don’t ask us! HA!
- Always thank people! Being kind and respectful shows sincerity, people remember that and will look more favorably at you. It also shows you have manners and that goes a long way as well.
- Things always work out how they’re supposed to!! Try not to get upset if something didn’t work out as you expected, it worked out the way it is meant to be. There is a reason for everything and it will become apparent eventually.
- Always trust your gut instinct. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is, don’t do it! Use your judgment, how many times have you gone against it and it bit you in the butt? I’ve done it too many times for me to count.
- You make your own happiness! No one or nothing can make you happy, sorry to say. You are in control of your own happiness; you choose to wake up with a smile or a frown. The day is yours to do with what you wish and you can make it a great day or a bad day depending on your outlook. Have a great outlook!!!
- Accept change and go with it! Things in life change, you cannot stop this – it is a fact of life. If you learn to go with the flow, I know it’s hard, things will be much easier to deal with. Just like dancing, don’t stop dancing because the song changed, keep dancing, just change your rhythm.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. You may not get it, but how do you know if you don’t ask for it? I can relate this to golf, I may make a hole in one, but I won’t know if I don’t take the shot.
- Be different! Dress how you want, wear your hair how you want. Don’t conform to others ways to fit in, we’re too old for that! Uniqueness equals greatness! Be comfortable in your own skin, be who YOU are!
- Accept people for who they are and know you can’t change them. There’s nothing you can do to change people, no matter how hard you try. People have their beliefs, no matter how crazy you think they are, and that is their reality, so you can choose to keep them in your life and let it go, or don’t bother with them. Remember, you choose your own happiness.
- Finish that bucket list!! Do what you’ve always wanted to do, don’t wait. If you have the time and the means, do it! Tomorrow is never promised, take advantage of what you have today!!
Witty growing older quotes
The older I get, the more I realize perfection does not exist and most of the time “good enough” is good enough. – Candace Edwards
“It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.” ― Gabriel García Márquez
“I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity.” ― Albert Einstein
“I have left orders to be awakened at any time during a national emergency, even if I’m in a cabinet meeting.” ― Ronald Reagan
“Some guy said to me: Don’t you think you’re too old to sing rock n’ roll? I said: You’d better check with Mick Jagger.” ― Cher
“It does not take much to make us realize what fools we are, but the little it takes is long in coming.” ― Flannery O’Connor
“It’s strange, really, how time passes. You don’t even notice the world is changing until one day, you look around you and realize that everything around you is different.” ― Nenia Campbell
“A real grown-up doesn’t get old, but mature as time passes by.” ― Young H. D. Kim
“He no longer cared much what others thought of him. There were few benefits in growing older, and this was one.” ― Ian McEwan
See, we all have the same thoughts and ideas, you are NOT alone!!! You must be able to laugh at getting older, if not you will crumble up and wither away.
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Florida's paradise of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and tropical beauty—is also home to one of the most intense annual weather phenomena: hurricane season. From June 1 to November 30, Floridians remain on high alert as powerful storms brew in the Atlantic, each potentially bringing torrential rain, fierce winds, and coastal surges. Understanding hurricane season is crucial for residents and visitors, as it ensures safety and preparedness in the face of nature’s fury. The Impact on Florida Florida has experienced some of the most destructive hurricanes in history, including Andrew (1992), Irma (2017), Ian (2022), Debby, Helene, and Milton (2024). These storms left behind immense devastation, flooding homes, severing power lines, and reshaping entire communities. The economic toll of hurricanes is staggering, affecting local businesses, tourism, and infrastructure. Coastal regions, particularly the Florida Keys and areas along the Gulf Coast, often face the most significant risk. However, inland areas are not immune—wind damage and flooding can wreak havoc miles from the shoreline. Preparing for Hurricane Season Being prepared is the best defense against hurricanes. Here’s how Floridians can safeguard themselves: Stay Informed : Monitor local weather reports and emergency alerts. The National Hurricane Center provides real-time tracking and updates. Create an Emergency Kit : Stock up on essentials, including water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and extra batteries. Don’t forget important documents and pet supplies! Have a Plan : Know evacuation routes and shelter locations. Discuss emergency plans with family members and establish a safe meeting point. Secure Your Home : Reinforce windows, clear debris from your yard, and consider investing in storm shutters if possible. Hurricane season is a reality in Florida, but with preparation and awareness, residents can confidently weather the storm. Whether you’re a lifelong Floridian or a visitor experiencing the Sunshine State, staying informed and ready is key. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember—storms may come, but resilience keeps Florida strong.
Hurricane season in Florida, running from June to November, is a time for preparation, not panic. While these storms bring powerful winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding, a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference—especially for seniors. Taking proactive steps ensures safety, comfort, and peace of mind when the storm arrives. Let’s explore how you can best prepare, stay safe, and recover after the storm. For seniors, hurricanes present unique challenges. Mobility concerns may make evacuation difficult, medical needs require careful planning, and power outages can disrupt essential healthcare devices. Knowing the potential risks helps guide preparation efforts. Flooding: Heavy rain and storm surges can cause rapid water level rises, making roads impassable and homes vulnerable. Strong Winds: Hurricanes can bring winds exceeding 100 mph, toppling trees, damaging homes, and cutting off power. Extended Recovery Time: After a storm, essential services may be limited, making access to food, medications, and transportation difficult. Essential Preparations Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with the following essentials: medications, medical records, flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable food, and water (enough for one gallon per person per day) – sufficient for three to five days. Evacuation Plan: Find nearby senior-friendly hurricane shelters that provide accessibility and medical support. Arrange Transportation: If you don’t drive, organize transportation with family, friends, or local emergency services. Communication Strategy: Stay connected with family, neighbors, and emergency contacts. Sign up for emergency alerts through local weather services. Staying Safe During the Storm When the storm arrives, stay indoors and follow safety guidelines. Shelter Wisely: If you are staying home, choose an interior room away from windows. Monitor Updates: Use a battery-powered radio or phone to stay informed on conditions. Stay Calm: Practice relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety. What to do After the Storm Once the storm passes, careful steps ensure safety. • Assess Damage before venturing outside—watch for fallen power lines or debris. • Seek Assistance for cleanup, repairs, or financial aid through FEMA or community organizations. • Emotional Resilience: Recovering from a hurricane takes time. Connect with neighbors, friends, and local support groups to help ease the process. Conclusion Preparation is the best way to weather the storm—both physically and emotionally. By taking proactive steps, seniors can remain safe, informed, and in control during hurricane season. If you or a loved one needs additional support, contact your local emergency management office or organizations like the Red Cross. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember that every storm eventually passes.
Aging isn’t about slowing down—it’s about living more deliberately. As people age, their priorities shift from chasing time to cherishing it. So, what do seniors truly want? The answer is as diverse as the individuals themselves, but some clear themes emerge when we listen closely. 1. Connection and Community One of the most important things seniors crave is connection. Meaningful relationships bring joy and purpose, whether with family, old friends, or new acquaintances. Many seek social opportunities through clubs, senior centers, classes, or online communities. Loneliness can be a silent struggle, so companionship is a deeply valued part of life. 2. Respect and Independence Seniors want to be seen for who they are: individuals with a lifetime of experience, knowledge, and stories. Being treated with dignity and not being "talked down to" matters. So does having the freedom to make choices about their own lives. Maintaining a sense of autonomy is key when deciding how to spend their day, what to eat, or where to live. 3. Health and Wellness Staying healthy is more than just avoiding illness—it’s about having the energy to enjoy life. Seniors are increasingly proactive about fitness, mental health, and nutrition. Access to quality healthcare, fitness programs tailored to their needs, and mental stimulation are all top priorities. 4. Purpose and Meaning Retirement doesn’t mean retiring from life. Many seniors want to stay active through volunteering, mentoring, or even starting new ventures. Purpose drives fulfillment, whether taking care of grandchildren, learning a new skill, or contributing to a cause they care about. 5. Security and Peace of Mind Financial stability, safe housing, and access to reliable services give seniors peace of mind. Many are concerned about outliving their savings, dealing with unexpected health issues, or navigating complex systems. Clear information, supportive resources, and a sense of safety help ease these worries. 6. Fun and Adventure Yes—seniors still want fun! Travel, hobbies, music, food, and laughter never go out of style. Joy is ageless, whether it's a road trip, gardening, or dancing to old tunes. Seniors want to experience life, not just watch it pass by. Start by Listening Ultimately, the best way to understand what seniors want is simple: ask them. Every person, no matter their age, has unique preferences, needs, and dreams. When we listen with empathy and engage with respect, we create a world where aging is celebrated, not feared. Let’s build that world together. Call us to help each other enrich the lives of our seniors. 386-847-2322.