Senior Living Truth Series: Recent Episodes
Dr. Nikki Buckelew
Join us for a series of candid conversations about topics that matter. Our mission is to provide education and resources designed to help people live empowered lives and make informed decisions. EDUCATE. EQUIP. EMPOWER.
In the intricate dance of life, the transition from living an independent lifestyle to seeking support (regardless of how little or how much) is a profound and multifaceted journey. It’s not merely about whether or not to change your physical space, but also about navigating the shifts in mindset—how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us.
Transition transcends the simple act of moving. It becomes a nuanced exploration of our identity and the choices we make, especially as we mature and move through varying stages and uncharted territories.
In this month’s seminar, we go beyond the pivotal question of staying put or moving on, exploring the thoughts and decisions which influence this choice. Beyond financial considerations (which we will certainly discuss), what other factors come into play in this stage of life?
Our panelists will delve into the potential implications of remaining in our current home, relocating to a smaller space, living with family, and even finding a suitable roommate or retirement community.
Whether you’re in transition yourself or supporting someone else through this stage of life, this empowering and candid conversation is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed and confident decisions.
Widowhood, often veiled in silence, is a profound life transition that many will encounter. In this month’s seminar, we courageously break the silence with an intimate discussion focused on widowhood from the female perspective, acknowledging the unique challenges and opportunities that come with navigating this stage of life.
Join us for a candid and heartfelt conversation featuring a panel of resilient women who have gracefully (and sometimes not so gracefully) moved through the challenging journey from ‘we’ to ‘me.’ These courageous storytellers will delve into the emotional intricacies, hurdles, and moments of triumph associated with the stage of life which is widowhood, shedding light on the unspoken aspects of this profound life transition.
Find inspiration in the strength, resilience, and reinvention that emerge from such a challenging chapter, paving the way for unexpected and positive life stages that follow.
Panelists:
Jake Stover (OKC Mature Moves)
Mel Roberts (Expert Downsizer)
Dr. Dian Bower (Expert Downsizer)
Allan Rose (Expert Downsizer)
Despite the statistic that says 100% of us will die at some point, it’s not a subject that is openly discussed. Undoubtedly this reality is contemplated by some, accepted by a few, and avoided by most. Why is this? What is it about death and dying that makes people squeamish? Death and birth are bookends to a life cycle which has been true since the beginning of time – yet the end of one’s life is often met by surprise or astonishment. Me? Really? Surely not.
When people choose to avoid the reality of eventual death, they often leave behind a proverbial living hell for the ones left behind. Families find themselves struggling to make sense of legal, financial and business matters when their focus should be on emotional healing and supporting those in mourning.
Make the commitment to bring a loved one or friend and attend this 90-minute panel event featuring expert panelists who will share the most important things you need to know about living, dying, and leaving a legacy on your terms. This could quite possibly be one of the most important seminars of the year.
Every time we think we have it figured out, a new scam or marketing scheme shows up. While con-artists have been around forever, they aren’t the only ones trying to get into your bank account or pocket. The level of sophistication in advertising combined with an ever-increasing transactional style of doing business makes it hard to tell the difference between a scam or just “smart” marketing for otherwise worthless products.
This month’s seminar will cover both current scams and misleading marketing campaigns that can eat into the savings accounts of even the most intelligent and savvy consumer. We will also discuss the psychology behind these tactics and how to best protect yourself AND your bank account.
Leaving a home of many years and moving into a smaller home, apartment, or other residence can seem like an overwhelming task. And while it’s a significant undertaking, it can...
What is it like moving to a retirement community? These active seniors will share their experiences of finding, moving to, and living in 55+ senior communities in and around the...
Are you finding that your kids who are now grown adults are beginning to assert control into your life? Do you welcome this engagement, or do you find it frustrating...
Times have certainly changed regarding the way estates are handled after someone passes away. It’s not as simple as one may think, especially when the wishes of the deceased were...
Whether you’re considering selling your own home of many decades, or you’re tasked by your family with selling the home you grew up in, you probably have questions about the...
If you’re moving from a bigger place to a smaller one, you know you’ll need to downsize. When you realize your things have taken over your life, you may be ready to simplify, so decluttering could be the answer. Simple, right?
Unfortunately, letting go may not always be as easy as it may seem. Regardless of your reason for letting go of excess stuff, emotional considerations and logistical challenges can slow you down. Where to donate gently used items, how to pass along family heirlooms, and ways to get some extra cash for once high ticket furniture can hamper the romantic notion of a simple weekend project.
In this seminar we will be discussing the differences between the declutter mindset and the downsizing mindset and will share strategies for each process. We will uncover both the psychological and societal phenomenons at play when it comes to the disposition of household goods. And, we will share the current and future realities of estate liquidation services and antique dealers.
While most agree that our current home is where our heart is, we must also consider the fact that our hearts (and our stuff) may require new living arrangements to suit our changing lifestyle and healthcare needs over time. As people living well into their 80’s, 90’s and even 100’s, it’s statistically likely residential care will be necessary – maybe for months, or maybe for years. This may not be good news, but it is the truth.
The biggest question people have is, “How will I afford this care?”
The second question often asked is, “Why is it so expensive?”
In this seminar we are going to explore the answers to BOTH of these questions. Learn the truth about various senior living options, their associated costs, and what factors contribute to costs that might be higher than most of us would prefer.
As the demographics change in our country (and around the world), namely more people who are over 65 than under, a lot of changes are on the horizon. Residential living arrangements will need to evolve; employers will be required to adapt; the healthcare system will likely undergo a major overhaul; and families will have to rethink the caregiving role, to name a few.
There are already questions being posed such as:
● Will there be adequate housing (accessible, affordable, and suitable) to meet the increasing demand?
● How will the current healthcare system change to meet the needs of the growing number of older people?
● Who will care for those without family support and/or financial resources?
● Should people retire at 65-70 or is it better to keep working longer?
● Are local cities equipped to deal with the transportation needs of an aging community?
● How will families adapt to better care for aging parents and relatives?
The goal of this talk is to help attendees think ahead about ways to prepare for potential changes and to ensure they have adequate support if needed changes don’t come soon enough!
Maybe you’ve decided to stay in your current home and “make it work” or is it possible you’ve decided to sell your current home and buy another one in preparation for getting older. Some people call this next home their “Forever Home.” Either way, you’ve made a choice to avoid moving into a retirement community.
The question is, do you know what you will need to equip your current home (or the next one) for the long haul?
Learn the TRUTH about what sociologists call “Aging in place.” Gain insight into why it’s talked about regularly by politicians, marketers, and healthcare agencies and why most people do a lousy job at preparing for it!
e most recent data indicates there are approximately 92,000 Centenarians living in the United States. This is up from 82,000 in 2016. While we may not “think” we will live this long, we certainly might. For some, this is exciting news, but for most, becoming a centenarian is not a rite of passage they ever considered. At this month’s seminar we will discuss the pro’s and con’s of living to be 100 or beyond, including money, housing, healthcare, purpose, and more.
We often associate the month of November with gratitude and giving thanks for the many blessings in our lives. It’s also a time for family gatherings and festivities, making it perfect for reminiscing and sharing family traditions. So, what happens to these traditions after you’re gone? Who will carry them forward into future generations?
During this month’s seminar we will discuss creative ways for equipping the next generation to tell our stories – now and after we’re gone.
While most agree that their current home is where their heart is, we must also consider the fact that our hearts (and our stuff) may require new living arrangements to suit our changing lifestyle and healthcare needs over time. When people retired at 65 and then only lived a few more years, staying put made perfect sense. Now, as people living well into their 80’s, 90’s and even 100’s, it’s simply not practical to assume one will live in the same place forever.
Learn about the many available options for mature adults including independent, assisted, and life care communities. Better to know it before you need it!
There are a plethora of treatments and medical breakthroughs allowing us to feel better and live longer, but how do we know which ones are right for us and where to access them?
Can we get the treatment we need in our hometown or must we go elsewhere?
Are hospitals all the same, or are some more equipped than others?
Are there medical professionals who specialize in treating older adults?
Get answers to these questions and more as we share what we have learned from medical experts, administrators, insurance providers, and marketing reps about navigating the rapidly changing healthcare system as we age.
Having a car and our own set of keys ranks right up there with having air to breathe and fresh water to drink – it’s hard to imagine being without. That said, having a car and a license to drive (at any age) also come with a great deal of responsibility.
At this month’s seminar we will talk with healthcare, legal, and local law enforcement experts about the challenges associated with driving as we age, as well as strategies for safely remaining behind the wheel.
The topic of dementia isn’t fun or sexy, but it is on the minds of people everywhere. As human beings, we love the fact that we are in control of our lives, so the idea of developing dementia can be terrifying. It’s also very confusing. There are many types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease, so the information can be difficult to digest.
In this month’s seminar we will literally get a chance to “pick the brains” of experts in aging, neuro-science, and memory-care as they share the in’s and out’s of diagnosing, managing, and living with dementia.
Every time we think we have it figured out, a new scam appears. Yes, con-artists have been around forever, but with the advent of the internet, cellular phones, and email, they are becoming even more sophisticated. Add this level of sophistication to an aging society and you have a perfect storm. A scam storm.
This month’s seminar will certainly cover the most common scams impacting today’s mature adults, but it will go one step further. We will discuss the psychology behind the most effective scams and how you can protect yourself and those you care about from becoming the next victim.
This topic always attracts a completely full house and for good reason. It’s so confusing! The goal of this month’s seminar is to help attendees understand the differences in what...
Estate planning is no longer as simple as having a last will and testament. Virtually every state has different laws on matters such as probate and inheritance, making who gets...
Chances are if you are like most Americans, you have more stuff than you need, want, or know what to do with. This is especially true if you have lived...
More and more people are choosing to downsize, rightsize, or otherwise simplify their lives after retirement by moving to retirement communities. The decision about which community is the best fit...
The world is changing at a rapid pace and if you don’t keep up, you’ll be left behind. This means flexing the muscles of adaptability, resilience, and curiosity. Gone are...
Did you retire from something? What about “TO” something? As people live longer healthier lives they are finding that retirement isn’t all they had hoped it would be. Rather than...
What if? What will we do when? What are my options should I need care at some point in my life? Not everyone will need longterm care, but many will....
Choosing the best place to live after retirement isn’t a simple task. There are so many options and multiple considerations to be evaluated. Do I remain in my current home?...
When it comes to planning ahead for living and dying, knowledge is power. Get the facts about the Oklahoma probate process. Learn about planning tools like trusts and wills from...
A diagnosis of dementia or increasing problems with memory loss often result in a flurry of emotions, multiple complex questions, and the making of both short and longterm plans. One...
Selling a home has become more complex in recent decades. Even as straightforward as it sounds, selling “as-is” isn’t necessarily simple. In this seminar you will learn the terminology used...
Times have certainly changed when it comes to buying and selling used household items. With a marketplace flooded by new inexpensive furniture, stores full of trendy home decor, and second...
So, you’ve made a decision to simplify, move on, and make a residential change… Now what? Would you believe that making the decision to move is actually the most difficult...
The house is too big. The yard has become unmanageable. Closets are filled to the brim. We haven’t been in the attic for decades. Despite all the signs that it’s...
You have spent years saving and have done your best to prepare for retirement. But how much is enough? During this exploration of the various expenses associated with senior living...
More residential living options are available to retirees now than ever before. Knowing where, when, and how to approach a late-life move can be a complex puzzle, but it doesn’t...
Much to their surprise, more than 72,000 people in the U.S. are currently aged 100 or older. Over 30% of these Centenarians live alone in their own residences and only...
Who ever thought that COVID-19 would continue impact our everyday lives well into the Fall season? Well, it seems that the virus will be with us for a bit longer...
The truth is that none of us are going to live forever and someone must deal with our bodies once we leave them. Join us for a candid and truthful...
The costs associated with living a long life often seem to be a moving target, but the more you know, the better you can plan. In this session we will...
Have you considered the possibility of moving to a maintenance free neighborhood designed specifically for retirees? Or maybe you’re planning for your future care needs and want to begin taking...
Times have certainly changed regarding the way estates are handled after someone passes away. It’s not as simple as one may think, especially when the wishes of the deceased were...
The truth is not everyone will move into a senior community. For those who choose to stay at home or live with family, this class will help you plan ahead...
People say the thought of moving out of a home they have lived in for decades is often overwhelming. They allow fear and anxiety about the downsizing process to cause...
The truth is that selling a long-time home and moving to a new place can be full of excitement and anticipation, or it can be fraught with anxiety, fear, and...
Everyone knows what services home health agencies provide, right? Well, as it turns out, most people think they know, but often what they know is wrong. Just like many healthcare...
Moving to an independent or assisted living community is often a desirable option for many older adults seeking a simpler or more manageable lifestyle. Sometimes a move to assisted living,...
We often hear people say things like, “I plan to be carried outta here in a pine box.” While this may sound good in theory, the reality is that few...
The Truth about Your Aging Brain Will we lose our memory as we age? Do thinking and reasoning eventually slow down? What are the signs of a healthy or unhealthy...
Did you know that clutter in your home can lead to clutter in your head? Have you ever considered that your recent short term memory loss may not be associated...
Navigating the healthcare system in America is fraught with frustration, confusion, and uncertainty. And did you know that some in the medical profession even have a different set of standards...
Living to 100 years and beyond hadn’t really been a possibility (or consideration) for many people…until recently that is. Right now, there are more than 72,000 people over 100 years...
You have saved and saved and saved. Now you are retired and it’s time to enjoy your newfound freedom, right? So why does spending seem so hard to do? Join...
Selling a home has become more complex in recent decades. Even as simple as it sounds, selling “as-is” isn’t necessarily simple. In this class you will learn the terminology used...
Planning ahead for both living and dying is never an easy task, but knowledge is power. Learn about planning tools like trusts and wills from local attorneys, trust officers, and...
If the thought of moving seems overwhelming, this is the class for you. Learn both from professionals and mature downsizers about the positives and pitfalls related to moving from a...
In this session we will first take a look at the benefits offered by senior living communities, as well as the costs and associated services. Next, we take a deep...