Tag Archives: seniors

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When it comes to the enhancement of quality of life, being cognizant of local health and wellness services is a great first step.  Since the elderly often have different needs to other demographics, finding geriatricians and other specialist doctors is crucial.

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs has a whole range of useful programs and services including:  help with Alzheimer’s, Nutrition, information on the Older Americans Act, Medicaid Long Term Care Services, Elder Abuse Prevention Program and more.

The mission of the Department is: “To help Florida’s elders remain healthy, safe and independent.”  Given that “Florida is home to nearly 5.2 million residents age 60 and older and currently ranks first in the nation for the 65+ populations,” it is essential that focus is given to this demographic and assistance provided where possible.

With the ultimate establishment of the Office of Public and Professional Guardians, any vulnerable Floridians and their families will be offered additional protection.

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seniors-floridaEarlier this month, the Kalyvas Group announced the opening of two newly-constructed assisted living and memory care facilities in the Tampa Bay region. One is in Largo (Seasons Largo) and the other in Belleair (Seasons Belleair). The Autumn Senior Living will be responsible for the daily workings of the two housing facilities and the Seasons Northdale community due to open later this year.

These Florida housing facilities for seniors are designed in consultation with the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute. The region is popular with seniors for renting, enabling retirees to maintain a good quality of life without having to deal with the potential pitfalls that come with purchasing, especially given the housing market crash.

Florida state housing for seniors is popular in various parts of the region. First, Charlotte County comprises 32.9 percent of baby boomers, the highest in the region. Countrywide, Manatee County has the 14th highest rate of baby boomer rentals. Palm Bay’s metro population is 543,376; 20.2 percent of which is comprised of over 65-ers. In a recent article by Kirsten Klahn, reporter and contributor to the ‘Milwaukee Daily,’ Palm Bay was ranked Number 2 on a list of 8 US Cities With the Most Retirees. Jacksonville increased its number of seniors by over 400,000 in the last four years. Last year’s figures for the entire state put the number 65+ers living in Florida at around 3.6 million.

So Florida state housing for retirees is definitely popular – a trend which is showing no evidence of being reversed. Given that the state offers a great climate, no income/inheritance/estate tax, lower cost of living, lots of free entertainment (with the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and tons of lakes and canals), active adult communities boasting great activities, easy, accessible, air travel, museums, operas, good hospitals, and more this should not be such a surprise. In particular, Florida’s First Coast features a high density of hospitals and health care professionals which is definitely an attractive feature for seniors.