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Summertime is the ideal time to spend quality time with the younger generations of your family. With grandchildren and great-grandchildren out of school, why not take the opportunity to go on an adventure together? From exploring the great outdoors to trying out new activities, you can make lasting memories and have a lot of fun. Here are some ideas of activities you can do together to make the most of your summer days:

Take a Trip to the Beach

Beach trips are a great way to enjoy quality time with your grandchildren. With the warm weather and plenty of sunshine, it’s the perfect place for some outdoor fun. Spend the day building sandcastles, hunting for seashells, flying kites in the sea breeze or jumping in the waves. If swimming isn’t their thing, there are plenty of other activities they can do at the beach such as playing catch or Frisbee on the shoreline.

If you’d rather stay away from salty water altogether, pack up and head to your local park instead! Bring along a Frisbee or a kite and plenty of snacks to enjoy the day outdoors together. If there’s an ice cream truck nearby be sure to treat your grandchildren (and yourself!) after all that playing around is done!

Visit Your Local Zoo

Visiting a local zoo with your grandkids can be a fun and educational experience. From learning about exotic animals to seeing them in person, zoos provide an opportunity to explore the world of wildlife while spending quality time with your family. Plus, it’s a great way to get outside and enjoy some fresh air together.

Some zoos are focused on conservation efforts, while others offer more interactive experiences with hands-on animal encounters. You may even find zoos that specialize in certain species or regions of the world! Once you know what type of zoo you want to visit, you can start searching for one nearby. Curious about what zoo is right for you? Read our article about zoos local to our Westminster Life Plan Communities.

Try a Pick-Your-Own Farm

Visiting a pick-your-own farm is a great way to get out of the house and enjoy some quality time with your grandkids. In Florida, it’s blueberry season! At the farm, you can pick as much or as little as you like. Many people take the opportunity to stock up on delicious, farm-fresh produce, providing you with all the fresh fruits and vegetables that you need. You can also purchase pre-picked fruit and vegetables from the farm store, as well as other items such as jams, jellies, and preserves. Some farms even offer activities and educational opportunities for adults and children, such as hayrides, nature walks, and cooking classes.

Take a Swing at Mini-Golfing

Mini-golf is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and have some lighthearted fun with your loved ones. Children have the opportunity to develop their hand-eye coordination and problem solving skills as they work out how to maneuver their ball around tricky obstacles. It also teaches them patience, perseverance, sportsmanship, and teamwork when playing with others or competing against each other. It’s a great chance to learn the importance of good sportsmanship and cooperation.

Summertime provides the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with younger generations. From beach trips to pick-your-own farms, there are plenty of activities that you can do together to make the most of your summer days. Mini-golfing is a great way to have some lighthearted fun, while visiting the zoo or a local farm can be educational experiences. No matter what activity you choose, time spent with family is always valuable, so don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all the fun memories you’ll make!

Summer is here, and it’s time to get out and enjoy the sunshine! Whether you love gardening, boating, swimming, cycling or just taking in the warmth of the day, this is the best time of year for sun-lovers. Time in the sun is also the best source of Vitamin D, a vitamin that many older adults need more of.

While the outdoors are wonderful, it’s especially important for older adults to stay safe while enjoying the sun. Sun damage is more common in seniors, so it’s important to take extra precautions when you’re out in the sun. In this blog post, we’ll discuss three fun ways to stay protected from the sun this summer. So grab your hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, and let’s get started!

Always wear sunscreen and apply it properly

It’s essential to wear sunscreen no matter how old you are or what time of year it is. But for seniors, wearing sunscreen and applying it properly is even more important. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more fragile, making older adults more prone to sun damage.

The best way to protect your skin from the sun is by using a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection. Broad-spectrum means that it’ll block both kinds of ultraviolet (UV) rays from penetrating your skin. A rating of SPF 30+ indicates that the sunscreen will offer substantial protection against burning.

When applying your sunscreen, don’t forget to cover all exposed areas of skin, including your face, neck, ears and hands. Be sure to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating — this will help provide maximum protection from the sun’s damaging rays. You should also use a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher to protect your lips from sun damage.

Remember that even if you apply sunscreen correctly, you can still get sunburned. For the most safety, reapply your sunscreen every two hours and spend the peak times of day in the shade.

Take a tip from people who live in the desert and cover up

It should come as no surprise that people who live in the desert have a few tips for staying safe in the sun. After all, this type of climate is known for its hot temperatures and intense UV rays. Traditional clothing worn by the Tuareg of the Saharan Desert and the Bedouins of the Arabian Desert is long, lightweight and loose-fitting. That helps protect you from harsh sun exposure during the day.

One of the most important tips we can learn is to cover up as much skin as we can, when we’re outside. Clothing can act as a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s harmful rays. That can include wearing a wide-brimmed hat and lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants, to keep your face, arms and legs shielded from the sun. Don’t forget to wear sunglasses to protect the eyes!

It’s important to choose light-colored fabrics that are lightweight for comfort, yet tightly woven enough to block out harmful UV rays.

Stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. whenever possible to avoid excess sun exposure

The time of day when you choose to be outdoors can make a big difference in how exposed you are to the sun’s harmful UV rays. To minimize your risk of sun damage, try to stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when possible. This period is the time of day when skin-damaging UV rays are strongest.

If you choose to go outside during this time, be sure to keep our previous tips in mind in wearing sunblock and protective clothing. Pay special attention to areas that are more vulnerable, such as your face, neck, arms and legs. Additionally, wear sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection to reduce the risk of eye damage from the sun’s glare.

Seeking shade is another great way to enjoy the summer outdoors without sun damage. Look for trees or other structures that can provide natural cover while still allowing you to enjoy the view. Consider setting up a beach umbrella or bringing a pop-up canopy for added protection when you spend extended periods outdoors.

Finally, drinking plenty of water will help keep your body hydrated and cool while out in the heat. Just be sure not to become overheated by staying in direct sunlight too long!

Did you know that when you choose to live at a Westminster Life Plan Community, you’ll have access to fun programming with sun safety in mind — all year round? Our Resident Experience team provides exciting and active lifestyle options every day. Learn more about the lifestyle you can enjoy at a Westminster community, and find the community near you today!

Happy National Zoo Day! Today we’re celebrating the wonderful creatures and habitats found in zoos near our communities and spreading the word about special discounts for seniors at these attractions. Whether you live near a zoo or you’re planning a special visit with your grandkids, we’ve got the scoop on where to go and deals that can enhance your zoo experience.

Bradenton

Bradenton is home to two wonderful zoos: Sarasota Jungle Gardens and Myakka Elephant Ranch. Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a beautiful 10-acre tropical landscape and wildlife sanctuary that features over 200 native and exotic animals including tropical birds, reptiles, mammals and amphibians. The gardens are also home to several endangered species like the Florida panther and West Indian manatee. With its lush vegetation and diverse array of animals, the gardens offer visitors an unforgettable experience.

Myakka Elephant Ranch is another favorite destination for animal lovers in Bradenton. This unique facility offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with elephant herds from around the world. Visitors can feed and touch these gentle giants while learning about their habits and habitats from knowledgeable guides. In addition to interacting with elephants, visitors can also explore the ranch’s other wildlife exhibits featuring camels, zebras, monkeys, birds of prey, tortoises, alligators, and more.

While neither zoo offers discounted admission for seniors, your grandchildren under the age of 3 visit for free at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens! Be sure to call either attraction and inquire about potential holiday, group or veterans discounts when planning your visit.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens
https://sarasotajunglegardens.com
3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34234

Myakka Elephant Ranch
https://www.myakkaelephantranch.org
4450 Verna Bethany Rd, Myakka City, FL 34251

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is home to two incredible zoos, ZooTampa at Lowry Park and the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center. Both offer a variety of habitats and creatures that can be enjoyed by all ages.

ZooTampa offers visitors a unique experience with its exciting exhibits featuring over 1,000 animals from around the world. Its expansive grounds are filled with lush gardens, exotic wildlife and interactive activities for everyone to enjoy. Emphasizing endangered, threatened and vulnerable species from climates similar to the Tampa Bay Region, the Zoo features African elephants and penguins, a Malayan tiger and Komodo dragons, American alligators and bald eagles and many more. ZooTampa also has daily programs such as keeper talks, animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours that provide insight into animal care and conservation efforts at the zoo.

The Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center is a great place to explore nature up close and personal! The center is home to over 250 animals including alligators, lizards, small mammals, amphibians, turtles and tortoises and fresh and saltwater marine life. Learn about the natural history, importance of, and ways in which we can coexist with the rich diversity of wildlife in the world, as well as preventing and reducing human-wildlife conflicts.

For seniors visiting either ZooTampa or the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center there are special discounts available on admission fees to make it easier to enjoy these wonderful attractions without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for an affordable way to experience nature’s beauty this National Zoo Day, take advantage of $2 off the price of a single day admission ticket to ZooTampa and $4 off the price of a general admission ticket to the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center. Can’t visit the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center in person? Take a virtual tour: https://storage.net-fs.com/hosting/3487339/86/

ZooTampa at Lowry Park
https://zootampa.org
1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center
https://kissagator.com/
12973 Village Blvd A-D John’s Pass Village, Madeira Beach, FL

Orlando and Central Florida

When it comes to visiting zoos and wildlife parks in the Orlando area, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens and Gatorland are two of the best. The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is located in Sanford, just outside of Orlando. Here visitors can explore a range of habitats, from tropical rainforest to wetlands and savannas, and get up close with over 350 animals representing over 100 species, from small scorpions to graceful giraffes, and even the endangered Indian rhino. In addition to its animal exhibits, the zoo offers educational programs, daily activities and special events throughout the year.

Gatorland is also a must-see for zoo goers in Orlando. Established in 1949 as a roadside attraction, this 110-acre park celebrates all things gator. Here you can witness the famous “Gator Jumparoo” show during which alligators jump for lunch; observe wild gators from boardwalks; or take part in an up-close encounter with one of these powerful reptiles. Gatorland also features aviaries full of stunning birds and other animals such as snakes and tortoises that guests can view at their leisure.

Seniors don’t have to miss out on enjoying these wonderful attractions either! Both Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens and Gatorland offer discounts on admission fees specifically for seniors. Adults older than 55 save $4 off the price of admission at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and seniors aged 60 and above save $5 off adult admissions to Gatorland.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
http://www.centralfloridazoo.org
3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771

Gatorland
https://www.gatorland.com
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida 32837

Jacksonville and St. Augustine

For those in the Jacksonville and St. Augustine areas, there are two more great attractions to visit on National Zoo Day. The first is the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, which offers more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants. The zoo is one of only seven zoos in the country with an animal wellness team, helping provide the very best care to animals, and the Manatee Critical Care Center is one of seven that rescues and rehabilitates Florida’s manatees.

The other zoo in the area is the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. This family-friendly attraction features a variety of reptiles and animal encounters that will excite kids of all ages. See albino alligators, birds of Africa, exotic birds and mammals, Florida native reptiles and more, plus fossils of the ancient predecessors to these animals. Not only is this a great way to explore some amazing creatures up close but it’s also an opportunity to learn more about conservation efforts being done at local zoos and wildlife sanctuaries across Florida.

No matter what part of Florida you live in or plan to visit this National Zoo Day, there’s sure to be an exciting exhibit or program nearby that everyone can enjoy at discounted rates for seniors! Adults aged 65 and older enjoy a 10% discount on memberships to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and 10% off general admission to St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/
370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218

St. Augustine Alligator Farm
https://www.alligatorfarm.com/
999 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080

Tallahassee

In Tallahassee, enjoy a visit to the North Florida Wildlife Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation through public educational outreach, propagation of rare and endangered species, and habitat restoration efforts. Established in 2019, the North Florida Wildlife Center is a top attraction in North Florida, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the environment and become involved in local conservation initiatives. Animal residents include lemurs, sloths, anteaters, red kangaroos, bats, hedgehogs, owls, buzzards, turtles, frogs and many more. Due to construction, the center doesn’t offer self-guided tours, but seniors enjoy a $5 discount on guided tours.

North Florida Wildlife Center
https://www.northfloridawildlife.org
1386 Cook Road, Lamont, FL 32336

Go out and explore!

There are plenty of options for seniors to explore the wonders of the animal kingdom on National Zoo Day. Whether you decide to visit one of Florida’s many zoos, wildlife parks, or animal sanctuaries, you are sure to have a memorable experience filled with fascinating creatures, breathtaking habitats and educational opportunities. Take advantage of special discounts for seniors available at many of these attractions, making it easier to explore nature with family without breaking the bank.

June is Pride Month, a time when we celebrate the resilience and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. As we observe this month, I want to take a moment to reflect on the values of our organization, which include creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

Our faith-based community is built upon a foundation of love, compassion, and equality. As such, we are committed to treating all members of our community with respect, dignity, and kindness. We acknowledge that there are unique challenges faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone under our care.

I am proud of the work that we have done so far to support LGBTQ+ residents, team members and families, but there is always more that we can do. This month, I urge us all to strive for greater understanding and empathy, and to continue the conversation around LGBTQ+ inclusion and acceptance.

I want to take this opportunity to wish all members of our communities and support services who identify as LGBTQ+ a happy and joyful Pride Month. Your contributions to our organization are deeply valued and you are an integral part of our family. To our colleagues and residents who are allies of the LGBTQ+ community, let us continue standing up for the rights of our LGBTQ+ peers and striving for a world that is more inclusive and compassionate for all.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for the work that you do and the kindness that you show towards one another. Your love and support are what makes Westminster Communities of Florida a truly special place.

With kindest regards,

Terry Rogers
President & CEO

Father’s Day is a special day of the year, and it can be especially hard when you’re not able to be with your dad to celebrate. But that doesn’t mean you can’t show him how much you care from afar! We’ve put together some great Father’s Day gift ideas that will make your dad feel special, no matter how far away you are. Whether it’s a subscription for his favorite thing, a gift that pays it forward or a way to help him learn something new, there’s something for every dad.

1 – A GIFT FOR MONTHS TO COME
What better way to show your dad you’re thinking of him than with a gift that keeps on giving? There are plenty of subscription services that have something to offer dad, no matter what his interests or hobbies may be. Does he have a well-maintained beard or mustache? Sign him up for the Dollar Shave Club offering a variety of razors, blades, and shaving cream available each month. Or maybe your dad is a self-proclaimed handyman. Send him tools and gadgets each month with The Handy Box providing everything from hammers and screwdrivers to saw blades and drill bits – all delivered right to his doorstep every month. Whatever gift you choose for Father’s Day this year, make sure it’s tailored just for him.

2 – IF YOUR DAD IS A BOOKWORM
Does your dad always have his nose in a book? Peruse the bestsellers list and curate a list of books you think he may enjoy. Consider pairing your recommendations with an Audible or Amazon gift card so he can choose what to read or listen to based on your suggestions. This will show effort and thought on your part, as well as give you two something to discuss in the future. If your Dad doesn’t spend his time reading books, but rather newspapers or magazines, look into a subscription to his favorite publications. Newspapers like The Washington Post or The New York Times are excellent options for any news enthusiast. No matter what type of reader your Dad is, there are plenty of options for reading material available.

3 – PAY IT FORWARD FOR YOUR CHARITABLE DAD
Show your love for dad and pay it forward by volunteering or donating to his favorite charity in his name. Find an organization that’s close to his heart like supporting wounded warriors and veterans, or donating to cancer research. Alternatively, if you know of any local charities near Dad’s home that he may be passionate about, consider making a donation in his name or offering your time by volunteering with them for the day. This will show him that you went above and beyond for him even though you can’t be there physically on Father’s Day. Plus, it will make both of you feel great knowing that something good came out of the special day!

4 – PREPARE HIM TO PLAY HIS FAVORITE GAME
If Dad loves playing golf, you can help him improve his game even from afar. Consider an indoor putting mat so he can practice his swing and putt without leaving home. Gifting custom coaching videos from Jonathan Yarwoods is another way to upgrade Dad’s golf game. From analyzing Dad’s swing to providing tips on how he can make improvements, these personalized videos will give Dad the confidence he needs to become a better golfer. If he’d rather watch sports than play them himself, get him a subscription to ESPN+ so that he can enjoy games, documentaries and exclusive clips right from the couch. With access to hundreds of live sports events as well as original, this subscription is sure to keep Dad entertained.

5 – HELP DAD LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Fathers are always looking for new ways to learn and grow. An annual MasterClass subscription or access to LinkedIn Learning classes can provide Dad with new skills and interests. MasterClass offers exclusive online classes taught by some of the most renowned experts in their respective fields. From cooking with Gordon Ramsay, acting with Samuel L. Jackson, photography with Annie Leibovitz or even tennis instruction from Serena Williams, there’s something for every kind of father out there. LinkedIn Learning classes are another great option, offering an array of courses covering a wide range of topics such as business, technology and creative arts. Whether Dad is interested in brushing up on his Excel skills or mastering Adobe Photoshop, these courses will help him stay ahead of the curve in today’s ever-changing world. With an annual subscription or access pass to either platform, dad will be sure to find something new that peaks his interest while staying connected with you from afar this Father’s Day!

No matter how far away you may live from your Dad, there are plenty of ways to make sure he feels special this Father’s Day. From subscription services to charitable donations, classes and fresh reading material, there is something for every kind of Dad out there. Show him how much you care with a personal and meaningful gift this Father’s Day, no matter where you are.

Today is Global Running Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the sport of running. For seniors, running can be an incredibly beneficial way to stay healthy and improve their overall well-being. At Westminster Communities of Florida, we understand the importance of physical health, which is why it’s part of our eight-dimension program for well-being of mind, body and spirit.

Running offers a variety of health benefits that are especially important for seniors. For starters, running is a great way to get physical exercise that can help improve balance, coordination and strength. All of these are vital for seniors, as they can help reduce the risk for falls and other injuries, and can even help seniors move more independently.

Another benefit of running is improved mental health and emotional well-being. Going for a run can be an incredibly freeing and therapeutic experience, and can help seniors stay connected to their local community. It can also reduce stress and anxiety, and provide a sense of purpose.

Finally, running can help improve cardiovascular health, which can reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and help to reduce the risk of heart disease. Running can also help seniors stay active and maintain a healthy weight.

We hope that everyone will celebrate Global Running Day and take advantage of the many benefits that running has to offer. At Westminster Communities of Florida, we’re dedicated to helping our residents and team members stay active and healthy. Our MyWLife wellbeing program offers a wide variety of activities to enhance your well-being, including running. If you’d like to learn more about our MyWLife wellbeing program, the exciting lifestyle we offer, and the benefits of choosing a Life Plan Community, find the Westminster community nearest you today!

If you’ve lived in Florida for any amount of time, you are aware of the annual Atlantic hurricane season, which starts June 1 and lasts until November 30. It’s important to appropriately prepare for a storm in case of an emergency, but living in a Life Plan Community can alleviate some of the pressure for you.

The biggest benefit of choosing to live at a senior living Life Plan Community, when it comes to preparing for a storm, is the ease of maintenance-free living. You will never need to put up the hurricane shutters over the windows or remove storm debris from your yard again — just leave it to your community’s maintenance team!

We’ve created a convenient Hurricane Preparedness Guide where we discuss:

• What is a hurricane?
• The risks they bring
• How to both prepare for sheltering or evacuation
• What to put in an emergency supply kit
• Caring for pets in the storm
• How to prepare (or not prepare!) your home, and
• Where to get to most up-to-date information

This guide is helpful for older adults who are residents of a Life Plan Community and anyone else who lives in an area susceptible to hurricanes.

It can be expensive to buy the items necessary for your hurricane preparedness kit, so to alleviate the cost, the state of Florida offers a Sales Tax Holiday on qualifying items. This year the sales tax holiday began on May 27 and ends on June 9. There will also be a second tax holiday, starting August 26 and going until September 8.

For a full list of qualifiable items, reference Florida’s Department of Revenue’s official 2023 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday List and FAQ.

You can never be too prepared when it comes to hurricanes!

For more information about how you can live at a Westminster Life Plan Community and the benefits during hurricane season, visit our website at www.westminstercommunitesfl.org.

We had so many impressive submissions for the 29th Annual Westminster Communities Foundation Resident Art Show, with 283 in total. Congratulations to all of the participants and the 28 pieces that received awards. Thank you to our judges for assisting this year’s effort.

This showcase and contest features hundreds of pieces created by senior adults who are residents at one of Westminster Communities of Florida’s 22 active senior living communities, plus a category for Westminster team members to display their artistic talents.

Categories of artwork include oil, watercolor and acrylic paint; mixed media; drawing; photography; fabric arts; 3D work; and a category for team member artistry. First-, second- and third- place winners were selected by judges in each category and are indicated with a ribbon. Winners’ artwork will also be featured in the Foundation’s 2024 Resident Art Show calendar.

“I think the history behind the Resident Art Show is so special,” said Jeff Coates, Vice President of Philanthropy for Westminster Communities of Florida. “This event has been celebrated at Westminster for 29 years and brings all 22 communities together, which is a unique opportunity.”

The CEO Award is bestowed to artwork chosen by Westminster Communities of Florida Chief Executive Officer Terry Rogers, and is used as the cover art for the 2024 Resident Art Show calendar. This year, “Manatee and Baby” by Jé Czaja Mordon from Westminster Gardens was named the CEO Award.

“It’s great to see the extraordinary work of our residents and team members,” said Terry Rogers, Westminster Communities of Florida Chief Executive Officer. “I’m always thinking of the cover of the calendar and ‘Manatee and Baby’ is a beautiful depiction of Florida scenery and wildlife.”

View the art show by clicking this link and explore the extraordinary works produced by Westminster Communities of Florida residents and team members. Congratulations to all!