Why Boomers Are Getting On Par With Disc Golf
What has all the nuances of golf, plays without clubs, and has everyone getting in on the competition? What looks like your average game of frisbee is actually one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S and in Europe. If you’ve never heard of disc golf, you’ll be wanting to sign up for this new spin on the classic game. It might seem like a sport popularized by millennials who thought they were too cool for ball golf, but since the first disc course came to Pasadena, California in 1975, this all-age sport has taken tee time to a championship level.
Disc Golf 101- Like standard golf, you have your fairway, your tee pad, and if you’re lucky you’ll score a birdie, but with disc golf, the lingo is more or less the same, but the game takes a different twist. Instead of a ball, and a hole, you have a disc, and a basket, and rather than a manicured putting green, disc golf courses can be in a park, or even a (very large) backyard. As with a typical round of golf, the object is to get the disc in the basket in the fewest number of throws, and the person with the lowest score is declared the winner. In place of a ball and club, you’ll use three discs, the driver (for the greatest speed and distance), the mid-range (recommended for beginners), and the putter for short-distance shots. As an added bonus, it doesn’t take all day to play an 18 hole game!
3 Metro Hotspots For Active Living
When it comes to venturing into empty nest land or launching into retirement, the last thing the baby boomer generation has on the agenda is sitting around watching Jeopardy. This new-found freedom opens up new, and exciting opportunities particularly when it comes to deciding where to retire. According to an article by Builder, boomers are in the market for the same homes millennials are setting their sights on, and choosing hip locations from college towns, to downtown city centers. Whether it’s to be near family or begin a new career, more, and more active adults are migrating from the lull of suburban living to be near the action.
Portland, Oregon aka; the City of Roses, is diverse, culturally rich, and one of the nation’s top destinations for cyclists, and getting around on foot. Boomers make up a large part of the city’s population and for good reason. Portland is an age-friendly city with an energetic vibe, a vibrant art scene, and a health-conscious mentality from top-rated medical facilities, weekly growers markets, to the extensive infrastructure of walking, hiking, and bike trails. Exploring the city is effortless, with most neighborhoods conveniently located within walking distance of a highly efficient public transit system.
Baby Boomers Take Downsizing A Step Further
The market for tiny homes has been in the media for a while with people taking downsizing to a whole new level. These diminutive versions of their traditional counterparts almost resemble dollhouses with perfectly scaled-down baths, kitchens, and living spaces, attracting quite a following of buyers from families, to empty nesters. With closet spaces not much bigger than a car trunk, it’s hard to believe the demand for these tiny abodes is on the rise particularly amongst baby boomers. So what’s so intriguing about residing in what’s often under 200 square feet? Many retirees are finding it’s the simpler lifestyle that enables them to stretch their nest egg, and pursue dreams of travel, or take up new hobbies.
Outside of purchasing the land if the home is stationary, or the cost of construction for a custom build, many tiny homes sell for under $100,000 which most buyers purchase outright versus having a monthly mortgage payment. The idea of living debt-free is attractive to tiny home buyers, and they’re willing to sacrifice space for the financial peace of mind. In a society where the idea that more is more, the tiny house trend is proving that living on much less reaps bigger rewards. Those going small realize that although they are challenged space-wise, in the end, it’s just “stuff”, and there are bigger and better things they’d rather be doing.
Badlands National Park Unlocks the Past
Badlands National Park is a geologic vision of painted canyons, pinnacles, and spires that have been carved by the forces of nature to create the 244,000-acre expanse of mystical natural beauty. Located east of the Black Hills in western South Dakota, the dramatic Badlands are a sight to behold, and the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and aspiring paleontologists. Once the home of the Lakota American Indians and ancient creatures including the saber-toothed cat, this otherworldly location is an experience not to be missed.
Each year millions of people flock to Badlands National Park to gaze out at the mesmerizing rock striations, with their soft pastel hues, and ever-evolving sedimentary layers. The one-mile fossil bed exhibit trail takes visitors on a journey back in time through the White River Badlands to discover the fossilized remains of mammals dating back to ancient times, with guided tours, and hikes available to learn about the park’s rich history. For a look behind the scenes, The Fossil Preparation Lab gives an insider scientific view of the park’s ancient discoveries.
Why Boston is “America’s Walking City”
Boston has a historic landmark around every corner, a population of die-hard sports fans, and even a state dessert, but what really sets Bostonians apart is their healthy outlook. With parks, attractions, and businesses so close together, Boston makes it easy to get around on foot hence its reputation as “The Walking City.” Named one of the top 10 fittest cities in the country by the American Fitness Index, and ranked #3 on the Forbes healthiest cities list, it’s obvious that Boston’s population loves to move, and with all the outdoor beauty it has to offer, getting out for some exercise doesn’t take much persuasion.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Boston had one of the highest numbers of commuters heading to the office on foot versus getting behind the wheel. Boston is relatively compact with so many hidden gems to explore that walking or biking is the recommended mode of transportation. The city’s famous historic walking tours from the iconic Freedom Trail, and postcard-worthy Beacon Hill tour, to the Road to Revolution, are essential to any Boston experience and combine fresh air and exercise with an intriguing glimpse into Boston’s rich heritage
4 Ways To Reinvent Your Retirement
Somebody had the notion that once you retired, life was suddenly all about bridge games, and recliners – well, up and until they realized that today’s baby boomers have much more on their agendas than watching Jeopardy reruns. Most would agree this next chapter in life has a tendency to spark creativity, and inspire spontaneity which is why it’s the perfect time to step out and create a list of “push your limit” goals. They always say there’s no better time than the present, and these life-changing ideas will definitely challenge your comfort zone.
Try an Extreme Sport
If you thought thrill-seeking was just for kids think again. Challenging yourself physically is a serious endorphin rush especially if It’s something you’ve had on your bucket list. From skydiving, and bungee jumping to getting on a surfboard or rock climbing, the list of “extreme” sports is virtually limitless. Visit any ski resort or the NASCAR starting line, and you’ll notice a surge of 55 or better participants who are proving that active adults crave a taste of adventure over leisure.
Find Your Happy Place In Naples Florida
Tax-friendly, and health-minded, Florida’s coastal lifestyle attracts droves of baby boomers from snowbirds to empty nesters with one city, in particular, coming out on top in all its white-sanded glory. Rated the number one city by the Gallup Well-Being index, and featured by Forbes, and Kiplinger as one of the best destinations to retire, Naples is as close to paradise as it gets.
Located 40 miles south of Fort Myers, this gulf town is one of the few places where balmy tropical breezes, flip-flops, and beach days are enjoyed even in the dead of winter. Retirees are not only attracted to the flawless aesthetic of Naples with its palm-lined streets, upscale plazas, and colorful Neapolitan architecture, but the lifestyle itself is one that promotes healthy living, rich culture, and a positive perspective. With a laid-back vibe, and clear aquamarine waves brushing up against the white sand, it’s easy to understand why they call it the Paradise Coast.
Energy Efficient Tips To Beat the Heat
As we enter into the lazy hazy days of summer, most of us are seeking refuge in our air-conditioned homes with our sprinkler systems running on all four cylinders. Unfortunately, as temperatures skyrocket rise so do our energy bills, and if you live on acreage, or have a large home, you might be spending a small fortune to pay the piper. The good news is even though you may not be ready to downsize your home, there are a few energy-saving tips to help downsize your wallet.
