To meet the needs of the 50+ population in Southwest, VA, we at Leisure Publishing have brought this informative guide to you. Leisure also produces the periodicals, Blue Ridge Country, The Roanoker and Mountain Homes magazines as well as many custom projects and guidebooks including the Virginia Travel Guide.

Please take a moment to navigate through the site to learn more about retiring in Virginia.

Enjoy a healthy, active retirement.

Mental And Emotional Health: Top Tips To Keep In Tip Top Shape During Retirement

1. Exercise. 30 minutes of daily exercise can improve your mood and relieve anxiety and depression. It also increases brain function since oxygen consumption is increased by aerobic exercise, which is good for brain function, according to the Mayo Clinic.

2. Socialize. Join a walking group, try a water aerobics class or simply schedule more outings with friends to the museum or a new restaurant.

3. Continue to learn. Trying different activities and learning new skills can also keep you mentally young.

“People who do the same things day in and day out seem not to age well in terms of brain health,” says Dr. David Trinkle, medical director of Carilion’s Center for Healthy Aging.

Learn to cook a new ethnic cuisine. For example, if you love sushi, buy a book or go to a class and find out how to make it yourself.

4. Stress less. Be careful not to overload yourself with too many activities all at once. While it is not good to sit at home and stare at the TV for hours on end, it isn’t advantageous to mental health to stress yourself by packing every second with appointments and classes. Stress is mentally taxing and aging. Meditation, yoga, massage and listening to soothing music are just a few ways to un-kink bunched up nerves when you’ve taken on too much. —Andrea Clark

Whether you’re preparing for a quick jaunt to spend time with the grandkids, an extended cross-country stay, or that lifetime dream of international travel, here are 11 tips to ensure safe and worry-free travels. Happy trails!

Before traveling, research the activities and attractions available in your destination to help you plan for your fun-filled trip.

SCHEDULE STRATEGY

It’s a good idea to plan ahead, no matter the size of your trip. Travel agents or online travel services can help you find the ideal flight that suits your timeframe and best hotels. Be sure to keep up-to-date on any changes that occur between scheduling and the day of your departure. Research the activities and attractions you plan to take in during your trip. Upon arrival, you’ll already be in the know on operating hours, costs and other details. And especially for overseas travel, research weather and local customs.

PERFECT PACKING

Traveling by plane? Keep in mind that airport regulations have changed in recent years. If you’re taking a short trip, you may only want to take a carry-on bag, as airlines now charge a fee for checked luggage. Liquid toiletries must be stored in two-ounce containers and placed in clear bags if packed in carry-ons. It’s a good idea to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case checked baggage is lost.

ROAD RULES

Have your vehicle inspected to make sure it’s problem-free before hitting the highway. Keep your car insurance card handy in case of an accident, and make sure your cell phone is charged to avoid being stranded with no means of communication, should you break down.

MANAGING YOUR MEDS

Make sure you have enough of your prescriptions to last during your trip. Medicine should be kept in original containers to avoid confusion of pills. And if you need some of the medicine within 24 hours, pack it in your carry-on.

MONEY MATTERS

If you’re headed to a foreign country, you may want to exchange only enough currency to cover travel expenses, as you’re likely to get a better rate once you reach your destination. Carry a minimal amount of money as you take in the sights of your vacation spot; travelers checks and credit cards are great alternatives.

PET PREPARATION

Make advance arrangements for Fido and Fluffy at pet boarding facilities or with relatives or friends if you plan to travel without them. If they’re coming along, book a hotel that allows pets and find out the requirements for pet travel on airlines.

GROUP GETAWAYS

Traveling is much more fun when you have someone to share it with. Gather a buddy or several friends for a trip; discounts are often available for group travel. Or check with local churches or organizations to see if they have any planned trips that may interest you.

LOCK AND LEAVE

Double-check doors to ensure your home is properly locked before you leave. Alert a trustworthy neighbor about your departure. You’ll have a relaxing vacation knowing that someone is on the lookout for suspicious activity near your home.

NAMES AND NUMBERS

Keep a list of emergency contacts handy, including your children, neighbors and doctor. You’ll also want the phone numbers for your travel agent, airline and hotel on hand in case travel problems arise.

MAKING MEMORIES

You’ll likely remember all the fun times you had on your trip, but be sure to take a camera -and even a journal – to record your favorite sights, foods and feelings. It’ll be exciting to look back on the memories you made.

BEST BARGAINS

There are numerous online sources to help you find great prices and package deals. These websites allow you to search by travel date, costs and hotel rankings. Some even offer advice on things to see and do while on your trip and reviews by previous customers. A few to check out include expedia.com, orbtiz.com, tripadvisor.com, priceline.com and hotels.com.

HELPING HANDS

Aging is not always easy. Everyday tasks often become difficult in the latter years of life. But you don’t have to lose your independence. Assisted living facilities and nursing homes certainly are options, but with assistance provided by home health providers, you can remain in the comforts of your own home.

Generally, notes the Carilion Clinic website, home health care is provided to patients that have become disabled, or are recovering from an illness, undergoing treatment, chronically ill or terminally ill. Home health providers offer a wide range of services, which include bathing and dressing, serving home-cooked meals according to dietary needs, reminding clients about medicine and transporting to a doctor’s appointment.

Caregivers vary from physicians and nurses to volunteers and companion providers. Michelle Belton, owner of Companion Home Care, Inc., says her business offers non-medical and homemaking services, such as cleaning house and doing laundry, accompanying clients to social functions, and serving as a companion for leisure activities such as gardening, playing cards or taking a stroll through the park.

LASTING BENEFITS

According to State Farm Insurance’s website, there is a one in two chance that when you reach 65, you will need extra care down the road, so it’s best to prepare for that possibility. You can avoid leaning on family members or using your retirement savings to help cover the costs of home care by purchasing a long-term care insurance policy.

The product helps you pay the expenses of an in-home caregiver, private duty nurse or therapist (as well as nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult day cares). Such services commonly are not covered by health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.

If you’re considering a long-term care policy, keep in mind that the earlier you buy, the better. The cost of premiums, according to State Farm, depends on your age when you purchase the policy. And if you wait too long, you’ll face a higher premium or become ineligible due to changes in your health.

Currently, the average cost of home health providers in Roanoke is $19/hour, but health care costs are on the rise. Remember to weigh all of your options, and consider inflation and the possible amount of time you’ll need long-term care.

From hospital care to prescriptions, Medicare offers four parts that help cover various medical services, with the key word being “help.” There are certain limitations. According to the Charles Schwab website, you should “get up-to-date quotes for health insurance and find out how your insurance works with Medicare, including prescription drug coverage.”

Financial advisor Erin Dooley says for some of her clients that have expressed concerns about their financial situation, she’s been able to map out a new plan. After reviewing their goals, she has suggested either working a couple more years or cutting down on expenses to help get savings back on track.

According to Erin Dooley, a financial advisor for Edward Jones in Moneta, seven out of 10 people are not adequately saving for retirement. It’s a scary statistic. Whether your retirement is five years or five months from now, do you know if you’re ready?

“Eighty percent of what you make now is likely what you’ll need to live on,” Dooley says. “Most people don’t usually plan to change their lifestyles drastically,” but keep in mind that inflation will lessen your buying power over the years.

Websites such as Charles Schwab (schwab.com) and AARP (aarp.org) offer retirement savings calculators to help you find a more accurate account of how much money you will need by crunching the numbers of your current income, how much you are saving annually and how much you plan to spend annually during retirement.

Remember, Dooley says, life expectancy has risen, so you should plan for at least 20-30 years of retirement savings.

PLAN AHEAD

It’s never too early to begin mapping out your retirement, Dooley and other financial planners emphasize. Sort through bills, mortgages, social security and retirement plans with a financial planner to determine what you need to do to live a comfortable life in your latter years.

“It’s all about looking at where you are today, where you want to be and how you’re going to get there,” Dooley says. “We recommend meeting annually or semi-annually with an advisor to make sure nothing major has happened in your life that could affect your savings.”

As for investments, Dooley says she doesn’t push a particular type, as the right venture for a person varies by age and how much risk you are willing to take. Start early, and your investment is likely to withstand the ups and downs of the market.

BEFORE THE GOODBYES

You’ve announced your retirement and the farewell party at the office is planned. Before you go, don’t forget to consider the options for your 401K.

The Charles Schwab website recommends talking with your employer about arranging a direct rollover of your account balances into an IRA. You also may have the choice of keeping your 401K through your employer. Dooley says rolling over into a Traditional or Roth IRA is ideal because you can keep better track of the funds instead of relying on your former employer.

PRESERVE YOUR ASSETS

Financial planning and estate planning seem to go hand-in-hand. Once you have created a plan for your retirement funds, says Scott E. Gardner, an attorney in Salem, you should consult an attorney to discuss an estate plan to preserve those funds.

“It’s never too early to start estate planning,” Gardner says. “All clients needs are unique, and they should customize an estate plan accordingly.”

Attorneys will review investment statements, insurance policies, titles to properties and other financial documents to ensure an adequate plan is made. After evaluation, attorneys prepare the proper documents, which include a will, trust, power of attorney and living will. Other assistance available, Gardner explains, include transferring property, creating business agreements and amending accounts or insurance policies.

Upon completion (which could take a few days to a few months), clients execute the documents with the attorney. The cost of estate planning ranges from a hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

According to Gardner, people should ask themselves the following questions (depending on your personal situation) before making estate plans:

How will my assets be divided and distributed?

Do I need long-term care insurance?

Can I create a trust or make a donation to a charity or university?

Should I start making gifts to relatives now?

Who should I appoint as my executor, trustee, guardian?

How will my debts be paid?

LATE-IN-LIFE PLANNING

If you have delayed estate planning or are thinking about making changes to your plan, attorneys may require you to undergo an independent medical evaluation to determine your decision-making capacity.

Dr. Gary Oberlender of Roanoke, a consultant in geriatric medicine, offers in-home evaluations for folks facing such situations. The evaluations, according to his website (seniorevaluations.com) include – among other factors – a brief review of medical history, assessment of general physical health and functional independence, and a mental status examination. Oberlender will prepare a written report of his findings and upon request, mail the report to the client’s attorney.

Thinking Ahead

It’s not a pleasant topic, but funeral and burial arrangements are something everyone must endure. But you can reduce the stress on your loved ones at the time of your passing by handling as much of this task as you can beforehand. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Pre-planning ensures you get the type of service and arrangements that you prefer. Also be sure to inform your family of the decisions you make.

A funeral director can guide you through the necessary preparations and help you choose the merchandise that suits your needs and desires.

According to Oakey’s Funeral Service & Crematory, “when you prepay, you pay tomorrow’s cost at today’s price. More of your assets and life insurance proceeds go directly to your family.” Payment plans typically are available, and your money goes to a bank trust or funeral insurance fund that cannot be released until after your funeral.

The average cost of arrangements, says Bob Burger, managing partner for Lotz Funeral Home, can range from about $2,000 for a simple cremation to $7,000-$8,000 in this area for a traditional or complete funeral service, which includes services, casket, vault or outer burial container.

It's important to remain active, helping both mind and body stay in top-top shape.

1. WHAT’S UP DOC? Doctors recommend annual physicals in order to monitor your health and keep you aware of any changes. Talk to your doctor about a diet and exercise regimen that works for your body type.

2. KEEP IT INTERESTING. The same old exercise routine can become boring. Change up your workout from time to time with activities such as walking, swimming, aerobics or bicycling. Lifting light to moderate weights to tone muscles is also important.

3. FOOD FOR THOUGHT. A well-balanced diet consisting primarily of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and proteins will help you stay energized and fit. Research has found certain foods are good for your mind, such as fish, blueberries, almonds and even dark chocolate.

4. YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND. Stay sociable in your retirement years by keeping in touch with friends, attending local events or joining a volunteer group. Also find a workout partner; you can motivate each other to stay fit.

5. MIND GAMES. Find ways to keep your mind engaged: work crossword puzzles; take on a hobby such as painting, knitting or woodwork; or sign up for a class on a subject that interests you.

6. STEP IT UP. The recommendation for 10,000 steps per day doesn’t go down as age goes up. Look everywhere for opportunities to run your total up…walk to the post office, park at the far edge of the mall lot, walk the dog until the dog is tired. And consider a pedometer, which is proven to increase steps taken by those who use one.

Warren and Barbara Cain

“We always thought Virginia was beautiful,” Barbara says. “The healthcare at UVA is outstanding and there’s lots of history around, which we love.”

The two built their home and their daughter helped with the interior design. Wanting to support regional companies, the Cains used art and furniture from local artists and craftsmen; their slate countertops and fieldstone exterior came from Virginia.

In their retirement years, the Cains have not slowed down. They enjoy volunteering for numerous organizations and gathering with friends and neighbors for group activities. Warren plays golf, serves on the advisory board at Keswick Estate and volunteers at church. Barbara, who was part of the International Piano Competition while living in Hilton Head, has been able to continue utilizing her passion for music as a guild and board member of the Ash Lawn Opera. She also participates in exercise classes and relaxes by the pool when her grandchildren visit.

“If you sit around and think, ‘I’m retired, therefore I’m going to wind down,’” Warren says, “then you’ll wind down. Or, you can stay active and not miss a beat.”

Since moving to Charlottesville three years ago, the Cains say they have been able to get out and enjoy the town, as well as travel to Washington, D.C., and they take a train from Charlottesville to New York at least once a year.

“We still haven’t gotten to everything yet,” Barbara says. “But we will.”

Betty Joe Fulcher

Although Fulcher has been a member of the Blue Ridge Arts and Theater Society (BRATS) since the 1980s, she gained more time to pursue her love of performing after retiring in January 2008. She also joined TheatreWorks – a group in Martinsville dedicated to bringing community theater to the area – and promotes their various productions.

Fulcher joined her first play for BRATS in 1988 when a cast member got “cold feet.” It may have been a small part, she recalls, but she was hooked from that day forward.

“I was so nervous, but the first time you hear the audience laugh, it’s worth everything you put into it,” she says. “It’s nice to know you’re making someone happy.”

Since then, she has participated in about 14 plays, mostly Southern comedies. BRATS, which is an all-volunteer organization, typically spends about three months preparing for productions. The cast-mates, Fulcher says, have become a built-in support group, as have the members of TheatreWorks.

“I enjoy being a member of both groups.” Fulcher says, “I do it because I love the community and want to give back.”

In addition to BRATS and TheatreWorks, Fulcher volunteers for Martinsville’s Piedmont Arts Association. She promotes the artwork, answers phones, mails announcements about exhibits and performs various duties as a member of their docent guild. Obviously, retirement has not slowed her down.

“You absolutely have to stay active,” she advises. “Volunteering is fun. There are so many organizations around town that do good things for people, you just have to investigate the possibilities.

“Find something that feeds your psyche and let it become your passion.”

The more than 80 pages describe his memories of high school, college and his passion for flying, which led to service in World War II. He also touches on marrying his late wife Dreama Anne and reflects on the meaning of his life.

Joe Johnson

“Life, to me, is learning to adjust constantly, as required, and being prepared to meet the future,” he writes.

Johnson retired from the military after 30 years of service in 1972, but his working days were far from over. He spent many years working in real estate and appraisal for Wingate Appraisal Services.

“You don’t really ever retire,” he says. “I hate to sit around and do nothing. Many people look forward to retiring, but I didn’t. I needed something to keep me busy.”

In his early years of retirement, Johnson says he and his wife traveled frequently. They took long trips every year, such as spending a month in Europe and Canada. He spent many years as a volunteer for the Blood Mobile and also enjoyed fishing and hunting until he was no longer able. He still serves as a member of the Masonic Lodge.

These days, Johnson gets up at 5 a.m., makes breakfast and is out the door by 7:30 a.m. He typically can be found at Wingate Appraisal Services, where he retreats to work on his next book.

“It’s about the mischief I got into when I was younger, and the bigger mischief I got into when I got older,” he says.

Ted and Bonita Johnson

The couple retired in 2007 from the Washington, DC area and their vacation home at Smith Mountain Lake became their permanent one. They had visited the area 10 years ago, fell in love with it, and eventually bought a home that they have since renovated and expanded.

Pre-retirement, “we knew we wanted to live on water and had thought about the Outer Banks,” Ted explains. “But the lake is beautiful and so clear; it’s wonderful.”

“We chose it over the beach because we like the change of seasons,” Bonita adds. “We love the mountains and are constantly in awe of how gorgeous the scenery is around here.”

The Johnsons take advantage of the many activities available around the lake; Ted enjoys golf and Bonita is a volunteer for the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour. They joined Waterfront Golf & Country Club and laud the opportunities available through their church. Bonita acknowledges it would be easy to “hunker down” in the house after retiring, but she and Ted knew that was not the lifestyle for them.

“You go from a lifestyle of nonstop to a lifestyle of a different pace,” Ted says. “You get used to the traveling, working, raising a family, but you have to be willing to give up the fast pace, which I had no problem with.”

He suggests taking up a few hobbies and, of course, enjoying the company of your spouse. The two plan many activities and outings together.

“We have lunch together now,” Bonita laughs. “We never really got to do that before.”

Recently, the Johnsons have been substitute teaching for Bedford County schools. Next fall, Bonita will teach a pre-K class three mornings a week.

“We live somewhere where there’s plenty to do,” Ted says, “but the winters can get nippy. It’s nice to get out and work with young people” during the colder seasons.

Will and Carol Sawyer

“Retirement is not a time to sit around and do nothing,” says Will, who retired from Exxon at the age of 57. Carol was a stay-at-home mom and raised the couple’s four children.

Early on as retirees, the Sawyers took seminary courses in Texas and had plans to be missionaries in China. But the protests at Tiananmen Square halted that trip. After moving to Bent Mountain in 1993, they became involved with Biblical Education by Extension (now Entrust), which helps train young men in Eastern European countries to become pastors.

“Two or three times a year, we would travel to Romania,” Will says. The program “was a great way to give those men theological education.”

These days, the Sawyers travel less often, content with the activities they can enjoy locally. When they moved to their “retirement headquarters in the Blue Ridge Mountains,” as Will describes their home,” Carol decided to try her hand at the cello, which she had played as a child. She took lessons and now plays with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, the Blacksburg Community Strings and at her church, First Baptist in Roanoke.

“I have a love affair with the cello,” she says. “I had wondered if I could learn again, and it’s been a wonderful experience. Had he (Will) not been my encourager, I might not have tried it again.”

Will teaches Sunday School at First Baptist, as well as four Bible-based courses at Ebenezer Baptist Church for the Washington Bible College Equip Program. Together, he and Carol visit assisted living facilities and nursing homes every week; she plays music and he tells Bible stories to the residents. Once a month, they are joined by other friends and sing hymns with the residents.

“We’ve had a good life,” Will says. When he reaches the pearly gates, he says he wants to hear, “well done, you’ve been a good and faithful servant.