Every so often, I think of topics that are not deep enough to be the subject of an entire column but may be noteworthy.
I call these tidbits because they are small and interesting items of information. Sharing my recent tidbits with you today.
Hotel Stay
Recently, my husband and I took a trip to Carlsbad, where we stayed in a lovely hotel that boasted many amenities.
One of those amenities I really liked was under-the-bed lighting, with a motion sensor.
As I woke up in the middle of the night in an unfamiliar room to trek to the bathroom, I did not want to turn on the bedside lamp because that would have disturbed my husband.
Contemplating walking in the dark instead, I was delighted that when my feet hit the floor, a light from under the bed automatically turned on and provided gentle illumination to guide me safely across the room.
What a great idea! I thought to myself, I need one of these at home. The great news is they are “a thing” and you can find them at Amazon or Walmart. I will be getting them for both sides of our bed soon.
The next morning, I was sitting on the balcony enjoying the view when my husband called me from the shower, asking me to come immediately. I could not imagine what was wrong, but when I found out, I laughed out loud.
Do you remember when hotels used to have those little bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and bars of soap for the shower? Now, to save the environment and reduce costs, many hotels have full-size pump bottles of products attached to the shower wall. My husband realized too late that without his reading glasses, he could not decipher which was the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. I pointed out which was which for him, and he went on to take his shower.
Afterward, my husband commented that it was too bad there was no lotion. When I pointed to the large pump bottle next to the sink, he said, “Oh, I thought that was hand soap. I’ve been washing my hands with moisturizer this whole time?”
Lesson learned for us older adults: read the bottles ahead of time with our glasses on.
Baby Boomer Boom
In 2025, about 11,400 Americans will turn 65 daily, which is a record number. This is known as "Peak 65" and is due to many Baby Boomers entering retirement age. Where to retire is a big question.
Last year, the website SmartAsset™ ranked 267 of the largest U.S. cities based on the percentage of the population represented by incoming baby boomers. Their ranking noted that Florida cities and Phoenix suburbs are preferred among baby boomers who are relocating, in large part due to lower housing costs.
The article noted, “While most of the top 10 destination cities for baby boomers also have the highest concentrations of baby boomers overall, other cities with particularly high boomer populations include Thousand Oaks, CA (28.67%).”
The City of Thousand Oaks organically has a high percentage of Baby Boomers who were either born and raised here or moved here for work.
Boomers, generally speaking, are not moving here. The average cost of a home in Thousand Oaks is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is 37.6% higher than the national average, two factors that oppose the need to reduce costs in retirement.
Many aspects of life in Thousand Oaks (and the surrounding areas) that make it attractive to Baby Boomers who call it home, include a warmer climate, high-quality healthcare, lower crime rates, a quiet suburban atmosphere, natural beauty and outdoor recreation, and a variety of social and cultural opportunities.
Senior Congress XXI
For those of you who want to learn about clever solutions for seniors or how to thrive as we age right here in the Conejo Valley, register for Senior Congress XXI, which will be held March 26th at St Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church from 8:45 to2:30. There is a $10 fee to attend, and lunch will be provided. Limited seating is available, and a reservation is required at www.clvfff.org.