The retirement years often mean living on a fixed budget, but you can still splurge occasionally to make life more fun. Splurges don't have to be expensive to make a big impact or create a memorable time. Senior splurges can be experiences, like a fun outing, or physical objects you can use regularly to make your life easier. Here are some ways to add a little fun into your life.
The Phoenix area has many museums to visit, including two art museums within 15 miles of Bethesda Gardens Phoenix. The Heard Museum focuses on American Indian Art with a variety of indoor and outdoor displays. The Phoenix Art Museum houses a variety of art types from around the world. Both museums offer senior discounts. You can also become a member for a yearly fee, which grants you unlimited admission throughout the year. This can be a good option if you find a museum you love and want to visit often.
Pet therapy offers many benefits for seniors, and you can enjoy many of those benefits as a pet owner. Furry friends offer companionship and bring joy. They can also encourage you to be active and help you get into a routine with walks and feeding time. Adopting a pet is a relatively inexpensive splurge, and you can get the basic supplies on a budget. Don't forget to budget for vet care, though. Pets typically need yearly wellness exams. If your pet has health problems, the bills could add up quickly. Bethesda Gardens Phoenix is a pet-friendly community, so your new furry friend is welcome if it meets the restrictions.
New decor, artwork or furniture can spruce up your assisted living apartment. Choosing something that speaks to you and makes your apartment feel more like home, which can make it more fun to spend time there. A new organizational tool can make your apartment feel more spacious and functional.
Taking up a new hobby can make life more fun by giving you an ongoing activity to stay entertained. Many hobbies require at least a few supplies to get started. This might include craft supplies, guidebooks, clothes that make the activity easier, classes to learn the hobby or membership to a related organization. Once you make that initial investment, you can continue practicing the hobby as you learn new things. Some hobbies have minor ongoing expenses. If you take up knitting, you'll need to continue buying yarn, for example.
Preparing meals at home or enjoying the restaurant-style dining at Bethesda Gardens Phoenix is convenient, but sometimes, it's nice to splurge on a nice meal from a local restaurant. Make a list of new restaurants in the area you want to try when your budget allows. Invite some of your neighbors for a monthly night out at a different restaurant for socialization. If you prefer to stay home or want to have neighbors over to your apartment, try food delivery apps to have someone else bring your splurge meals to you.
If your grandchildren live nearby, planning outings with them can be a fun way to splurge. A trip to the Children's Museum of Phoenix offers interactive exhibits and play opportunities while bonding with your grandchildren. Senior discounts are available, as well as free admission on the first Friday of the month. Stop by the gift store after the visit to splurge on a fun treat for you and your grandchild. The Phoenix Zoo is a good option for animal lovers. For a range of entertainment options, plan a day at Enchanted Island Amusement Park. It's free to get in, and you can buy as many ride tickets as you want to splurge on a budget.
Adding new electronics to your assisted living apartment is a practical splurge that can make life more convenient and enjoyable. Tablets offer a way to communicate with loved ones even when they can't visit, and you can download a variety of games and apps that keep you entertained. Voice-activated smart speakers using services like Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri let you use voice commands to handle various tasks. You can also enjoy music through the speaker while in your apartment. If you already have an iPhone, adding an Apple Watch can help you stay connected when you're walking around the grounds of Bethesda Gardens Phoenix or visiting neighbors. Other smartwatches offer similar features, which can include fall sensors to get help if you take a spill. Robotic vacuums can also be a nice splurge, making it easier to keep your apartment clean.
The Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market runs year-round and makes for a fun and inexpensive outing that's just a short drive from Bethesda Gardens Phoenix. Packed with local vendors each week, the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market offers a variety of fresh-grown produce, homemade goodies, handcrafted gifts and other items that make perfect treats when you want to splurge. Food trucks at the market make it easy to enjoy lunch while you're shopping. Meet up with friends at the farmers market to add socialization to the mix.
