Lifestyle

Plan Now for Your Senior Lifestyle

Published

4 years ago

January 19, 2021

In the past, aging meant retiring from your job, slowing down and perhaps spending your remaining days playing with your grandchildren. Now aging looks very different, and many people may continue working because they choose to, or go on to lead active lives even in retirement, traveling, volunteering and participating in senior sporting events. If you envision this for yourself, there are things you can do now to lay the groundwork.

Save for Retirement

You should save as much as you can toward retirement. This should include maxing out your workplace retirement fund, and you may want to look into other investments as well. Even if you plan to continue working into your 70s, you don’t want to have to do so as a matter of financial necessity. Thinking now about the kind of lifestyle you plan to lead as you get older will help you better plan how much money you will need.

Install a Home Elevator

It might sound like a big step, and with any luck you’ll be sprinting up steps well into old age. However, it is not unusual for even healthy seniors to struggle with knee problems or other mobility issues, even if only temporarily. Having an elevator can help ensure your independence and make it easier to manage if you have a short- or long-term period of needing to use a wheelchair, crutches or a cane to get around. The process of installing residential elevators that improve your lifestyle only takes a day, and it can be done in many different types of homes.

Stay Mentally and Physically Active

If you don’t want to slow down, you don’t have to. Staying both mentally and physically engaged will help you as you age. This could be the chance to take classes, pursue hobbies or nurture talents you never had time for when you were working and raising a family. Grandma Moses did not even begin painting until she was in her 70s, and there are still debut novelists who are 60 and older. Some people might feel negatively about aging, but keep in mind that while you might not have the reflexes or the physical strength that you did in your youth, other qualities replace this, including a lifetime of valuable experience and a mature understanding of the world.

Make Connections

Not everyone is an extrovert, but humans are social animals, and having at least a few social connections is important, including as you age. Ideally, you can make these connections with people of different ages. Get involved in your community and activities that you love. This can be particularly helpful once you retire since some people may feel lost and lose their sense of belonging when they are not going to work every day. If you largely prefer the company of animals or plants to people, check out opportunities at your local dog or cat rescue, which often need people who can foster pets for adoption, or contact your local botanical garden to see if they need volunteers.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.