Month: March 2025

He really looks up to his brother.

She had a lot of strong opinions.

See how it affected Sara’s decision at the altar

Gated communities have become more mainstream these days than they were years ago. Should you buy a home in a 55+ gated community? There are pluses and minuses, but for many women over 60 it may be a good option.

Different Types of Gated Communities

There are different types of gated communities.

Manned-gated communities or guard-gated communities are just what they sound like. When you pull up to the community, there is a guardhouse. You must be called in by a resident and show ID in order to enter. Manned-gated communities provide a sense of security for many people.

There are virtual gated communities. When you pull up, you press a button and you will be speaking with someone on the other end. You will have to show your ID in order to enter.

Other communities have gates which may be actual gates or an arm with a call box. You will scroll through a directory until you find the resident’s name. There is usually a code to dial which will connect you with the resident, who will then open the gate for you.

Rules and Regulations

Gated communities have rules and regulations, as well as governing documents and bylaws. Same goes for condos, villas, townhomes, and single-family homes if they’re gated.

Are you okay with that?

Many people are; others are not. It’s a personal choice.

There will be a homeowner’s association or condo association. They have monthly meetings to keep the community in good physical and financial shape.

Active Adult Communities

Are you a woman over 55? Or 60? You may enjoy an active adult community or as they are often called, a 55+ community.

Many 55+ communities are geared to today’s baby boomers.

Depending on the community – and it can and often does vary by community – there are a lot of social activities to keep you as busy as you want to be. Everything from tennis to pickle ball to cards, swimming, yoga, clubs of all kinds, fitness, dogs – you name it. And, if they don’t have it and you want it, well – just start one! There are others sure to join!

Pet Friendly 55+ Communities

For my pet-loving senior friends, there are pet-friendly 55+ communities!

Again, these include all types of housing including condos, townhomes, villas and houses.

Now, please hear me out. Many of these pet-friendly 55+ communities have pet restrictions. These could be the number of pets allowed in each home, types of pets and even breed restrictions.

Some people are fine with this while others are not. For example, one community may allow two dogs under 20 pounds, or one dog allowed up to 60 pounds but no aggressive breeds, no reptiles, etc.

If you have a pet or two or even three, it’s important to find out the pet restrictions before you fall in love with a house or villa or condo, whatever! Please trust me on this!

Some of the pet restrictions in certain communities make no sense. I agree! But you can’t fight everyone.

And I know what you’re going to say next. “I can get a letter.”

Sure, you can.

But I ask you: Do you really want to live in a community that doesn’t allow pets? You may be able to get your dog in, but you cannot stop the neighbors from giving you dirty looks when you walk your beloved dog. 

And it happens. I know, because I get the phone calls afterwards.

Should You Buy in a Gated Community

Many people do fine in a gated community. In fact, they love it. They love the friends they make. They have people to hang out with, play cards, go to dinner, walk their dogs, go to the pool and so on.

Others do not want to follow rules. They need to look for a single-family home on a street where only the city, town or county governs. We have choices and what works for one person may or may not work for another.

Should you buy a home in a gated community?

Only you know what you are comfortable with.

Don’t go into it blindly. If you’re interested in a gated community, find out the rules and regulations before you buy.

Make sure it’s a good fit for you. Will you be happy there?

If you are viewing homes in the community, your best source of information is always the people who live there. Stop them and talk to them. People are often friendly and will talk to you.

You know your comfort zone. Go with your gut and happy house hunting!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you a baby boomer looking to buy a home in an active adult or 55+ community with or without pets? Are you planning a move in the near future? Do you have any questions that might help make your home purchase easier? Let’s talk about it!

Last summer, one of my girlfriends told me about a new hair and scalp treatment she had tried at a salon exclusively devoted to scalp health. Shortly after that conversation, I read an article in Newsday, our local paper, titled “Long Island head spas: What to expect at the trendy new experience.”

What Are Head Spas?

Rooted in Japanese culture, this unique treatment focuses on deeply cleansing and massaging the scalp, which not only improves scalp health and stimulates blood circulation but also may help to promote hair growth.

This treatment is often compared to a “facial for the scalp.” Typically, it includes scalp analysis, exfoliation, the use of targeted products, and a thorough scalp massage that employs tension-relieving acupressure techniques. Beyond promoting hair health, head spas offer significant relaxation benefits.

For all these reasons, head spas are gaining in popularity and opening across the country to meet the increasing demand. The article I read highlighted several spas on Long Island that offer these treatments.

With my interest piqued – and looking to unwind from a stressful workweek – I decided to give it a try. I called GuiFei Spa in Bethpage, Long Island (they have another location in Flushing, Queens), one of the spas featured in Newsday, for an appointment. Leah, who manages the front desk, booked me for a session that very day.

Procedures on Offer

GuiFei Spa offers a variety of services at different price points. For instance, a basic 40-minute scalp treatment and massage, which includes a wash and scalp massage but excludes hair steaming or herbal rinse, was priced at $48. In the upper range, the 90-minute specialized scalp treatment – which includes microcurrent and low-level light therapy – is targeted at hair loss prevention and is priced at $178. I opted for the 60-minute $78 Signature Herbal Scalp Treatment.

Preparation

As per the spa’s instructions, I arrived with unwashed hair. After checking in with Leah, I was introduced to Candy, my aesthetician, who ushered me into a softly lit comfortable cubicle. I removed my earrings, shoes, and blouse in preparation for the massage and lay down on the treatment table. Candy then covered me with two large bath towels up to just below my neck.

Prior to beginning the treatment, Candy offered me a choice between eight shampoos, each targeting a different hair concern. I chose one formulated to promote hair growth. Then she went to work, massaging the aromatic tea-tree oil shampoo into my hair.

My Experience

But it was not your average shampoo; it included a scalp massage that incorporated a series of acupressure moves and extended to a shoulder, neck, and upper back massage. During this, Candy remarked that my shoulders “felt tight.” She was right about that, and under her skilled hands, I could feel the knots – and almost hear them – pop and release.

An infusion of what the spa calls an herbal “soup bath” – a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants derived from plants and mixed in hot water to create a nourishing broth – came next. My hair was allowed to soak for a time in this infusion so that the herbs could penetrate my scalp. This “soup bath” is designed to promote healthy hair growth by detoxifying the scalp and strengthening hair follicles in a natural way.

Then, a clear plastic hood was placed over my head for an aromatic round of hair steaming. Candy explained that this process is designed to help repair damage, infuse my hair with moisture, and improve hair elasticity, making it less prone to breakage and split ends.

While the steam worked its magic, Candy gave me a gentle arm and hand massage.

After a thorough rinse with warm water, Candy wrapped a towel snugly around my head and instructed me to change back into my clothes.

But That Wasn’t the End of It

She then led me into another room, which was the salon area of the spa. I settled into a salon chair in front of a large mirror for a light blow dry with cool air, followed by a few sprays of hair oil.

The final step included a brief scalp analysis. Candy utilized a digital microscope to examine my scalp and displayed the magnified image on the monitor, noting its cleanliness and the absence of product buildup.

The hour had passed so quickly – too quickly. I knew I wanted to do this again and asked Leah how long I should wait. For optimal hair health, Leah suggested three-week intervals.

I left with a scalp that felt squeaky clean, and soft hair. On top of that, I felt utterly relaxed.

Suggested Benefits of a Head Spa Treatment:

• Cleanses the scalp.
• Scalp massage stimulates blood flow and may aid in hair regrowth.
• Strengthens and nourishes the hair follicles.
• May enhance hair thickness.
• Helps to combat dandruff, scalp irritation and itch.
• Removes buildup and dead skin cells.
• Decreases stress and anxiety.

To experience this ancient rejuvenating treatment, simply search for a nearby Head Spa on Google.

Also read, 2 Surprising Tips for Minimizing Hair Issues in Your 50s and 60s.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you tried a head spa procedure? What benefits have you noticed? Would you do it again?