HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2008-10-16, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2008.
(MS) -- When the kids fly the
coop, some parents find it difficult to
make the transition to a new stage of
life. Breathless days filled with
sports practice, carpools, pimples,
and homework make way for an
eerie emptiness.
This newfound freedom may seem
exciting at first, but is often
accompanied by a desire to fill the
void. In fact, mental health
professionals recognize the
phenomenon as Empty Nest
Syndrome.
Who is most likely to experience
this? Babyboomers. By the end of
this decade, most Boomers’ children
will be on their own. In fact, 72 per
cent of all households will be
childless by the year 2010, according
to estimates from the U.S. Bureau of
the Census. Among married couples,
the number of families with children
will decline from 25.2 per cent in
1995 to 20.1 per cent in 2010.
What’s the cure for Empty Nest
Syndrome? Many couples choose to
redirect their time and energy into
their relationships and their home.
Finishing long-discussed but never-
completed home improvement
projects can be a positive activity for
many.
Also, finding time to rekindle
romance, have fun and frolic are all
things empty nesters can enjoy.
GARDENING THERAPY
Getting back to nature can be
relaxing and therapeutic. Focus on
gardening with an end goal. Growing
flowers from bulbs or planting a
vegetable garden for food provides
the perfect sense of accomplishment
at the end of the growing year.
No matter what the season, there is
always something that can be grown
indoors or out.
RECONNECT IN A HOT TUB
“Without doubt, we are seeing
more and more empty nest couples
rediscovering hot tubs,” notes
Anthony Pasquarelli of Sundance
Spas. “The desire to reconnect with a
partner serves as a very strong
motivator. Couples view it as a way
to enrich their relationship and
improve their home at the same time.
It’s all about fixing up the house to
accommodate a new lifestyle.”
For aging Babyboomers,
hydrotherapy offers the added
benefit of helping aching joints.
Look specifically for hot tub models
with a side-by-side love seat and
recognized endorsements.COCOON IN YOUR
MASTER RETREAT
From the backyard to the
bathroom, opportunities abound in
the home for romance. Elegant
candles, soft music and a bathtub thataccommodates two may be just the
answer.
“We see a trend in luxury
whirlpool bathtubs built for couples,”
says Michelle Cervantez of Jacuzzi
Brands. “Contemporary designs havea unique appeal.”
Empty nesters can make the most
of their “freedom” years with a bit of
planning and enthusiasm. Just don’t
forget about the future grand kids.
Your time
Hot tubs such as this mid-range model are a quintessential
home upgrade for empty nesters. Hot tubs require no
plumbing and maintenance is simple thanks to advance
technology. (MS photo)
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For empty nesters it’s time to reconnect at home