Every morning, Ernestine Shepherd wakes up at 3 a.m. and spends her days running, lifting weights and working out. She eats ten scrambled egg whites along with a handful of walnuts and drinks sixteen ounces of water. She also works as a certified personal trainer at her gym. So what makes Ernestine so special? She’s 79 years old!

With her flat stomach, toned arms and excellent health, you’d never guess that this female bodybuilder is in her late 70s. Bodybuilding champion Ernestine Shepherd shows us that “being out of shape” as we age truly is merely an option — NOT a mandate! She is a role model not just for senior women everywhere, but for every one of us as we embrace life as Arizona retirees.

One of the most incredible parts of Shepherd’s journey to becoming a champion body builder is that she didn’t even start working out until she was 56! Once declared the World’s Oldest Performing Female Bodybuilder by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2010, Shepherd encourages exercise in any shape or form for people of all ages, especially older adults. “Not everybody wants to be a bodybuilder. Not everybody wants to be a runner,” she explains. “But find what you like to do. I say to my senior ladies — and the men — ‘don’t forget: Age is nothing but a number and you can get fit.’”

Studies have shown that exercise provides many health benefits and that older adults can gain a lot by staying physically active. Even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of seniors who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging. Additional exercise:

• Helps older adults maintain or lose weight.
• Reduces the impact of illness and chronic disease. 
• Enhances mobility, flexibility, and balance in older adults.

Feeling better than she did at 40, Shepherd shows us that age is just a number and that an active and healthy lifestyle is obtainable at any age. If you’d like more information about staying physical fit in retirement or if you’re looking for an active adult community in Arizona with a fitness center to meet your needs, please contact Sharon Mason today!

As a native Arizonan and resident of the Arizona retirement communities I sell, I take pride in proudly celebrating professionalism and honesty as a full-service full-time Associate Broker for RE/MAX Professionals. I bring a strong combination of customer service, sales, market knowledge and marketing to benefit my clients. As a REALTOR®, I follow the highest standards of customer service and ethics to conduct business on your behalf and have been doing so since 1994.

As a Top 20 REALTOR for RE/MAX Professionals REALTORS®, my business and entrepreneurial experience makes me an excellent negotiator and marketer. I remain committed to getting the job done in a professional manner. When working with me, I am your single point of contact. You work with me so that you know I am always aware of your needs at any given time. When something needs to get done I do it. I do this so we have a smooth transaction and to ensure we have a good relationship, trust, and satisfaction. Here is just one of my past clients testimonials to my service, and why I love this business so much:

“We just wanted to let you know how happy and grateful we are that we met Sharon Mason. We were looking for a home in the Sun City Grand area and after looking at the Internet we found Sharon's website. We called her on Monday morning in January and things started rolling from there. We came to Arizona the weekend of February 9th and 10th she found us home to buy in two days!! She was so helpful and honest with us we couldn't believe it!! We made an offer and they accepted.

Sharon was so diligent in helping us get this home inspected and paperwork completed that we closed on our home. We couldn't be at the closing and again Sharon was there representing us. What a wonderful lady.

We really wanted to let you know that Sharon is a very neat lady and we couldn't have been happier with her and RE/MAX Realtors. We truly appreciated her professionalism and again her honesty! As you can tell.... We really think very highly of Sharon and we are telling everyone about her and your agency. Thank You for your time and thank you for having Sharon being a huge part of your time!” -Larry and Mary Bonrud

There are eleven wonderful retirement communities to choose from in the West Valley area and my office is located right in the center of them. So when you are ready to make your move, please contact Sharon Mason. I look forward to helping you find the Arizona retirement community and home of your dreams!

Welcome to beautiful Peoria, Arizona where you will find the premier retirement community of Westbrook Village. Surrounded by breathtaking views, wide open spaces and there is plenty to do for retirees 45 years old and up.

Packed fantastic fun-loving activities, it’s no wonder Westbrook Village has earned its place as one of Arizona’s most sought-after retirement communities. Here are just a few of the amenities you will find living in Westbrook Village:

• Year-round golf on one of two 18-hole course designed with all experience levels in mind
• Lighted tennis courts
• Two Olympic-sized pools
• More than 70 clubs and organized activities
• Two clubhouses with an expansive fitness center, pickleball, and bocce ball courts
• Miles of neighborhood sidewalks for dog-walking, speed walking or enjoying a leisurely stroll
• And so much more!

With views of sweeping vistas and Sunrise Mountain, West Wing Mountain and the Hieroglyphic Mountains, Westbrook Village sits just moments away from downtown Peoria. It’s only a twenty-minute drive from Surprise and a half-hour from the heart of Phoenix, so Westbrook Village gives you easy access to big-city amenities.

The San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners conduct spring training in the Peoria Sports Complex, and hundreds of attractions that are perfect for kids and grandkids are sprinkled throughout Peoria and beyond. Nearby Lake Pleasant Regional Park is perfect for sailing, camping and other outdoor activities, and the Challenger Space Center is fun for all ages.

This pleasant, well-manicured neighborhood opened in 1982, and construction completed in 1993. During that time, 3,922 gorgeous homes went up Westbrook Village; a handful of them are featured on my video tour of Westbrook Village. From condos, casitas and courtyard villas to patio homes and ranch-style single-family homes, you’ll find the style that suits your needs and your tastes in this comfortable, relaxed community. Since home prices range from the mid-$100,000s to the low $400,000s, Westbrook Village has the right real estate for everyone.

When you’re ready to discover this desert oasis and determine whether it’s the right choice for you, call me at (623) 810-9988 or send me an email. I’ll walk you through Westbrook Village’s real estate listings and help you find the perfect retirement home.

Did you get caught in the monsoon rainstorms and flooding that swept through Phoenix Tuesday? A 500-year rain event hit the valley with some parts of Phoenix getting two to three inches of rain in an hour, prompting road closures and water rescues. That much rain only has a 0.2 percent chance of occurring each year. The flooding was so bad that the I-17 freeway was completely shut down for hours near Indian School Road. With the monsoon season in full swing, it’s important for seniors to protect themselves and practice caution. Here are 3 major monsoon safety tips for seniors to remember as the summer storms roll in.

1) Watch the weather: It’s important for older adults to plan ahead by watching the current weather forecasts on TV, the internet or the radio for weather updates before you even leave the house. Also, make sure the severe weather notifications are enabled in your cellphone settings so as to receive warnings when you’re unable to access this information while you travel.

2.) When thunder roars, go indoors: Lightning kills an average of 125 people annually in the United States and injures more than 500 according to the American Red Cross. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. So when thunder roars, go indoors. While indoors, older adults should unplug expensive electronics as soon as possible and only use a corded phone in case of emergency.

3.) Driving in dustorms

Huge gusts of wind in any thunderstorm can lift huge clouds of dust and reduces visibility to near zero in seconds, which can quickly result in deadly, multi-vehicle accidents on roadways. If you encounter a dust storm and cannot avoid driving into it then pull off the road as far as you can safely do so. Turn off your headlights and taillights. Put your vehicle in "PARK," and/or engage your parking brake. Stay where you are until the dust storm passes.

Higher terrain storms will still be possible through the weekend, but our Valley forecast looks dry again by Sunday. Just remember, as we dry out, temperatures will get hotter with weekend temperatures climbing as high as 109. So please stay hydrated. Taking additional safety steps during the Arizona monsoon season could save your life and the lives of others. Please remember and share these 3 major monsoon safety tips for seniors and stay safe! For more senior safety tips and resources for Arizona retirees, contact Sharon Mason.

Think volunteering is just a way to pass the time and a nice thing you do for others? Think again! Research continues to show the social, emotional, and even physical health benefits of volunteering. Especially for older adults. A recent study published in The Gerontologist, surveyed more than 200 volunteers ages fifty or older. The volunteers later reported significant improvements in their mental health, along with other socioemotional benefits ranging from a greater feeling of productivity to increased social activity to an overall sense that their life had improved. Still not convinced volunteering could improve your life as an Arizona retiree? Here are 3 reasons older adults should volunteer.

1.) Volunteering keeps you moving

Volunteering for seniors can be good for keeping the body active; whether you’re helping other senior citizens in your community by delivering meals or walking dogs for a local animal shelter. The older we get the more it benefits us to maintain a healthy level of physical fitness and wellness to ward off disease, injury, and just generally increase our quality of life.

2.) Volunteering keeps you sharp

The National Institute on Aging has reported that participating in social leisure activities and meaningful, productive activities such as volunteering may lower the risk of health problems in seniors, including dementia, as well as improving longevity. As an active adult who volunteers, you can help keep your brain healthy which contributes to continuing cognitive health.

3.) Volunteering help keeps you happy

Think about the last time you did something nice for a friend, neighbor, family member or even a stranger. Remember how good it made you feel? There’s a reason for that. In addition to the altruism that comes from helping others, volunteering can help prevent the isolation and depression that is sometimes associated with aging. Those who volunteer experience greater life satisfaction, a sense of purpose and accomplishment, more stress resilience, and lower rates of depression according to the Corporation for National and Community Service.

So there you have it. As an active adult, volunteering offers a bevy of life enhancing benefits that are too good to pass up. Volunteering promotes good physical and mental health, helps seniors pursue their passions in retirement, and helps older adults create a meaningful and rewarding life. Would you like information about volunteering opportunities in Arizona? Please contact Sharon Mason today!

Did you know? Twenty-nine percent of retirees say their benefits ended up being less or much less than expected according to a recent survey released from Nationwide Retirement Institute. Retirees who had been retired for ten or more years were more likely to say their benefit was lower than expected. Though it would be nice to accurately anticipate how much Social Security payments you’ll receive at retirement, unfortunately there are some factors that can impact how much you receive. Here are 3 mistakes that could cut into your Social Security benefits if you’re not careful.

1) Not knowing your numbers:For many Arizona retirees, Social Security payments are the bulk of your monthly budget.But until you actually apply for Social Security, anticipated benefits are just estimates, according to the Social Security Administration. The SSA offers estimated benefits and earnings tracking for consumers who sign up for a"My Social Security" accountto help provide retirees with a more accurate estimate.

2.) Cashing in early: According to the Nationwide Retirement Institute survey, recent retirees began collecting Social Security at a mean age of 62. While claiming early can be a smart financial decision in certain situations just remember that doing so reduces your monthly benefit. Depending on your full retirement age and how early you claim, your retirement benefits could be reduced as much as thirty percent! Whenever possible, wait as long as possible to file for Social Security.

3.) Medicare:Medicare premiums can run anywhere from $121.80 to $389.80 or more depending on the modified adjusted gross income on your tax returns. And anything from selling your Arizona home to an increase in stocks could cause your Medicare premiums to skyrocket. If you’ve had an unexpected jump in income that’s affected your Medicare withholding, retirees can file an appeal noting that their high-income year was an aberration, or that other circumstances such as death or divorce have reduced your income.

Avoid making these 3 mistakes that could cut into your social security benefits and consult with a financial expert so that you can rest easy and more clearly plan your retirement future. If you’d like more information about Social Security or if you’d like to find your perfect Arizona retirement community, please contact me today!

Are you a grandparent in the Valley who raises your grandkids? You’re not alone. There are over 100,000 children being taken care of by their grandparents or other extended family members in Arizona. In fact, nearly forty percent of children are being raised by their grandparents in Arizona due to varying reasons from parental substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration or financial difficulties.

If you’re an Arizona retiree caring for your grandchild or grandchildren, then you know how isolating and overwhelming it can be at times. Thankfully, there are various programs and resources to support and guide Arizona grandparents. The Southwest Human Development will lead on informational meeting on Grandparents (and other kin) Raising Grandchildren (or other's children) from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, July 27th at Rio Vista, 8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria.

Southwest Human Development's mission is to support parents, grandparents, and caregivers so they can provide children with the best start in life. At the meeting, participants can learn about what role the agency plays in kinship care, and how the agency can help. They will discuss:

• The need for kinship care.

• Struggles/obstacles kin face in raising their children.

• Strengths of kinship care and the positive outcomes for the children.

• Resources and supports are available to kinship families.

To learn more about programs and services that are of greatest benefit to Arizona grandparents, call Debbie Pearson at 623-773-7070. For more resources for Arizona retirees and active adults caring for grandchildren and other family members, please contact Sharon Mason.

If you’ve been saving for retirement since your early 20’s, then you’re well on your way towards securing your future financial security. But for some approaching forty or in their 40’s, the lack of a retirement plan is an all too clear reminder that the clock is ticking and propelling you closer to retirement age. Without a retirement plan, you may find your golden years less enjoyable and more of a financial struggle. According to GoBankingRates.com, eighty percent of forty year olds are behind on their retirement savings. Thankfully, it’s never too late to plan for retirement. Here are 3 smart tips for planning for retirement in your 40’s.

1.) Put yourself first: Many potential Arizona retirees struggle with the decision of where to put their money. And with everything from paying for your daughter’s wedding to funding for your children’s college fund, it’s easy to forget how important saving for retirement is. Just remember that prioritizing funding for your retirement plan is the most important thing you can do for yourself. Family can always find alternative options to pay for their needs, but you may not have the financial resources you need for retirement.

2.) Know your numbers: Not sure how much money you need to retire comfortably? You need to know your numbers, as in what age you plan to retire by. Some experts argue that you should be shooting for eight times your ending salary; others say you should be building toward $1 million, and some even say you need closer to $2 million. Once you know the age you want to retire, then you can start building your retirement plan around that number and determining what works best for you. In addition to free retirement calculators online, there are a vast number of resources and investment professionals who can assist you with creating a retirement plan that works best for your needs.

3.) Eliminate your debts:Saving for retirement isn’t exactly easy when you’re still paying off the debts you collected in your 20’s. Everything from high-interest credit cards to student loans to unpaid medical bills are taking precious dollars that could be funding your retirement savings. If you don’t work on eliminating or lowering your debts now, you may compromise your retirement later.

If you’d like more retirement planning tips or if you’re looking for an Arizona retirement community to enjoy retired living, Contact Sharon Mason today and let me help you find the community that fits your dreams!

Looking for a great way to spend the 4th of July in Sun City? Well you’re in luck! The Recreation Centers of Sun City is pleased to announce the 38th Annual Ring That Bell Ceremony on Monday July 4, 2016 in the Bell Center Social Hall beginning at 9:00 a.m.

This patriotic, time-honored tradition celebrates our nation’s birthday in unique Sun City AZ style with our very own Uncle Sam (portrayed by Sun City resident, Mike Lindquist) serving as the Master of Ceremonies. The fun continues in the Social Halls for RCSC Cardholders and their escorted guests as they salute America with an old fashioned indoor picnic from 11a.m. to 2p.m. at the Bell Recreation Center, located at 16820 N. 99th Ave., Sun City.

There will be games, prizes, music, dancing and lots more so count on plenty of good times and fun for everyone attending. This year they will be serving real all-American picnic fare – hot dogs, potato chips and bottled water along with birthday cake to celebrate America’s birthday. There will be free bowling, shuffleboard, darts and billiards over at Bell Lanes to keep everyone having fun on a hot afternoon.

So be sure to stop by the 38th Annual Ring That Bell Ceremony this 4th of July.It is certain to be an all-American, only in Sun City AZ kind of celebration!Visit sunaz.com to learn more.And for more local events in Sun City for Arizona retirees and active adults, please contact Sharon Mason.Have a safe and happy 4th of July weekend!

Looking to retire in 2016? You may want to consider making Arizona your retirement destination. According to the U.S. census, 15.4 percent of people living in Arizona are 65 years or older, a proportion slightly larger than the national average. It’s no surprise Arizona would be one of the top places to retire, especially since Arizona as a whole is one of the 10 most tax-friendly states for retirees, according to Kiplinger, a Washington, D.C.-based business and finance-advice publication.

Also, a survey on WallHub, a financial-planning website for consumers and small-business owners, ranked the top-50 best places to retire in the country. To develop this ranking, 150 largest cities in the U.S. were analyzed and rated based on twenty-five retirement-related concerns, including housing affordability, recreational activities offered to seniors, quality of health care and other retirement issues. Not surprisingly, sunny Arizona made the list several times.

Below are the top 5 places to retire in Arizona according to the WallHub survey:

1. Scottsdale. (ranked #5)

2. Peoria. (ranked #10)

3. Tempe. (ranked #18)

4. Mesa. (ranked #21)

5. Tucson. (ranked #24)

As the number of retirees climbs nationwide, people beginning a new stage of life are seeking out the best places in Arizona to retire. Whole communities already cater to retirees and other active adults throughout the Valley. If you’d like to learn more about retiring in Arizona or if you’re looking to buy an Arizona retirement home, please contact Sharon Mason today!