Senior Fitness With Meredith

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” —Aristotle This quote reminds us that even when times are bad we must work extra hard to get through it, but we can! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2020 we started running livestream exercise classes on YouTube at least once a month to help people who were confined in their home due to COVID restrictions. As we were able to open up and leave our homes, we decided to keep our live stream schedule and this week we are finally coming up on our 100th episode! We wanted to dedicate a podcast episode to celebrate this milestone and share a few of the things we've learned from you over the years. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). A quick explanation on what a livestream on YouTube is and how you can join us when we go live. 2). How our livestreams started to feel like a small community as we got to know more people who join us each month. 3). Meredith's personal thoughts on getting to know some of the people that join each month and some of the stories they've shared. 4). Some of the technical challenges we've had to overcome when running our livestreams in multiple locations over the years. 5). How Meredith prepares her livestream classes and some of the ups and downs she experiences while getting prepared during the week. /// We hope this episode has been entertaining for you as it has been for us. If you have joined one of our livestreams in the past then we want to say THANK YOU! We've had an amazing time so far getting to see familiar faces and comments each month. We are hoping to continue our livestreams for as long as they are helpful to others. Thank You! Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.” —Marilyn Monroe This quote reminds us that whatever we go through, remember to keep smiling as it is a great life! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your balance is one of the most important aspects of aging and living independently. Everyday tasks like grocery shopping, walking up and down stairs, getting in and out of a car etc. all require balance and stability. Focusing on habits that improve your balance should be taken as a priority during your weekly exercise and stretching routines. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). How there is a direct correlation between maintaining good balance and your longevity. 2). Some of Meredith's personal experiences in working with older clients and their struggles with balance. 3). How balance is still very important even if you have limited mobility and movement. 4). Why it's important to think about balance as a full body activity and not just your core or legs. 5). The importance of using assistive devices properly and how that's important to maintaining good balance if you use one. /// We hope the information we've provided in this episode is helpful to you if you are having trouble with balance and everyday tasks. Making sure you prioritize activities that promote better balance will keep you active, mobile and independent for years to come. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” —Dolly Parton This quote reminds us that no matter what, we can always change what we are doing if we are unhappy! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"You can't teach an old dog a new trick" - We use quotes like this very commonly to describe what it feels like to get old but sometimes these sayings can be taken out of context and generalized. For this episode, we decided to highlight a few common quotes like this and attempt to re-frame or redefine them in a way that softens the Sinicism and makes them more relevant to actual aging. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Where we came up with the idea to highlight these types of common quotes that frame aging in somewhat of a negative light. 2). How mental health affects many older individuals and why it's important to focus on your mental health and your physical health. 3). How having a "Senior Moment" can be taken negatively for some and how feeling like you are forgetful etc. applies to all ages, not just seniors. 4). Why it's important to embrace your current age and not just compare yourself to feeling like you should be younger. 5). A better way to compliment someone based on their actual appearance and age rather than comparing them to someone younger. /// We hope you enjoyed this episode and found refreshing new ways to express aging in a way that promotes a healthier and more positive outlook. Embracing your age is truly a gift no matter how old you are and celebrating the journey is what it is all about. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Be persistent and never give up hope.” —George Lucas This quote reminds us to always keep going with hope in our hearts! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Installing the habit of practicing daily movement is an important aspect of living and active and independent life. Tasks like grocery shopping and carrying groceries, gardening, cleaning the house, walking etc all carry big benefits when done regularly. Luckily some of these rarely feel like "working out" which can contribute to better health and happiness.  In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). What daily movement is and what types of activities incorporate "daily movement". 2). How daily movement differs from a regular exercise or workout schedule. 3). We address the 10,000 steps issue and share thoughts on whether you really need to get that amount of steps in every day. 4). The appropriate amount of rest you should be getting when staying active with both exercise and daily movement. 5). Some tips on how you can incorporate daily movement during your day if you work at a job that requires you to stay seated like driving or office work. /// We hope the information in this episode is helpful to you if you are feeling slow and sluggish or are dealing with chronic pain that makes you feel like you have less movement. You can still reap benefits from daily movement even if it is just a little each day which can add up to a lot in the end.  Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Life has got all those twists and turns. You’ve got to hold on tight and off you go.” ―Nicole Kidman This quote reminds us that life is full of uncertainties, which are part of the ride! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's travel season currently and going on a trip can be a lot of fun but it can also be somewhat stressful. Airports, long flights, long drives, time zone changes, lack of sleep can all add up and take a toll on you more than you might think. Luckily there are a few small tips you can implement to help make your next travels more stress free mentally and much more healthy physically so you have more energy to enjoy your time away. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why traveling can be exciting especially if it's for a vacation but it can also be easy to overlook things that can be more detrimental to you health if you're not careful. 2). Some of Meredith's personal experiences in working with clients of all ages and their challenges and experiences with traveling and their health. 3). How doing research possibly online before you leave for your trip can help ease stress and make you feel more prepared in dealing with the rigors of travel. 4). Why making sure you stay hydrated while you travel is so important and how easy this is to overlook especially during a busy trip. 5). How not getting good rest while you travel can affect you mental and physical health and what you can do to ensure better sleep while on the road. /// We hope the tips we've shared in this episode are helpful to you if you're planning on taking a trip soon or are making plans for a future excursion. Having fun with less stress and more enjoyment is always the goal. Perhaps your trip is work related or a family emergency, these tips will also help you stay less stressed and more prepared for times when you are needed most. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.” ―Robert Frost This quote reminds us that life always goes on, no matter what we go through! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've begun rolling out a new series in our video library called "Everyday Routines". This series consists of various exercises and workouts that you can do safely everyday without risk of over use and over working your body. Gentle, safe and reliable movements to help your body stay active and healthy each week. For this episode we wanted to share a few thoughts on why we created this series and how these workouts can be helpful to you. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). A quick introduction to this new exercise series called "Everyday Routines" and where you can find them on our YouTube channel and website. 2). Why it's important to embrace some kind of intentional movement everyday which helps promote better wellness and longevity. 3). Some of Meredith's personal experiences in training clients of all ages and their thoughts on doing some kind of exercise or movement on a daily basis. 4). Meredith's thoughts on how she designed these exercise routines and why they are safe for you to perform on a daily basis. 5). Who might benefit the most from this new series of exercise videos. /// We hope you enjoyed this discussion on our "Everyday Routine" series workouts. We enjoy getting to design new exercises each week and creating a new series that you will hopefully want to try. We base a lot of our new ideas on your feedback through email and comments and we appreciate you taking the time to let us know what you'd like to see more of. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.” —Michelle Obama This quote reminds us to keep going, the journey never ends! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June is recognized as Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, a global campaign dedicated to promoting cognitive health, early detection, and support for those impacted by dementias. The movement encourages individuals to learn the warning signs of cognitive decline and adopt proactive, brain-healthy lifestyle habits as shared by the Alzheimer's Association. In order to stay aware and ahead of your cognitive health, we are sharing "5 Pillars of Good Brain Health" in this episode. Simple habits you can install each week to help stay on top of your own or someone you love's mental awareness and clarity. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Some of Meredith's personal experiences in working with clients of all ages and some of their thoughts on cognitive awareness and brain health as they aged. 2). How Alzheimer's and cognitive issues can affect not just our mental state but our physical state as well. 3). Why regular exercise is considered as one of the pillars of good brain health and why the brain to body connection is so important. 4). How performing small mental challenges and tasks or "Brain Games" can help keep you sharp especially as you age. 5). How not having a social circle or relationships in your later years can contribute to cognitive decline faster than those who do maintain social circles or relationships. /// We hope the tips we've shared in this episode are helpful to you or someone you know who may be thinking more about cognitive health and awareness. Longevity is key and your physical, mental and cognitive awareness are important factors in ensuring a longer lasting journey. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Knowledge without follow-through is worse than no knowledge." – Sources of Insight This quote reminds us that no matter how much we know, if we do not do something with it it is all for nothing! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in 2020 we began offering a "Custom 7 Day Workout Plan" which allowed customers to purchase a workout plan that is designed by Meredith to cater specifically to their fitness goals. This plan consists of specifically chosen workout videos from our growing library which is something you can follow throughout the week. Since releasing this plan, we've learned so many new things about the people that purchased them and also about ourselves. We wanted to share some inspiring stories and also about what we've learned in this special episode. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). How our Custom 7 Day Workout Plan works after you make a purchase and how the process of designing a plan based on your fitness goals is started. 2). Some of the great feedback we've received from past customers regarding their own plans. 3). How Meredith designs these plans based on the information that is given by the customer through our required Intake Form. 4). Some of the inspiring stories that Meredith learned from customers over the years and how their plan has helped them on their fitness journey. 5). How our fitness content is really designed to be for everyone and not just a certain age group. there is something for everyone no matter your age or level of fitness. /// We hope the stories and information we shared in this episode are inspiring and helpful to you if you are having trouble with your fitness journey or just looking for some inspiration. We are grateful for getting the opportunity to be a part of so many people around the world who are on their fitness journey and hope to continue this well into the future. If you'd like to look more into our Custom 7 Day Workout Plan and how it might help you, visit this link. - Thank You! Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"If you must doubt something, doubt your limits." – Price Pritchett This quote reminds us to not doubt ourselves, keep going! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hydration counts as one of the pillars in living a healthy life especially as you age. However, it is often overlooked and can cause health issues if not made a regular habit. Taking in water at regular intervals throughout the day has many benefits and helps keep your mind and body well nourished and ready for the challenges of the day. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). How we can easily think that hydration is only an issue during warmer months but in reality, it is a year round concern overall. 2). Some of the easy ways to know how well hydrated you are at any given time. 3). Why it's important to hydrate not just during the day but first thing in the morning as well. 4). Some suggestions on how to take in healthy fluids if you aren't a fan of just plain water itself. 5). Suggestions on alternative ways of staying hydrated through healthy vegetables and fruits in addition to fluids. /// We hope the tips we've shared in this episode are helpful to you if you are struggling with staying hydrated on a regular basis. Implementing these easy habits mentioned in this episode will help you reap the benefits of regular hydration which will lead to a more nourished body and enriched life for many years to come. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." – John A. Shedd This quote reminds us that we are made to move, not be idle…so move when you can! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wear and tear on our bodies as we age is a normal part of life. We may notice small aches and pains occasionally that can be off putting. This can also lead you to not want to be as active as you usually are because of the concern that you may feel like your doing more damage to whatever is sore. Luckily, following a few helpful tips in this episode will help you maintain your level of activity and fitness so you don't have to feel like slowing down is the only answer. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Some of Meredith's personal experiences in working with clients of all ages and the feedback she would receive from them on challenges in dealing with minor aches and pains and trying to stay active. 2). Why thinking that feeling minor aches and pains as we age are possibly more serious than we think and how to determine if they are or not. 3). How starting slow with exercise is important to allowing your body to adjust to movement and activity in a safe manner. 4). How dealing with aches and pains can take a toll on your motivation to exercise and what you can do to keep your motivation levels up. 5). The importance of incorporating proper rest in between workouts and emphasizing that this could be longer than you are used to and that is OK. /// We hope the tips we've shared here are helpful to you if you feel like minor aches and pains are slowing you down. In most cases, there is no real cause for concern but following these tips will help keep you healthy and in the game for years to come. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still." – Chinese Proverb This quote reminds us that slow growth is still growth…no matter the speed it’s better than nothing. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We recently heard a great quote about aging on the show "The PITT" on HBO MAX and was immediately inspired by it. We felt it captured the essence of what it is to grow old and how the younger generations perceive you. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). What is the quote that we found to be so inspiring and why we decided to dedicate an episode to it. 2). How older generations view the younger generation and vice versa. 3). Some of Meredith's personal experiences in working with clients of all ages and their thoughts on aging etc. 4). The value of learning from people who have been in your shoes and who are older with many experiences to share. 5). What we can all work on to help better understand each other especially between the younger and older generations. /// We hope this discussion was helpful and inspiring to you when it comes to your own aging journey. We were touched by the delivery of the scene that the quote was used in and wanted to shed more light on the perceptions of aging. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." – Franklin D. Roosevelt This quote reminds us to be in the present moment, positive in it, and get to the next moment in peace. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regular exercise is the cornerstone of living an independent lifestyle and the path to longevity. Luckily you don't have to train excessively each week to reap the benefits of exercise. Walking promotes many healthy traits like cardiovascular training, stability, flexibility and more. It is also very easy to do and can be done indoors or outdoors depending on where you live. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why we decided to dedicate an episode to the benefits of walking which was inspired by many of the YouTube comments and emails we get each month. 2). Some of the pros, cons and differences between walking outside and walking on a treadmill. 3). The cardiovascular benefits your receive from incorporating walking into your regular workouts. 4). The many benefits that walking has on your bone density and overall bone health. 5). How walking regularly promotes long term mental and physical health and also independence well into your later years. /// We hope the information we've shared on walking in this episode inspires you to embrace the habit if you haven't already. Walking is one of the simplest exercises you can do and it is accessible to most folks regardless of your fitness level. Slow, steady and starting small is always the best way to get started which can lead to amazing improvements in your health which can carry on for a lifetime. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Growth is painful. Change is painful. But, nothing is as painful as staying stuck where you do not belong." – N.R. Narayana Murthy This quote reminds us that sometimes it hurts while going through it, but feels worse to not try to move forward. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regular exercise is key to living a longer, more independent lifestyle as you age. However, some people live very busy lives between work, family, social time etc. It may not always be feasible to dedicate a "chunk" of time in your day specifically for exercise. This week we are asking the question if it makes sense to "split up" your workout into smaller workouts during the day which may make more sense for some people who have busy schedules. Does this work and is it just as effective doing one longer workout? In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). The story behind how this topic came to be and why we though it was important to discuss. 2). If splitting up your workouts into smaller exercises throughout the day is just as effective as one long workout. 3). How mixing up your smaller workouts during the day is a great way to keep it interesting and fun which may work better for those with busy schedules. 4). When is it a bad idea to workout multiple times during the day. 5). The benefits of just doing a few 5 minute workouts during the day. /// We hope the information we shared on splitting up your workouts throughout the day is helpful to you if you're struggling to find a good time to get your exercise in. What works for some people may not work for others and being flexible with your time may make more sense for you. Luckily exercising anytime during the day even if it is split out is still very beneficial for your physical well being. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor." - Truman Capote This quote reminds us that we will fail sometimes, but remember when we do succeed the times we failed makes it that much better! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial scams have quickly become one of the fastest growing crimes in the modern digital age. Criminals are being exposed to a wealth of new ways to trick people into giving up important information like social security numbers and bank account numbers. Unfortunately older adults are a common target. The damage caused from these kinds of scams cause mental, emotional and physical stress affecting all facets of life. Luckily there are a few easy things you can do to protect yourself from these kinds of scams to ensure your financial safety and well being into your golden years. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). What inspired us to shed light on this topic and how financial scams against seniors has grown to become a serious issue in the modern world. 2). How living in the age of social media has made it much easier for criminals to gather information about people and how this can get used to trick you into a scam. 3). One of Meredith's personal experiences with her mom and how she was targeted into a financial scam at a vulnerable time of need. 4). Why you should always wait, take a step back and breathe if you ever receive an email or phone call from someone claiming that they need important information from you like your social security number or bank account information immediately. Those are sure signs of a possible scam. 5). Why it's important to "double check" anything that sounds suspicious by calling your bank directly or anyone who urgently says that they need money from you. /// We hope the tips in this episode are helpful to you or somebody you know who may have been exposed to a financial scam. Taking the necessary precautions when you sense that something is not right will help save you time, money, stress and keep you and your family secure from financial ruin. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Ralph Waldo Emerson This quote reminds us that we all fall sometimes, but we must keep getting up and going! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've never exercised before or maybe took an extended break and now feel like too much time has passed or that you may be too old to start exercising then this podcast episode is definitely for you. These are common feelings amongst many people and know that you are not alone. Feeling like your "time has passed" can make it seem like there no good reason to start exercising which, is farthest from the truth. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Some of Meredith's personal experiences in working with clients and their thoughts and feelings about not exercising. 2). Some of the benefits that regular exercise produces both mentally and physically and how that can be life changing for some people regardless of age. 3). How exercising helps with stress and depression and why this is important especially as you age. 4). How regular exercise not only helps you physically but also helps make everyday activities easier like carrying groceries and going up and down stairs. 5). How to get started the right way if you have never exercised before or have taken an extended break. /// We hope the information we've shared in this episode is helpful to you or someone you know who may feel like it's too late to start exercising. Regular exercise in any form (walking, weight training, stretching, etc.) can reverse many ailments that cause us to feel like our bodies are "past due". There is no better time to start than now and there are many ways to get started that are right for you and your comfortability level. We believe in you! Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.” — H.G. Wells This quote reminds us that no matter what has happened, we must choose to stand up and keep going. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Staying mobile and independent are some of the most important aspects to maintain especially as you age. Making sure your body is healthy includes regular exercise which helps strengthen not only your muscles but your bones as well. Bone density is important when it comes to making sure your body is able to do what you ask it to while navigating the physical challenges of the day. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). How common bone density issues are and how they can affect people of all ages and not just older adults. 2). How your spine plays an important role in your mobility and why it's important to focus on exercises that incorporate strengthening your whole body, 3). Some of the common injuries that can occur if you have low bone density and how this can affect you not just physically but mentally as well. 4). Why it's important to think of your bones and muscles as one entity when exercising. 5). How nutrition directly affects your bone density and health and why it's good to incorporate foods that nurture this on a regular basis. /// We hope the tips we've shared in this episode are helpful if you are having issues with bone health and density. Keeping your bones strong and healthy will help maintain your physical well being and independence as you journey into your later years. It's never too late to start taking care of your body and unlocking good health is always just a few daily habits away. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"What you do today can improve all your tomorrows." This quote reminds us that what we do today and the choices we make impact what comes next! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We often get asked how we come up with a lot of the topics for our podcast and this week we wanted to "peek behind the curtains" and share with you how we decide what topics we will discuss each week. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Some of the reasons why it can be challenging to find important topics to discuss each week but also how we enjoy the opportunity to do so. 2). How the comments that get posted on our YouTube channel help influence the new topics and ideas of our podcast. 3). Some of the personal experiences Meredith has encountered over the years in working with clients of all ages and how those experiences help influence our podcast topics. 4). How we pull ideas from current wellness and fitness industry trends and discuss why these trends can be helpful OR can be misleading or counter productive. 5). In addition to our YouTube channel, how most of our topics are inspired by you through website feedback, email, social media and much more! /// We hope this episode is entertaining and informative to you as we love shedding light on subjects that are popular but also that doesn't get the kind of attention we think it deserves when it comes to the health, wellness and longevity of not just seniors, but all ages. Thank you for taking the time to listen to our podcast. We truly do enjoy getting to share this information that is inspired by you, the listener:) Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"A jug fills drop by drop."-Buddha This quote reminds us we must keep patience as we work on anything we choose to do! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Living actively and participating in regular exercise is always a key component to staying healthy and mobile longer as you age. However, this can also take a toll on your body physically over time if you don't take care of yourself and omit to listen to what your body is telling you when you exercise. Ignoring the important nuances that your body is signaling to you can create problems and injury if not made a priority. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why it can be easy to ignore the signs and signals that our bodies send us especially when living an active lifestyle and how that can lead to issues down the road. 2). Some of Meredith's personal experiences training clients and their struggles with learning how to listen to their bodies. 3). Many of the common types of aches and pains that start to occur as you age and how easy it is to push them aside. 4). Some suggestions on how to relieve common stressors that can lead to injury. 5). Why it's important to take breaks or "dial back" your exercising from time to time to allow your body rest and proper recovery. /// We hope the information we've shared in this episode is helpful to you or someone you know who may be active but also dealing with constant set backs from injury or other issues. Sometimes it can be too easy to forgo the warning sings that our bodies are telling us which can leave you unnecessarily sidelined. Small attention to detail can go a long way when it comes to working "with" your body and will lead you to a longer road of health and wellness. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker." - Denis Waitley This quote reminds us that failure is a teacher, make sure we listen to it and learn from it! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regular exercise the one of the pillars to living a long and independent lifestyle but sometimes being active also leaves us prone to injury which can sideline our efforts. Experiencing and injury can be setback which can affect us not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. Luckily there a few easy things you can do to help minimize your chances of getting hurt during exercise which will help keep you healthy throughout your active lifestyle years. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why it's important to always be aware of injury possibility while exercising and the long term ramifications that can come from it. 2). Some of Meredith's personal experiences in working with clients of all ages and their stories with suffering and injury during exercise and how it affected them. 3). The importance of taking time to warm up before exercise and to cool down after exercise. 4). Why you should always listen to your body first before you decide to exercise as sacrificing rest could lead to a serious injury. 5). Why learning how to modify and vary your exercise is important and how it can help keep your body safe over time. /// We hope the tips we've shared in this episode are helpful to you or someone you know who has experienced a common injury while exercising. Making sure your body is ready for exercise and keeping yourself safe is the key to staying independent especially as you age. Always take the proper precautions before, during and after exercising. This will help ensure that you'll be ready to go the next time you lace up your workout shoes. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." - Thomas Edison This quote reminds us to keep going, keep trying, and that will lead to success. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we age, it can be easy to be less social or interact less with close friends and family. Children grow up and have their own lives and schedules. We may have less close friends and opportunities to share time with meaningful people. These social connections can be crucial to our health and longevity. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why it's important to discuss the importance of social connections later in life and some statistics on how many older people this affects. 2). How life is set up in today's world where it can be easy to have everything delivered to you without ever having to leave your home which can contribute to less motivation to connect with others. 3). How social connections can help improve your physical well being and motivation to do things like exercise etc. 4). How social connections help combat depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges. 5). The important role that social connections play in having support system and "safety net" in case unexpected life events occur. /// We hope the tips we've shared in this podcast are helpful to you or someone you know who may be struggling with maintaining social connections later in life. These connections are crucial to helping sustain a healthy physical and mental mind state well into your later years. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Action is the foundational key to success." - Pablo Picasso  This quote reminds us that in order to succeed we need to do! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heading to the grocery store can be a stressful experience these days especially if you enjoy eating healthy foods like lean meats, fruits and vegetables. It can be challenging trying to fill your cart with these items in a world where the prices just don't seem to add up fairly. The temptation to indulge in more cheaper or processed options can be real but not always good for your physical well being. Luckily it doesn't have to be this way and there are a few simple things you can do to help you cross that grocery store finish line with a balanced budget and healthier food choices. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Some of the common reasons why the price of healthier foods (and all prices) have been rising lately and the frustrations that can cause. 2). How being on a fixed income can be challenging when looking to get the most out of a grocery budget with rising prices. 3). Why items like fruits, vegetables and meats have a different processing methods than other foods which can lead to higher costs especially in a down economy. 4). Why it's important to plan ahead before your next trip to the grocery store so you have better chances of saving money when shopping for healthier choices. 5). Why you should be using coupons (both digital and printed) as well look for store special items as often as possible to help you stay in budget with healthier items. /// We hope the tips in this episode are helpful to you on your next grocery run. Eating healthy is a mainstay for active living and a longer life. and learning how to balance and budget for a healthy diet will keep you going now and well into the future. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"If there is no struggle, there is no progress." - Frederick Douglass This quote reminds us that we must embrace the struggle, because it is in that that we make progress and growth. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dealing with common stress affects everyone at times in our lives and it can be challenging to live normally when under stress. Unfortunately this can also affect us physically through our bodies which can causes aches, pains, headaches etc. Fortunately there are a few things you can try to help your body better respond to stress which will help keep you feeling healthier when these challenging times occur. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why we decided to dedicate a full episode to this topic and how the effects of stress is closely tied to many of the issues we discuss on our podcast. 2). Some of Meredith's personal experiences in working with clients over the years and their stories on dealing with stress in their lives. 3). How stress can accumulate over time if not addressed or managed. 4). Why focusing on putting yourself first either through meditation, rest, relaxation or quality time with loved ones is important to help stray off the effects of stress. 5). How participating in regular exercise helps curb the effects of stress. /// We hope the tips we've shared in this episode are helpful to you or someone you know who may be dealing with the effects of stress. Making sure your body is resilient to challenging times will help keep you focused and active which will also help promote better health for years to come. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." – Andy Warhol This quote reminds us that we are in control of our lives, and what changes we must grow with…time is inevitably going to go forward. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Staying mobile and living an active lifestyle is the holy grail of aging. However, not all of us will be able to be as active as we'd like in our golden years. What happens when you are still very much independent and mobile but your spouse or loved one is not? This can present many challenges especially in a close relationship. The mental, emotional and physical toll this can take on both parties can be devastating to a relationship in the long run. Thankfully it doesn't have to be that way no matter what your limitations are. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). One of Meredith's personal experiences she had learning about a close friend's parents who deal with limitations in the relationship and why it's important to talk about it.` 2). Some of the common challenges that occur when living in a situation where you or your loved one can't do the same things as the other anymore. 3). Great suggestions on how to modify any physical activity like taking walks etc. so that you both can still enjoy time together. 4). Why open communication between both parties is always important but especially in this type of situation. 5). Why it's still OK to do activities separately if one is not able to participate and still be able to share stories and make memories together. /// We hope the information in this episode is helpful to you or someone you know who may be going through challenging times with their spouse or loved ones. It's not easy making changes later in life but knowing there are things you can do to keep your relationship active, fun and exciting even when limitations are an issue is important. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Change is inevitable. Growth is optional." – John Maxwell This quote reminds us that we are always changing, but how we grow from it is an option we must choose. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming up with an exercise routine or plan that fits your lifestyle, schedule and goals can be challenging. Life is constantly changing and our needs change as well. Having a plan in place that you can follow or that helps guide you on your fitness journey can make your active lifestyle much more enjoyable. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why having an exercise plan or routine that you can rely on is important especially as you age. 2). How feeling like you're not in control can make you feel anxious and can affect your motivation to exercise consistently. 3). Why it's important to be flexible when it comes to setting up your exercise plan to account for unexpected circumstances and schedules. 4). The importance of setting up clear goals that are achievable to help motivate you through your journey. 5). How "self care" plays a big role in designing your schedule and the importance of keeping that the priority as you plan. /// We hope the tips we've shared in this episode are helpful to you or someone you know who may be having trouble with coming up with a reliable exercise plan or routine. Staying active as you age is important and knowing how to manage your routine over the years will come in handy when life throws curveballs at you. Stay motivated, inspired and healthy always. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety." – Abraham Maslow This quote reminds us that we make the decision to go forward in our lives, or stay where we are and feel safe…choose wisely! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regular exercise is a great way to keep your body ready to handle what you ask it to do in everyday life. Resistance training and cardio exercises help build strength and nourishes your cardiovascular system over time. Realizing your progress is one of the best feelings when it comes to your health. But what if you don't FEEL like you're making progress after exercising each week. Why does your body feel like it hit a plateau and what can you do to get back on track? In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why we thought it was important to highlight 4 of the most common reasons you're body can feel like it hit a plateau. 2). How easy it is to stick to a regular schedule of exercise which can possibly lead to overuse and burnout without realizing it. 3). The usual amount of time it takes for certain exercises to get "easier" to where your body is not benefitting from it as much as when you started. 4). How not getting enough sleep and stress can affect the way your body responds to exercise. 5). How not being consistent with your exercise schedule and routines can affect your progress and make you feel like you're benefitting from working out. /// We hope the tips we've shared in this episode are helpful to you if you feel like you've hit a "rut" with exercising. Putting in the energy to workout on a regular schedule takes energy and we all hope that it pays off in the long run. Hitting a "plateau" can be frustrating but there are also a few things you can do to get you out of it. Longevity is key and managing the ups and down through your fitness journey will help you for years to come. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.