Senior Fitness With Meredith

Staying flexible especially as we age has many benefits when it comes to living an active lifestyle. Daily tasks like walking up and down stairs, getting in and out of a car, and carrying groceries all require our bodies to be flexible and balanced as much as possible. Flexibility training and regular stretching are key to accomplishing your daily tasks with more ease. In this episode we're sharing 5 benefits of regular flexibility training. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). What is flexibility training and why we dedicated a full episode to this important topic. 2). Why flexibility and stretching commonly get overlooked and skipped after exercising and why this is a mistake. 3). How your posture is directly linked to your body's flexibility and why this matters when it comes to aging gracefully and for longevity. 4). How slowing down, breath work and stretching after a workout helps relieve stress and helps prevent injury. 5). The importance of blood circulation in your body as you age and how flexibility training and stretching play important roles in that process. /// We hope this episode is helpful to you or someone you know who my be having issues with stiffness and mobility. Regular stretching and flexibility exercises are a great way to help loosen up your body and help keep you ready for everyday challenges and tasks. Independence and mobility are the key to longevity and the more you can do to help this, the longer you will remain active for years to come. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”-Oscar Wilde This quote reminds us that no small act goes unnoticed…they can end up being the grandest gesture. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maintaining a regular exercise schedule is key to helping ensure an independent and healthy life for years to come. But the road can be long and there may be times where you may feel un inspired to continue exercising. There are many challenges in life that can derail our motivations and change out attitude toward exercise. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). What the initial idea was behind bringing this topic to light and how it relates to over exercising in some scenarios. 2). Some of Meredith's personal experiences in working with clients and their opinions on having a relationship with exercise over the years. 3). How obsessing over exercise, weight loss and other effects of constant exercise can cause burn out and exhaustion without rest. 4). How mixing up your exercises can inspire new ways to workout and keep you motivated in the long run. 5). Why setting attainable goals is important during your health and fitness journey and how this can keep your relationship with exercise healthy. /// We hope the tips we've shared in this episode are helpful to you if you are finding your road to maintaining regular exercise challenging. Life has many twists and turns and we can't predict what will happen to us now and in the future. Hopefully these tips will keep you motivated through the ups and downs of life and keep you on track to independence and health as you age. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”-Marcel Proust I want to take this time to say thank you to all of those who continue to support SFWM, podcasts, workouts, and all the content we create. I am grateful for what I am able to do each day, and continue to help as many as I can. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drinking 8 eight glasses of water has been a long running "standard" as to how much you should drink a day but is that really necessary for everyone? Staying hydrated is an important aspect to living a healthier life. Replenishing your body's water levels helps maintain your equilibrium balance and keeps you healthy especially if you are active. But 8 glasses could be too much for some and possibly too little for others. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). What is the "8X8" or "8 glasses of water a day" rule is and what does it really mean for you. 2). Why it's very common for most people to not keep track of how much water they drink in a day. 3). The overwhelming influx of products that claim they hydrate just as well as water and how this can be confusing to consumers. 4). How the climate you live in can affect your water intake amount. 5). Some helpful tips to remind you to take a sip of water during the day especially if you feel that you're not hydrating enough. /// We hope the tips and information we've shared in this episode are helpful to you if you are questioning how much water you should be drinking. Your water intake should depend only on what your body is telling you from day to day. However, making sure you are consistently hydrating on a regularly is always key to living a healthy and active life for years to come. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not but rejoices for those which he has.”-Epictetus This quote reminds us that we need to be mindful of being happy with what we have and not wishing for more. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Staying motivated to exercise on a regular schedule can be challenging. Busy schedules fill up your time and also snap energy from you. This can easily add up to feeling too tired to motivate yourself to exercise. But staying the course for the long haul has so many benefits when it comes to living a long and healthy life. Thankfully there are a few tips you can try to incorporate into your weekly schedules that can help you stay motivated to exercise even when it feels like there just isn't enough time or energy to do so. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Some of the common reasons why people decide to quit exercising or lose motivation to exercise regularly. 2). How not seeing the kind of results you were expecting when you're started out exercising can be deflating and de-motivating. 3). The importance of remembering your "WHY" and how revisiting that regularly can help you stay motivated during challenging times. 4). How having a regular schedule written out or "plan" can be very helpful when it comes to staying on schedule with exercising. 5). Why it's important to set tangible goals with exercise that can help keep you accountable for your small wins which eventually add up to big wins over time. /// We hope the tips we've shared int this episode are helpful to you if you are finding it difficult to stay motivated to exercise. It can be challenging at times especially when busy schedules or unexpected circumstances can derail your motivation. Remembering to focus on the tips in this episode will hopefully help you during your own healthy life and fitness journey. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Nothing can harm you as much as your own thoughts unguarded.”― Buddha This quote reminds us that you have the power within you to determine your destiny by staying true in your mind, body and soul. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Living a life with a busy schedule is very common for most people and this can still be true as we age. Finding the time to fit in healthy habits like regular exercise can be challenging. Fortunately you don't have to spend hours exercising just to stay healthy. Currently we've released a few "5 Minute Series" workouts that are designed to give you a variety of movements and challenges in a short period of time. But just how effective are 5 minute exercises? In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why Meredith decided to create a new exercise series called "5 Minute" workouts and what is included in this series. 2). How this new series is built on the foundation that you should always focus on some kind of intentional movement throughout the day even if only for 5 minutes. 3). The different varieties of 5 minute workouts that we offer (now and in the future) and how they encompass all levels of fitness. 4). Some of Meredith's thoughts on how often you should exercise during the week and how our 5 minute series plays a role in that. 5). Why it's important to sometimes "slow down" your workouts even if you are at an advanced level of fitness. /// We hope the information we've shared in this episode is helpful to you especially if you're having a hard time trying to find time to exercise on a regular basis. You don't need to spend countless hours everyday to maintain your physical health. The important thing is to always choose to keep moving even if it's only for 5 minutes. Installing healthy habits is what it's all about to giving you the chance at a long and healthy life ahead. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly our whole life would change. ”― Buddha This quote reminds us that we should look at the little things, enjoy them, and see how complex yet simple things can be. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prioritizing rest and recovery is an important aspect of health and wellness when enjoying and active lifestyle. Regular exercise is crucial for long term health success but it also requires downtime in between. This is the time when your body recharges itself. In order to maximize this process of rest and recovery there are a few things you can try to help nurture your body and mind and get the best out of your recovery time. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why it can be difficult to stop and dedicate time for rest and recovery during a busy life and schedule and how this affects your body overall. 2). Some of Meredith's personal experiences in working with clients and their challenges on stopping to dedicate time for rest and recovery. 3). How having a creative outlet like cooking, painting or gardening is a great way to allow your body to "rest and recover" from a busy schedule and exercise. 4). Why it's important to stop and reflect on the progress you've made and appreciate your efforts on a regular basis. 5). The importance of planning out your time in advance so that you stay aware of your devoted times for exercise and recovery while managing a possibly busy schedule and not feeling overwhelmed. /// We hope the tips in this episode are helpful to you if you are looking to maximize your rest and recovery time after exercise. This can involve more than just physical rest. Making sure your complete 360 mind, body and spirit are taken into account is also important during this time. Hard work deserves equal rest and recovery as well. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.”― Buddha This quote reminds us that each day is new, and we have the chance to start again. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Embracing regular exercise can be challenging for those who have never exercised before. Moreover, returning to exercise after a long break can also be daunting as well. Getting started with exercising on a regular basis can be intimidating for some but it doesn't have to be that way. Doing it the right way can help get you motivated to embrace it in a way that makes sense for you and your body in a safe and motivating manner. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). How receiving an email from one of our subscribers mentioning that our exercise content was recommended to them by their doctor was the reason we thought this issue should be discussed. 2). Why it can be overwhelming when trying to determine a regular exercise routine and schedule if you've never worked out before. 3). How setting your expectations to high when starting out can actually cause burnout and overwhelming feelings which can cause you to stop exercising altogether. 4). Why setting reasonable smaller goals when starting out can be the most effective way to get into exercising even if you have to go slowly. 5). Why it's important to embrace cooling down and rest after a workout especially when you are just getting started which allows your body to recover and heal. /// We hope the tips we've shared in this episode are helpful to you if you are looking to start exercising regularly or have taken a long extended break. Making sure you take the right steps to getting your body back into a regular schedule is important for you not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness.”-Zhuangzi This quote reminds us that we must be content with things, not trying to create happiness just allowing it to be! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrating all of the hard work you've done along your fitness journey can be very liberating. One of the most common ways to check on your progress is to step onto a scale to see your current weight. However, there are many other ways that you can check your progress and celebrate your accomplishments which don't involve following numbers which can be very intimidating for some people. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why it's important to recognize and celebrate your health and fitness progress when you hit your milestones. 2). How losing weight is usually the primary reason why most people exercise and why reading your weight on a scale has become the "standard" way of measuring progress. 3). The emotional and mental toll that constant weight measuring can take and why focusing on other "wins" can be more effective to recognize your weight loss accomplishments. 4). How noticing enhanced physical abilities and increase in strength can be helpful motivators in celebrating the work you are doing in your fitness journey. 5). Why monitoring your flexibility and agility are good indicators that your hard work is paying off. /// We hope the tips we've shared in this episode are helpful to you or someone you know who may be on their own health and fitness journey. We all like to see and feel the progress that we make especially if you are trying to lose weight. But don't forget that being healthy and taking care of yourself doesn't always have to involve numbers and weight measuring. Feeling good and being proud of yourself that you are putting in the work to live a active and healthy lifestyle should always be of precedence over constant weight measuring. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self." - 14th Dalai Lama This quote reminds us that we are only against ourselves; strive to be a better version of ourselves, not someone else. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Setting goals and staying motivated to achieving them can sometimes be more challenging than we assume. No matter what you're looking to accomplish, the drive to do things like lose weight, finishing a study class or start a small business can feel overwhelming at times and lead to "burn out". This can further lead to giving up or feeling unmotivated to continue. Fortunately there are things you can do to help nurture your motivation and also keep your mind and body rested and ready to help avoid burn out during your journey. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). How feeling "burnt out" has become more of a forefront issue lately especially in "hustle culture" and why that is a cause for concern for people of all ages. 2). Common scenarios that can cause overwhelming feelings for most people and how that can affect you personally. 3). Why it's important to take time to acknowledge your achievements no matter how big or small along the way. 4). The importance of keeping your life balanced as much as possible when working hard to achieving your goals. 5). Why you should make time for rest even when you feel like there is no time and why this can be crucial to staying resilient towards burn out. /// We hope the tips and advice in this episode are helpful to you or someone you know who may be struggling with motivation and accomplishing goals. Pushing yourself to reach a certain level that you've set can be a great self fulfilling accomplishment but it's also important to make sure you can stay mentally, physically and emotionally healthy as best as possible while doing so. That is key to a longer, healthier life for years to come. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Vague goals are the enemy of progress." - Christina Wodtke This quote reminds us that we need to be precise and detailed, so we know exactly how we are going to reach our goals! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Self care is an aspect of life that everyone should consider at some point especially as you age. Small tasks that you should keep in mind that focus on taking care of your physical, mental and emotional well being can add up at the end of the day, week and month. This week we're sharing a few of of the most essential tasks that you can try when it comes to self care. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why self care is so important especially as you age and why we thought it was a good idea to dedicate and episode to this issue. 2). What the priority is when it comes to self care and how this can often be over looked when living a busy life focusing on others. 3). Why it's important to consider setting "boundaries" when it comes to feeling overwhelmed. 4). The importance of making time to participate in activities that "rejuvenate" and "refresh" you on a regular basis. 5). Why doing the things that make you feel in "control" of your life is key to maintaining a clearer mental and emotional state which helps your overall wellness. /// We hope these tips on self care are helpful to you and open up the possibilities of health, wellness and longevity through consistent self care routines and tasks. Little reminders that you can practice will keep your goal of long term physical, mental and emotional health a stable pillar in your life now and for years to come. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." - Thomas Edison This quote reminds us that we can not give up, we must keep trying even if it is “just one more time”, it will keep us going! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this special episode we're sharing a few things we've learned after releasing over 400 exercise related videos on our YouTube channel. We started our channel in 2019 and have learned so many interesting things about creating a fitness brand online and getting to know the amazing fitness community that has become of it. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Some of Meredith's personal experiences and history in teaching fitness classes for people of all ages and how that lead into creating the Senior Fitness With Meredith YouTube channel. 2). Why our YouTube channel is really focused on creating exercises for people of all ages and abilities even though it is name "Senior" Fitness With Meredith. 3). The importance of creating exercises that support all levels of fitness from Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. 4). Some of the amazing feedback we've received over the years from all over the world and how that helps give us more ideas on things to try and exercises to create. 5). Some of the great relationships and stories that have come from creating helpful exercise content and how that has been a great surprise for our team. /// Thank you for joining us on this special episode. It has been quite the journey for our team and we've learned so many things from our subscribers and followers. We could definitely not have made it this far without your support. We hope to continue releasing more health and fitness related content in the years to come and we can't wait to see what the future has in store! Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out." - Calvin Coolidge This quote reminds us that small steps done each day are what help us attain goals, and to keep going! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the podcast we're stretching out and "opening our minds" about how we should all be more like our tongues! This may sound funny, but there is a story behind it and how it actually relates to staying active on a regular basis. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). The story behind how this topic came about and why we thought it was very relatable to our listeners and those who enjoy an active lifestyle. 2). The importance of movement throughout your day, even when you're not actually exercising. 3). Some suggestions on how to stay motivated when you don't feel like exercising or being active. 4). Why we often make the mistake that trying to get fit or lose weight is like a straight line when in reality there are many ups and downs to get through which is normal. 5). How your body changes over time and what may have worked to stay active in the past may not work as easily now or into the future. /// We hope you enjoyed this fun episode and maybe after hearing it you'll agree on why we should all try to be more like our tongues! Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work." - Colin Powell This quote reminds us that hard work continually is what gets us to our goals, not just hopes! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September is Falls Prevention Awareness month and in this episode we wanted to shed more light on this important cause. Unexpected falls can cause much more than just physical damage. There are many mental and emotional aspects that come into play not just for the person who experienced a fall but also surrounding friends and family. Falls can occur at any age but the most vulnerable are older adults or those with disabilities. Luckily there are a few easy things that you can do to minimize the risk of a fall to remain safe in your home or living space. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). What Falls Prevention Awareness Month is and why it has become so important to recognize each year. 2). Why it's important to highlight Falls Prevention Month in all independent and assisted living facilities. 3). The importance of including easy to follow balance exercises each week in your regular exercise routines which help build strength and stability. 4). How certain medications can cause problems with balance which can lead to falls and other physical complications and why it's important to discuss this with your doctor. 5). Why it's important to make sure any assistive devices like a walker or cane are regularly checked so they don't break or collapse which can lead to a dangerous fall. /// We hope the tips in this episode are helpful to you or someone you know who may have experienced a fall. Making sure to take a few extra steps in securing your surroundings to avoid the risk of a fall will go a long way to a safer, healthier, more independent life for you and your loved ones. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"One day you will look back and see that all along you were blooming." - Morgan Harper Nichols This quote reminds us that it is important to look at our progress, to see how far we have come especially when we are feeling down on ourselves. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maintaining a regular exercise schedule is one of the gold standard indicators of health and wellness and making sure your mind and body are in the best shape they can be. However, no matter how much we exercise there may always seem to be aches and pains and mental challenges that we attribute to living an active lifestyle. Surprisingly, there are many other factors that can affect the way your mind and body responds to daily life and one of those can most definitely be the weather. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why we decided to dedicate an episode to this topic and how common it is to feel the effects of the weather and yet, not realize how much it is affecting you. 2). Insight into the comments and feedback we receive on our YouTube channel and website in regards to how different weather climates around the world affect others who live an active lifestyle. 3). How weather can affect you mentally and emotionally which can be challenging when trying to maintain consistency with exercise and diet. 4). How certain climates and weather changes can affect your respiratory system which can cause problems in your overall well being. 5). How constant weather changing patterns can weaken your immune system especially in those who may not be very physically active or overall healthy. /// We hope the tips in this episode are helpful if you are experiencing physical or mental challenges during your active lifestyle. The weather isn't usually something we focus on when it comes to staying active and healthy but it most certainly can play a role in how your body and mind respond to exercise and the everyday challenges we encounter. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new." - Socrates This quote reminds us that we must build the new to make change stick! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being in caretaking is one of the most important jobs or positions to take on when it comes to caring for the aging or those in need. It can be demanding and even stressful at times but also very rewarding in making the difference in someone's life. It is also easy to lose sight one the most important aspect to caretaking, making sure you as the caretaker is being taken care of. Putting your health and wellness first as a priority is key to maintaining an independent life and allowing yourself the necessary rest time to recharge will give you the ability to be your best at your job especially when you are needed most. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). The definition of a "Caretaker" and what their roles and responsibilities usually entail. 2). Why it's important to also prioritize your health and wellness as a caretaker so that you can be the best version of yourself when taking care of someone else. 3). Helpful ways you can plan healthy meals around the eating times of the person you are caring for to ensure you are also eating healthy and not allowing your meals to be an after thought. 4). Planning tips on how you can better schedule your day around caretaking so that you get better sleep at night which will help you recharge your mind, body and soul. 5). The importance of staying socially connected to close family and friends while you are away from caretaking. /// We hope the tips and information in this episode are helpful to you if you or someone you know is a primary care taker. Taking care of our aging or those who need it most is needed in all facets of life and making sure those who take on this role are caring for themselves is just as important. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well." - Diane Ackerman This quote reminds us that we need to fill each day with so much good, not just live the length of each day! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regular exercise is key to maintaining an independent lifestyle especially as you age. Keeping a schedule of workouts helps build consistency and confidence in sustaining a healthy future. But what happens when you hit a "funk" or encounter an unexpected injury that sidelines you for a period of time? There are many things that occur in life that can throw surprises into your regular schedule which can keep you from staying on track with exercise. This can cause feelings of "falling behind" or lagging with your routine exercises. Luckily, there are some easy tips you can follow which will help you get back into the game and feeling great both in body and mind. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). What events, thoughts or circumstances in life can make us feel like we're not exercising enough and why this is more common than we may think. 2). Some of Meredith's personal experiences in working with clients over the years and their thoughts on keeping up with exercise and staying active. 3). Why it's important to not "over set" your fitness goals if you've been away from exercising for a long time or are just getting started. 4). The importance of finding workouts and exercises that you enjoy doing and how that's helpful for your motivation each day. 5). The physical, mental and emotional benefits of regular exercise and remembering why this is important for your overall and long term health. /// We hope the tips in this episode are helpful to you if you feel un-motivated to exercise after a long break or if you're just having trouble getting started for the first time. There's no shame in taking time off and when you're ready to come back to exercise, we hope the information in this episode helps motivate you to get moving towards a longer and healthier future. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln This quote reminds us that we must live each day fully, not just going through the motions of each day! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this podcast episode we're excited to dive into the health and wellness benefits of our new "Brain & Body" exercise video series! This new series is all about strengthening the connection between your mind and your body movements. All exercise uses this connection but this series will challenge your cognitive abilities and match them with easy to follow movements that you can do right at home. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). How you can easily find this workout series and where it is located on our website or YouTube channel. 2). Meredith's thoughts on why she felt it was important to include this exercise series in her growing library of videos. 3). Some suggestions on when to try this series of videos as either warm ups, cool downs or as a great quick daily exercise. 4). Some of the frustrations that occur when we may not feel mentally sharp at times and how these workouts will help with this. 5). Why this series is great for those who may have cognitive issues and how they can benefit from incorporating them into a weekly schedule. /// We hope this episode gets you just as excited as we are about this new series! We will be publishing more "Brain & Body" workouts in the coming months that are designed for all levels of fitness. We're dedicated to empowering not only your physical well being, but your mental sharpness as well which is key to a longer, more independent life. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“To keep the heart unwrinkled — to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent — that is to triumph over old age.” – Thomas Bailey Aldrich This quote reminds us that we can triumph over life as we age, but we must stay happy and positive through it all! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all have that favorite song we like to hear every now and then but did you know that the songs you love may be doing more for you than you realize? It has been shown that music has many benefits beyond just candy for our ears. It has the power to help destress and calm our minds, help us find clarity and mental focus, and even help our bodies physically. For those with cognitive issues, music can enhance experiences and emphasize memory and function. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Some of Meredith's experiences in working with clients and their attitudes on how music has effected their personal lives as they aged. 2). How music provides a "dopamine" like feeling which effects our mood, attitude, outlook and emotions. 3). How different genres of music can mean different things to different people and why it's important to listen to what gives you the most joy. 4). Why music can be very effective in helping those who have had strokes or have cognitive issues as it can help re-capture memories, thoughts & emotions. 5). The benefits of music on your physical self by either playing an instrument, dancing or singing. /// We hope the information in this episode on music is helpful to you or someone you know. It's easy to take music for granted when we turn on the radio our put on our favorite songs but having music in your life on a regular basis will boast many benefits to your overall health and well being. So don't hesitate to crank up your favorite tunes as often as possible! Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Change is the law of life." - John F. Kennedy This quote reminds us that change is inevitable, we must embrace it and know it is okay! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moving can be stressful. There are many factors that can make a move difficult like arranging for packing time, boxing, plans for furniture, transportation, getting people to help you and so many more. But this can also be a lofty task for an aging person as well. In most cases, older adults will not be able to move by themselves which means they will need help. This can also be stressful as not all moves are always wanted, but needed. As part of our "Caretaker series", before deciding on the technicalities of moving, there are important factors to consider which will help make a move much easier for and aging person even if it is under un-wanted circumstances. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). How moving can be difficult especially as you age or someone you care for ages and some of the challenges involved in getting started. 2). Be sure to keep lines of communication open during the process so that everyone feels respected and not rushed into making un-wanted decisions about items in their home. 3). When hiring movers, make sure the aging person is comfortable with the people entering their home by introducing everyone and getting familiar with names etc. 4). Making sure to treat items in the home with respect and compassion when moving them to a new home. 5). The importance of following up with the aging adult after the move has taken place to make sure they feel comfortable in their new space. /// We hope the tips we've shared in this episode are helpful to you or someone you know who may be contemplating moving or helping and aging adult move. Taking the necessary steps to make sure everyone involved is comfortable, is important to ensure a successful move for all involved. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Ageing is just another word for living." - Cindy Joseph This quote reminds us that to age is a wonderful thing, as it means we are fortunate enough to live! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adding resistance to your regular workouts is a great way to build strength and stability. In addition, ankle weights can also be used to help do the same for most lower body and cardio exercises. But are they useful for everyone? If you've never used ankle weights than you may be asking how they can actually help you over traditional weights like dumbbells etc. Luckily we have a few "pros & cons" to check out before you make the decision that is right for you. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why Meredith uses ankle weights in many of her exercise videos and some of her thoughts on their effectiveness. 2). Some basic information on what ankle weights are and some of the different designs you can find. 3). How using ankle weights (and other types of weights) can help strengthen your bones over time. 4). The importance of having good stability as you age and how ankle weights can help develop this. 5). Some of the challenges of using ankle weights especially if you've never used them before and what to watch for to avoid injury. /// We hope the tips we've discussed in this episode are helpful to you if you're looking to incorporate ankle weights into your regular workout routines. If used properly they can be a great addition to most types of exercises and help add strength but they may not be for all levels of fitness. Before you decide to purchase ankle weights, be sure you evaluate all aspects and make your decisions based on your research here. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been." - Jimmy Buffet This quote reminds us that the wrinkles we have show we have had a good long life, filled with laughter and smiles! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving is one of the activities that we sometimes take for granted as we age. We assume our abilities to drive will mostly stay intact but in reality, driving can become very dangerous as you get older not only for yourself but for others. If you are someone who is a care taker for an aging person that still drives, how do you address this issue if you notice their abilities to drive becoming unreliable? In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why we decided to start a "Care Taker" series of episodes and how this topic of addressing driving and aging is important to discuss. 2). Some of the risks involved with allowing an aging person to continue driving well beyond their cognitive abilities to do so safely. 3). Why it's important to express your concerns about driving in a kind and gentle way. 4). Some examples of how you can bring up the subject and put it in a light of making sure everyone needs to be safe when in the car whether passenger or driver. 5). Making sure to be sympathetic to this change for the aging person in a respectful and caring manner. /// We hope the tips and suggestions in this episode are helpful if you are taking care of someone who is losing the ability to drive safely. It can be very difficult to talk to an aging person on why you think they shouldn't be driving, at least maybe not in the capacity that they are used to. Making sure to approach this situation with respect, dignity and care will be the best way to acknowledge a better path for all involved. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals."-Zig Ziglar This quote reminds us that we should reflect on who we are and what we go through as we strive to get to our goals. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your skin plays an important role in contributing to your overall health. Making sure you take the necessary steps of caring for you skin especially as you age is a good habit to start if you haven't already. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why the topic of skin care in aging adults doesn't get enough attention and why this should be an important aspect of aging to discuss. 2). How new options of clothing and fabrics are offering better skin protection than traditional clothing. 3). Why using moisturizer has been stereotyped as "just for women" but why it's also just as important for men as well. 4). How staying hydrated directly affects your skin health. 5). How easy and cheap it can be to take care of your skin over time by developing these great habits. /// We hope the tips we've shared in this episode are helpful to you especially if you are noticing more than normal skin degradation. Living an active lifestyle should always include some skin care especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Caring for your skin will pay off dividends in the long run and allow you to stay active and healthy for years to come. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Limit your 'always' and your 'nevers.'"-Amy Poehler This quote reminds us that we need to stay positive and working towards our goals, being mindful of what we can do without overdoing or getting negative. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here at SFWM we've always embraced walking as one of the best exercises you can do on a regular basis. It's accessible to almost anyone whether walking outside, on a treadmill, at home or even in a chair. We also use walking movements in many of our exercise videos as well. For this podcast episode, we wanted to share a few reasons WHY we love walking and the benefits you will reap while taking your daily stroll. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). What inspired us to dedicate a full episode to the benefits of walking as regular exercise and why we though this was important for people of all ages. 2). How walking is one of the most accessible exercises to all levels of fitness and why you don't have to set boundaries on time, steps or distance. Just walk when it feels best for you. 3). How regular walking actually helps with joint aches and pains as it can serve as a natural lubricant for the body especially as we age. 4). The benefits of gaining strength and balance through regular walking. 5). How walking is low cost and can be done by all levels of fitness at any time which makes it one of our favorite exercises. /// We hope this episode is helpful to you or someone you know who may be just starting out with exercise or just loves walking like we do. There are many good things to embrace when it comes to walking and we're happy to share these amazing benefits with you. 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 that we must not live with doubts. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Going to the doctor regularly is an important part of maintaining a healthy life especially as you age. However, such trips can be difficult when taking an aging loved one or someone you may be caring for whom may not be comfortable with regular doctor visits. Fortunately there are some things you can do to make these trips more manageable and even enjoyable from start to finish for everyone involved. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). The growing number of people in America who are now in charge of taking care of their parents and how this is affecting all areas of care including regular doctor visits. 2). When it's important to know if a primary caretaker should be involved with taking the aging adult to their regular check ups. 3). Why it's important to plan the trip ahead of time and know what to bring with you like a list of medications etc. to ensure smooth communication with the doctor or PCP. 4). Why having a checklist of items to cover with the doctor during the visit is important and how doing so can maximize check up experience for all parties. 5). Remember to be respectful of the person you are bringing to the appointment and treat them with kindness and patience to ensure a low stress environment. /// We hope the tips in this episode help you or someone you know who is caring for an aging adult. Feeling comfortable about taking regular trips to the doctor is important during our later years and making sure the right steps that are being taken before, during and after the visit is important to maintaining a regular checkup schedule. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Hold fast to dreams / For if dreams die / Life is a broken-winged bird /That cannot fly."-Langston Hughes This quote reminds us that we must keep our dreams alive, hold on to them, and work hard towards them! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your blood circulation plays an important role when it comes to your overall health. Making sure your body is receiving the proper amount of blood flow can make a big difference when it comes to living an active lifestyle. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why the topic of proper blood circulation is often overlooked when it comes to living a healthy and active lifestyle. 2). The most common causes of improper blood circulation which we may not realize. 3). How regular exercise greatly helps with maintaining proper blood flow. 4). How you can improve blood circulation through diet and incorporating healthier options in your meals each day. 5). Why it's never too late to take steps to improve your blood circulation no matter what age you are. /// We hope the tips in this episode are helpful to you if you're experiencing issues with proper blood circulation. Staying healthy for a longer life requires proper diet and regular exercise which all contribute to improving your blood circulation. Staying healthy and active longer is the goal and having good circulation is a pillar to this longevity. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do."- Ella Fitzgerald This quote reminds us that we must persevere and keep going, and get to what we truly want to do! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travelling is a past time we can all enjoy whether for vacation, visiting friends or work related. The process of either travelling by car or plane can also be somewhat stressful along the way but those who travel with loved ones who may be suffering from dementia has a whole different set of challenges. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). What inspired this topic on travelling with someone with dementia and why we thought it was important to dedicate an episode to this issue. 2). Some of the common behaviors of someone who has dementia and the challenges they create for caregiving. 3). Why it's important to be very familiar with the patient's daily routine and how this will help prepare for travel. 4). Knowing how important it is to only go as fast as your patient is comfortable with to help keep them focused and not threatened by the rigors of travelling. 5). Why it's important to travel with all proper documentation about your patient's health, physicians, doctors and contacts in case any issues arise during travel. /// We hope the tips in this episode are helpful to you or someone you know who is a care taker for someone with dementia. Travelling with a patient in this condition can be challenging even before you leave the house and the better prepared you are, the better chances you have of making a smooth trip happen for you and your travel partner. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.