Guildlines for Active Adults

Physical activity is any bodily movement produced by the contraction of skeletal muscle that increases energy expenditure above a baseline. Your baseline is any light-intensity activity of daily life, such as standing, walking, and lifting lightweight objects. People who do only baseline activities are considered to be inactive. Even climbing a few flights of stairs is not considered intense enough to be an activity. Therefore, bodily movement can be divided into two categories: inactive for normal daily activities and health-enhancing physical activity which, when added to baseline activity, produces healthful benefits. Health-enhancing physical activity such as brisk walking, dancing, swimming, lifting weights, jogging, bicycle riding, tennis, gold (without a cart) and doing yoga are all examples of physical activity.

Increasing your baseline activities is sensible for several reasons; it helps to burn calories, which can help in maintaining a healthy body weight. Weight-bearing activities may improve bone health. Short sessions of activity are appropriate for people who were inactive and have started to gradually increase their level of activity, and for older adults whose activity may be limited by chronic conditions.

Aerobic physical activity is divided into four categories: inactive, low, medium, and high. Low amounts of activity provide some benefits; medium amounts provide substantial benefits; and high amounts provide even greater benefits. Inactive offers no health benefits as it does not increase activity beyond your normal baseline.

While low levels of moderate-intensity physical activity are clearly preferable to an inactive lifestyle, the health benefits are minor if activity is less than 150 minutes a week. Medium activity of 150 to 300 minutes a week can add up to substantial health benefits, with activity at the high end of this range having more extensive health benefits than activity at the low end. High activity of more than 300 minutes a week provides additional health benefits on a sustained level. High activity is more than the equivalent of 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week.

Physical activity is important for many reasons and in addition to the obvious benefits, it gives people a chance to have fun with friends and family, enjoy the outdoors, and participate in more intensive physical activity or sporting events. Physical fitness can also improve personal appearance.

Aerobic physical activity can be divided into four categories: inactive, low, medium, and high. Obviously, low amounts of activity provide some benefits; medium amounts provide more benefits; and high amounts provide even greater benefits. First of all, being inactive is unhealthy. There's no benefit to being a couch potato! Even if you don't gain weight, your muscles will turn to fat, therefore low levels of activity (less than 2-1/2-hours a week) are clearly preferable to an inactive lifestyle. Medium physical activity (2-1/2 to 5 hours a week) provides more extensive health benefits. High levels are more than 5 hours a week. Medium and high levels of vigorous-intensity physical activity may provide additional benefits, depending upon each person.

There is no evidence that the health benefits of 30 minutes on 5 days a week are any different from the health benefits of 50 minutes on 3 days a week. For best results, set your own pace.

If you are of retirement age and are considering on moving to an active adult community, I recommend you check out these Homes in Florida - Florida Retirement Communities

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Do You Know the Wonders of The Everglades?

There are so many advantages to living in Florida: terrific weather, fun and interesting sights, great tax benefits, cultural venues, and wonderful natural attractions, such as Everglades National Park.

The Everglades, with 1.5 million acres, is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Here are some easy-to-read facts about this incredibly special place:

•Everglades National Park is the largest protected wilderness area east of the Mississippi River.

•The Everglades is not a swamp. Technically, it’s a river, flowing southwest at the slow rate of about one-quarter mile per day.

•On average, the Everglades is about six inches below sea level.

•Most of the marsh in the Everglades is covered with sawgrass - a spiny, rush-like plant with serrated leaves.

•The Everglades used to spread from Lake Okeechobee in central Florida all the way down to Florida Bay. Now only 25% of the historic Everglades remains.

•Due to the global significance of Everglades National Park, it has been designated a Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of International Importance.

•The Everglades is home to many rare and endangered animals.

•The park contains more than 1,000 species of plants.

•There are more insects in the Everglades than any other group of animals.

•In the 1800s, John James Audubon noted that the sky was often darkened by the flocks of numerous birds, but since the early 20th century, around 93% of the wading bird population has vanished.

•The Everglades ecosystem provides a refuge to over 350 documented species of birds.

•The pink coloration of the Roseate Spoonbill comes from a red pigment, related to Vitamin A, found in some crustaceans that they eat.

•A pair of endangered wood storks needs about 440 pounds of fish during a breeding season to feed themselves and their young.

•Of the 27 species of snakes in Everglades National Park, only four are venomous – the cottonmouth, the diamondback rattlesnake, the dusky pygmy rattlesnake, and the coral snake.

•There are thousands of alligators in the Everglades, as well as a large number of pythons thoughtlessly dumped by pet owners, which are becoming an unwelcome ecological problem.

•The everglades have been inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years.

•The high-and-dry tree islands of the Everglades are called tropical hardwood hammocks. Other natural features and ecosystems include pineland, mangrove, freshwater slough and marl prairie, cypress, marine and estuarine, and the coastal lowlands.

•Limestone is the porous, sedimentary rock found in the Everglades, which is made of calcium that contain fossils of sea life - evidence of ancient seas that once covered the area.

There are Ranger-guided tram tours that show you all the wonders of this special place, as well as several popular boat tours. Bicycle rentals are available in some spots. Other outdoor activities include hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and canoe and kayak trails.

The year-round semi-tropical climate, moderate rainfall, abundant sunshine, freshwater lakes, Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches, and escape from snow and ice all combine to make Florida a mini-paradise and an ideal place to live. Plan your trip now and don’t forget to tour The Everglades. You’ve never seen anything like it.

The Everglades are a beautiful asset of Florida. If you would like to turn Florida from just a distant vacation paradise to home, I suggest that you check out these Florida Homes. A great city to visit in Florida is Boynton Beach. Canyon Trails is a gorgeous community located on prime Boynton Beach Real Estate. There are also other great Boynton Beach Homes for Sale outside of Canyon Trails.

Florida Historic Sites - Famous Theme Parks in Florida - Florida Museum of History

Fort Myers Beaches

Fort Myers is a wonderful place to live, and if you like to stay active year-round, this is the place for you. There's always something to do in the Fort Myers area and there are activities for all ages. For example, there are beautiful beaches, parks, family fun events, tours, theme parks, zoos, water parks, downtown, resorts, spas, hotels, festivals, pirates, sightseeing, shopping, outdoors & nature, fishing, sea life, wildlife, shelling, trails, nature walks, birding, the Everglades, biking, boating, sports, golf, skateboarding, ice-skating, roller-skating, kayaking, flying, museums, planetarium, gardens, aquariums, cruises, historical sites, art & culture, dining, theater, music, and so much more. (Fort Myers Homes for Sale)

Or if you want to just put your feet up and take it easy, some of the most beautiful beaches and resort hotels in the world are within a few miles of downtown Fort Myers. No matter what your interest, we have a venue to satisfy your taste.

Fort Myers Beach is the perfect Florida Beach Town. It combines family vacations with fun and nightlife. The Town Square near the pier is a great people-watching spot and there are many beach access points along Estero Boulevard.

The Gulf Coast in Lee County is famous for its white sandy beaches, sheltering coastline and numerous islands that are ideal for sunbathing, shell collecting or romantic sunset strolls. The following beaches and parks are some of the best.

- Bowditch Point Regional Park is a 17.5-acre park that includes a spot for group gatherings, a bathhouse and a boardwalk leading to a picnic area and the beach.

- Bunche Beach is a 715-acre facility in a natural tidal wetlands area with a sandy beach, mangrove forest, and salt flats that are ideal for wildlife viewing.

- Fort Myers Public Beach has more than 30 beach access points onto developed, as well as secluded, pristine stretches of shoreline. Many are near restaurants and cafes.

- Dog Beach Park allows dogs to roam free in a beautiful beach setting, but no restroom facilities or running water for humans.

- Bonita Beach Park between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs is a 2.5-acre beachfront park with boardwalk and swimming area. Sand dunes and coastal vegetation surround a gazebo and eight picnic shelters.

- Bowman's Beach, the most popular at mid-island Sanibel, offers plenty of room to stretch out and claim your own private spot for swimming or shelling. There are picnic areas with barbecue grills, trails, showers and restrooms.

- Captiva Beach has been called "one of the most romantic beaches." This quiet beach offers wonderful sunset views. Portable restroom facilities on site.

- Cayo Costa State Park, one of the largest barrier islands in Florida, is accessible only by boat. Its unique vegetation has gone unspoiled for centuries. It’s ideal for camping (camp sites as well as cabins), swimming, shelling and fishing.

- Sanibel and Captiva Islands have balanced growth with concern for nature and wildlife. It is world famous for shelling, fishing, and the J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Preserve.

- Cape Coral’s Riverfront sandy beach is tucked behind Sanibel near the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. Its public fishing pier is open to residents and visitors year round. Amenities include BBQ grills, picnic shelters, restaurant, and a children's play area.

- Lover's Key, south of Fort Myers Beach, has wide sandy beaches, clean clear water, and the feeling of being away from it all - yet close to amenities and luxury hotels.

- Bonita Beach is the southernmost beach in Lee County. Public parking, restaurants and play equipment are available, and it's a great beach for strolling and enjoying the scenery.

- The Caloosahatchee River Waterfront is part of the downtown business community, and a popular recreation destination for fishing, waterskiing, sight seeing, and eco-tours. For the perfect finish to a Fort Myers day, watch the sun set over the Caloosahatchee!

After taking in a beautiful sunset you can enjoy the Fort Myers’ nightlife with its world class performing arts, numerous restaurants and inviting clubs and taverns. Whether you are interested in nature, history or fun things to do with the family, there are plenty of attractions in and around Fort Myers to suit everyone.

Check out these links: Florida Homes - Boynton Beach Homes for Sale - Retirement Community in Tampa - Theater and Cultural Fort Myers Nightlife

Major Tampa Florida Attraction: The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Tampa’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is one of Florida's top entertainment destinations for sun & fun seekers from 21 to 101. The accommodations are luxurious, the food is delicious, the entertainment is fantastic, the nightlife is exciting, and the action is endless. The 250-room hotel has been awarded AAA's prestigious Four Diamond rating. (Check out the best Retirement Community in Tampa)

GAMING: Whales and nickel droppers alike love the 170,000 square feet of non-stop gaming action casino featuring Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Asia Poker, 3 Card Poker, Let it Ride Poker, Texas Hold 'em Bonus and Mini Baccarat, along with 3,600 of the most popular slot machines. The Poker Room, with 50 live action tables, is Florida's largest and it’s smoke-free.

AMENITIES: The pool is a serene oasis of relaxation nestled among cascading fountains and lush terraces and accented with Art Deco design elements. Soak up the sun. Listen to tunes (even underwater). And chill out in the privacy of your very own Seminole Chickee decked out with TVs, refrigerators and other cool toys. If further comfort and relaxation is desired treat yourself to a refreshing massage, steam treatment or facial/pedicure at the Body Rock Spa. Of course, the fitness center has a full house of cardio and strength equipment.

DINING: It doesn’t matter which menu you pick up, the food is outstanding. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood offers surf and turf served in a contemporary upscale atmosphere. Floyds presents world-class cuisine in a comfortably hip atmosphere. Their Mediterranean influenced dishes are a delightful experience. Fresh Harvest is a unique dining experience. From brick-oven pizza to dim sum to delicious desserts and everything in between, every meal is a live action, show stopping performance by your chef. The Green Room offers everything for breakfast, lunch or a casual dinner, any time you want it. Rock ‘n Raw is a fresh and fabulous sushi joint that satisfies your taste for Asian cuisine. The Food Marketplace has burgers, pizza, Cuban and Asian food, smoothies, shakes and more. The Pool Bar & Grill serves everything from snacks to light meals from sunrise to sunset. If you’re too cozy to leave your room, Room Service will bring the good eats to you.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Guest rooms are loaded: flatscreen television, sound system and free high-speed Internet access. Luxurious comfort is a must, so you get to wrap yourself in Egyptian cotton sheets, plush bath towels, and a Seminole Hard Rock robe and snuggle into super-soft down-filled pillows. Some of the suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows with a beautiful 180° view of the Tampa area. The oversized bathroom with a relaxing Jacuzzi tub is a perfect spot to feel the therapeutic and aromatic power of the Sweetgrass collection of body products.

NIGHTLIFE: Enter the hotel and you’ll find the Lobby Bar waiting for you, along with more than 30 different types of tequila. Floyd’s Nightclub is comfortably hip and the coolest hotspot in Tampa.The Center Bar is the cooler-than-cool watering hole right in the middle of the casino, great for cocktails and beautiful people watching. The Council Oaks Lounge is an elegant/upscale setting with live entertainment and nightly drink specials. Complement your meal with a glass of wine or relax with a fine cigar.

PETS: The hotel does accommodate some pets in select guest rooms, so bring yours for a total family fun getaway.

Important Pages: Many Reasons to Retire in Tampa - Tampa Bay Beaches Are Some of the World Best Beaches -

What Makes A Retirement Community Great

Retirement shouldn't be boring. Choosing where to retire is an important decision. The right retirement community can lead to years of contentment, whereas the wrong choice can cause you to miss out on pursuing your passion and truly enjoying your retirement.

It's important when researching retirement communities to ask yourself what features and facilities are important to your lifestyle. Key criteria may include location, year-round climate, size of the facility, number of residents, types of homes, recreational facilities like swimming pools and tennis courts, organized social activities such as games, dancing, short tours, plus educational programs and entertainment.

Keep in mind that there's more to retirement than golf, swimming and playing cards - there's entertainment. You know it's just as important to stay physically active as it is to stay mentally sharp, but don't forget the fun. Look around, search the web, and ask your friends - not all communities offer top-flight shows and entertainment, so do your research thoroughly. Communities that don't offer them may not be worth the money.

Great entertainment can be the difference between just being retired and really getting a kick out of it. Active adult retirement communities that present you with new experiences, new scenery, new activities, and high class entertainment are preferred for a good reason. They help you stay active, alert, mentally and physically fit, and if you choose the right one, they can bring you joy!

As you begin your search, you will find that communities that match your requirements are most probably master-planned communities with a large clubhouse. The clubhouse is the center of organized social and individual activities. Most have swimming pools, tennis courts, exercise facilities, craft rooms, Internet rooms, plus billiards and card rooms.

Great clubhouses have a social hall, a theater, and a social/lifestyle director who plans trips, forms hobby clubs, and organizes dances and group activities. Outdoor activities at these communities may also include basketball and volleyball courts, golf courses, bocce courts, plus soccer and ball fields.

Really great retirement communities, the ones that belong at the top of your list, offer professional entertainment, such as Broadway shows, famous singers and comedians, and noted entertainers. These communities are on the same level as country clubs. Even though there is usually a ticket fee for these special shows, they are quite reasonable for retirees. You may see such stars as Tony Orlando, Susan Anton, and shows like Great American Musicals on Parade. And there are plenty to enjoy.

Communities at this level are in a league of their own and usually also offer a large variety of hobby clubs, health and wellness programs, lectures, and educational classes. When searching for a retirement community to suit your anticipated lifestyle, look for one that offers a resort-like atmosphere. A round of golf in the morning, shopping or hanging out at the community pool in the afternoon, and a great show at the clubhouse at night can make you feel like you're on vacation every day. Now, that's a lifestyle worth looking into!

If you're interested in that kind of lifestyle, I recommend that you check out these Florida Retirement Communities. These retirement communities have full time lifestyle directors, and 100s of clubs so you can keep active while living there.

What Every Great Retirement Community Should Have

Active adult communities, also known as retirement communities, offer homes and community amenities that are attractive to adults 55 years and older.

Florida Retirement Communities



10 Things To Consider When Looking For A Retirement Community

1. Location
When you have decided where you want to move: mountains – desert – seashore, you need to find out if those locations are truly suitable for you. Today, many people have decided that they have had enough of winter weather and choose a state where the weather is more favorable to their anticipated new lifestyle.

2. What Is A Master Planned Community?
Most master planned communities have a clubhouse/lifestyle center with many activities; most have swimming pools, exercise facilities, craft rooms, Internet rooms, and billiards and card rooms. Great ones have a social hall, a theater, and a social director who plans trips, forms hobby clubs, and organizes dances and group activities. You might want to choose one that offers a resort-like atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re on vacation all year long.

3. Do You Want An Exciting Lifestyle?
You don’t have to join in, but active adult communities allow you new experiences, new scenery and new activities and they are called "Active" Adult Communities for a reason. The clubhouse is the center of organized social and individual activities. If you enjoy tennis, basketball, golf, swimming, dancing, walking trails and other suitable ways to stay fit, look for a clubhouse with exercise programs and equipment, health and wellness programs. Also, ask about lectures, classes, musical programs, and professional entertainment groups that regularly visit the communities.

4. Consider Your Free Time
If you have hobbies or favorite pastime activities, such as golf, bird watching, etc., select a retirement community that will make it easier for you to pursue those interests.

5. Enjoy The Benefits Of A Well Designed Home
Look for well-built, weather resistant structures that offer a comfortable layout. A two-story home may seem desirable initially but will it be so as you get older? Consider a home with the master on the main level, few or no steps, and open floorplans that flow smoothly into one another.

6. Maintenance-Free Living Is Ideal
An HOA can make your life a lot easier when lawn mowing and landscape maintenance, plus clubhouse, pool and community maintenance is included. Then you can spend your free time enjoying your new lifestyle.


7. Will Neighbors Have Similar Social Interests?
A great active adult community will have an immediate sense of community when your neighbors are close to your age and have similar backgrounds and share the same interests as you.

8. Surround Yourself With Friendly People
Visit the community. Talk to the staff and community residents to get an idea of how welcome you feel. If the residents are friendly and appear to be happy, it’s probably a good place to live. Ask residents if they like living there and what they consider to be the pros and cons of the community.

9. Live Where Grandkids Will Love to Visit
If you don’t want to travel to see them, choose a community located in an area where they will be excited about visiting you.

10. Think About Safety
Safety is important when searching for a place to retire. You might want to live in a gated community with 24-hour security at the entrance.

I hope that this post has helped you. I recommend that you check out these Florida Retirement Communities by GLHomes because they overly exceed all the items listed above. I also suggest that you read this great article: Why Florida is the Best Place to Retire

You should also read the following article: Why All Retirement Communities Should Offer Educational Program