OVERTURE ® Celebrating Life, Living, & Style | 1Actual Overture Resident

I think he was talking about Vitality…

It’s no secret that your personal vitality plays a key role in the quality of your everyday life. And when you create a mindful balance between what you eat, how active you are and what you think and feel, your quality of life will likely put you on the fast track to a happier, healthier you.

If you’ve ever met someone who has vitality, you’ll know it fairly quickly. They have a certain pep in their step. A confident energy that seems to radiate from them. Not a hyper or manic sort of way but rather in a healthy, glowing manner—a certain je ne sais quoi that makes them stand out. Their vitality is palpable. You may acquire that as well by boosting your own vitality by following a few simple rules. The Vitality Rules.

You see, vitality plays a key role in living a happy and healthy existence. Some may refer to vitality as their own “life force” or simply their energy level. If your energy is low, is it possible to naturally ramp up that vital essence within you, in spite of the many physical and mental challenges you may currently face or have faced in the past?

Absolutely.

Do you remember the energy you once had as a child? Running like the wind or riding your bike fast and letting go of the handle bars? That “child” still lives within you. As we age, our bodies often do not reflect the youthful part, the “young at heart” part of ourselves. In this article, you’ll discover primary aspects to what I like to call “The Vitality Factor” in living a richly fulfilling existence. It’s your time. It’s time to live your life to the fullest.

Your Body is in a Constant State of Renewal.

Case in point — Your DNA is the driving force behind this dynamic mechanism that makes you human.

“How fine is life when what we want is what we have.” —Tao

RULESTHEVitalityThe Magical Key To Unlocking

Your Best Life PossibleBy Laura Lewis

Actual Overture Residents

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Your stomach lining is completely renewed—all brand spanking new cells—every 4 days. Wow! And the cells that come into contact with food in the digestive process regenerate every 5 minutes. Your liver is renewed every 6 weeks. Your entire skeletal structure, your bones and connective tissue, are regenerated every 3 months. And if that isn’t amazing enough, how about the concept that your entire brain replaces itself every two months? And your entire body, right down to the last atom, is replaced every 5-7 years.

What if you started doing things differently in order to have a long-term impact upon your whole being? If you could create healthier, “happier cells” by making a few changes in your lifestyle, which in turn would boost your vitality, would you do it?

Vitality Rule #1 — Eat Foods That Boost Your Energy Naturally.

If your diet isn’t already rich with fresh veggies, it’s time to take it up a notch. Fresh, roasted, lightly-steamed or blanched vegetables are a true nutritional “gift” to yourself. If you add pigment-rich fresh veggies to your diet, such as broccoli, beets, squash and greens such as kale, your cells will be healthier and more resilient to any type of elements that cause aging and damage to cell membranes and DNA. Other foods that are wonderful for your cells are high-fiber fruits such as fresh berries or apples. You’ll want to stay away from eating too many high sugar fruits such as dried fruit or even bananas. The key is moderation. Why? Because higher sugar, lower fiber fruits and foods in general, may be hard on your body due to fluctuations in blood sugar. It’s better, from a vitality standpoint, to stick with boosting vegetables in your diet—and fresh is best. Frozen is next. And commercially canned dead last.

Vitality Rule #2 — Move Your Body.

It’s time to get up and get out. Your body loves to move. That’s what it is designed for—and it is not designed for the “couch potato” lifestyle. Yet, it’s easy to fall into the habit if you don’t watch out. Fear not. The human body can easily shift and adapt to more activity—and will be healthier and more energized as a result. Walking is the number one activity for boosting vitality. The impact of walking upon your bones is a gift—making them

stronger as a result. Lifting weights will increase muscle mass—which in turn, will increase muscle cells. The more muscle cells created by working with weights boosts muscle fibers. And, because of this increase you’ll have more mitochondria generating energy. It will also boost your growth hormone and testosterone a bit, which is great for both men and women. Don’t worry! I promise you won’t end up looking like “Arnold.” I guarantee you will look and feel better. Boosting your physical activity will result in a more energetic “you”!

Vitality Rule #3 — Change Your Mind.

A shift in attitude towards being more positive and mindful can go a long way when it comes to boosting your personal vitality. Vitality begins as a mindset. Let’s face it, as in most positive things in life, it starts in the mind. With an attitude or a philosophy. We’re not trees. If we don’t like where we’re planted, we can MOVE. The same goes for our mindset. If we don’t like how we feel or how we’re going through life, we can change. You can change your life, your vitality level by changing the way you look at life. Negativity, thinking negative thoughts and having a bad attitude can have an adverse effect upon you physically. Bernie Siegel, MD. known best for his books Love, Medicine & Miracles and Prescriptions for Living, has for many years studied the impact of positive thoughts, and affirmations upon the physical and mental health of his patients, and in particular those with cancer. The power of thought, especially positive thought has shifted the tides with many of those he has worked with, resulting in those living longer, healthier and happier lives. His advice is to focus upon the present. To not live in the past. Or in the future. Focus upon the now with this affirmation.

There is such a thing as community vitality. At Overture, we try to cultivate the vitality lifestyle within all our properties. It creates a sense of belonging, camaraderie and neighborhood that bonds healthy, active people together.

So, find that magical key and unlock your best life possible. And those ABC’s of healthier living will get you acquainted with other letters of the alphabet. Most importantly, the V’s—vim, vigor, vivacity and of course, vitality.

“To ensure good health: Eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.” — William Londen

“Just living is not enough…one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.”— Hans Christian Andersen

As we age, it’s not how we pass our time, but with whom.

Developing and nurturing meaningful social relationships with other active adults is not a luxury. Beyond bringing smiles to our faces, social interaction at this stage of life is a critical component to our overall well-being, especially essential to our emotional health. In fact, research over the years confirms that social relationships and group activities are the keys to successful aging and happiness.

Participating in social activities not only challenges us and helps sharpen our cognitive abilities, it also eliminates the single most serious threat to a senior’s mental and emotional health: isolation.

“Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age.” —Jeanne Moreau

Isolation can come on suddenly with the passing of a loved one or as children and grandchildren pursue out of town opportunities. It may be a gradual process that sneaks up on us as we transition out of daily employment and have more time on our hands. Research suggests that chronic isolation and a higher frequency of a myriad of health issues, including depression, go hand in hand. Conversely, cultivating friendships and participating in activities and events with peers is not only life-enhancing but life-extending. Socially active older adults report stronger immune systems, better sleep, increased productivity and a more positive outlook on life.

Actual Overture Residents

Actual Overture Residents

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HOWSocial Interaction

IMPACTSemotional HealthJoin the Club

Whether it’s joining a Zumba class, taking the plunge at water aerobics or signing up for a computer class, the key to meeting people and engaging in new relationships is to get out there and join a group. In addition to keeping participants active, the social connections will be enriching and uplifting.

Give Back

Using your skills to help others is a great way to be both productive and social. If you are musical, teach lessons. Or volunteer for your favorite cause once a month. You will be rewarded with increased self-esteem as well as the opportunity to mix and mingle with others who share your interests.

Reconnect

Thanks to technology, the ability to reach out to people far away or those we knew is at our fingertips. FaceTime with the grandkids or send a message to your old roommate from school. Interacting electronically can help mitigate loneliness and may also inspire you to get out and seek more hands-on, in-person experiences.

Socializing Made Easy

Often the problem is a living situation in which opportunities for socialization have become scarce. With time and change of circumstances for friends and neighbors, you may find your once-robust social circle has dwindled. The good news is there are active adult communities committed to providing the social outlet you seek. Designed specifically to support the physical and emotional health of the 55+ set, these upscale, state-of-the-art, resort-style complexes have unlimited options for keeping your mind, body and spirit active and nourished. Surrounded by a welcoming community, the social adjustment is easy and natural. By the time you unpack the boxes, your neighbors will be new friends.

Continue expanding your social world and the golden years will truly be golden.

KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL AGING

New members of an active adult community come from all walks of life. They represent a diverse assortment of ethnic backgrounds, ages, professions, geographical roots, and personalities. And yet, once they make the decision to “rightsize” and begin embracing the stress-free, lock and leave, resort worthy lifestyle of the active adult community, they ask the same question: “Why didn’t we do it sooner?”

To Choose A 55+ Active Adult Community Sooner Than Later

7REASONS

Overture Flower Mound

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Initially, many resist the idea of transitioning out of the family home and can’t envision what the next step holds. But, they quickly see the beauty of a simpler, less encumbered existence. They celebrate letting go of all the responsibilities of home ownership and focusing on expanding their social network and broadening their horizons with new adventures.

The consensus is: You don’t fully realize what a burden home ownership is at this stage—until you’re free of it.

If you are still on the fence about embracing the good life at an active adult community, consider these 7 reasons to hop over to the apartment home side sooner rather than later.

Social Opportunities

Often separated from families who live out of town, many older adults find themselves living lives of isolation which can be detrimental to emotional and physical health. With a huge assortment of social activities, classes, and events, active adult communities create the perfect foundation for meaningful relationships. Neighbors soon become friends who will be there for each other to celebrate the good times and support each other when the need arises.

The Lifestyle

When it comes to active adult communities, the keyword is active. The long list of clubs, classes, organizations, activities, and scheduled events will fill days and nights with fun, enriching, meaningful experiences.

Amenities, like state of the art fitness centers, full-service spas, theaters, and chef kitchens provide the perfect setting for active adults to pursue all the interests they finally have time for.

Location. Location. Location.

It’s the real estate agents’ mantra: location, location, location. But is it really that important at an active adult community? Yes, it is! Being close, and in some cases, just a short walk to shopping, restaurants, parks, services, transportation and entertainment is ideal. You won’t believe how much more enjoyable life can be with everything you need close by.

Finding New Purpose

The loss of purpose that may accompany the empty nest, can have a serious impact on the health and well-being of older adults. One of the major benefits of active adult living is easy access to multitudes of engaging and purposeful opportunities. Whether you are inspired by a new hobby, a new class, or joining a group to volunteer to help others, research shows that sense of purpose and anticipation will support your mental health and help keep your brain sharp.

Community Curb Appeal

Wouldn’t it be great to live in a beautiful, well-maintained community—that you are not responsible for maintaining? Active adult communities provide all the curb appeal, without the tedious aggravation of dealing with lawn mower or the landscaper. It’s the best of all aesthetic worlds.

Keep Learning and Growing

Active adult communities provide endless educational opportunities to keep residents inspired and engaged. Taking a cooking class to create a new culinary masterpiece or studying an era of history that is of interest will be both fun and enlightening.

Be Your Best Self

You’ve paid your dues. You’ve raised great kids, worked hard at your job, and taken care of aging parents. This is your time and becoming part of an active adult community is the perfect way to maximize your well-being during this wonderful chapter of your life. The longer you wait, the more fun you will be missing!

Overture Buckhead South

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Break free with us.Maintenance-free living that offers

the freedom to live life carefree.

Visit an Overture community near you or RSVP for a complimentary event today!

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• Discover our Soul Program and 7 Dimensions to Wellness • Lots of new friends and neighbors

• Lock & Leave lifestyle• Modern 1- to 2-bedroom apartment homes

• Resort-style amenities• Innovative programs and events daily

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Photos depict actual Overture residents. Overture is an equal housing opportunity. Amenities and services vary by location. Pricing & availability subject to change. See a Greystar representative for details.

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