As people over 45 try to stay — or get — in shape, they run the danger of overdoing it and injuring themselves according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS).

Yes, exercise is good for us, but we need to pay heed to our bodies' needs for recovery time and variety. Mix it up. Alternate strength training and aerobic activity. Include some yoga or other stretching. For more suggestions on succesful fitness routines see "Boomeritis hits aging athletes."

If you are looking for a living community that balances individual freedom with shared commitments and values, you might want to investigate the cohousing model, as described in the the New York Times article "To Your Left, a Better Way of Life?" To learn more, visit the Website of the Cohousing Association. While many cohousing communities are not specifically intended for seniors, most are intergenerational, and a growing number — such as Silver Sage in Boulder, Colorado, and Elder Spirit in Abingdon, Virginia — require members to be at least 55. 

Researchers at Laguna Woods, a large retirement community south of Los Angeles, have found that many people stay sharp and engaged with life by regularly playing bridge. The combination of mental challenge and social interaction appears to stave off symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The challenges of remembering cards and strategizing with partners helps focus thinking and preserves attention spans. Read more about this interesting study.