As an older adult, the reasons for exercise change: benefits include helping to control chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, strengthening muscles to prevent falls, and improving flexibility to maintain activities of daily living.

An added benefit? Regular exercise can help boost your mood and improve your overall sense of well-being. And, you'll make new friends! (Of course, always talk to your doctor before starting any type of exercise program.)

Where to look for a new exercise program? Start with your local fitness or community center. The key is finding activities that you enjoy. Some tips to get started:

- Follow your interests. Like to dance? Swim? Maybe yoga or Tai-Chi sounds appealing. There are fitness classes for every taste and ability level.

- Follow your friends. Going to a fitness class with a friend improves your motivation and if you're going it alone - here's your chance to make new friends!

- Listen to your body. Exercise doesn't need to be painful to be beneficial. Start slow and progress over time.

- Set goals. How often do you want to exercise? How hard? Develop a three- to six-month plan so you can measure your success.

But wait, there's more: Older adults who participate in group exercise programs report improved quality of life from the social aspect of group fitness. The group creates a sense of community that helps keep you motivated.

Social isolation, which often leads to loneliness, is common among seniors, but taking a fitness class can forge a bond that keeps people coming back for exercise and extends to socializing outside of class.

In a recent study of adults aged 65 years and older, researchers surveyed 46,564 participants in the SilverSneakers fitness program between 2010 and 2016 to determine how exercise improved their quality of life.

"Even though regular physical activity is important, well-being is about more than just exercise," according to Julie Logue, Training Manager at Tivity Health. "Through SilverSneakers, you can explore all kinds of fitness programs, socialization and nutrition programs to help you live your best life. We empower members to live healthier, happier, longer."

Older adults with more frequent visits to fitness centers who participate in SilverSneakers exercise programs report significantly fewer days when they felt physically or mentally unwell and rated their physical and mental health higher than those who participated less frequently.

Curious about more ways to stay motivated to get and stay fit? During open enrollment for health insurance between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, enroll in a plan that offers SilverSneakers, which provides members with access to more than 16,000 fitness and community locations nationwide.

To check your eligibility and find a health plan that includes SilverSneakers, call 888-423-4632 or visit silversneakers.com.

Jocelyn Vasquez is living proof of those statistics.

At a young age, her parents instilled the belief that if you owned a home, you had achieved the American dream. That dream of homeownership carried a lot of weight for her Hispanic parents, who had immigrated from El Salvador in 1977.

Jocelyn turned the dream into an aggressive goal for herself:

"My goal, as a U.S. citizen, was to graduate college and get a house before turning 30," says Jocelyn. "And, I wanted to do it on my own."

To accomplish this, the Los Angeles, California resident made a roadmap for herself. She saved, attended college and kept her student loan debt as low as possible - all without burdening her parents.

After she graduated, Jocelyn got a job as a loan officer assistant. It wasn't until she had worked there for three years that she fully understood what was needed to qualify for a mortgage. The lightbulb went off when she realized, "I really could buy my own home someday."

That was when she got serious. Because California real estate is so expensive, Jocelyn got a second job. She earned her real estate license and worked part-time as an agent, determined to save all her commission checks for a down payment.

It took her three years to build her savings, pay off bills and get her debt-to-income (DTI) ratio low enough to qualify for a loan. (Many lenders don't want a borrower's debt to be greater than 45 percent of their gross income.) Once she achieved this, it was time to execute her plan.

Jocelyn searched for a house that was less than $300,000 - not an easy task in the Greater Los Angeles Area. She looked at 16 homes before she found a 2-bed, 2 ? bath townhouse, with a 2-car garage for $285,000. Even though it was perfect for her, she took the weekend to think it over before making an offer. Unfortunately, her hesitancy cost her. By Sunday night, the seller had already accepted an offer. Jocelyn was devastated.

"I felt so discouraged, I didn't know what to do," she admitted.

"After all my hard work and determination, I couldn't believe I had missed out on this house. But I told myself what I tell all my buyers, 'If it's meant to be, it will be.'"

It must have been meant to be: Five days later, Jocelyn got an alert on her phone informing her the house was back on the market - for $7,000 less. Jocelyn immediately called the seller's agent, who told her the first buyer had backed out of the deal because his truck didn't fit in the garage. This time, Jocelyn didn't hesitate to offer the new asking price of $278,000.

Jocelyn used conventional financing with private mortgage insurance, which allowed her to put down less than 20 percent. By saving diligently, she was able to make a five-percent down payment of $13,900. Her current monthly payment of $2,020 is exactly what she paid to rent her previous 1-bed, 1-bath, 640-sq.-ft apartment in downtown LA.

"This is the best investment I've ever made," says Jocelyn. "In the two years I've owned my home, its value has increased by almost 15 percent. It took a very long time, but I knew my plan would work eventually. And, I did it all on my own at age 28. My goal now is to help other Hispanic homebuyers realize the American dream of owning their own home."

For more first-time homebuyer stories, visit readynest.com.

1 According to Fannie Mae's 2018 National Housing Survey

The Modern Wine "Factory" 

Even under FDA regulations, US mass wine producers like many in California can include up to 70 additives in their wines. Colorings like "mega purple" or "ultra-red", synthetic fertilizers, tartaric acid, powdered tannins, and gum Arabic don't even have to be disclosed on the label. Once again, consider California wines: overall, many aim for consistency year after year. Mass producing wine in some parts of the world is more like a factory than a vineyard. Though there is something to be said for uniformity, a lot of the magic of winemaking is lost. It's no surprise that all-natural and organic wines are gaining popularity year after year. 

What's Old Is New Again 

Not all wine regions use these artificial tactics. Natural winegrowing and winemaking are not new to Bordeaux. Not only has this region been making wine naturally for centuries, they are literally required to do so. They believe in the art and science of maintaining the holistic health of the region as well as each individual estate's ecosystem. Only nature determines the wine. Artificial enhancement or even irrigation is forbidden.

In Bordeaux, it's more than just the law. It's a passion for winemaking methods passed down for hundreds of years. It all starts with the "terroir"- the soil and unique climate conditions where the grapes are grown. Vineyards on two sides of the same hill can produce vastly different characteristics.

"Every year nature provides wine makers in Bordeaux a fresh canvas," says sommelier and wine expert Joel Prato. "This relationship with nature is evident in the unique taste of each Bordeaux vintage." In a place like Bordeaux, the seasons also have a huge influence on the character of a vintage. Weather can make or break a year. For example, a 2013 Bordeaux is a rare sight as fluctuating weather conditions meant many vineyards didn't have a crop to bottle. Nature determines production, not factory settings. 

Making Music (and Wine) 

Making natural wine is not always easy. To combat the elements, innovative winemakers like Damien Landouar of Château Gaby are turning heads by introducing techniques like Genodics - playing music to the vineyards to boost their natural immunity. When you can't count on additives and chemicals, you have to be creative. His vines most likely have better taste in music than most people. 

Highly Rated, Naturally 

If you're new to natural wines from places like Bordeaux or want to try a highly rated vintage from the region, here are some recommendations:

Château Gaby (Canon Fronsac) - Grown on a 350-year-old vineyard, Château Gaby is truly Bordeaux's best-kept secret. This complex and well-structured merlot blend is ranked in the top 1 percent of all wines in the region by Vivino and given 92 points by Decanter Magazine.

Château Auguste Rosé (Entre-deux-Mers) - Step aside Provence. Bordeaux is making a statement with this organic rosé. Racy, precise, and light on its feet, Château Auguste celebrates strawberries and tangerines with bright minerality.

Château Moya (Côtes de Castillon) - A picture of elegance, smooth and balanced. Taste how good organic can be with Château Moya. Awarded 96 points by Jancis Robinson, this wine is a heavenly pairing for delicate cheeses and fresh, seasonal dishes.

Château Du Parc (Saint Émilion Grand Cru) - Château Du Parc is grown on older vines in an appellation known for its wine since the days of Ancient Rome. This broad-shouldered and spicy blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc was given 94 points by James Suckling. Learn more at chateau-duparc.com.

The holiday season is a time to celebrate with friends and family. These good times of laughter and love are all natural. Shouldn't your wine be too?

Courtney McCormick, Dietitian at Nutrisystem, offers five low-carb swaps to keep you healthy and happy through the holidays:

1. Try veggies when you're craving a crunch. We're all guilty of lingering too long at the chips and salsa bowl at a holiday party. If you're craving something crunchy such as a pretzel or chips, try carb-conscious snacks with a crunch - brussel sprouts chips, kale chips, veggies such as cucumber, zucchini, and carrots - they pair wonderfully with a healthier dip such as low-fat ranch or hummus.

2. Sub in cauliflower for your favorite comfort foods. Do you love mashed potatoes, rice, pizza, and tater tots? If you've been avoiding these foods as part of your healthy lifestyle, cauliflower is here to help. This versatile veggie has recently become popular as a substitute for some of our favorite comfort foods. Mashed and steamed cauliflower have a texture and taste that is surprisingly similar to mashed potatoes - add a bit of salted butter and enjoy! And if you're not ready to go all in on the cauliflower craze just yet, McCormick recommends swapping out at least half the potatoes for cauliflower.

3. Mix your own dressings and condiments. Have you taken a close look at the nutrition facts on your favorite cranberry sauce? You might be shocked by the carbs and added sugars in dressings, sauces, and condiments, even those that appear to be "healthier" options. The best way to avoid sneaky carbs in your condiments is to make them at home. That way, you can control the ingredients and ensure they taste great.

4. Bring the healthy alternative to the holiday party. Where everyone else is hauling sugary cookies and cakes, dare to bring the delicious low-carb snack! Get creative with the presentation - use edamame hummus, pita, and slices of red pepper to make perfectly festive "holiday trees."

5. Don't drink your carbs. You've probably heard the saying, "don't drink your calories," before, but you shouldn't drink your carbs either. Toss the fruit juices and sodas for seltzer, unsweetened tea, and the original favorite, water. Light beer, spiked seltzer, or dry wines are good low-carb alcohol options if you're celebrating.

For more great tips and tricks on how to make the most of your holidays with healthy alternatives, visit leaf.nutrisystem.com.

Founded in 2000 by the World Heart Federation, this specific day aims to increase awareness of heart disease and stroke worldwide. The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, is a founding member of the World Heart Federation and continues to work collaboratively to reduce premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease.

This year's campaign, called "My Heart, Your Heart" is about celebrating and connecting like-minded people, and creating a sense of commitment around the common cause of heart health. It is a concept that encapsulates the values of World Heart Day through making a "Heart Promise" to improve your heart health by eating healthier, being more physically active and stopping smoking and/or vaping.

"World Heart Day is about what you can do to get, and keep, your heart healthy, and the American Heart Association is proud of the extensive work we do to provide the information to get you to optimal heart health," says Sidney Smith, M.D., volunteer medical expert and past president of the American Heart Association. "Through the areas of cardiovascular research, healthcare quality improvement and resuscitation science, the American Heart Association is committed to reducing deaths from cardiovascular disease."

Cardiovascular disease is the leading global cause of death, accounting for more than 17.6 million deaths per year, a number that is expected to grow to more than 23.6 million by 2030, according to a 2014 study. It accounts for approximately 1 of every 3 deaths and claims more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. However, through making healthy behavior changes, it's possible to greatly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

To learn more about World Heart Day and the World Heart Federation's campaign, visit www.worldheartday.org.

The best adventures - the ones that stay with us for years - are immersive. They engage all our senses, inspire us to see the world in a new light and introduce new cultures and customs. To get the most from these experiences, you need to uncover hidden treasures and details that that you won't find in a guidebook.

Blue-Roads Touring, a leader in experiential travel, gives you a taste of what it's like to be a local. The company hires only experienced tour leaders, many of whom are former professors, artists and actors, allowing them to dig deeper into the art, history and culture of the region.

Ready to add some new experiences to your bucket list? Try these: 

Soak Up the Italian Countryside 

How do you describe a 12-day tour of Northern Italy? In a word: Indulgence. On a Blue-Roads Italian Indulgence tour, you'll spoil yourself in the region's riches - from sumptuous food and wine to the glamour of the Italian Riviera. Highlights include cooking a classic Tuscan lunch from the comfort of your own villa, wine tasting in the Piedmont region and truffle hunting with a local farmer in Cherasco. 

Burgundy or Loire Valley by Barge 

The only thing that can make exploring the French countryside even better is doing it by riverboat. With just 10 cabins and 20 passengers, your intimate Blue-Roads boutique barge has all the luxuries of a lavish hotel, including French cuisine by a formally trained chef, a sundeck and Jacuzzi. Whether you venture to Burgundy or to the Loire Valley, you'll enjoy serenely traversing the countryside by canal. On land, you can discover charming towns town on foot or bicycle and visit vineyards and farms to sample the best of the local region. 

The Frontlines of World War I 

History is more than what we read in books. Blue-Roads' signature battlefield tours take you to the frontlines of the "war to end all wars," in Ypres and the Somme, and to memorials honoring the fallen. A highlight is that Blue-Roads connects you to relatives who gave their lives in the war so that you may pay your respects graveside. 

British Royalty

Anglophiles, this is what you've been waiting for! This nine-day Royal Tour of Britain brings you to the castles and residences of famous monarchs - past and present. From Balmoral Castle, the Scottish holiday home of the royal family to Buckingham Castle, St. James' Palace and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, Blue-Roads rolls out the red carpet on this unforgettable journey. 

Croatia: The Crown Jewel of Europe 

Walk in the footsteps of feudal kings and queens in Croatia, which provides the backdrop for many epic scenes in the fantasy series, "Game of Thrones." Scale the Diocletian's Palace. Sip wine at family owned Bibich Winery, where the vineyards are over five hundred years old. Then set sail for Korcula, an enchanting island and the reputed birthplace of Marco Polo. Nature, history , adventure - Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast has something for everyone.

Now that you've got five more extraordinary places and experiences for your bucket list, what are you waiting for?