Leave the stress and bustle of modern life behind and enter a world where serenity replaces vehicles. These four gorgeous‚ car-free communities in the United States provide a unique respite from everyday life. Halibut Cove‚ Alaska Halibut Cove is a tranquil jewel nestled among Alaska’s gorgeous surroundings. This car-free refuge is surrounded by Kachemak Bay State Park and welcomes you to see a world shared by eagles‚ seals‚ and whales. The town’s allure is unrivaled‚ with stunning vistas of the Kenai Mountain Range and the Harding Icefield. Halibut Cove‘s origins can be traced back to Alaska Native Peoples and Scandinavian settlers. This 8.12-mile island‚ accessible by water taxi from Homer‚ reveals its splendor through foot trails and rivers. Hiking‚ kayaking‚ and the creative ambiance of local galleries await you or take the Grewingk Glacier Trail for a captivating journey through virgin forests. Mackinac Island‚ Michigan Mackinac Island‚ devoid of motorized vehicles‚ harkens back to a bygone era of eternal tranquillity. With almost 80 percent of the island designated as Mackinac Island State Park‚ travelers are captivated by its morning vistas and charming boutiques. Cynthia Birk‚ a Michigan novelist who loves the island’s pace‚ says‚ “I’m more connected to the sights‚ sounds‚ and even the other people there.” The island‚ which is surrounded by Lake Huron‚ has 19th-century architecture and a tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage trips through the island’s history and moments that feel like a journey through time. Supai‚ Arizona Travel to Supai‚ the most distant town in the continental United States‚ for a true retreat from civilization. Supai‚ located on the rim of the Grand Canyon‚ is inaccessible by car and requires an eight-mile climb. The ancestral home of the Havasupai Tribe provides a glimpse inside a thousand-year-old community. The settlement‚ which is devoid of traffic and city lights‚ immerses tourists in nature’s embrace. The blue-green waters of Havasu Creek‚ which feeds into Havasu Falls‚ entice campers looking for peace and quiet under a starlit sky. Monhegan Island‚ Maine Monhegan Island‚ settled by Native Americans and secluded from the mainland‚ weaves a calm story. This one-square-mile haven‚ accessible only by boat‚ invites exploration along 17 miles of trails through rocky terrain. The island fosters creativity because of its rich artistic past. The island echoes a creative tradition‚ from the Monhegan Lighthouse to the Monhegan Museum of Art and History. The Monhegan Artists’ Residency entices artists with the promise of inspiration in the midst of nature’s embrace. As writer Shaina Kapeluck puts it‚ “Spruces as tall as city hall… more rugosa roses‚ the brightest I’ve ever seen.” Monhegan Island’s allure is in its simplicity‚ with a tapestry of experiences ranging from shipwrecks to panoramic views from the cliffs of Black Head. These car-free havens provide an escape from the mundane‚ whether you meander through picturesque towns or immerse yourself in nature‘s embrace. Explore‚ unwind‚ and make memories that will last a lifetime among these lovely retreats.     We are highlighting this piece as part of our annual “Best Of” roundup of articles published at The Optimist Daily this year. Today’s focus is on the top Lifestyle solutions of 2023.The post Embrace serenity by exploring America’s 4 car-free havens first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Editor’s Note: We received an update after publishing this story that Dorothy Hoffman passed days after her 104th birthday was celebrated in this world-record-setting style. She leaves a lasting legacy of inspiration and a reminder to always live life to the fullest! Dorothy Hoffner‚ a 104-year-old Chicagoan‚ is proving that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s aspirations. Dorothy just set a world record by becoming the oldest person to partake in a skydiving excursion. She’s redefining what it means to embrace life’s amazing moments with a brave heart and a smile that could light up the sky. 104 and ready to soar Dorothy was able to begin on her thrilling voyage to the skies of Northern Illinois owing to the assistance of Skydive Chicago. She was on her way to Ottawa to create history as she prepared for her tandem jump with a licensed US Parachute Association instructor. With each stride‚ she demonstrated to the world that dreams have no age restrictions. Dorothy’s adventurous spirit was sparked a few years back when she celebrated her 100th birthday with her first skydive. The instructor gave her a gentle nudge to get them both out of the plane at the time. But this time‚ at the age of 104‚ she was determined to lead the tandem jump herself‚ soaring from an incredible 13‚500 feet above the Earth. A leap of faith Dorothy’s indomitable spirit is captured in a touching video posted by Skydive Chicago. You can see her boldly approaching the plane with her trusty red walker‚ flanked by other skydivers who share her excitement. Her bright smile reflects her enthusiasm as she anticipates her exhilarating moment. Dorothy’s determination shines through when the plane’s aft door swings open. She leaps straight into the infinite sky‚ without hesitation. Reaching for the sky Dorothy glides into the skies for a few exhilarating minutes‚ clutching onto the harness and reveling in the magnificent experience of free fall. The wind rushes by‚ and the earth below appears both remote and majestic. It’s an exhilarating experience that defies expectations. As the descent begins‚ the instructor deploys the parachute‚ and Dorothy’s experience slows down. As the Earth approaches‚ she can reflect on the incredible journey she’s experienced‚ defying aging and teaching the world what it actually means to enjoy life. Breaking records and pursuing dreams Dorothy’s skydiving achievement has put her on track to break records. Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson‚ 103‚ of Sweden held the record for the oldest person to skydive prior to her leap. Skydive Chicago is now seeking Guinness World Records to recognize Dorothy Hoffner’s jump as the new world record holder. Dorothy recalls her incredible encounter as nothing short of wonderful. “It was wonderful up there‚” she says with a twinkle in her eye. The entire experience was great‚ beautiful‚ and couldn’t have been better.” Her experience serves as a reminder that age should never be an impediment to following our aspirations. Dorothy is already planning her next adventure as she approaches her 105th birthday in December: riding in a hot air balloon. Dorothy Hoffner’s narrative exemplifies the strength of perseverance‚ the beauty of following one’s dreams‚ and the unbounded joy that can be found in life’s most amazing moments.     We are highlighting this piece as part of our annual “Best Of” roundup of articles published at The Optimist Daily this year. Today’s focus is on the top Lifestyle solutions of 2023.The post Meet Dorothy: 104-year-old breaks skydiving record and inspires us all first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Currently‚ the oldest person on the planet is an impressive 118 years old. However‚ new research suggests that we could theoretically live up to 150 years. Imagine all the things we could accomplish with that kind of time!  To increase your chances of a long and healthy life‚ take some notes from the experts on how to increase your health span (which is the amount of time you spend feeling spry and healthy). The best part? Their recommendations are actually quite easy to follow! In fact‚ some of the most delicious drinks are also the best for promoting longevity.  According to Dan Buettner‚ a researcher of Blue Zones (places where people live the longest without chronic disease)‚ people in these zones tend to drink coffee‚ green tea‚ black tea‚ water‚ and even wine on a daily basis for decades or even a century. It’s not just a coincidence either— separate scientific research backs up the benefits of these beverages too. So‚ let’s raise a glass to a long and fulfilling life filled with all our favorite drinks! The top 5 beverages for longevity‚ according to Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner Green tea Buettner claims that in Okinawa’s Blue Zone‚ people may fill up a 20-ounce jar of green tea leaves and drink it throughout the day. He gives two reasons why this may help them acquire centenarian status at a higher rate than the overall population. “First of all‚ caffeine has come out as a net positive‚ and it’s associated with lower rates of Diabetes and Parkinson’s‚ lower rates of heart disease‚ and sharper focus‚” he explains. That said‚ he warns against drinking it in the afternoon‚ as the caffeine content could interfere with your sleep. The other reason green tea is a great choice for those looking to increase their longevity‚ according to both Dan Buettner and registered dietitian Neva Cochran‚ is that it’s high in flavanols‚ a type of antioxidant that has been linked to a reduction in bad cholesterol and better cardiovascular health.  Additionally‚ the catechins found in green tea‚ along with its caffeine content and l-theanine‚ protect the brain and have been linked to better attention‚ memory‚ and improved mood. Green tea has also been linked to lower fasting blood sugar levels‚ which could be protective against the development of type 2 diabetes‚ as well as improved bone and gut health. Black tea Many of the same benefits apply to black tea as they do to green tea. Caffeine‚ antioxidant polyphenols‚ L-theanine‚ and flavonols are also present. As a result‚ it protects against the development of a variety of chronic diseases‚ including type 2 diabetes‚ cancer‚ stroke‚ and cardiovascular disease. Plus‚ it’s actually better for the gut and digestion than green tea. Coffee (black) Good news for the coffee lovers out there: your daily cup of joe is not only delicious but also packed with beneficial antioxidants and essential nutrients that can improve your health and well-being. According to Buettner‚ coffee is the primary source of antioxidants in the American diet and its consumption is linked to improved risk for various diseases‚ including type 2 diabetes‚ depression‚ neurodegenerative diseases‚ cancer‚ and liver disease. But the benefits don’t stop there. Coffee is also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B5‚ manganese‚ potassium‚ magnesium‚ and niacin. Water Water is one of the most healthful beverages that you can drink! It’s vital for our bodies‚ and it’s incredibly refreshing without any additives or chemicals that can cause harm. As Buettner shares‚ in all Blue Zones‚ people drink water with their meals‚ and it’s not a complicated concoction of fancy drinks. According to him‚ the water in Blue Zones may be even more healthful than other places because of its cleanliness. “If you ask a centenarian what explains the longevity of the area‚ they’ll say good food‚ clean air‚ and freshwater‚” Buettner explains‚ emphasizing the importance of water for a healthy life. In Costa Rica‚ for instance‚ the water that bubbles out of the earth in the Nicoya Peninsula is rich in calcium and magnesium‚ which can be beneficial for bone health and heart function. Buettner notes‚ “When you have high levels of calcium and sunshine‚ those two conspire to make your bones stronger‚ so people have fewer fractures and fewer fatal falls.”  Red wine Alcohol has been a controversial topic when it comes to its health benefits. However‚ Buettner‚ who has extensively studied the Blue Zones‚ suggests that a moderate intake of alcohol can contribute to a longer and healthier life. Despite acknowledging the risks associated with drinking‚ Buettner suggests that in all five Blue Zones‚ people consume a small amount of alcohol daily‚ and it positively impacts their quality of life. Moderate alcohol consumption is linked to higher flavonoid or antioxidant absorption‚ which can lower cortisol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease‚ type 2 diabetes‚ and some cancers. Moreover‚ drinking in moderation fosters social connections‚ which are a vital aspect of longevity. Although alcohol is not for everyone‚ Buettner emphasizes that drinking in moderation‚ specifically one drink per day can be an excellent addition to a healthy diet. Buettner encourages consuming alcohol with a plant-based meal to maximize its health benefits.     We are highlighting this piece as part of our annual “Best Of” roundup of articles published at The Optimist Daily this year. Today’s focus is on the top Lifestyle solutions of 2023.The post Drink like a centenarian: The top 5 beverages for longevity first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

We understand attention as a distinct mental or neurological process—however‚ as research in this field makes clear‚ “attention” is just the name we give to a variety of mechanisms we have for filtering out irrelevant or overwhelming information. The ability to selectively focus attention on certain aspects of one’s environment is referred to as “executive attention‚” which is one of these mechanisms. For instance‚ while working on your laptop‚ you could be trying to ignore other screens like the television that is on in the background‚ as well as items on your desk‚ your cell phone‚ and the ticking clock on the wall in order to concentrate on the task at hand. One aspect of executive attention that comes to mind is the “attention span‚” or the amount of time we can maintain executive attention on a certain task before becoming distracted by anything else or switching to that activity. Modern life can be so hectic that it’s difficult to maintain your attention for lengthy periods of time‚ making you less productive. So‚ what are some strategies that might help you improve your attention span? Manage your “daemons” It’s normal to be distracted when working on an important task. We are often tempted to check our emails or allow our thoughts to wander to another project we have on the go. This is due to the fact that our brains have been trained to pay attention to different things in our surroundings at different intervals.  This is quite similar to how computer environments frequently allow programs to operate in the background that monitors for specific events and handle them—sometimes interrupting the present process that is executing. These programs are known as daemons. When trying to be productive‚ it is critical to identify and control the “daemons” you have running in the background of your own mind. Begin by examining your behavior and noting how long you can focus on a task before being distracted. Determine what causes you to want to move to another task and devise a new timetable to decrease the frequency of these distractions. For example‚ if you’re tempted to check email every 10 minutes at work‚ limit it to every 30 minutes or hour. The idea is to retrain your brain so that it does not offer alternative activities while you are concentrating on a task. Handle your environment What is available to do right now in your surrounding environment influences much of your attention span. If your phone is sitting on the table in front of you‚ rather than in another room‚ you are more likely to fiddle with it. As you learn what causes you to shift your attention‚ you can work to make good habits automatic and bad ones difficult to maintain. As a result‚ you should remove potential distractions from the nearby area. The decision to listen to music or not while working is a tricky one. As with many tricky psychological questions‚ the answer is “It depends.” Even if you’re the type of person who has no trouble staying focused for extended periods of time‚ music can be a potential distraction. On the other hand‚ if you’re easily distracted by background noise‚ you might want to play some music to drown those sounds out. A good pair of headphones might help you filter out the noise of the office if you’re easily distracted while working in a cubicle. Remap your cues As you become more attuned to the triggers that cause you to switch gears‚ it’s important to note how you’re feeling immediately before transitioning. When you start to feel a little annoyed with the task at hand‚ for instance‚ you might find that you switch over to scrolling through social media. If you’re feeling frustrated‚ that’s because you’re using it as a cue to transition to a different behavior. Once you’ve identified the triggers‚ you can work on retraining your brain to respond in a more positive way. Try working on the assignment for five more minutes if you’re agitated instead of switching directly to Instagram or TikTok. The benefit of this action is that it helps you form a new habit in which you reinterpret the cue as a signal to increase your effort level rather than give up. With practice‚ you’ll find that you can maintain focus without giving it much thought.     We are highlighting this piece as part of our annual “Best Of” roundup of articles published at The Optimist Daily this year. Today’s focus is on the top Lifestyle solutions of 2023.The post Boosting your attention span: Tips to train your brain first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Physical activity is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle‚ as it contributes to general well-being and lifespan. However‚ the possibility of exercise-related injuries is frequently disregarded until it becomes a significant issue. Understanding the relationship between exercise and injury prevention is critical for a sustainable and healthy approach to physical activity‚ whether you’re an active athlete or someone looking to maintain fitness. Finding a happy medium Finding the correct balance between intensity and injury avoidance is critical when it comes to exercising. Many exercise enthusiasts‚ particularly those in their twenties and thirties‚ focus on the advantages of exercise without considering the risks. Dr. Brian Werner‚ a sports medicine specialist at the University of Virginia‚ highlights the need to be injury-aware while working toward fitness objectives. Low-impact‚ high-reward 1. Swimming and walking: Exercises that place significant stress on joints‚ such as basketball or soccer‚ are more likely to cause injury in people over the age of 40.  Experts recommend walking and swimming to reduce these risks while getting the benefits of exercise. Both activities are low-impact but beneficial in increasing general fitness. Swimming provides both aerobic exercise and resistance training‚ according to Dr. Kyle Yost of the University of Maryland Medical Center. 2. Flexibility and strength yoga: Yoga is another low-risk‚ high-reward alternative. Dr. Steven Struhl of NYU Langone Health emphasizes the need to integrate flexibility and strength training. While adequate supervision and technique are essential‚ the emphasis on balance and flexibility in yoga can help with injury prevention. 3. Moderation and gradual advancement: Moderation is an overall approach for harm avoidance. Dr. Yost warns that overtraining can result in a variety of problems. Adopting a reasonable approach to workouts‚ rather than pushing oneself too hard‚ can considerably lessen the risk of injury. To safely improve endurance and strength‚ gradually increasing the intensity of activities is a wise technique. Improving the core for injury prevention The core is essential for maintaining balance and stability during physical activity. Neglecting core strength can result in overuse of other muscular groups‚ which increases the risk of injury. Dr. Struhl recommends adopting core-focused workouts like Pilates courses and gym machines that target the back and abdominal muscles to improve total body strength and injury resiliency. A sustainable fitness routine is built on balancing workout intensity with injury prevention. While high-impact sports and activities can provide social interaction and health advantages‚ they also increase the chance of injury. Low-impact activities such as walking‚ swimming‚ and yoga can provide a good balance of health improvement and injury avoidance. Furthermore‚ exercising in moderation‚ gradually increasing workout intensity‚ and focusing on core strength all contribute to a well-rounded strategy that promotes longevity and physical well-being. Individuals can pursue their fitness goals while limiting the hazards connected with exercise-related injuries by making informed choices and listening to expert guidance.     We are highlighting this piece as part of our annual “Best Of” roundup of articles published at The Optimist Daily this year. Today’s focus is on the top Lifestyle solutions of 2023.The post These are the best exercises for preventing injuries and maximizing lifespan first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

'Substantiated the allegation'

'Referring to girls'

'Stop discriminating on the basis of race'

'This is endangering someone’s life'

'They found a much more convenient puppet within the Republican Party itself'