Lifestyle

The Shores of Lake Phalen
Presents beneath Christmas tree, near window

Can you believe there are less than 10 days left until Christmas? If you haven’t finished your holiday shopping, it’s time to kick it into high gear. But don’t worry – it’s entirely possible to gather a bunch of great gifts in the week before Christmas. To save yourself time, money, and stress, however, we ...

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The Shores of Lake Phalen
Happy children decorating a Christmas tree

Oh Christmas tree! Every year we string lights, hang ornaments, and affix stars atop pine trees we’ve carried into our houses, and yet many of us don’t fully understand the history of Christmas trees. When did people first begin decorating trees in their homes? For how long have they been a widely embraced feature of ...

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The Shores of Lake Phalen
Seniors chatting over tea and pastries

Maintaining an active social life can be challenging in retirement. Cherished friends may no longer be with you, you can no longer enjoy workplace camaraderie, and you may not live near all your loved ones. If you aren’t careful, you may become socially isolated and lonely. Use the tips below if you’re wondering how to ...

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The Shores of Lake Phalen
Young pregnant woman looking at photo album with senior woman, both smiling

Have you ever seen a friend from your past and spent the entire time reminiscing about shared memories? “Do you remember when . . . ?” you might have said, and they enthusiastically replied, “Yes! Or that time when . . . ?” Sharing life experiences, memories, and stories from your past isn’t just fun; it can also ...

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The Shores of Lake Phalen
Young Man Talking to Smiling Senior Man Over a Cup of Coffee

Even after years of knowing someone and frequently chatting with them, it can be surprising how little you truly know about their life. Too often, we focus on light conversation topics, like the weather, TV shows, and our day-to-day lives – never delving beneath the surface to deeper and more personal subjects. This is especially ...

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The Shores of Lake Phalen
Two recycling containers sitting in the grass, one filled with plastic

It’s easy to feel small when you consider the size of the Earth and the magnitude of humans’ impact on the environment. However, you should never let this stop you from trying to minimize the damage that you personally inflict on the environment. If we all take small steps forward, we can make a huge ...

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The Shores of Lake Phalen
Senior woman at picnic table drinking water with lemon

There are many things to love about summer – longer days, warmer weather, swimming, barbecues – but the sweltering heat is not one of them. Unfortunately, older people have an increased risk of heat-related illnesses, so as the temperature soars, it’s important that you stay cool and hydrated to avoid heat stress, heatstroke, and dehydration. ...

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The Shores of Lake Phalen
Senior man and adult man laughing together

Never underestimate how wonderful it can be to make someone else smile. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a complete stranger, you have the power to improve someone’s day. Just think about the last time a waiter made you laugh, a friend gave you a compliment, or a random stranger smiled at you. ...

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The Shores of Lake Phalen
Teenage Granddaughter Helping Grandmother With Crossword Puzzle

You might think of a crossword puzzle as a fun way to pass the time on a lazy Sunday. They’re inexpensive (or even free with your newspaper), require only a pen and your brain, and can be played wherever you happen to be. You might be surprised, however, to learn that researchers have discovered that ...

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The Shores of Lake Phalen
three senior men talking and laughing

Young children are often eager to grow older. They despise being treated as babies, and they yearn for the freedom and the power of adulthood: the ability to drive a car, to choose their own dinner, to adopt as many puppies as they want! But at a certain age, often as teenagers or young adults, ...

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