1 . Pickleball, which combines elements of badminton, Ping-Pang, and tennis, has two characteristics that make it a good choice for older adults. It’s slower than other racket (球拍) sports, and it’s easier to learn.

With a play area about a quarter the size of a tennis court and a plastic ball that doesn’t bounce as high or as fast as a tennis ball, you don’t have to run as much or as quickly. The bats are lighter and shorter than tennis rackets, making them easier to swing and control. There are fewer rules than tennis.

Plus, pickleball is more social than many types of exercise and it’s fun. In one study, participants rated pickleball 150 percent higher for enjoyment than walking. “People are finding it’s not boring,” says Cedric Bryant, PhD, chief science officer at the American Council on Exercise, who has played pickleball for more than 20 years. “It’s not something they’re doing just because they should, but because they enjoy it and want to do it.”

Pickleball is an effective workout, and like walking, you can adjust the intensity to your preferences. A friendly doubles match can qualify as proper exercise. A competitive singles match is likely to be tighter.

And pickleball offers plenty of health pluses. After six weeks of playing an hour of pickleball three times a week, older adults improved their cardiorespiratory (心肺的) fitness and blood pressure, according to a study published in 2018 in the International Journal of Research in Exercise Physiology. Another study found that the activity may keep you mentally sharp. “You’re making a lot of quick decisions while engaged in a physical task,” says study author David Bolton, PhD, assistant professor at Utah State University in Logan. “It is effectively training cognitive (认知的) ability.”

But it is not without risks of getting injured. Don’t just hit the court and go right into having a game. A warm-up is the best defense against injury, so take at least 5 minutes to prepare your body.

2 . Four Festivals From Around The World

It seems every country has its inviting events on the annual calendar. Here we’ve boiled down the options to add to your bucket list.

The extensive beneficial qualities of the mud in Boryeong coastal region have prompted wellness-related lines, as well as an entire coastal festival. The festival celebrates the natural benefits of this precious resource with a dose of pops, beach fun and street food, drawing visitors from around the world to get messy and learn about the region’s resources.

Rock Oyster Festival is a summer event on the Cornish coast. With musical performances from the huge names, the three day festival also showcases some of the best chefs and restaurants from around Cornwall as well as cooking demonstrations. Big shots in the food world like Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Olia Hercules and Andi Oliver share their stories, while over at Mussel Beach, there’s a celebration of live fire cooking in all its glory.

Copenhagen Photo Festival showcases s international contemporary photography in a stunning, dramatic setting at the water’s edge. The Festival Centre and exhibition park are located in an urban coastal wilderness, formerly an industrial shipyard site. With the theme “Entanglement” for the 2024 edition of the festival, it encourages people to think relations on all the ways we are co-dependently connected.

Noosa is an iconic surf spot on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Big waves crash on to the sunny and expansive beaches, backed by bars, cafes and the Noosa National Park. The annual festival is a homage to global surf culture and talent. Exhibitions, art shows and live music punctuate the moments between the actions on the water, while lighthearted activities such as dog surfing competitions accompany the more serious contests.

4 . Physical exercise can play an important role in mental well-being and can even relieve symptoms of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. While the physical health benefits of exercise are frequently discussed, the link between exercise and mental health is often overlooked.     1    

Physical activity distracts you from negative thoughts and emotions.     2     Exercise can also be used to enhance well-being in people who already feel mentally healthy. Increased physical activity has also been found to promote quality sleep.

    3     Exercise can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy state. You may feel a significant boost in your mood as your clothes look more beautiful on you and you seem to look more elegant.

Exercise can be a good source of social support. The benefits of social support are well-documented.     4     So whether you join an exercise class or you play softball in a league, exercising with others can give you a double dose of stress relief.

Have you ever noticed how your body feels when you are under stress? Your muscles may be tense, especially in your face, neck and shoulders, leaving you with back or neck pain, or painful headaches.     5     Exercising is an effective way to break this cycle.

If you are just starting out with an exercise program, it’s important to consult with your doctor to determine the best form of exercise for your physical condition.

5 . College is an exciting milestone for a lot of most important steps you’ll need to take so you’ll be ready to take on higher learning!

College is an exciting milestone for a lot of people.     1     Luckily, we've rounded up the most important steps you'll need to take so you'll be ready to take on higher learning!

Decide on the degree program you want to pursue.

Choose a path that matches your interests. You’ll be most likely to succeed in college if you choose a major that you really like.     2     Then look at degree programs that will help you get a job in that field. You could also talk to people you know well, like your parents, advisor, or guidance counselor for advice.

    3    

Sign up for the basics when registration opens. Most colleges have the same entry-level courses for freshmen, regardless of what your major is. Sign in to the school’s registration website as soon as it opens to make sure you get the classes you want. Then use the course catalog (目录) to choose the electives that you want to take that semester.

Decide where you’re going to live.

Plan whether to live on or off campus. Living on campus will require you to pay for the accommodation expenses in the dormitory. However, some financial aid requires you to live on campus, and it can be cheaper to live in a dorm than to rent an apartment near the school. You’ll also have access to on-campus meals if you live in a dorm.     4    

Study a map of campus.

Map out where each of your classes will be. College campuses typically cover a vast area — different departments are often housed in different buildings, not to mention dorms, administration buildings, the bookstore, and the food court.     5    

6 . Some cities across the world are well-known tourist destinations and manage to attract most of the global tourists. Whatever the reason is, there is no doubt that they are the world’s most popular tourist destinations.

Kuala Lumpur

The capital of Malaysia serves as the base for tourists visiting Malaysia. The city has a modern skyline that is dominated by the world’s tallest twin buildings, the Petronas Twin Towers. Tourist love the city as it has numerous great sights and attractions. Besides, there are simply too many choices when it comes to dining options.

Istanbul

As Turkey’s capital and most populous city, the city’s location has attracted a large number of empires and conquerors in the past. Today, the city serves as one of the top tourist destinations in the world and is regarded as the cultural and historical center of Turkey.

London

The biggest and capital city of the United Kingdom, located on the banks of the Thames River, has a rich history and culture that makes it one of the most visited cities in the world. The city’s museums have rich collections of historic and prehistoric artifacts and buildings that display a great diversity of architectural styles from the past to the present.

Bangkok

Thailand’s largest and capital city is located in the Chao Phraya River delta in the country, serving as the main gateway for international tourists entering Thailand. The attractions, urban life and rich culture make it a favorite among tourists seeking entertainment at a reasonable price. The nightlife of Bangkok attracts young tourists from across the world.