Freedom! As the nest empties, and you bid farewell to the daily stress of a career, you may suddenly find yourself with more time to explore long-forgotten dreams and pursue lifelong passions. You're in good company. For many people, this is the first time in their adult lives when they've had the time to get active and involved. And they are loving every minute of it!

"The bottom line is that living an active, healthy lifestyle is about doing a lot of things right – not just exercise," advises certified personal trainer Jenny Wilcox, who will make a special appearance at this summer's 50+ PrimeTime Living Expo (www.101expos.com), July 26-27 at Jackpot Junction. Wilcox, a former fitness center owner and now account manager for the SilverSneakers fitness program, enjoys inspiring her students to squeeze the most from every second of every day.

• Get out among people. "When you no longer have a job to go to, or other parents to chat with, it can feel isolating. Now's the time to do what you love. A lot of people volunteer. Others stay active with their families. Maybe you like to play cards or board games. You are in charge of your own schedule – so fill it with things you enjoy doing!"
• Go out for coffee. "I see it all the time at our SilverSneakers facilities: A fresh pot of coffee is an open invitation to sit and socialize, no matter what time of day."
• Shop the perimeter of the grocery store. "Fresh foods generally pack more nutrition for your dollar than processed foods,."
• Attend a nutrition seminar. "Whether you want to lose weight or just want to eat more healthfully, your local YMCA and similar facilities often have trained professionals on staff who can help you make the right food choices."
• Fit activity into your routine. "You should try to exercise a half hour to an hour, three to five times a day. But don't worry! You can get a lot of exercise by just making good decisions throughout the day. Take the stairs instead of the escalator. Park farther away from the door. Walk instead of using a golf cart."
• Wear a pedometer. "Once you set a goal to walk a certain number of steps each day, a pedometer really works to keep you on task!"
• Keep a chart on the fridge. "Charts are a great visual reminder of your goals. And if you know you have a goal to meet that day, you're more likely to do it."
• Use the buddy system. "Friends will get you out of the house, and help keep you committed to your new, healthier routines. The nice thing about the SilverSneakers program is that there's always people waiting for you at the classes, and who get worried if you don't show up."

In addition to this informative SilverSneakers presentation, the Summer 50+ PrimeTime Living Expo will be two days of nonstop action with everything from morning yoga sessions to free health screenings and an interactive Creative Aging area, sponsored by The Minnesota Creative Arts and Aging Network, where you can try your hand at anything from drawing and creative writing to music, sculpting or improvisational theatre. Onsite seminars will include a Better Business Bureau presentation on senior scam alerts called Be Wise, Be Informed and Be Aware, plus music and entertainment by Schmitt Music. Attendees will also be able to shop aisle after aisle of products and services geared directly toward them.

For half price tickets (regularly $6) visit www.101expos.com. Or call the expo hotline at 612-798-7256. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

The Summer 50+ PrimeTime Living Expo is sponsored in part by Humana, Sun Country Airlines, Best of Times, MnCAAN, Natural Solutions, Good Age, Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel and Linder Farm Network.

Media Note: For additional information, or to schedule an interview with Jenny Wilcox, contact Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7220.

Jenny Wilcox, Account Manager for the SilverSneakers Fitness Program, is a certified Personal Trainer and former fitness center owner where she specialized in working with strength and flexibility. Jenny has worked with SilverSneakers instructors and participants of varied abilities for many years and has conducted community presentations on the benefits of physical activity and other specialized topics in health and fitness.

SilverSneakers is a fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. Health plans around the country offer our award-winning program to people who are eligible for Medicare or to group retirees. SilverSneakers provides a fitness membership to any participating location across the country. There are more than 150 SilverSneakers locations in Minnesota including YMCAs, community centers, Snap Fitness and Curves.