So turn on the Beatles or whatever you love, plant a tree, join a community clean-up day and get some little, easy weights to use at home.

FORBES: Living a Vigorous Life As We Age

The Cherry Tree Carol - possibly as old as the 15th Century - is one I particularly love.

BBC: A Point of View: The joy of Christmas carols

The labour of love of eccentric English aristocrat Sir Stewart Gore-Brown, it is approached down a long, tree-lined drive, flanked by farm buildings, settlements and workers houses, giving it the air of an old feudal domain.

BBC: Escaping modern life in Zambia��s north

In Houston, along with her appearance as Alice in Falstaff, she played the title role in Janacek's Jenufa and the role of Love Simpson in Houston Grand Opera's world premiere production of Carlisle Floyd's Cold Sassy Tree productions which have been featured by NPR on World of Opera.

NPR: Featured Artists in Janacek's 'Jenufa'