The norm is to report to the physical therapist after you've tried to recapture your glory days as a high school runner and end up limping to work in excruciating pain. How about visiting the doctor before you exercise? This Wall Street Journal article talks about the positive results of a proactive, preventive visit to a physical therapist who can diagnose muscle imbalances and provide a regime that corrects problems that effect endurance, balance, strength and weight control. With age comes wisdom ... and the physical therapist.

Lars Tornstam, a Swedish sociologist, has been studying aging for 25 years and he's coined the term, gerotranscendence, for the evolution of values and interests as we age. Dr. Tornstam thinks that we make the mistake in middle age of thinking that good aging means continuing to be the way we were at 50. Maybe not. An increased need for solitude or for the company of only a few friends, for example, are traits Dr. Tornstam attributes to a continuing maturation and acquisition of wisdom. To learn more about Tornstam's findings, click here.

Nobody wants to talk about writing a will. But, if you've gotten past the uncomfortableness of that topic and actually put your decisions about money and property on paper, you might want to consider a second step. Thinking about legacy has led many boomers to consider writing an ethical will. This is a document created for you to share your values and life lessons, passing them on to future generations. To learn about a seminal book on the topic, other resources, and training opportunities around the country, click here.

The financial heft of boomers...and the overwhelming numbers that access the Internet and watch TV... have convinced public broadcasting executives that the 45 to 65 year-old crowd is one to be wooed and won over. The core of the project, called Next Avenue, will be a website with original and aggregated content from public and nonprofit partners organized around health and wellness; money and financial security; and a category called living and learning. It is expected to start April 1.

Take advantage of this great opportunity to hear The Philadelphia Singers' opening concert,The Peaceable Kingdom, a program inspired by art and literature. Inspiring Opportunities' readers get a 25% discount on tickets for this presentationincluding the premiere of Metamorphoses inspired by a Roman text by Ovid; a piece set to medieval Persian poetry; and Pope Leo XIII’swords scored for chorus, harmonium, and piano.Join an artists' chat after the concert on October 17, 2010 at 4 p.m., Church of the Holy Trinity,1904 Walnut Street, Philadelphia. Click for tickets. Promo code: inspire.

Ya gotta be able to laugh! Temple University Center City offers a Comedy Improvisation Workshop that will expand your ability to see the humor around you. Using interactive comedy skits, games and exercises in a safe and comfortable environment, you will learn how to improvise, loosen up and laugh more. And that has to be good for your health! The workshop is scheduled for 5 Thursdays, October 21 to November 18 from 7:30 to 9:20 p.m. at 1515 Market Street, Philadelphia. $125 for the session. Click here to register.

To help older veterans better understand the Department of Veteran Affairs and the benefits offered, The Watermark at Logan Square will host “The VA and You” on Wednesday, October 20 at 11:30 a.m. The free Lunch & Learn program will be presented by R. Keith Fishlinger and Sharon L. Rosenberger of Estate Management Services. The speakers will teach veterans how to simplify the application process and understand the aid and medical benefits offered by the VA. Free and open to the public. RSVP by calling (215) 240-8915.

This first-person account in The New York Times is the story of Maria Sazon, a former vice-president at a large New York financial services firm who left her high-powered job seeking less stress and more fulfillment. She is now helping charter schools improve their access to capital, a job that allows her to work on issues that really matter to her. Contrary to what many believe, she hasn't found working at a nonprofit easier...but it is a lot more collaborative. For those tempted by nonprofit work, read on.  

Benefits Data Trust (BDT) is a not-for-profit organization committed to helping low-income people gain access to public benefits they are eligible to receive; to date, BTD has completed more than 200,000 applications for eligible individuals. A Development Director/Coordinator/Consultant is needed who will be responsible for seeking out regional, statewide and federal government contracts and philanthropic grant opportunities. BDT is open to exploring full-time, part-time or a consulting role for this position. To learn more,

Nova Southeastern University located in Davie, Florida has an extensive distance learning program. There are openings for Adjunct Faculty members, individuals who would like to teach Gerontology in a program for doctoral students via computer. The courses are offered during three--15 week semesters--per year (Fall, Winter, Summer). A doctorate plus experience, i.e. gerontology, human services, health care, mental health, humanities, etc. are prerequisites for the position. Full support and training are provided for the distance technology. For more information, contact Jacquelyn.Browne@nova.edu

The American Revolution Center is developing the nation’s first museum commemorating the story of the American Revolution and its ongoing legacy here in Philadelphia. A Museum Project Coordinator is needed to work with the senior staff and Board of Directors to provide critical support for the development of this major new museum. Experience in museum project planning and implementation is required. Master's degree in American History or related field preferred. To learn more about this position,