Newsletter Issue #490

                                 

Entrepreneur & Author
JeffCorbett.com

              

26 Years and Counting

“26 Years of stories, lessons and a few adventures along the way.” 

——- 

As September comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on a milestone that almost slipped past me. This month marks 16 years of publishing Global Common Cents. Add to that another ten years as Publisher and Editor of an inflight magazine I founded, which reached approximately 100,000 readers, and somehow I’ve accumulated 26 years in the publishing business. I rarely spend much time looking in the rearview mirror, but every once in a while, it’s worth appreciating the journey. Along the way, I’ve had the extraordinary privilege of interviewing people like basketball legend Bill Russell, baseball great Steve Garvey and racing icon Mario Andretti, to name just a few. I also have wonderful memories of working with a talented photographer on magazine photo shoots at a studio near Beverly Hills. Being part of that creative process, watching ideas come together through lighting, photography and a little imagination, was one of the unexpected pleasures of publishing. Looking back, I realize how fortunate I’ve been to meet so many interesting people, visit remarkable places and make a living doing something I genuinely enjoy.

Perhaps that’s why this week’s edition feels particularly appropriate. Our Psychology article explores why we root so passionately for our hometown teams, while Entrepreneurship examines whether business instincts are something we’re born with or develop along the way. Having spent much of my career working for myself, I suspect there’s a little of both involved! We also revisit October’s colorful history on Wall Street, consider the simple etiquette of dining with friends and explore whether artificial intelligence might eventually help us live longer. On the lighter side, we’re celebrating the return of Sunday dinner, finding new ways to stay active this fall and embracing the timeless appeal of an American road trip. Different subjects, certainly, but all connected by something that has guided this publication from the beginning: curiosity about the world around us and the people who make it interesting.

Twenty-six years have taught me a few things, not the least of which is that there’s always something new to learn, another story worth telling and another adventure waiting around the corner. Publishing has never felt like simply putting words on a page. It’s been an opportunity to share ideas, introduce interesting people and perhaps offer a perspective that makes someone’s day a little more enjoyable. I’m especially grateful to those of you who have been reading Global Common Cents for years, as well as those who have only recently joined us. Your continued interest makes this journey possible, and I never take that for granted. As we turn the calendar to October, I look forward to whatever comes next. After all, the best part of a good story is not necessarily where it began, but where it might take us.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

Jeff Corbett

Publisher | Global Common Cents

• To review other editions of our newsletter please see our website: GlobalCommonCents.com
• For more about my personal wonderings please see my blog: JeffCorbett.com

Why We Root for the Home Team

“The psychology of sports loyalty—and the business behind it.”  

——- 

Last weekend, my wife and I traveled back to Pittsburgh for my 50th high school reunion. Between the festivities, we made a point of attending both a University of Pittsburgh football game and a Pittsburgh Steelers game. It got me thinking: Why, after all these years, does rooting for a hometown team remain so important? Why do we invest so much emotion in the outcome of a game played by people we may never meet? The answer goes well beyond sports. According to sports psychologist Daniel Wann, whose research has examined fans from youth athletics through professional sports, the psychological connection people develop with a team can become an important part of their personal and social identity. Whether cheering for a high school, alma mater or hometown professional franchise, fans experience something fundamentally human: belonging. Research by Wann and Nyla Branscombe, published in the Sociology of Sport Journal in 1991, found that stronger identification with a sports team was associated with greater feelings of belonging and self-worth. In other words, when we cheer for our team, we are also celebrating our connection to a community, its traditions and, quite often, our own personal history.

There is also a fascinating psychological process at work when our teams win or lose. In a landmark 1976 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, psychologist Robert Cialdini and his colleagues identified a phenomenon known as “basking in reflected glory.” Their research found that college students were more likely to wear university apparel following a football victory and more inclined to describe a winning team using the word “we.” Think about that. We didn’t throw the winning touchdown or make the game-saving tackle, yet somehow the victory becomes ours. Subsequent research by Wann and Branscombe found that highly identified fans were more likely to embrace their team’s successes and less inclined to distance themselves following defeats. That helps explain why loyalty can survive decades of disappointing seasons. The team becomes an extension of who we are, connecting us to childhood memories, family traditions, friendships and the places we once called home. For someone returning to Pittsburgh after many years away, those familiar colors and traditions can make the passage of time seem remarkably insignificant.

Of course, this emotional attachment also creates an extraordinary business opportunity. Professional sports organizations have learned to transform loyalty into revenue through tickets, merchandise, sponsorships, broadcasting rights and increasingly sophisticated fan engagement. According to the NFL Players Association’s licensing division, NFL Players Inc., player-related licensing partnerships generate approximately $3 billion in annual retail sales. Meanwhile, Deloitte’s 2024 Sports Industry Outlook identifies fan engagement and data-driven marketing as important components of the industry’s evolving commercial model. The business principle is straightforward: Consumers who identify emotionally with a brand often have reasons to remain engaged beyond the immediate product or experience. Sports franchises illustrate this particularly well. Fans purchase jerseys, travel to games, maintain season tickets and introduce their children to the same traditions. Yet the underlying motivation is rarely just the game itself. It is the experience of belonging to something larger than ourselves. And perhaps that explains why, after traveling hundreds of miles for a high school reunion, I still felt compelled to squeeze two football games into an already crowded weekend. I wasn’t simply going to watch football. I was going home.

The Takeaway: Sports loyalty is about more than winning and losing; it connects us to our identity, our communities and the memories that make a place feel like home.

Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made?

“The science behind entrepreneurial success.” 

——-

Some people seem destined to become entrepreneurs. They spot opportunities others overlook, embrace uncertainty and possess an almost instinctive desire to build something of their own. But are these qualities inherited, or can they be developed? In my case, entrepreneurship was a combination of business opportunity and the realization that I was unlikely to fit comfortably into the corporate world—or be compensated in a way that reflected my ambitions. That realization led me to establish two different consulting firms and spend ten years as the Publisher and Editor of my own inflight magazine. Looking back, I certainly didn’t possess every skill necessary to succeed when I started. Much of what I learned came from experience, making decisions, occasionally making mistakes and figuring things out along the way. Which raises an interesting question: Is entrepreneurship something we’re born to do, or something we learn to do?

Interestingly, research suggests that nature does play a role. According to a 2008 study published in the journal Management Science, researchers Nicos Nicolaou, Scott Shane and their colleagues examined 1,727 pairs of twins in the United Kingdom. They found evidence that genetic differences contribute to whether individuals engage in entrepreneurship. However, the study examined the tendency to become an entrepreneur, not whether someone would ultimately succeed in business. That distinction is important. Being naturally inclined to take risks or pursue independence is one thing; knowing how to manage cash flow, negotiate contracts, attract customers and lead employees is quite another. Those are skills that can be developed. In fact, a 2013 analysis published in the Journal of Business Venturing, examining 42 independent samples involving 16,657 participants, found positive associations between entrepreneurship education and both entrepreneurial knowledge and business-related outcomes. The researchers also cautioned that weaker studies tended to overstate the benefits.

So, are university entrepreneurship programs worthwhile, or does success ultimately come down to a good idea and common sense? The evidence suggests education has value, but it is no guarantee. A 2017 review published in the Academy of Management Learning & Education examined 159 articles and found that much of the research focused on short-term outcomes, leaving important questions about long-term entrepreneurial behavior unanswered. My perspective is that formal education can provide an excellent foundation, particularly in finance, marketing and business planning. But a classroom cannot fully replicate the experience of having your own money on the line, losing a customer or recognizing an unexpected opportunity. A good idea may open the door, but turning that idea into a sustainable business requires judgment, discipline and the willingness to keep learning. Perhaps the more useful question isn’t whether entrepreneurs are born or made, but whether they are willing to develop the skills necessary to turn their ambitions into reality.

The Takeaway: Entrepreneurial instincts may come naturally, but building a successful business requires skills that can be learned, refined and strengthened through experience.

Here Comes October on Wall Street!

“October is one of the peculiarly dangerous months to speculate in stocks. The others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, December, August and February.” –  Mark Twain 

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October has long carried an ominous reputation on Wall Street. Often referred to as the “October Effect,” the belief that stocks are particularly vulnerable during this month is rooted more in historical events and investor psychology than in a reliable statistical pattern. Nevertheless, history offers some unforgettable reminders. According to the Federal Reserve’s historical records, the Panic of 1907 intensified in October, while the devastating market collapse of 1929 included Black Thursday (October 24), Black Monday (October 28), and Black Tuesday (October 29). Then came October 19, 1987, when the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged an astonishing 22.6% in a single trading session. Yet October has also delivered substantial market gains, demonstrating that its reputation as a dangerous month is hardly a dependable investment indicator.

For me, Black Monday in 1987 is more than a historical footnote. At the time, I was working as a stockbroker at Kidder Peabody & Company, and part of my responsibilities included reporting daily market activity for a local radio station. Experiencing the chaos firsthand, and then having to explain it to the public, left an indelible impression. It was more than numbers on a ticker. It was fear, uncertainty, and adrenaline all rolled together. That experience reinforced something I have never forgotten: markets are driven by economic fundamentals, but human emotion can dramatically influence how investors respond to them. According to the Federal Reserve’s examination of the 1987 crash, automated portfolio-insurance strategies and structural weaknesses in financial markets helped accelerate the selling that day. In other words, fear was certainly a factor, but the mechanics of the market itself contributed to the extraordinary decline.

This October brings another interesting consideration: the 2026 midterm elections. Historically, midterm election years have presented their own challenges for investors. According to Fidelity Investments, the second year of a presidential term has produced the lowest average stock market returns of the four-year election cycle since 1950. However, the historical pattern becomes more encouraging following the elections. Research from the Schwab Center for Financial Research found that, across 13 midterm elections between 1974 and 2022, the S&P 500 averaged a 5.7% gain during the three months following Election Day and a 12.4% gain over the subsequent six months. All 13 periods produced positive six-month returns. Nevertheless, these historical averages are not guarantees of future performance, and the relatively small sample should discourage investors from treating the pattern as a dependable trading strategy.

Ultimately, October’s reputation and the uncertainty surrounding midterm elections offer a similar lesson. Markets may react to uncertainty surrounding taxes, regulation, and government spending, but corporate earnings, interest rates, inflation, and economic growth remain fundamental considerations. According to Fidelity, economic fundamentals have historically played a more important role in long-term market performance than election outcomes. Having witnessed one of Wall Street’s most extraordinary days firsthand, I have learned that maintaining perspective is essential. History deserves our attention, but it should never become a substitute for sound judgment. The calendar may tell us it is October, and the political headlines may remind us that an election is approaching, but neither should dictate an investment strategy.

The Takeaway: October’s turbulent history and the uncertainty of midterm elections remind us that disciplined investing requires perspective, preparation, and the ability to separate market fundamentals from emotion.

Please keep in mind this information should not be considered as financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual research and consultation with a qualified financial professional. The value of investments can fluctuate, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consider your risk tolerance and financial goals before making investment decisions.

Dining Out with Friends

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette

Biography:  Candace Smith, wife of Nobel Prize-Winner Professor Dr. Vernon Smith and owner of the extraordinary blog, “Etiquette for the Business of Life” as featured by BBC, Chicago Tribune and USA Today offers her insights.

“Good food, great company, and a little consideration.” 

——-

One of life’s simple pleasures is a night out with friends. But restaurant ordering can occasionally get complicated when the group isn’t on the same page about what to order, whether to share dishes, or how to handle the check. Fortunately, a few friendly etiquette guidelines can smooth out those small bumps and keep the focus where it belongs: on good food and great company. The first guideline is to “keep it even.” This simply means that everyone orders along the same lines for drinks and courses so the meal flows naturally. If the group orders cocktails, it’s thoughtful for everyone to have something in front of them, even if it’s sparkling water or iced tea. Matching courses matters, too. While looking over the menu, the group can decide together whether to start with appetizers, go straight to entrées, or save room for dessert. A little communication beforehand keeps everyone comfortable and the evening moving along.

Good food is meant to be enjoyed together, and sharing dishes is a wonderful way to do it. Many restaurants welcome family-style dining, where dishes are passed around the table, allowing everyone to enjoy a portion. Sharing works best when the whole group is on board, so a little flexibility goes a long way. The same consideration applies when it’s time to pay the check. When friends dine out together, the bill is often paid individually or by couple. Letting your server know at the beginning of the meal that you’d like separate checks makes the end of the evening much easier. If the restaurant has a one-check-per-table policy, splitting the bill evenly is often the simplest approach. However, if one person enjoyed a salad and water while another ordered a steak and two glasses of wine, it’s fairer for each diner to pay for what they ordered. Hosted occasions are different, and the host should make payment arrangements in advance to avoid any confusion.

Ultimately, meals with friends go much more smoothly when everyone is in agreement, or at least graciously goes along. Unless a choice truly conflicts with your values, needs, or budget, it’s kind to follow the group’s lead. If everyone decides to share appetizers, enjoy the shared plates rather than ordering one just for yourself. If the table agrees to split the check evenly and the arrangement is reasonable for everyone, cheerfully pay your share. There will likely be many more meals with this group, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to share your preferences next time. Restaurant ordering with friends doesn’t have to be confusing. With a little communication, consideration, and a generous spirit, everyone can relax, savor the meal, and look forward to the next gathering around the table.

The Takeaway: Good dining etiquette isn’t about following rigid rules; it’s about being considerate, communicating openly, and making sure everyone at the table feels comfortable and included.

Nature’s Cold & Flu Toolkit!

by Morayma MaKay
Writer / Blogger & Content Creator
Adulthood Rewired

Biography:  Morayma Makay is a fashion model, mother, and writer.  She has
dedicated the last 20 years to working in the fashion and health fields as
both a researcher and content creator.

“Natural remedies to help you through cold and flu season.” 

——-

Cold and flu season has a way of sneaking up on us every year…one minute everyone is enjoying the last warm days of the year, and the next, we’re hearing about a bug going around the office, the kids’ school or the grocery store. This is a good time to take a look at your natural wellness cabinet and make sure you have a few things on hand before you actually need them. There are plenty of herbs, foods and supplements that have been used for generations to support the body during cold and flu season, and some have been studied for their potential benefits as well.

Elderberry

Elderberry has become a popular cold-weather staple in the US, and for good reason (mind you, it’s been popular in Europe for generations!). Elderberries contain naturally occurring compounds called anthocyanins, which are also responsible for the deep purple color of the berries. Some research suggests that elderberry preparations may help reduce the severity or duration of certain upper respiratory symptoms when taken around the time symptoms begin. Elderberry is available as syrups, gummies, capsules and teas. A good-quality commercially prepared product is the easiest option, since raw or improperly prepared elderberries can cause unpleasant digestive symptoms.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral involved in normal immune function, and zinc lozenges are particularly helpful during cold season. Research suggests that zinc lozenges may shorten the length of a common cold when started soon after symptoms appear. This makes zinc one of those things that’s worth having in the cabinet rather than thinking about after you’re already several days into a cold. Just follow the recommended dosage on the product as soon as you feel that first throat tickle, and let the lozenge do its job!

Vitamin C and D

Vitamin C has long been associated with cold and flu season, and plays an important role in normal immune function. If you don’t love swallowing capsules or tablets, no worries at all because you don’t have to get it from a supplement! Citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli and leafy greens are all excellent sources of this amazing vitamin. Keeping plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet throughout the winter is a simple way to make sure you’re getting this important nutrient along with many others that will help you sail through cold and flu season a lot more easily.

Vitamin D is another one worth discussing as we head into the colder months, particularly for people who get limited sun exposure. It plays several important roles in the body, including supporting normal immune function, and whether you need a supplement depends on factors such as your diet, sun exposure and vitamin D levels. If you’re unsure where you stand, a blood test can give you a much better answer than guessing.

Honey

Honey deserves a permanent spot in the winter pantry. It’s soothing for a scratchy throat and can help calm a cough, making it especially useful at bedtime when coughing is keeping you awake. Try adding a spoonful to warm tea or simply taking a small amount on its own. Raw or minimally processed honey is a popular choice, although regular honey can be useful too, and if you want to shell out a few extra dollars, the most effective honey is Manuka which has the highest levels of effective antibacterial compounds. Just remember that honey should never be given to babies under one year old.

Ginger

Fresh ginger is another inexpensive and versatile addition to your winter kitchen. Ginger tea can be comforting when you’re dealing with an upset stomach, and its warming flavor makes it especially appealing when you’re not feeling your best. You can make a simple tea by slicing fresh ginger and steeping it in hot water, then adding lemon and honey. Ginger can also be added to soups, smoothies and meals throughout the season.

Herbal Teas

There’s something very cozy and comforting about having a selection of herbal teas available when you’re under the weather. Chamomile and lavender can be a relaxing evening choice, peppermint tea can feel refreshing when you’re congested or dealing with an unsettled stomach, and ginger tea is warming and soothing. Thyme is another interesting herb to keep around. Traditionally used for respiratory complaints, thyme tea has been studied for its potential role in cough relief, particularly when combined with other herbs. There are also other great herbal blends you can find at your local store that are made specifically for sore throats, immune boosting, and cold-calming.

Garlic, Onions and Other Kitchen Remedies

Some of the most useful additions to your winter routine may already be sitting in your kitchen! Garlic and onions contain sulfur-containing compounds and other plant chemicals that have been studied for their potential health benefits. Adding plenty of garlic, onions, ginger, herbs and colorful vegetables to soups, stews and other meals is an easy way to incorporate a variety of plant compounds into your diet that can help lower inflammation and keep your immune system going strong. Chicken soup gets a lot of attention during cold season, and while it isn’t a cure for a respiratory infection, a warm, nourishing bowl of soup provides fluids, calories and nutrients at a time when you may not feel like eating much!

Build Your Winter Wellness Cabinet Now

One of the nicest things about natural health is that many of the things we reach for when we’re sick are incredibly simple like honey, ginger, garlic, herbal tea, nourishing foods and a few well-chosen supplements. It’s also worth remembering that taking care of yourself doesn’t begin when you wake up with a sore throat. Eating well, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, moving your body and giving yourself time to rest are all part of keeping your immune system functioning normally throughout the year…and if you do get sick, sometimes the best thing you can do is slow down for a few days. Make a pot of soup, brew some ginger tea, take a little extra time to sleep and let your body do the work it was designed to do.

The Takeaway: So, add a few of these goodies to your shopping list, because a little preparation now means you’ll have a natural collection of comforting, useful options ready to go when fall and winter inevitably brings a few sniffles along with it!

Can AI Help Us Live Longer?

“How artificial intelligence could change the future of aging and longevity.” 

——-

For generations, scientists have searched for ways to extend human life. From advances in medicine to breakthroughs in nutrition and genetics, the pursuit of longevity has produced some remarkable discoveries. But artificial intelligence may introduce an entirely new dimension to that effort. Rather than simply treating diseases after they develop, AI could help physicians identify potential problems earlier, develop more effective treatments and better understand the biological processes associated with aging. Consider a 2024 study published in Nature Medicine involving nearly 16,000 hospitalized patients. Researchers found that an AI system analyzing electrocardiograms and alerting physicians to high-risk patients was associated with a reduction in deaths within 90 days, from 4.3% in the control group to 3.6% in the intervention group. Although the findings were limited to a particular hospital setting, they demonstrated something important: AI-assisted medical decisions can translate into measurable improvements in patient survival.

Perhaps the most exciting possibilities lie in medical research itself. According to a 2024 study published in Nature, Google’s DeepMind and its collaborators developed AlphaFold 3, an artificial intelligence system capable of predicting the three-dimensional structures and interactions of proteins, DNA, RNA and other molecules. Why does this matter? Understanding how these molecules interact is fundamental to understanding disease and developing new medications. By helping scientists investigate molecular relationships, AI could accelerate research into conditions associated with aging, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Meanwhile, AI is already demonstrating practical applications in cancer screening. A Swedish randomized study involving approximately 106,000 women, published in The Lancet in 2026, found that AI-supported mammography improved screening sensitivity compared with conventional double reading by radiologists, while maintaining the same specificity. These developments suggest that AI’s contribution to longevity may come not from a single revolutionary discovery, but from numerous improvements in how we detect, understand and treat disease.

Of course, there is an important distinction between extending life and extending healthy life. Living to 100 is one thing; reaching that milestone with our physical independence and mental faculties intact is quite another. AI has not demonstrated that it can slow human biological aging or substantially extend the maximum human lifespan. Even sophisticated systems such as AlphaFold require experimental verification, and promising medical technologies must undergo rigorous clinical testing before their benefits can be established. Nevertheless, the possibilities are intriguing. Imagine a future in which your physician can identify certain health risks years earlier, select treatments based on your individual biology and intervene before a serious condition develops. That future is not guaranteed, but research is beginning to establish some of the necessary foundations. For those of us interested in longevity, perhaps the most encouraging prospect is not that artificial intelligence will somehow make us immortal, but that it could help us enjoy more healthy, productive years doing the things we love.

The Takeaway: AI may not hold the secret to immortality, but earlier diagnoses, better treatments and more personalized medicine could help us live longer, healthier lives.

The Sunday Dinner Revival

“Why gathering around the table may matter more than we realize.”

——- 

There was a time when Sunday dinner was almost sacred. Families gathered around the table, usually without televisions, phones or competing schedules, and the meal itself was only part of the attraction. It was a chance to slow down, catch up and simply spend time together. Somewhere along the way, busy schedules, takeout, streaming entertainment and our increasingly individual lifestyles began to chip away at that tradition. In fact, a 2026 study published in Scientific Reports, using Gallup data from more than 140 countries and decades of American Time Use Survey data, found that Americans are increasingly eating alone, particularly younger adults.

That may matter more than we think. According to researchers from the University of Oxford, Harvard Kennedy School, University College London and Gallup, people who shared more meals with others generally reported greater life satisfaction, more positive emotions and fewer negative emotions. The researchers were careful to point out that the study shows an association rather than proving that eating together directly causes greater happiness. Still, earlier research points in the same direction. A nationally representative study of 8,500 adolescents published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that more frequent family meals were associated with fewer depressive symptoms, fewer emotional difficulties and better emotional well-being. Research published in JAMA Pediatrics has likewise found associations between regular family meals and several measures of adolescent health and well-being.

Maybe the old-fashioned Sunday dinner deserves another look. It doesn’t require a formal dining room, an elaborate roast or hours in the kitchen. Pizza works. So does chili, pasta or something picked up on the way home. What matters may be less about what is being served and more about creating a regular moment when people sit together, talk, laugh and reconnect. In an increasingly digital and hurried world, bringing back Sunday dinner might be one of the simplest traditions worth preserving.

The Takeaway: Sometimes the healthiest thing on the dinner table may be the people sitting around it.

Find Your Game this Fall

“Stay active, have fun, age well.” 

——-

There is something about the arrival of autumn that makes getting outdoors particularly appealing. The temperatures begin to cool, the leaves change color, and suddenly the idea of spending an afternoon on a golf course, hiking a scenic trail, or playing a little recreational sports sounds considerably more inviting. For those of us who have crossed the 50-year mark, fall also presents an opportunity to rediscover something we may have enjoyed decades ago: the simple pleasure of playing a game. Whether it’s pickleball, tennis, cycling, golf, or even joining a recreational baseball league, staying active doesn’t necessarily mean spending hours in a gym. Sometimes the best exercise is the kind that doesn’t feel like exercise at all. And perhaps the most important ingredient is finding something you genuinely enjoy doing.

The physical benefits are well established. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults 65 and older should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening exercises at least twice weekly and activities that improve balance. The World Health Organization also emphasizes that regular physical activity can help preserve functional ability, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of falls as we age. Recreational sports can contribute to these goals, although different activities provide different benefits. A brisk round of golf, particularly when walking the course, can contribute to aerobic activity, while tennis and pickleball offer opportunities to practice coordination and agility. Cycling and hiking provide additional ways to build endurance. Of course, no single sport necessarily checks every fitness box, which makes incorporating some resistance training and balance exercises into the weekly routine particularly worthwhile.

But there is another dimension to recreational sports that deserves equal attention: the psychological and social benefits. A 2023 systematic review published in the journal Systematic Reviews, examining 29 studies involving adults ages 18 through 84, found that sports participation was associated with better psychological well-being and social outcomes, including a greater sense of belonging. While these findings do not establish that playing sports directly causes those improvements, they reinforce the value of activities that bring people together. Think about it. A weekly tennis match, a round of golf with friends, or playing on a recreational baseball team provides more than physical activity. There is camaraderie, friendly competition, shared experiences, and occasionally the satisfaction of discovering that we can still do something we thought belonged to our younger years. The objective isn’t necessarily to win a championship or recapture our athletic prime. It’s to stay engaged, challenge ourselves, and enjoy the experience. Naturally, anyone returning to a demanding sport after a long absence should build up gradually and consider any existing physical limitations.

The Takeaway: This fall, find a sport or recreational activity that gets you moving, brings you together with others, and reminds you that growing older doesn’t mean you have to stop playing.

The Great American Fall Road Trip

“Discovering America at Its Most Colorful.”  

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There’s something about traveling America in the fall that makes the journey feel different. The changing leaves, crisp mornings and small towns settling into autumn give us a reason to slow down and actually notice what’s outside the window. And while most of us associate fall foliage with New England, some of America’s most spectacular autumn scenery can be found well beyond Vermont and New Hampshire. October offers a wonderful opportunity to rediscover the country, particularly if you’re willing to leave the interstate behind and explore the back roads.

Consider three distinctly different American road trips. In New England, Vermont’s covered bridges and New Hampshire’s White Mountains provide the classic autumn experience, complete with historic villages, country inns and roadside farm stands. Farther south, Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands offer rolling hills and charming communities before the journey continues toward Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains. According to the National Park Service, autumn colors along the Blue Ridge Parkway generally begin appearing at higher elevations before progressing down the mountainsides throughout October. For something entirely different, head west. Santa Fe combines Southwestern architecture with mountain scenery, while Utah offers a surprisingly colorful autumn landscape. According to the Utah Office of Tourism, the state’s scenic byways showcase golden aspens, colorful maples and dramatic mountain backdrops—a striking contrast to the red rock country many of us associate with the Southwest.

Of course, there’s a business story behind all this natural beauty. Autumn tourism provides an important seasonal opportunity for the independent restaurants, country inns, shops and family-owned businesses that help make these destinations special. One caution, however: don’t assume autumn automatically means fewer crowds. According to the National Park Service, October is typically the busiest month in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and popular foliage destinations can experience considerable traffic. My advice is to build some flexibility into your itinerary, check foliage conditions and road closures before heading out, and leave time for unexpected discoveries. Some of the best travel experiences happen when you take an unfamiliar exit, stop for lunch in a town you’ve never heard of or discover a scenic overlook that wasn’t on the itinerary. After all, the great American road trip has never been just about getting somewhere. It’s about everything you discover along the way.

The Takeaway: This October, trade the interstate for the back roads and remember that sometimes the journey really is the destination.