Young at Heart News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Barb Stepaniak on Monday shows off a map of the U.S. as maps of states she has visited lay on a table at The News (see on page 2). She only needs to visit five more states to have traveled to all of the 48 states in the continental United States. She hasn’t ruled out driving to Alaska despite its distance, but won’t go to Hawaii because she doesn’t fly.
S U P P L E M E N T T O T H E A L P E N A N E W S • T H U R S D A Y, F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 2 2
On the road again …
ALPENA SENIOR TRYING TO VISIT ALL 48 STATES IN CONTINENTAL US By STEVE SCHULWITZ News Staff Writer
ALPENA – Barb Stepaniak has a strong love for Alpena, but one of the top things on her bucket list is to visit all of the 48 states in the continental U.S. After years of long road trips and seeing the different characteristics of each state, Stepaniak is nearing her goal. She only has five states left to visit: North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Stepaniak said she hopes to take a long road trip this summer or the next to check those states off her list. Stepaniak is 74 years old, but her age doesn’t slow her down. Besides traveling, she works at WBKB in Alpena and is a familiar face at Alpena High School sports games. She said she drove to or through each of the 43 states she has seen so far because she has a fear of flying. She said driving is also preferred because you can sightsee on the road and she can take her time and not follow a schedule. “I love to drive because it is a stress reliever for me and I enjoy it,” she said. “Plus, there, you get to see and experience much more than when you f l y.
News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Barb Stepaniak shows off maps of states she has visited. ____________________________________________ 2 - Young at Heart ~ Thursday, February 17, 2022
There is a lot between point A and point B that you miss out on when you fly.” She hasn’t yet ruled out making the long haul to Alaska, but Stepaniak said that, as of now, she doesn’t know when or if she will make that trek because of the distance. Traveling to Hawaii is out of the question, however, as she will not get on a plane, even if Hawaii ends up the last state she has never been to. “No way, no how,” she said. “I like having my feet on the ground and being in control. I’m just fine being in my car, taking my time, and doing what I want to do.” Stepaniak isn’t keen on using mobile technology when she travels, either. She still employs an older-style flip phone and doesn’t use social media to help her plan her trips. The limits of her use of electronics begins at using MapQuest to chart her course and ends by using her phone for personal calls and booking hotel rooms.
Thankfully, during her journeys, Stepaniak has never had car troubles or had any crashes while on her trips. She joked that, if she has any on her next adventure, she will blame The News for jinxing her. Over the years, Stepaniak has met a lot of people while on the road. She said a vast majority of them have been kind and accommodating. She said people are more alike than we think. “People are people,” she said. “If you treat someone how you want to be treated, I think you get the same in return.” When asked if she has a favorite state, she paused and said she loved Kentucky because of the scenery there as she drives. She said each state has its own uniqueness and she is fond of them all. Still, she said, Michigan and especially Alpena will always be number-one in her heart. “It’s nice to go and travel to see all of this, but it is always nice to come home,” Stepaniak said. “Home is where the heart is, and that is so true.”
Inside active senior living Housing needs may change as adults grow older and their children move out. Adults nearing retirement may want to reduce their cost of living and could find a big house is more than they need at this stage in life. According to the financial management resource The Motley Fool, in 2019 48 percent of seniors planned to downsize, while 52 percent wanted to remain in their existing homes. A lower cost of living could be the primary motivator to sell, but less house to maintain and the extra free time that comes with fewer chores can be powerful motivators as well. Many adults age 50 and older consider adult communities when seeking to downsize their homes. Senior home options are categorized based on the level of care they provide. “Active adult living” is a relatively new option that reflects a growing desire for residences that afford aging adults a chance to downsize their homes and engage in their favorite activities. Active adult living, leisure living or active adult communities include single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums, and other housing
options within a community that offers an array of amenities and services. According to Retirement Living, residents in active adult communities enjoy country club settings with amenities like swimming pools, clubhouses, golf courses, exercise centers, walking trails, computer labs, hobby centers, and even onsite restaurants. Active adult living communities may provide transportation options and have their own travel clubs. Though active adult residences do not typically provide medical services, many communities are conveniently located close to local shopping centers and complexes, ensuring that the doctor’s office is not that far away. Other features of active living covered by homeowner’s association fees include outdoor maintenance like landscaping, snow removal and sanitation services. Security, internet service and cable also may be included in the monthly fees. Active communities emulate the benefits afforded by all-inclusive vacations, where day-to-day details are handled by management so residents can focus on fun and leisure. Unlike general neighborhoods, seniors may appreciate active living
communities because they have access to an array of services within the community. Some promote a resort vacation feeling, while others may focus on sports or cultural life. What’s more, since age is restricted, residents know that many people in these communities have shared experiences. Active adult communities also are amenable to adults who like to travel. Residents get the peace of mind
to lock up their homes and leave knowing lawns will still be mowed and shrubs trimmed — removing signs that the residence is unoccupied. This is an ideal situation for a snowbird who spends time in a different location for part of the year. Active adult living is the relatively new kid on the block for senior communities, filling an important niche for independent retirees and nearretirees.
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Day trips seniors can enjoy
Vacations to faraway destinations can make lasting memories that families cherish forever. Though day trips might not require the planning of more traditional vacations, these brief getaways can still be a great way to spend a day, especially for seniors. Day trips typically are based around visits to historic attractions, shopping districts, restaurants, or museums. Since they don’t require much in the way of advanced planning, and tend to be easy on the wallet, day trips are ideal for those looking for short getaways. When considering day trips, seniors should look for locales that are
no more than two to three hours away. Such proximity ensures travelers will have plenty of time to see the sights and still get home at a reasonable hour. Need day trip inspiration? Here are some ideas to get started. Botanical gardens Botanical gardens are beautiful and relaxing places to spend a day. The Botanic Gardens Conservation International reports that there are between 296 to 1,014 botanical gardens and arboretums in the United States, while there are roughly 70 botanic gardens across Canada. People can tour topiaries, exotic plants, but-
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Wine tasting A recent study from Wine & Vines magazine said there are 8,391 wineries in North America, and that Seaside towns Visits to the coast make for memo- number is on the rise. One is likely rable, scenic excursions. Many boast to find a winery to visit and sample quaint shops to purchase coastal the wares close to home. Make a day trinkets or decor. Seaside spots also of it by bringing a picnic lunch. may boast their share of fishing Museums charters or sightseeing cruises, and Museums are ideal day trip destiseafood fans will appreciate what these regions have to offer in the way nations because many are indoors. of dining. That means weather never needs to be an issue while visiting. With hisHistoric cities and villages toric artifacts, paintings, sculptures, Touring historic places of register, or niche items like pop art or collike Colonial Williamsburg or areas lectibles, there are museums for just of historic Boston, can be a hands- about every interest. For example, on way to learn about the country’s railway enthusiasts can visit the Nahistory. They can provide more per- tional Railroad Museum in Wisconsonal experiences than books and sin, one of the oldest railroad museums in the country. movies alone. terfly retreats, acres of rolling landscape, and even bonsai collections.
Zoos and aquariums Interacting with wildlife is on the itinerary when visiting zoos and aquariums, and such establishments typically offer discounted admissions to seniors. From the famed San Diego Zoo to the Georgia Aquarium, it’s possible to get up close and personal with many species.
Restaurant crawl Certain town centers and tourist destinations organize restaurant events where day trippers can enjoy tasting menus from various establishments for a single price. Day trips also can culminate at one specific restaurant. A new restaurant can be visited each month. Day trips are enjoyable ventures that seniors can enjoy when they want to get out but not necessarily get away.
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Outdoor activities that are perfect for seniors The great outdoors beckons people of all ages. Fresh air can be hard to resist and the benefits of spending time outdoors are so numerous that it behooves anyone, including seniors, to answer the call of nature. According to researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, human beings benefit both physically and psychologically from spending time in nature. Such experiences can reduce stress and help lower heart rates, potentially decreasing individuals’ risk for cardiovascular disease. In addition, the Forest Service notes that spending time outside in green spaces has been linked to a lower risk of depression. Seniors who are retired or even aging empty nesters who are still in the workforce can make great use of their free time by venturing into the great outdoors. The following are a handful of senior-friendly outdoor activities that provide a great reason to get off the couch and take in all that Mother Nature has to offer. • Hiking: Hiking provides a great workout and an ideal oppor-
tunity to spend time in an idyllic setting. The U.S. National Park Service notes that hiking helps individuals build stronger muscles and bones, improves their sense of balance, has a positive effect on heart health, and can decrease the risk of certain respiratory problems. Hiking is an especially attractive outdoor activity for seniors, as many parks feature trails with varying degrees of difficulty, ensuring there’s a trail for seniors whether they’re seasoned or novice hikers. • Water aerobics: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that water-based exercises can be especially helpful individuals with chronic diseases, a category many seniors fall into. The CDC notes that one study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology found that improves the use of joints affected by arthritis without worsening symptoms. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also notes that swimming can lead to improved health for people with diabetes and heart disease. Seniors can reap these benefits
by going for a dip in their own backyard pools or a local body of water, such as a lake or ocean. Many swim clubs also offer discounted memberships to seniors, making these another great and affordable way to reap the benefits of swimming. • Fishing: Of course not all outdoor activities need to make seniors huff and puff. Fishing provides a great reason to get outdoors, and many individuals devoted to fishing report feeling less stressed after a day spent casting for their favorite fish. Individuals who consume what they catch also can benefit by improving their diets, as the American Heart Association notes that consuming certain types of fish has been linked to a lower risk for heart disease and obesity.
• Volunteering: Local environmental groups often sponsor cleanups at parks and waterfront attractions like beaches and lakes. Volunteering with such organizations is a great way to get outside and give back, and working with like-minded individuals can be a great way for seniors to meet new people. In addition, a national study sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service in 2019 found that 88 percent of Senior Corps volunteers who initially reported a lack of companionship reported a decrease in feelings of isolation after volunteering. The opportunities for seniors to enjoy the great outdoors are endless. Taking advantage of such chances can benefit seniors in myriad ways.
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What seniors should know about social media safety Seniors might not be the demographic individuals initially associate with social media. However, Pew Research notes that seniors’ social media usage has been steadily rising for a number of years, proving that individuals 65 and over are not techaverse. Pew data from 2019 indicates that 46 percent of individuals 65 and older use Facebook. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be a great way to stay connected with family and friends and stay up-to-date on community events.
But social media usage is not without risks, especially in regard to users’ safety. Seniors without much social media experience can heed these safety tips as they navigate popular platforms and discover all they have to offer. • Examine your account settings. Social media users can control their privacy settings so they can decide who can (and can’t) view their online activity. Each platform is different, but profiles set to public generally allow anyone to view individuals’ activity, so seniors should set their profiles to pri-
vate to limit access to their information. • Be mindful of your social media social circle. It’s easy to make virtual friends via social media, but seniors should be mindful of who they accept as online friends. Carefully consider each friend request and decide just how big or small you want your social media community to be. Many individuals prefer to limit their online social circles to individuals they know well and want to stay in touch with, and that can serve as a good measuring stick when deciding whether or not to accept a friend request. • Avoid sharing personal information. Seniors are no doubt aware that they should never share especially personal information, such as their Social Security number. However, seniors also should hesitate to share personal information like vacation plans. Seniors who post about upcoming trips could return home to find they’ve been victimized by criminals who scoured their social media accounts and learned when they were going to be away. A good rule of thumb is to keep personal information private and limit posts to information that is not overly specific or sensitive. • Recognize the threat posed by scammers. Social media platforms have had varying degrees of success in regard to keeping their sites scam-free. But scammers find a way, and users must take steps to avoid being victimized. Never click on a link within a post from someone you don’t know and avoid anyone soliciting donations through social media platforms. Seniors are engaging with social media more than ever. Such engagement requires seniors to be mindful of the many ways to protect their privacy when spending time online.
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