Health, fun, fitness, finances, and more for Maine’s fastest growing population
HELPING ALLEVIATE WORRY FOR AGING SPECIAL NEEDS PARENTS
EXERCISE AND WELLNESS TIPS FROM THE PROS AT THE ALFOND YOUTH & COMMUNITY CENTER
REMEMBERING HOW BANGORAREA SCHOOLS USED TO BE
THE DURGIN CENTER IN BREWER IS A VIBRANT COMMUNITY HUB
BY ANNE GABBIANELLI
What do cribbage and exercise for arthritis have in common? They’re just two of the many activities available at the Durgin Center.
Run by Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA), the Durgin Center is tucked in the corner of the Twin City Plaza in Brewer. And while it’s only been around for three years, word has gotten out and the center is hopping most days of the week, according to Danni Street, Wellness & Enrichment Supervisor with EAAA.
“Last year we had 5,432 participants, some once a week, some twice a week,” Street said. “Two of our most well attended groups are our cribbage group which meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., and our Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) which meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m.”
“THE CONNECTIONS YOU FIND WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE SIMILAR EXPERIENCES IS A REALLY GOOD THING.”
The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a variety of activities and things to do, as well as a hot meal for breakfast and lunch.
“We have a strong turnout for our groups and classes, but we’re always looking to grow,” Street said. “We encourage everyone to try something new or join our AFEP Zoom class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. from the comfort of home.”
In 2021, the Durgin Center was founded in honor of a Bangor area icon, Gen. Nelson Durgin. “Nelson was a visionary leader in our community,” Street said. “He had a passion for serving the citizens in our region and his commitment and dedication were inspirational. Nelson was a leader
in many civic organizations, including the Eastern Area Agency on Aging. His legacy will continue on through the Durgin Center and the many lives that will be enhanced through its existence.”
The Durgin Center has been Beth Davis’ go-to place for Tai Chi.
“Tai Chi is my play time; it’s doing something for me,” the Dedham resident said. “I’ve met a few people, one of whom brought me into an outside hiking group. The connections you find with people who have similar experiences is a really good thing and you find you have a lot in common.”
For Roxanne Easler of Corinth, the Durgin Center helped her get moving a bit more.
“I started going about two years ago when I was searching for a yoga for seniors class. Then I found Tai Chi. I have enjoyed the programs and people very much,” Easler said. “They are kind and welcoming.”
If exercise is not for you, don’t rule out a card game, arts and crafts, book club, caregivers support group, presentations from area businesses and organizations, and the cafe.
Stephen and Kim Roy of Bangor have been appreciating the cafe for more than two years now.
“The food is good and it helps us save on our food bill,” Kim said. Stephen added, “We like the location, the people, and it’s clean.”
WHILE RELAXING ON A COUCH SIPPING HIS COFFEE, FRED JAMISON OF ORONO SAID IT’S THE SOCIALIZATION HE APPRECIATES THE MOST.
The spacious center is conveniently located in the same plaza as the Eastern Area Agency on Aging office. The EAAA offers information, options, and services for older adults, adults with disabilities and caregivers.
While relaxing on a couch sipping his coffee, Fred Jamison of Orono said it’s the socialization he appreciates the most. “This is a fabulous place to come where the people care about you.”
“The socialization piece is so important,” Street said. “Some people think that getting older and retiring is the period at the end of their sentence, yet it’s really a semicolon because it’s the start of something new.”
For more information and details about drop-in fees for certain programs and events at the Durgin Center, as well as information about all the other offerings of the EAAA, visit eaaa.org.
As Easler said, “I would encourage anyone to go and see what they are about. There are many classes, presentations, and activities to enjoy. There is always something going on at the Durgin Center.”
“We were introduced to the programs at the Bangor YMCA last December by Karen Mitchell, who works with More Than Therapy in the Isaac Farrar Mansion. She was providing physical therapy for ailments resulting from Parkinson’s Disease and brought us to the Means Pool for a therapy session. Immediately, we were hooked! We became members the following week and have been using the Means Pool for regular exercises and enjoying the various classes when possible. This regular access to such a facility has made substantial improvements to our overall well-being. At first, it was necessary to use the chair lift to get into the pool. Not anymore. This increase in personal mobility might seem minor, but to us, it is a major enrichment to our lives. And we intend to explore all that the Y has to offer with its many programs. Yet the heart and soul of your facility lies in the wonderful support from your staff. Stacy Smith, your Aquatics Manager, and her incredible staff have been the true catalyst for our progress. Their personal attention is exceptional. They know us by name. They have tracked our progress, praised our accomplishments, and provided encouragement on those days when we may not be at our best. We cannot thank them enough.”
– Kim & Kenneth, Y Members
If you’re seeking opportunities, growth, a healthier and happier life, and connection, The Bangor Region YMCA is for YOU!
The moment you walk through our doors, you’re greeted with a smile and a “hello” by our Member Experience Associates who are ready to show you around our Y during your first visit, get to know you, and answer any questions you may have in the future—you’re on your way to making new friends. During your tour, you’ll discover our Y is a community hub serving over 12,000 people ages 6 months and older from more than 23 towns and all walks of life. We offer a wide variety of programs and services for all ages to help fulfill the needs of the Bangor region—all while providing a fun, friendly environment where all are welcome, and friendships are made.
“TheYprovidesalandscapetogrowandlearnandmakefriendsinasafe environment. Our family is proud to support the Y because it truly does strengthen our community, and I would encourage anyone who can to join us,” says Bailey, a proud longtime Y member.
As a Bangor Region YMCA Member, you can take advantage of the 75+ fitness classes that are included with your membership and utilize our Fitness Center while getting to know other fellow members. Our fitness classes include a wide range of options, from yoga and Tai Chi to dance
Courtesy of the Bangor Region YMCA
fitness, to strength training to classes specifically designed to help older adults improve their balance, strength, mobility, and flexibility that are all taught by Certified Instructors and Personal Trainers. Our fitness classes don’t just help people stay active; our classes help people continue to do the most important activities in their lives.
Not only does our Y membership include the fitness center and classes, weight room, two swimming pools (with different water temperatures), and saunas in our locker rooms but it also includes some of our Evidence-Based programs to help support those living with clinical conditions: LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA for cancer survivors, Cardiac Disease Rehabilitation & Secondary Prevention, Arthritis/Bone Health, and our Neuro Health Program for Patients and their Care Partners living with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease, or dementia—all come free with a Y membership.
Mack, who suffered a cardiac event, is now a strong advocate for our Cardiac Rehabilitation class. “When I got to the Y, they immediately welcomed me into a real program which offered personal support in small groups. I have already begun regaining a lot of my strength, and I am on track to meet my personal goals. There are people in the class who have been attending for 20 years! They say it keeps them alive, and I know it will do wonders for me in years to come. I have met incredible people at the Y, and I love the family atmosphere, watching young kids, young families, adults, and seniors all thriving here,” says Mack.
In addition to having unlimited access to all the benefits a Y membership has to offer, this also includes an invitation to our Second Wind Social Club, a program created to help older adults connect and make new friends while taking part in fun social activities like Second Wind’s Coffee & Conversation, Mahjong, Thrilling Book Club, Scrapbooking Club, and Card Games Club, all held in the Isaac Farrar Mansion. Second Wind Social Club also hosts special events like the very popular February Love Bunch Afternoon Tea, with the help of our incredible Family Programming Coordinator, Alyssa Gutib.
All this is included in a Bangor Region YMCA Older Adults, Veteran, and First Responder Membership for $41 per month. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. As a Y, we want to help all aging adults in our community have the same opportunities regardless of their financial situation.
For more information, stop by The Bangor Region YMCA at 17 Second St. in Bangor for a tour or call us at 207-941-2808.
“I STARTED GOING to SuperSlow Zone in 2017 prior to total knee replacement surgery. I hoped to improve my results by being in better shape for my recovery. I did, indeed, have good results from my surgeries. Eventually, I got up to 175 pounds on the leg press which I think is pretty awesome with two artificial knees.
Unexpectedly, I experienced an additional benefit. The medications I take for heart problems affect my energy and stamina. After going to SuperSlow Zone for a few months, I found that my stamina improved. In fact, my cardiologist recommended I continue with the program.
Recently, I have experienced a setback with my heart. Lyn Bragdon, owner of SuperSlow Zone in Bangor, recommended a reduction in the weights on the machines to accommodate my current condition. I appreciate how carefully the staff monitors my progress and well-being. My cardiologist continues to agree with the new protocol I am now following at SuperSlow Zone.
And let’s not forget the effect of resistance training on bone health, as well as lowering rates of falls and fractures. At 79, those things are important to me.
There is a motto at SSZ: ‘Minutes a week, fit for life.’ I rarely miss a scheduled session, and if I have to miss, I reschedule so I can get in two sessions per week. As of March 1, 2024, I have been going for seven years. I plan to go for life, knowing that this program will support me through my current cardiac setback, as well as other challenges of aging. In case you haven’t already figured it out, I am a loyal fan of SuperSlow Zone.”
—SUSAN GAUDET, RETIRED TEACHER
“I AM 82 YEARS OLD and have been blessed throughout my life with very good health. Even so, I see a need to keep myself as fit as possible but have grown weary of times at the regular gym where I labor through increasingly difficult workouts which invariably end with a sweaty soreness. I finally convinced myself that there's got to be a better way.
A friend told me about his experience at SuperSlow Zone where he spends 20 minutes with oneon-one supervision on a series of machines designed to achieve and maintain fitness of all muscle groups. He doesn’t have to change into gym clothes, doesn’t sweat, is able to go right back to the office, and fulfills his intention to not become big and muscular but simply to achieve optimum muscle tone. I don’t know about you but that’s all I need!
I encourage anyone who feels like I do to check out SuperSlow Zone. You will encounter professionally trained, knowledgeable staff who really care about achieving your goals and who are really great people.”
—SHAUN DOWD, RETIRED DENTIST
earing loss is often seen as an inevitable part of aging. The American Academy of Audiology notes that age-related hearing loss is known as presbycusis. Presbycusis can develop due to a combination of variables, including changes to blood flow and the structures of the inner ear as the body ages and shifts in how the brain processes speech and sounds. Certain medications and medical issues, including diabetes and poor circulation, also can exacerbate age-related hearing loss.
Though some hearing loss as individuals grow older may be related to age, Father Time cannot bear all the blame. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, using data from the 2015-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, notes that roughly 5 percent of adults between the ages of 45 and 54 have disabling hearing loss. Such losses are unlikely to be a byproduct of aging, and more likely indicative that individual behaviors can affect the degree to which a person loses or maintains his or her hearing.
Preventive health care is vital to protecting the body long-term, and such maintenance can include steps to safeguard hearing over the long haul. The Hearing Health Foundation notes the following are some simple ways individuals can protect their hearing in the years to come.
· KEEP THE VOLUME DOWN. Listen to personal audio devices at 50 to 60 percent of maximum audio level. And heed your smartphones alerts about exceeding these levels.
· LOWER THE VOLUME THE LONGER YOU LISTEN. Prolonged listening at high volumes can be especially harmful to hearing, even at 50 to 60 percent of the maximum audio level. If you intend to
listen for a long period of time, lower the volume even further.
· TAKE LISTENING BREAKS. The HHF recommends routine listening breaks from personal audio devices. Individuals who listen to personal devices throughout a workday are urged to take breaks at least once every hour.
· WEAR OVER-THE-EAR HEADPHONES.
Choose over-the-ear, noise-cancelling headphones over earbuds. Over-the-ear headphones are more effective at creating a seal that blocks out ambient sounds, which means users are less likely to turn up the volume.
Routine hearing examinations are an effective way to monitor hearing. Make them part of your preventive health care regimen.
Apartment rental suites available now!
DO YOU EVER WONDER how your later years will turn out? Where will you be? What will you be engaged in? Sometimes, opening one door will open many others. At Avalon Village in Hampden, we believe that the simple act of choosing Avalon Village as a home community has opened many doors that our residents weren’t aware of before they moved in. Avalon Management’s philosophy of ensuring that there are ample opportunities for the community to be both physically and socially active is one way that new doors are opened. Activities such as Yoga, Tai Chi, Strong for Life, and bocce are offered on a regular basis. Walking opportunities are available across Avalon's 60 acres as well! We believe that remaining physically active, even with gentle but regular exercise, will help to ensure that folks who choose a cottage at Avalon will remain independent. The physical and emotional benefits of exercise are by now well documented and, if the benefits of exercise could be captured in pill, every American would undoubtedly be taking it. Our community encourages the active choice at every opportunity.
EVER WONDER how your later years will turn out? will you be? What will you be engaged in?
es, opening one door will op en many others. At illage in Hampden, we belie ve that the simple act of Avalon Village as a home community has opened ors that our residents weren’t aware of before they . Avalon Management’s philosophy of ensuring that ample opportunities for the community to he both y and socially active is one way that new doors are Activitie s such as Yoga, Tai Chi, Strong for Life , and e offered on a re gular basis . Walkin g opportunities able acr oss Avalon's 60 acre s as well! We believe aining physically active, even with gentle but xercise, will help to ensure that folks who choose a
The highly cited Harvard Study of Adult Development, in analyzing individuals over an eighty-year span, found that the happiest individuals were those who had
good relationships in their lives. Good relationships not only protect our bodies but also our brains. At Avalon Village we recognize that you could purchase the most exquisite home but, if the relationships within the community aren’t nurtured, the life experience will not be all that it can or should be. Accordingly, regular social events are scheduled to accommodate a wide variety of interests — monthly wine and cheese socials, ladies’ lunches, first Friday of the month dinners, pub nights, visiting speakers, as well as various other themed luncheons and dinners throughout the year.
walking paths offer many opportunities to experience the magic of the site. Many of our residents take advantage of the raised vegetable beds that are made available for any interested resident and a drive through our community will reveal the extraordinary gardening skills that many of our residents possess as Avalon Village permits individual modification of vegetative cottage plantings. Avalon Village’s pond has been designated by the National Wildlife Federation as a certi-
Participation in one of Avalon Village Owners Asso standing committee s or on the Board of Directors o chance to build and nourish qu ality relationships. A Village , our neighbors really matter!
Participation in one of Avalon Village Owners Association’s standing committees or on the Board of Directors offers the chance to build and nourish quality relationships. At Avalon Village, our neighbors really matter!
The third critical element in our community philosophy is a deep connection with nature. Avalon Village is blessed with one of the most exquisite natural settings of any retirement community in the northeast. Its central building sits on a high bluff above the Penobscot River and its sixty acres contain a spectacular stand of white pine over a hundred years old. Almost all our residents express a love for the natural world and our
Anyone wishing to open a new door and find out more about Avalon’s cottages or its apartments can call 862-5100 during the week to arrange a tour.
The third d critical element in our community philos deep connection with nature. Avalon Village is ble s one of the most exqu isite natural settings of any re community in the northeast. Its central building high bluff above the Penobscot River and its six contain a spe ctacular stand of white pine over a years old. Almost all our residents express a lov natural world and our walking paths offe opportunities to experience the magic of the site.
our residents take advantage of the raised vegetable
STORY BY RICHARD SHAW • PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICHARD SHAW & BANGOR DAILY NEWS
(Above, left to right) Bangor Grammar School class photo, circa 1925. Original Bangor High School, circa 1909. Mary Snow School fourth grade reading group in 1962, feature author Richard Shaw on the far left. (Courtesy Of Vicki Taylor McCarron)
(Left) Richard Shaw’s school photos from 1961 and 1962.
(Below) Fairmount School basement classroom, circa 1959.
When I tell people that, as a boy, I attended a brick four-room schoolhouse with slate blackboards and portraits of Lincoln and Washington on the wall, they must think I'm ready to host Antiques Roadshow. But while I admit to being a 1950s baby boomer, I'm no antique and have managed to live comfortably with memories of the 13 years I spent in the Bangor school system.
Every classroom had its own special aroma, ranging from the linseed oil that the custodians used to restore the old wooden floors to the perfumes my teachers, most of them “older” women, sprayed onto their faces. During the holiday season, real balsam fir trees, still allowed in schools back then, made the air smell like Christmas. And those hissing radiators on a cold winter morning were perfect humidifiers.
Memories are meant to be savored, so here are some happy ones. There was the day, in 1959, that my first-grade teacher at the Longfellow School installed a crisp new flag with 50 stars after the admission of Alaska and Hawaii to the union. And the morning, in 1962, at the Mary Snow School, when we fourth graders cheered astronaut John Glenn as he orbited the Earth three times.
I will admit to having trouble learning the Pledge of Allegiance since I mistook the line “for which it stands” as being “for Richard stands.” The teacher often prompted me, always known as Richard, not my later nickname of Dick, to jump to my feet and make like a patriot. I also stumbled over writing certain names with those No. 2 pencils. Eisenhower was a tough one; Nixon was a bit easier.
Sad memories are also a part of life. There was Nov. 22, 1963, the day President John F. Kennedy was felled by an assassin's bullet. Having been home sick, I always imagined what it was like hearing the tragic news with my classmates. And in the weeks leading up to my high school graduation in 1970, the Beatles broke up and four students were shot dead by National Guardsmen at Kent State University.
In the end, it is my dedicated teachers whom I remember most. Miss Carrie Rowe made third-grade learning fun. We made puppets out of Popsicle sticks and learned every state's flower. Imagine that, before laptops and TikTok had even been invented.
The World Stroke Organization notes that more than 12.2 million individuals experience stroke each year across the globe. Perhaps even more telling, the WSO reports that, globally, one in four people over age 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime.
Stroke is indeed a threat to public health. However, despite the prevalence of stroke, individuals are not helpless against it. Various risk factors for stroke are within individuals' control, and it's never too early for adults to prioritize stroke prevention. With that in mind, the following are some of the most common risk factors for stroke, courtesy of the WSO.
· ELEVATED SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE: The American Heart Association notes that an elevated systolic blood pressure means the upper number on a blood pressure reading is between 120 and 129. Systolic blood pressure measures the pressure your blood is pushing against the artery walls each time the heart beats. Individuals diagnosed with elevated systolic blood pressure are urged to discuss the ways to lower that number, as the American Stroke Association notes high blood pressure is the most significant controllable risk factor for stroke.
· HIGH BODY MASS INDEX: A 2022 study published in the journal PLOS One found that body mass index was associated with stroke risk among diabetes patients. The study found that the risk of ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot or fatty plaque blocks a blood vessel in the brain, was higher among obese patients compared to patients who are overweight or normal-weight.
· SMOKING: The WSO reports that someone who smokes 20 cigarettes a day is six times more likely to have a stroke compared to a non-smoker. One of the links between smoking and stroke risk surrounds carbon monoxide and nicotine. Smoke from cigarettes contains both carbon monoxide, which reduces the amount of oxygen in a smoker's blood, and nicotine, which makes a smoker's heart beat faster. Those variables combine to raise blood pressure, which has already been noted as a significant risk factor for stroke.
· ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION: A 2022 study published in the journal Neurology examined the link between alcohol consumption and stroke. The study found that high levels of alcohol consumption are associated with a higher risk for all types of stroke, and even moderate intake, defined as between seven to 14 drinks per week for women and seven to 21 drinks per week for men, was associated with higher risk for all types of stroke.
These are not the only common risk factors for stroke. In fact, the WSO reports high fasting glucose, air pollution, low physical activity, poor diet, high LDL (i.e., "bad") cholesterol, and kidney dysfunction are some additional common risk factors for stroke.
Though stroke affects more than 12 million individuals across the globe each year, many of its more common risk factors are manageable. More information about stroke is available at stroke.org.
Do you know the burial wishes of those closest to you? Do they know yours? As we get older, we often start thinking about how our death will affect those around us, especially our loved ones. Losing someone close to you is always traumatic, but we can help our loved ones during that difficult time by being prepared and pre-planning as much as possible. This relieves them of the stress of last-minute scrambling or trying to guess how you would like your life memorialized. Smet Monuments is proud to offer truly custom memorials for both traditional burials as well as cremation memorials designed to securely and permanently hold urns, benches and more.
Preplanning puts you in charge. It guarantees, before you die, that you will have the memorial that you want. Think of it in the same manner as you did when you planned your wedding, your vacations, your career, or life goals. The design & purchase of your memorial is a major life event for both you and your loved ones. This is something that many people only purchase once, and, if done properly, it can be one of the most meaningful gestures you make for those left behind. What better way to give the gift of love and to give you peace of mind at the same time. Smet Monuments has over 75 years of experience in the memorial field, and we are happy to assist and guide families through the process of pre-planning and pre-purchasing their memorials.
Pre-purchasing saves your loved ones from being forced into making fast decisions about your memorial, and without adding an extra cost burden onto your family. After a loss, your family will be under stress and in a state of shock, not ready to make important and expensive decisions. They may not even be fully aware of what is being discussed while making your funeral and cemetery arrangements. Pre-purchasing allows you to pay todays price, and by doing this you are avoiding inflation for the years to come. You can select what you are financially comfortable with at today’s budget, and ensure you a remembered the way you wish to be. Allow the Pre-planning experts at Smet Monuments guide you through this process by reaching out today!
You may also want to consider having your monument or memorial installed while you are still able to enjoy it. It can stand as a tribute to you and your family – your ancestors, your descendants, and your loved ones.
I have some exciting news to share with you! Woodlands Senior Living is proud to announce that we are the first Assisted Living organization to have earned the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission in the state of Maine!
Now, what does this mean?
The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval is earned by demonstrating continuous compliance with its rigorous performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality resident care. To receive this reputable accreditation, we invited surveyors from The Joint Commission’s esteemed surveyor force into each of our 10 Assisted Living and specialized Memory Care communities across the state of Maine.
While present in our communities, the surveyors observed and evaluated compliance standards focusing on resident safety and quality, while evaluating actual care
processes and technology. The Joint Commission reviewers are highly experienced Masters and PhD prepared RNs and administrators who have careers that have focused on Senior Care in the healthcare continuum. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help health care organizations measure, assess and improve performance.
After careful review, the surveyors were able to recognize that our Woodlands Senior Living organization was going above and beyond the state and federal standards in providing a safe, engaging and comfortable environment for the residents in our communities!
I am thrilled to share that after a year of diligent work by all our community leaders, direct care staff and managing members, all TEN of our Woodlands Senior Living communities have received the official Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval – The FIRST Assisted Living community in the state of Maine to do so!
While this accolade helps us to tell the story of the work that we do, it also provides us an opportunity to
confidently state that Woodlands Senior Living and our team of committed staff members, work hard to live our mission of making each day the best day possible for the residents we serve, while helping to bring peace of mind to those who love them.
I welcome you to visit any of our communities, in Brewer, Bridgton, Cape Elizabeth, Farmington, Hallowell, Lewiston, Madison, Rockland or Waterville, to experience our commitment of providing excellent service to your loved ones. For more information, visit our website at www.woodlandsmaine.com.
We are Mainers taking care of Mainers and we couldn’t be happier to share this exciting accomplishment with you!
As always — If you need us, we’re here.
Best,
Leann Sebrey, RN, MSN-NEL, CPN, RCA Chief Operating Officer
Woodlands Senior Living LLC
BY STEPHANIE BOUCHARD
All parents worry about their kids and the future, but for parents of children with special needs or certain impairments those concerns can be a huge stressor. As you get older, who will meet the specialized needs of your child?
Making advanced plans can help alleviate worries about what will happen to adult children in the event that the parent dies or is no longer able to be their caretaker.
From a financial standpoint, there are several things parents can do, says Kristy Hapworth, a trust and estate attorney with Rudman Winchell in Bangor. A special needs trust, sometimes referred to as a supplemental needs trust, is one option for parents. When drafted and administered properly, this kind of trust can allow the adult child to benefit from the trust assets while continuing to receive their means-tested public benefits, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income.
“When done properly, the assets of the trust are not counted as the recipient’s assets,” Hapworth said. “It protects the funds in a way that allows that trust to provide for things that the public benefits don’t provide for, so instead of your child having to live on the bare minimum, which is honestly at best what public benefits cover, your child can get their benefits and then the money that you leave to them can actually go
towards supporting their quality of life instead of just helping them survive.”
For adult children who are not defined as disabled by a legal authority or who do not rely on public assistance programs, but who have addictions or mental illness, a traditional spendthrift trust, which is another type of third-party trust, may be a good option, Hapworth said.
In a third-party trust, a person, such as a family member or professional fiduciary, or a group of people, or an entity such as a bank, is designated trustee to manage the funds in the trust, but the beneficiary does not have direct access to the money in the trust.
If you think you don’t need a trust for your disabled or impaired adult child because you don’t have any money, think again.
“What people might think of as a lot of money or not a lot of money may be really different from what the public benefits programs consider to be a lot of money,” Hapworth said.
For example, after your death, your adult disabled child receiving means-tested public benefits may lose those benefits if they receive money from the sale of the home you owned.
If the cost of an estate attorney is out of reach for you, there are resources, such as the Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project and Legal Services for Maine Elders, which provide legal services for free or discounted rates.
There are also a variety of free resources online that can help guide you, such as the Academy of Special Needs Planners’ Special Needs Answers website and the Arc’s Center for Future Planning website.
Some other things aging parents can do include:
• If your adult child has the capacity, have them set up a power of attorney and a healthcare directive to put in place someone who can step in and provide supportive decision-making.
• In your will, designate or nominate a successor guardian or a conservator or a representative payee for Social Security benefits.
Help alleviate your own worry and make it easier on those who may one day have to step in to help your child by being organized and having systems in place. Create documentation that collects all the information about your child’s benefits, explains all the roles that you have been playing for them, and who the contacts are at the various agencies and organizations your child relies on.
“In the event that the parent dies with that information in their head and the child doesn’t understand enough to know it,” Hapworth said, “you can do something as simple as be organized and leave the right information behind so that whoever is going to help you can do that for you.”
BY DR. RENEE MORAN, PT, DPT, CLINICAL DIRECTOR, FYZICAL THERAPY
IT’S NO SECRET that as we age, our bodies begin to change. From hair loss to muscle mass and bone density reduction, many aspects of aging are visible and well understood. However, there are several overlooked systems that deteriorate with age, including the sensory, visual, and vestibular systems. These changes can have a far greater impact on older adults than most people realize. A natural decline in these systems’ functions significantly contributes to common symptoms such as dizziness and imbalance, which, in turn, increases the risk of falls. The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, posture, and spatial orientation. It helps regulate movement and equilibrium, which are critical for daily activities like walking, standing, and even sitting. As individuals age, the functionality of the vestibular system diminishes, making it harder to stay steady on their feet. In fact, vestibular disorders are prevalent in older adults, with between 29% and 45% of people over the age of 70 experiencing some form of vestibular dysfunction. This is a significant concern, as vestibu-
lar problems often lead to dizziness, imbalance, and falls.
Statistics show that falls are a leading cause of injuryrelated hospital admissions and accidental deaths among older people. For individuals over 72 years old, 24% report dizziness, which is frequently linked to vestibular dysfunction. Despite the multifactorial nature of dizziness and falls, peripheral vestibular dysfunction remains the most common cause. Unfortunately, many older adults go undiagnosed and untreated, increasing their vulnerability to falls, which can have severe consequences on their health and independence.
At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, we understand the importance of addressing vestibular issues to reduce fall risk. Our innovative and research-backed approach to vestibular rehabilitation, combined with our unique Safety Overhead Support (SOS) System, allows us to create customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs. This comprehensive care is essential for improving balance and helping older adults regain their confidence in performing daily tasks without fear of falling.
Through state-of-the-art testing equipment, we can pinpoint the exact source of dysfunction in the vestibular system, allowing us to develop effective interventions that target the root cause of dizziness, imbalance, and fall risk. Whether it's vestibular rehabilitation therapy or fall prevention programs, FYZICAL is committed to helping older adults stay safe, active, and independent.
It’s alarming that falls are so common among the elderly, but the good news is that many of these incidents are preventable. With proper testing, diagnosis, and intervention, older adults can drastically reduce their risk of falls and continue living vibrant and fulfilling lives.
At FYZICAL, our mission is to combat this fall epidemic by offering expert care and personalized treatment to enhance the quality of life for our aging community members. We are here to help our patients love their lives by ensuring they remain healthy and safe in their everyday environments. Through education, advanced therapies, and unwavering support, we are leading the charge in “Fighting the Fall” in our community.
Agood night’s rest can be just what the body needs to feel revitalized and ready to tackle a new day. Indeed, rest is important for people of all ages, including older adults.
The National Council on Aging notes the brain needs sleep to regulate the body, restore energy and repair damage. Recognition of that is vital for aging men and women, some of whom may be more vulnerable to sleeping problems than they realize. In addition to being more vulnerable to age-related health problems that can interrupt their sleep, thus affecting its quality, aging men and women may find their sleep routines change over time. For example, a 2019 study published in the journal BMC Geriatrics found that active elderly people reported it took them longer to fall asleep as they got older.
The NCOA says it's a misconception that older adults need more sleep than younger people, noting adults of all ages require the same amount of nightly rest. However, things may change for seniors in regard to how much time they need to spend in bed. The NCOA notes this is because adults may be more likely to experience poor sleep quality and continuity. When that occurs, adults still need the recommended minimum of seven hours of nightly sleep, but they may need to spend more time in bed since it’s taking them longer to fall asleep.
It’s important that aging adults recognize that they can spend too much time sleeping as well. A 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that too much sleep is linked to the same health problems as too little sleep, issues that include an elevated risk for heart disease and falls.
Sleep issues affecting older adults also may be a byproduct of various contributing factors. The NCOA notes that frequent contributors to sleep concerns include:
· Pain that affects the back, neck, or joints
· Mental health issues, including anxiety and depression
· Neurodegenerative disorders that are more frequent among aging populations, such as dementia and Alzheimer's
· Sleep apnea or disordered breathing at night
· Restless leg syndrome, a condition that tends to worsen with age and is characterized by an urge to move limbs often
· Nocturia, a condition marked by a need to urinate at night
· Stimulating medications or medication interactions
· Decreased exposure to sunlight
· Sedentary lifestyle
Aging men and women who are experiencing difficulty sleeping should know that such issues are treatable and not something that needs to be accepted as a normal part of growing older. For example, individuals whose sleep is routinely interrupted by a need to urinate can avoid certain beverages, including alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
Sleep and healthy aging go hand in hand. Aging adults experiencing difficulty sleeping can consult their physicians and visit ncoa.org to learn more about overcoming sleep-related issues.
COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE
IF YOU’RE NOT A MEMBER of a Martin’s Point Generations Advantage plan yet, the good news is that you can be soon. With Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period coming right up, you’ll have the opportunity to join over 73,000 Maine and New Hampshire seniors who are already enjoying the quality and savings provided by these highly rated plans.
Additionally, you may not need to wait until January 1, 2025 to start your coverage. Many people experience life changes that qualify them to enroll in a Generations Advantage plan during a Medicare “Special Enrollment Period.” Turning 65, moving to a new area, or losing employer health insurance are just a few of the changes that could allow immediate enrollment.
No matter when you’re able to change your coverage, trying to sort through all the information coming your way during this busy Medicare season can feel overwhelming. Here are some key things to consider when choosing a plan:
COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE: Want an all-in-one plan? Our Medicare Advantage plans cover all the services in Original Medicare Parts A (hospital stays) and B (doctor visits) plus Part D (prescription drugs), and even more. All our plans cover emergency and urgent care worldwide.
EXTRA BENEFITS THAT GO BEYOND: Looking for dental, eyewear, hearing aids, over-the-counter items, wellness items and services, and more? Original Medicare doesn’t cover these, but Generations Advantage plans do and can save you thousands on these needed items.
PROVIDER CHOICE: Your doctors probably already participate in our wide network of over 15,000 providers that include all major health care systems in Maine and New Hampshire, including Northern Light Health. And
most of our plans also offer out-of-network flexibility.
LOCAL SERVICE: As Mainers ourselves, we deliver the kind, respectful, and caring service that you expect and deserve.
QUALITY: Medicare’s annual Star Ratings assess the quality of Medicare Advantage plans. Researching these ratings at Medicare.gov can be a good place to start. Generations Advantage’s Star Ratings are among the highest in Maine and New Hampshire year after year, including excellence for service and plan quality.
AFFORDABILITY: When considering overall costs, factor in premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and annual out-of-pocket caps. Our Medicare Advantage plans feature $0/low monthly plan premiums and copays/coinsurance, no medical or hospital deductibles, and low yearly limits on member costs.
COMMITMENT: As a local, nonprofit health care organization, our priority is to improve the health of the communities we serve. It’s this commitment to our family members, neighbors, and friends – the people who live and work beside us in Maine and New Hampshire— that makes the difference.
We invite you to discover how a Generations Advantage plan could be the best choice for your health and your budget. Learn more at MARTINSPOINT.ORG/BDN or call us today at 1-888-226-1934 (TTY: 711) if you have questions about Medicare, Generations Advantage, or how to enroll. We’re right here, waiting to lend a hand.
ALREADY A SATISFIED MEMBER? Please spread the word and refer a friend! We appreciate the privilege of serving you (and more of our neighbors) in the years ahead.
It's a well-known fact that regular exercise can help individuals lose weight, improve their mental health, and reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
Jamie Williams, CPT and Senior Fitness Specialist at Alfond Youth & Community Center (AYCC), said that exercise not only helps to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity — all of which are more common in aging adults — but it also helps with joint mobility and balance to help prevent falls.
Light weight training can help increase bone density, Williams said, which decreases with age. In addition, exercise also improves mental health.
“Mental health is improved by releasing endorphins which lower stress and improves your mood,” Williams said. “It helps improve cognitive function such as memory, attention, and coordination. It also slows cognitive decline such as Alzheimers.”
Despite all these known benefits, many adults still don’t get enough physical activity. And the older you get, the more challenging it can become.
Enter Maggie Brown.
BY WANDA CURTIS
As Wellness Director at the Waterville-based Alfond Youth & Community Center (AYCC), Brown said certain exercises can particularly benefit older adults while avoiding stress and pressure on aging knees and joints.
Recumbent bikes are excellent, Brown said, because they're good for the knees and reduce pressure on the hips, spine, and joints. Recumbent bikes feature a reclined seating position that distributes the rider's weight over a larger area, so the rider can enjoy some “zeroimpact cardio exercise.”
Brown also recommended the following exercises and words of advice.
• KNEE EXTENSIONS are simple and effective in strengthening the quad and knee area. Sit on a chair with legs bent and feet on the floor. Extend one leg from the knee until it’s straight. Then slowly bend the knee, bringing the foot back to the floor.
• KNEE FLEXIONS are good for the hamstring muscles. Stand straight up behind a chair with legs side by side and then bend one of the knees, bringing the heel to the buttocks and back to the floor.
• SIT-TO-STANDS are also beneficial exercises for older adults. Sit in a chair, then stand straight up, and sit back down. This exercise can help strengthen your core and your ability to raise up from any seat without assistance.
• BICEP CURLS can help strengthen your arms. Take a dumbbell in each hand, with arms beside you, and palms face up. Curl the arm at the elbow, bringing the weight toward yourself.
• TRICEP EXTENSIONS also help strengthen the arms. With one dumbbell in hand, hinge forward slightly at the hips. Bend the elbow of the arm with the dumbbell and make a 90 degree angle. Extend from the elbow, keeping the upper arm still until the arm is straight.
One more unexpected benefit of exercising? It’s a great way to get out of the house and meet new people. “Exercise is great for socialization, which many people lose as they get older,” Williams said. “Getting into a gym or an exercise class can improve physical health, mental health, and socialization.”
Illnesses and aging can force families to make challenging decisions regarding the health and wellbeing of people they love. Care facilities, home health aides, and other services can help improve quality of life for those people who are no longer well enough — physically or cognitively — to care for themselves. Palliative and hospice care are part of these care offerings.
Palliative care is specialized medical services for individuals living with serious illnesses. It is not designed to cure or treat the condition itself, but it is a way to manage symptoms. It is typically used in conjunction with other forms of medicine that are attempting to treat or cure the disease.
Hospice is similar to palliative care in that it is geared to enhancing quality of life. Hospice care is for people in the last phases of incurable diseases and is intended to ensure they live as fully and comfortably as possible, according to the American Cancer Society. Unlike palliative care, which accompanies traditional medical care, those who accept hospice care typically cease any other care attempting to cure the illness.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM PALLIATIVE OR HOSPICE CARE?
The National Institute on Aging says anyone living with a serious illness, such as cancer, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and heart failure, can appreciate the support palliative care provides. It is helpful at any stage of the illness, and is best started soon after diagnosis.
Hospice care is for those who are in the final stages of their illnesses. Generally, hospice services are reserved for people who are expected to live another six months or less if their illness continues to run its course.
The good news about palliative care and hospice care is that wishes are completely driven by the patient and his or her family. If the patient is incapable of making medical directives, his or her medical proxy can make changes to care wishes.
Research indicates that many times hospice care is started too late because people think it’s a form of “giving up.” However, anyone in hospice care can resume active care if they or their caregivers choose to do so.
WHAT CAN PALLIATIVE AND HOSPICE
The Mayo Clinic says that palliative and hospice care can improve symptoms such as pain, nausea or vomiting, anxiety, depression, constipation, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and trouble sleeping, among others.
Hospice care also can include spiritual and bereavement care. Hospice teams typically follow up with members of the immediate family to offer them counseling or other services.
Patients and their families decide what they want out of these care measures. Palliative care teams are separate from the patient’s medical care team that’s managing their treatment. Hospice care teams coordinate the majority of care for the patient and communicate with the patient’s medical care team.
Hospice and palliative care are considerations for people with serious conditions.
COURTESY OF THE FUNERAL CONSUMERS ALLIANCE OF MAINE • WWW.FCAMAINE.NET
WE PROVIDE INFORMATION and guidance regarding funeral and body disposition options — there are more than you think!
While we are not able to provide financial assistance, we can guide you to more affordable options for funerals and body disposition, and offer resources on preplanning. Preplanning includes: a completed advance directive, a will, and an end-of-life plan. Clearly expressing and recording what you would like for yourself – and for your loved ones – at the end of your life and after your death is one of the greatest gifts you can provide.
FCA Maine can help you get started, and offer resources and education on what you would like your end-of-life plan to be.
WE INVITE YOU TO ATTEND OUR ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING TO LEARN MORE.
at the Auburn Public Library (49 Spring St, Auburn, ME 04210) and simulcast on Zoom. Zoom link to the meeting will be posted on our website: www.FCAMaine.net.
9AM: General business meeting and election of new board members 10AM-12PM: Moderated panel discussion and Q&A
This year's panel topic:
END OF LIFE 101: THE BASICS OF WHAT TO KNOW, WHAT TO ASK, AND HOW TO PREPARE.
LEARN MORE ABOUT: Your consumer rights, for example: embalming is not required • How to plan a home funeral • Green burial and green burial options • Burial at sea • Designing your funeral or memorial experience And so much more...
You do not need to be a member to attend. However a one-time $25 donation to the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Maine provides you with a lifetime membership to our organization, and includes our seasonal newsletters, invitations to events, and educational opportunities. Your support will also better help us to help others.
If you have questions, or would like more information, please contact us at The Funeral Consumers Alliance of Maine, PO Box 622, Brunswick, ME 04011. Email: info@fcamaine.net. Phone: 207.558.1699 Website: www.FCAMaine.net
BY ANDRÉ CHASSÉ, AARP MAINE VOLUNTEER STATE PRESIDENT
ONE OF THE CORE American freedoms is the right to cast a ballot on election day, whether you’re voting for your local school board or having your say on who will run our country for the next four years. With the clock ticking down toward one of the most crucial and contentious elections in our nation’s history, now is the time for Mainers to make sure they have the information they need to make their voices heard and their votes count.
It’s a fact: Voters aged 50-plus decide elections. In 2024, that means they’ll decide who controls Congress and the White House. This powerful voting bloc, made up of people like me, wants to know what solutions the candidates are proposing on key issues that impact them and their families. If elected, what will they do to support family caregivers and protect Social Security?
AARP is mobilizing America’s more than 48 million family caregivers, including 166,000 here in Maine to fight for commonsense solutions that will save them time and money while supporting
their efforts to care for their loved ones. Family caregivers are the backbone of a broken long-term care system. They help with everything from buying groceries and managing medications to bathing and dressing – often putting their own finances and jobs at risk. Family caregivers provide more than $600 billion in unpaid labor each year, saving taxpayers billions by keeping loved ones at home and out of costly nursing homes. Maine’s family caregivers contribute more than 155 million unpaid care hours each year, valued at approximately 2.9 billion.
Family caregivers make up one in five voters. Smart candidates know that reaching these crucial voters and supporting policies that help them are essential steps on the road to victory.
Voters age 50-plus are also focused on the future of Social Security. We’ve worked hard for years and paid in, and we expect to get the money we’ve earned. If Washington doesn’t take action in about 10 years to protect and save Social Security, it
could be cut by 20%, an average of $4000 a year. For many Mainers a cut like that would be devastating. Voters 50-plus like me want to know what the candidates are proposing to protect Social Security not only for us but for our children and grandchildren as well.
As the nation’s largest organization for older Americans, AARP provides trusted up-to-date information on where, when and how to vote. We don’t tell our members or anyone else who to vote for, but we are committed to making sure all voters have the information they need to make their voices heard.
AARP Maine’s voter guide is now available online at aarp.org/mainevotes. It contains what voters of all ages need to know to cast a ballot in the 2024 general election. Several voting regulations have changed since the last election. That’s why it is so very important to know the rules here in Maine and to make a plan for casting your vote.
The stakes are very high this and every single election year. Make sure your vote counts on Nov. 5.
Make your voice heard.
Maine
Know when, where, and how to vote.
Americans 50 and over decide elections and can force action on the issues that matter most to us.
That’s why AARP Maine has collected the most up-to-date election information for you. You can find out about key voting deadlines, polling places and how to cast your ballot.
Make sure the candidates hear from you. Get the latest Maine election information at aarp.org/MaineVotes | @aarpMaine | aarp.org/ME
