2024 JI Golden Years

retiring in the state?

WHICH CT TOWNS OFFER THE BEST FOR YOUR REST NEW START

By Susan Shultz

So you’re ready for retirement and need to decide where to nestle your nest egg?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a new place to live. Unlike other CT residents, the quality of the school district isn’t a factor for most retirees. This leaves your options much more varied

Whatarethefactorstoconsider?

INTERESTS

In retirement you will have more time to focus on hobbies and life passions. Connecticut offers a variety of options for those interested in the arts, golf, sports, boating, and more.

BUDGET

Are you looking to save money or are your finances freed up to spend

more? One thing to consider is your future town’s mill rate. According to ct.gov, a mill is equal to $1 of tax for each $1,000 of assessment To calculate the property tax, multiply the assessment of the property by the mill rate and divide by 1,000.

For example, a property with an assessed value of $50,000 located in a municipality with a mill rate of 20 mills would have a property tax bill of $1,000 per year. The lower the mill rate, the lower the property tax.

Another factor is the average real estate cost, or whether you choose to live in an all-inclusive retirement community.

LOCATION

Another factor to consider is

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location,location, location.Ifyou’re hoping to stay within commuting distance of NewYork, Fairfield County is your best option —but also costlier in termsofproperty value. ProximitytoMassachusetts andBostongives youthe benefits of abig city whilelivingina smaller town.

HOUSINGTYPE

With retirement on thehorizon, youmight want to simplify in terms of home maintenance. CT offers many optionsinterms of independentretirementcommunities that offer exquisitefoodand amenities like dogparks,golfcourses,spas, andmore.

RETIREMENT OPTIONS

LocatedinstunningLitchfield County,Salisbury boasts thelowest millrateinConnecticut (11mills). AccordingtoRealtor.com,the averagehomeprice in Salisbury in November was$1.2million

Thereare severalfactors to consider when choosing a newplace to live.Unlikeother CT residents, thequality of theschooldistrictisn’t afactorfor most retirees.

Salisburyalsooffersretirement communityoptions,suchasNoble House, whichoffersindependent andassistedliving.

Salisburyhas access to hiking,the AppalachianTrail,LimeRockPark, asport carracingfacility, as well as bucolicscenery anda vibrantarts community. LitchfieldCountyisalso home to many of themostpopular wineries on theCTWineTrail.

If you’re abeach bum, is the placefor you. Thetownishometo HammonasettState Park,apopular CT public beach. Theaverage home cost is less than $600,000,but if you prefer aretirementcommunity, Madisonoffersseveral.Boatowner?

Nearby Guilford andClinton offer severalmarinas.

If you’re lookingfor amore serene retirement,Connecticut’s QuietCornermight be rightfor you. Nestlednearthe Massachusetts andRhode Island borders, Putnam, Pomfret,Woodstock,Brooklyn, andKillingly/Danielson offer much to choose from in termsofeateries andthe arts.The closeproximity to Boston andRhode Island beaches offersthe best of allworlds, along with many retirement communities to choose from

If golf is your game,the opposite of theQuiet Corner might be your aim. Sherman, locatedin

CT’s northwestcorner, offersthe Club at RiverOaks, agolfcourse communityfeaturing an 18-hole, 70 pargolfcourse, aclubhouse,and otheramenities notfar from the Housatonic River. This location also offersproximity to theBerkshiresin Massachusetts.

Forthose whoseekcityliving, retiring in NewHaven mightbeyour best option.The city offersall you’d expect from athrivingcity, including avibrant arts scene, seafoodrestaurantsalong theshore,and more.It also offersseveral independentand assisted living options. According to Zillow,the averagehomecostfor NewHaven is less than $300,000.

Finally, forthose whowantto retain aproximity to NewYorkas well as asmall-townvibe, Ridgefield mightbefor you. Thetownwas awardedCT’s firstdesignatedculturaldistrictdue to itsvibrant arts community. Whetherit’svisitinga museum,catchinglivetheater,seeing oneofthe many acts that frequent theRidgefieldPlayhouse,orjust strollingalong charming Main Street,you will neverget boredin Ridgefield.

Thereare avariety of housingoptionsavailable,including charming cottages alongsmall lakesand independentand assisted living options. Ridgefield’saverage homeprice is just over $800,000,according to Zillow

Formoreinformation on planning forretirement, visitAARP’sretirement guide.

Agingcomes with avariety of legaland finan transitions. With aKKC elder law attorney side, you can help ensureeach one is as smooth possible. We’ll put our decades of experience work for you –not only helping to protect your assetsnow, but also whatyou leave foryour children and grandchildren in the future.

Aging comes with avariety of legal and financial transitions. With aKKC elder law attorney by your side, you can help ensure each one is as smooth as possible. We’ll put our decades of experience to work for you –not only helping to protect your assets now,but also what you leave for your children and grandchildren in thefuture.

Call our Estate Planning Coordinator today at 860.812.1749 to schedule an appointment.

Call our Estate Planning Coordinator today at 860.812.1749 to schedule an appointment.

the‘bucketlist’

DON’TPUT OFFYOUR WILDESTDREAMS

By SusanShultz

Inthe movie“Dead Poet’s Society,”Robin William’scharacter John Keatingurges hisyoung students to listen to thewhispersofthe dead poets, fueled by awildpassion forlife, whichare urging them on

“Carpediem,boys;seizetheday,”heechoes.

Carpediemcan certainlyapply to anystage of life,as none of us know what tomorrow maybring.Sowhy not “seizethe day?”But as oneages, thedaysbecomemore precious,and thosethoughtsbecomemorereflective

Theterm“bucket list”–which includes life achievementsthatone wantstocompletebeforethey“kick the bucket”–has become part of ourgeneral vernacular “Thiswas on my bucket list,” says afriendwho just parachuted outofaplane forthe first time or plansa cruiseinAlaska.

So,whatmay be on your bucket list?Itcan be both importantand funtoconsidersomeideas that areworthytomakethe list

LESSONS

Thosewho areolder,retired,orempty nestersmight have more sparetimeontheir hands. Nowisagreat

time to thinkabout passions youconsideredatayounger age, butwork, school,orfamilycommitments might have preventedthose from happening.

Pickingupa newhobby helpsmaintainahealthy mind andmemorybank. Thereare many optionsavailable at localseniorcenters,community centers, libraries, andadult educationprogramsoffered by municipalities in Connecticut.

Maybenow is thetimetopickupa newcraft,suchas learning to create potteryona wheel, painting,knitting, crocheting,orevenjoining ascrapbookinggroup.A scrapbookisa wonderfulway to save alifetimeofmemories, as well

Perhapsanew creative skillmight be your thing. Some assisted living locationsreportthatresidents who claimtheynever danced aday in theirlifebecomeexpert dancersinnotime. Learning amusical instrument, like guitar or piano, is also an option,orevensinging lessons. Creative writingworkshops,often availableat locallibraries,are anotheroption.

FITNESS

Anotherbucketlistideaistotakeupyogaormed-

—RobinWilliam’s “DeadPoet’sSociety”

ABy Susan Shultz

AccordingtoHarvard Medical School,one specificfoodwon’t help.The idea is to complete your diet with variousfoods that help the brain(andusually that goes hand in hand with thebody.)

Examples includeeatingalot of fruits,vegetables, legumes, and wholegrains. In addition,getting proteinformplant sourcesand fish andchoosinghealthy fats such olive oilorcanola.

AccordingtoHarvard,the followingfoods arenot just good forbrain health butalsoheart and bloodvessels:

•Green,leafy vegetables such as kale mayhelpslowcognitive decline

•Fatty fish aregoodsources of Omega-3fatty acids, whichhave been linked to lowerblood levels of beta-amyloid –the proteinthat mayformdamagingclumpsinthe brainfound in Alzheimer’sDisease

Examples of low-mercury fish includesalmon, cod, canned tuna and pollack. Otherfoods that contain omega-3for non-fish eaters include flax seeds, avocados,and walnuts.

•Berries include flavonoids,the naturalplant pigments that give berriestheir brillianthues, also help improvememory, research shows

•Tea andcoffee.The caffeine, studiesshow, improvementalacuity.Caffeine mightalsohelpsolidify newmemories, accordingtoother research.

TheAmericanAssociation of RetiredPersons (AARP) noted otherhelpful memory foodstoadd to your diet:

•Darkchocolate,inmoderation, includes antioxidants andcocoa flavanolswhich mayhelppreserve braincells as well as lowerdepression.

•Fermented foods, such as

yogurt or kimchi andsauerkraut, also canhelpastheykeepyourgut healthywhich is in direct contact with your brain.

•Turmericisaspice that is considered “superfood”for itsanti-inflammatory properties.Adding blackpepperwhenspicing with turmeric makesitsuperpowers even more effective

VITAMINS

Prevention Magazine says there arecertain vitamins to focuson when choosing your diet or supplementsthatbenefitthe brain.

Theseinclude theaforementioned Omega-3, availableinpillform. It includes anti-inflammatories and been linked to lowerthe levels of thetypeofprotein foundinthe brains of Alzheimer’spatients.

VitaminE functionsasanantioxidantinthe body,and it protects cellsfromoxidative stress,which is

considered amajor contributorto cognitivedecline.

Also beneficial areBvitamins, andfor brainhealth, in particular theB6, B12and B9.The vitamins help strengthen neurotransmitters whichare responsiblefor communication betweenthe brainand body.

VitaminC hasalwaysbeen viewed as healthy, butitalsocan serveasadeterment to brain-damaginginflammation.

SUPPLEMENTS

Thereare varied opinions on theeffectiveness of brainhealth supplements. Part of theconcern is thelackofFederal Drug &Administration’soversight.According to areportfromAARP, supplements areconsideredfood, notdrugs,so they arenot putthrough thestringent safety requirements in termsof safety andeffectiveness

TO MAKE SURE YOUR SUPPLEMENTS ARESAFE, AARP RECOMMENDS:

 Checkfor your medications’ interactions with thesupplements

 Take supplementsasper instructions

 Checkthe labeltosee if it’s approved by theU.S Pharmacopeia,ConsumerLab.com or NSFInternational Formoreinformationontheconnectionbetweenbodyhealthand brainhealth,visittheCenterforDiseaseControl’sguide.

MakeHeartHealth

WBy Susan Shultz

to be the most valuable, and outlast more superficial connections.

For Jane, suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease at age 80, her definition of a friend is evident. Her two closest childhood friends take turns sitting by her bedside, coaxing her to eat, and sharing funny memories of her as a teenager with her children

A study from the University of Michigan found that friendships in older adults translated to better functioning, whereas a lack of steady friendships may have contributed to chronic illnesses, AgeWellCT recently reported.

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new year’s resolution:

By Brandpoint

(BPT) - These days, many Americans do a lot of their shopping and charitable giving online That is why it’s important for consumers to be conscious of financial scams to protect their identities, bank accounts and monetary transactions. From check fraud and peer-to-peer digital payments (i.e., Zelle, Venmo, Paypal or CashApp) to imposters posing as representatives of banks, roughly three-quarters of Americans reported being targeted by scams last year

The Consumer Bankers Association (CBA) recommends taking the following steps to minimize the possibility of falling victim yourself:

1.Bewaryandslowdown!

Scammers sometimes send text messages or emails claiming to be a fraud alert from the app or your bank If you don’t recognize the email or phone number, you should proceed with caution. Don’t open attachments or click links from unknown sources, even if they say they are coming from your bank Like many online scams, scammers will sometimes offer products at unrealistic prices to trick consumers, so resist demands to act quickly.

2.Don’tgiveoutpersonal information.

If a text message asks you to provide any PINs, passwords, Social Security numbers, account information or any other sensitive information, it is likely a scam Banks

rarely ask for this information over the phone and will never ask for a one-time login code If you have any suspicions, hang up and immediately call your bank

3.Triple-checkpayments. And, if you are sending money over a payment app, check every number to ensure accuracy Some apps prompt senders to verify the recipient’s phone number or otherwise verify their identity. While this is important, double-check the recipient’s account information before you click send. Instant payment apps act like cash, so treat it as such.

“Fraudsters and scammers are getting more sophisticated to trick consumers out of their own money. That’s why it’s so important to be mindful before making a payment to someone, providing any personal information, and especially before giving your bank information to anyone,” CBA President and CEO Lindsey Johnson said. “Please be vigilant and encourage others to do the same.”

The Consumer Bankers Association and its membership comprising the nation’s leading consumer retail banks encourage consumers to protect their own information and money to avoid falling victim to scams and fraud. More information can be found at www.consumerbankers.com.

friends FROM PAGE 8

Aetna also reported on the benefit of friendships for older adults, saying those ties might actually lead to a longer life span Friendships can also fill voids in a different way than family can. Though familial ties are powerful, in some cases family members become more like caregivers as we age.

THE BENEFITS

• Heartdisease– Studies have shown that those who deal with loneliness are more likely to develop heart disease and/or have a stroke than those who actively socialize.

• Cognitivebenefits–Those who experience loneliness are also more likely to develop cognitive decline or dementia.

• Chronicillnesses– Loneliness can also make those who suffer from it more susceptible to lung disease, depression, and arthritis.

• Lifespan–Lonely older adults can also have a much higher rate of death and physical and mental decline.

• Emotionalwell-being–Friendships are a direct correlation to how happy and healthy one feels, according to the AARP.

MAKING FRIENDS

For those who are looking to make some new friends, it may seem like a challenge at an advanced age. But there are several suggestions out there to connect with people with similar lifestyles and interests, or even those from whom we can learn something new.

SeniorLifestyle.com offers several suggestions for making new friends over the age of 60.

• Attendreligiousservices–Joining your local church community often opens a portal to a variety of ways to socialize, whether it’s at the service itself, a social afterward, a bible study, a charity effort, a bake sale, and more

•Connectwithanactivitygroup – Facebook and the AARP are just two examples of groups that offer meet-ups for walking, birdwatching, reading, and more

• Enrollinaclass–Continuing education classes are often offered via local education systems, which are sometimes offered at a discount at local colleges Other classes could include creative outlets like beading, pottery, creative writing, or music.

• Takeupafitnessregimen–You don’t have to be full of muscles to take a fitness class. Your local YMCA or senior center will likely offer low-impact fitness classes like yoga or Pilates.

• Tryvolunteeringorgetting apart-timejob–Volunteering or working are great ways to become a more active part of your community. There is also the rewarding sense of doing good for a cause close to your heart.

Whether your friends are new or old, treasure their value and return their loyalty – for a good friend is one of the most valuable treasures we can foster in our lifetimes.

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anappforthat THE MOST USEFUL APPS FOR OLDER ADULTS

By Susan Shultz

For those of us who didn’t grow up in this new era of technology, living a virtual life takes some getting used to The pandemic called for an increased reliance on living through and on our devices. In some cases, it was the only way to stay in touch with our loved ones and up to date with the latest information during an isolated time There are many apps out there for seniors to use to stay connected in our digital world.

KEEP THE MIND MOVING

Elevate A brain training app with games designed to boost your brain activity and keep your mind sharp.

WordBrain A word game with increasingly challenging prompts that will keep your mind muscle in good shape!

BrainHQ A workout for your brain where you exercise your memory, brain speed, intelligence, navigation, and more.

KEEP THE BODY MOVING

SilverSneakers This program is available free of charge to seniors 65 and over through select Medicare plans. The app lists participating gym locations and classes, as well as online fitness tips and resources.

MyFitnessPal This app helps track your exercise and diet on a daily basis. You can log in your exercise hours and even scan food barcodes for nutrition information.

DailyYoga This app is great for staying in shape and being

motivated at home. It offers guided meditations and yoga classes for every level from beginner to expert.

STAYING IN TOUCH

FacebookandFacebookMessenger

These apps are easy to navigate and help you keep in touch with family and friends, whether right next door or on the other side of the world.

Skype Skype is a video tool that lets you talk to your friends and family via video chat

WordsWithFriends Play a virtual game with your friends and family on this app that’s similar to Scrabble

MEDICAL NEEDS

MedisafeMedication

Management

Not only does this app monitor your daily medication intake and offer reminders to take them, but it also alerts you when your prescriptions drop in price.

GoodRx This app helps seniors find the best price for needed prescriptions and offers coupons to further get the best bang for your medical buck.

BetterHelp This app offers resources for anyone who might need a mental health boost, as well as private online therapy services.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

RedPanicButton This app allows you to hit a button to alert an emergency contact that you need help or are in crisis

Whylive-in non-medical care forseniorcitizens?

By PeterDiMaria

In manyofthe situations that requirefull-time attention to aloved one, live-in aids or companions arethe most cost-beneficial option.

In this modalityofassistance, the aidmovesinwith the client forsome manydaysina row. Live-in aids areallowedtohavesome free time and sleeping hours, whichmakeit a moreaffordablenon medical home caresolution than hourly rates.

It is recommended when the client needs full assistancewith activities of daily living throughout the daybut can sleep the whole night,without requiring assistanceduring those hours. Activities of daily living arethe ones that the client must performtolive anormal life, suchasfeeding, toileting, walking, and bathing. If assistanceisneeded during the night the aid can still assist

An aid or companionshould be readytohelp when the patient doesn’t have balance or mobilitytoexecutethose activities without assistance. It is also agood option in the earlytomid-stages of memorydecline, to makesurethat the person stays safeand comfortable at home. It is not recommended to leaveanAlzheimer’s patient unattended forexample. Live-in aidsmay help avoid acrisis in the home.

When opting forlive-in aids, it is important to payattention to some details. In most cases, youwill prefer an agencythat can maintain the continuityofthe same aid fordays to weeksata time. That ensures the integrityofthe plan while avoiding aid changes that can agitatethe client,particularly when theysuffer from memoryissues.

Eventually,every live-in aid will need areplacement fora fewdays. That is crucial to avoid burnout,whichcould be riskyfor both, the client and the aid. The agencyshould be able to providethe replacement seamlessly,asmuchaspossible. Having consistency in the replacements will also help to optimizethe development adhering to the plan.

Not usingin-homeaid or companion agencies is risky

Some peopletry to makearrangements directly with apotential aid, without the mediation of the staffofthe in-home agencies, in what is usually called “private duty” aids. That can be ariskyidea.

With this sortofprivate arrangement,you maybeincurring costs youdon’t see at first.

That happens because the client willbestill responsible forpaying minimum wage, overtime, workers compensation, unemployment,and other insurance. The client may not have insurancefor damages, accidents and other liabilitylikeincome tax. The family of the patient willberesponsible formaking surethat the aid has the needed hours of rest and that these aredocumented. Theyalso will have to makesurethat the aid has thwappropriatedaysoff.

An agencywillbefully responsiblefor all aspects of the aid when alive-in is needed. They willcalculatethe overtime intothe fees, so thereare no surcharge surprises. Unlikea privatedutysituation, if the privatedutey aid becomes ill or has apersonal emergency, an agencyhas other heartfeltliveinaids ready to substitute.

The right home agencywilloffer assistanceplans that aredesigned specifically foreach individual. Each person is different and might requiredifferent levels of skill, from afew hours aweek,tofull-time attention.

Theywillalso have their aids background checkedinthe 50 states with aseven-year look back.Referenceverified and willteamwith the family to strivefor the best outcomes.

“Home Helpershas provided exceptional assistance forthe changing needs of my aging parents.”

•From1 Hour to 24/7,and Live-in Assistance

•Vetted, Background-CheckedAides

•Best of Home CareTM Provider of Choice forthe past 8Years

•Highest ReviewRatings on Google

•Quality YouCan Trust

itation. Tied with a trip to a local or remote spa, your mind and body will thank you. The AARP offers a selection of budget-friendly and senior-friendly spas throughout the United States, including in Utah and California

There are several spa resorts and day spas in Connecticut as well. If we’re talking bucket lists, you might want to pull out all the stops for your wellness journey – in that case, the stunning Water’s Edge in Westbrook is a great option.

If you want to pull out all the stops, try the Valmont Spa at the Château de la Messardière in St Tropez, France, which, according to Harper’s Bazaar, just underwent extensive renovations, offers yoga and golf, and a sweeping view of the French Riviera.

TRAVEL

Often those who have travel on their bucket list visit where one’s ancestors came from, such as the narrow streets of Italy or the rolling seaside hills of Scotland and Ireland. Maybe your motivation is rest and relaxation, for which an ocean or river cruise might do the trick.

Some may want the enjoyment of sitting beach or poolside with a margarita and a good book, or visiting exotic locales. Or maybe the grandparents want to take the whole family to Disneyworld!

The AARP offers an extensive travel guide of venues that offer member discounts, many of which are senior-friendly. Find options for airline travel, cruises, hotels, rental cars, and more

One of the deals AARP offers is a rail tour of Alaska – talk about a true bucket list option! The Last Frontier begins in Fairbanks, where a riverboat tour acquaints you with the local waterways. From Fairbanks you also board the storied rails of the Alaskan Railroad for a

ride on the Denali Star. And a trip to Trail Breaker Kennel allows you to experience one of Alaska’s favorite pastimes: dog sledding.

THE ULTIMATE

If all of the above feels run-of-themill and you feel you have already “been there, done that,” here are some other options for true, once-ina-lifetime bucket list moments. See the Northern Lights

• Feed a koala

• Take a hot air balloon ride

• Go on an African Safari

• Take a helicopter ride

• Get a tattoo

• Splurge on a high-end chef’s tasting menu

• Opt for the penthouse in your next hotel stay

• Visit the Eiffel Tower

• Snorkel the Great Barrier Reefs Formoreoptions,visitbucketlistjourney.net.

LOVED ONES

In the end, one of the most important things to put on your bucket list is to make sure you spend as much time with your loved ones whenever you get the chance. Whether its one-on-ones with grandkids making Tik Toks or getting the whole family together for a traditional family meal you haven’t had in a long time. Take family to see your childhood neighborhood if possible or write down some memories from your youth you want them to hold on to.

Revisit old traditions with old friends that time may have pushed to the wayside. Go to your college alumni game or hit the St Patrick’s Day parade. In between sky diving and cruising the Riviera, be available to share all you can with those whom you love

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apps

FROM PAGE 11

Life360— This family-tracking appallowsyourlocationtobe shared with your lovedonesand vice versaincaseofanemergency SeniorSafety This applets your family trackyou if your phone hasbeeninactive, if you’re getting maliciousspamrequests, andmore. It helpskeepyou safe andgives your lovedonespeace of mind

USEFUL TOOLS

AARP This go-toinformation appfor seniorscontainsthe latest lifestyletrends, senior celebrity interviews, informative articles, discounts, resources, andmore.

FindMyiPhone After downloadingthisapp,you’ll neverloseyourphone again. You

cantrack thelocationfromyour computer or anotherlovedone’s phone.

MagnifyingGlass+Flashlight

Theusefulnessofthese apps is obvious. Whetherathomeortrying to read amenuatarestaurant, you cankeeponreading

1Password— We allhavetrouble rememberingour variouspasswords This appkeeps allyourpasswords in onedigital wallet,soitremembers them foryou.

JUST FORFUN

Audible— Listen to your favorite booksonaudio whileyou walk, garden,orjustrelax.It’shelpful for thosewho struggle with arthritisor have vision issues as well.

Spotify— Access thousandsof your favorite songsand more on this digitalmusic app. Spotifyalsooffers

podcasts in everygenre.

OldTimeClassicalRadio Shows— Whether they’rebefore your time or not, there’snothing more enjoyablethanlistening to thesevarious vintageshows from a simplertime.

Some of theseappsare free and some requiremonthly subscriptions, butall of them canimprove your qualityoflife.

To download theapps, visitwww apple.com/app-store/ foriPhoneor play.google.com/store/apps

JANUARY2024

Mike DeLuca

Susan Shultz Sponsored

Jennifer VanBomel Graphic Designer

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new year’s resolutions

FOR A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW START

By Susan Shultz

While New Year’s resolutions are famously made in good faith but often broken (see full gyms in January rapidly trickle back to regular attendance in February), sometimes making them alone can help.

In order to make resolutions, we tend to have to take stock of our current state of being and how we’d like to see it improve That alone is a good mental health strategy. Even better is to decide what we’d want our life to look like after these changes, and then establish life changes, or resolutions, to get ourselves there.

These don’t have to be serious problems It could be as easy as switching to decaf coffee before bed. But these changes, whether big or small, might make our lives a little easier, healthier, happier, and brighter. What’s not to love?

Here some ideas to consider when plotting a list of resolutions:

• Takeiteasyonyourself– This one is not only a good idea when you’re deciding on resolutions, but one to be a resolution all on its own. Look at your list of resolutions as a draft that will continue

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to be defined and refined throughout the year It’s great to add ones you know will be hard (an exercise regimen for some, quitting smoking for others) knowing it will be a challenge. But also adding resolutions that are easy for you to do (buying paper towels at Costco to save money) can help you feel good about your accomplishments. Regardless, the world is hard enough on us all –give yourself a break.

• Investinnewsheets,new towels,andnewtoothbrushes– This may sound silly, but a new, firm toothbrush is one of the routines that starts our day. Using a new toothbrush makes us feel more invigorated and confident to start the day. Sheets are often overlooked but so important for a good night sleep. Everyone knows the sheets they prefer. Don’t just order the cheapest one at Amazon; hit up a Home Goods or TJ Maxx and test out more luxurious thread counts with discount prices Sleeping is critical to health, and the same can be said for towels. It isn’t something that is on our mind all the time, but starting off the new year with new, fluffy towels is another way to start the day fresh or the night comfortable.

• Focusonahealthregimen– It doesn’t have to be the New York City Marathon, but walking or running have a series of health benefits. Walking outdoors keeps your heart pumping, gives you fresh air, and various statistics show that those everyday walks lead to longer, healthier lives – especially over age 50.

• Trymeditation– These days, you don’t have to be part of some club or group to try meditation Thanks to the digital age, there are many apps on your phone or tablet that offer a variety of meditations or affirmations This can be especially helpful just before bed and before leaving the house in the morning. It clears your mind and helps you relax before whatever you are facing.

• Keepanotepadandpennearby–

We constantly have thoughts about a recipe our moms used to make, a song we hear on the radio we forgot about, a friend we’ve been meaning to call, and more Having a notepad and pen lets us jot these down and not put them off.

• Listentomusic– You may have records you haven’t pulled out of storage, or – if you’re tech-savvy – there are many online streaming services to create playlists according to your taste. When making dinner or reading a book, just having a pleasant soundtrack creates a relaxing vibe

• Takecareofmedicalappointments– All of us regardless of age should have a primary doctor who hopefully reminds us when it’s time for a check-up But that’s not enough. Firstly, make your general annual physical appointment depending on your health needs. In addition, all of us over 50 should be arranging for a colonoscopy; women should be visiting their gynecologist and scheduling a mammogram. We should also have our eyes checked and make sure our prescription is up to date. Make the appointments and keep the appointments.

• Makethecall– There’s always someone, whether it be friend or family, you’ve been meaning to call and catch up with. There’s never going to be the perfect day or time to do it. Just do it when you think of it.

• Treatyourself– You can’t take it with you. Obviously, all of us are in different financial situations –whether it be that specialty meal item you’ve been missing, the book you’ve been wanting to read, the pedicure you’ve been craving, that piece of jewelry or new golf club you’ve had your eye on? Treating ourselves means something different to everyone, but we should all be able to do it once in a while.

• Dothingsalone– Sometimes as we age, we don’t have as many people to socialize with all the time.

That’s OK! You can go out for dinner on your own (see previous resolution), go to the movies alone, go for a walk on the beach alone, or even go on a road trip or overseas on your own. Nothing wrong with it.

• Sortphotos–If you have your photos in a box somewhere, take a fun day, maybe with a family member, child, or grandchildren, and sort photos, noting who is in them, the year, and more It will be a lovely ac-

tivity to share memories with others and know who is preserved in these moments in time

• Quitorreduceharmfulhabits

– For some it may be sweets, wine, and even smoking or other harmful habits Most of us do too much of something that is bad for us Realistically it is hard to quiet cold turkey, but making a resolution keeps it front of mind. Think about it before you do it next time and ask yourself

if you should be

• Takeadayoff– Finally, to tie this list up with the first item, it is OK to take a day off. As Billy Joel once said in his song “Vienna:” “Slow down, you crazy child, take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while. It’s all right, you can afford to lose a day or two.” Truer words have never spoken. Certainly this doesn’t mean that we should walk away from important commitments, particularly with regard to employment. However, mental health days are real and needed If you feel overwhelmed with life, there’s nothing wrong with calling out on life – all of it. Read your favorite book, take a bubble bath, take a long walk or watch “Friday the 13th” parts one through infinity Do what makes you happy and gives you peace.

Above all, make a resolution to have a happy and healthy 2024 – and make it a better one than the last

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