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 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
Adobe Stock Photo
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.
• Investinthebestofsomething.
– Not all of us can afford the best car, the best house or the best vacation. So when thinking about something on the smaller scale, invest in the best of something. Treat yourself. Why settle for just cheese and crackers when you can get locally produced at Arethusa Farm, which has created some of the most popular cheeses in the world. Many of these varieties are available at local supermarkets. Like maple syrup? CT is dotted with specialty farms producing their own varieties. Invest in a luxurious hand soap for some aromatherapy, or splurge for the high thread count sheets. These little wins can make a difference
• 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.
Inordertomakeresolutions,wetendto havetotakestockofourcurrentstateof beingandhowwe’dliketoseeitimprove.
• Listentopodcasts– It seems like you can’t turn around without a new podcast popping up, but that’s a win for the listener, as you’re sure to find something you enjoy. Whether you pop on the headphones while walking, cleaning or driving, streaming services offer an easy search. Maybe you want educational, or old time radio, spooky stories, or just guilty pleasure crime series, there’s something for you. It gives your mind a rest and maybe a hint of nostalgia, or an escape.
• 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 activity 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
Committed To Providing Affordable Services To Our Clients
We areanon-medical Home Careagency that is recognized by the DepartmentofConsumer Protection. We offer various carelevels of support foryour belovedfamily member
Adedicated ClientCareCoordinator is part of our team and will routinely check on your loved ones to ensurethey arereceiving the right level of care.
24 Hour Live In Services And Hourlyservice both dayand night.
Caregivers areassigned to each client to assist them in thefollowing duties: Providing companionship &homemaking to the client
Personal CareAssistantassisting the clientin their daily activities such as bathing, toileting, dressing, transferring assistance in ambulation and changing every 2hours if required.
860-706-6729
prhc@proyalhomecare.com www.proyalhomecare.com
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.
Aboveall,makea resolutiontohavea happyandhealthy2025 –andmakeitabetter onethanthelast!
GETontheROAD
TO AJOURNEY THAT EXPANDSALL YOUR HORIZONS
ROAD SCHOLAR,A NOT-FOR-PROFIT
EDUCATIONALTRAVELORGANIZATION, SEEKSTOOPENMINDS OF ADULTTRAVELERS
BY SUSANSHULTZ
Travel, especiallyas we age, can sometimesseemtobemore hurdlesthanhappiness.Tryingto coordinateanunknown area, figure outthe perfectrestaurants, theright lodging andmorecan be achallenge
Then youtry to adddifferentage groups,likeafull family from age80to8,ormaybe grandparents and grandchildren,and it presents more obstacles. Howcan youvet activities that everyone will enjoy? Howwillyou navigate an area that youdon’t know that well?Where willyou eat?
Onetravelcompany,uniquelyoperating as anonprofit, hasthose questionsansweredfor you, andmore. Boston-based Road Scholarhas been theleaderineducational travel foradultssince 1975.
ABOUTROADSCHOLAR
Road Scholaroffersthousands of learning adventures, serving80-100,000 participants annually.Itisaimed for
thetravelerover50, andcaterstravelplans to one’staste, interests, physical ability, andmore. Tripscan rangefrom avirtual lecturetoalocal daytrip, to athree-month European cruise.
Theseprogramscombine travel andeducation to provideexperientiallearningopportunities featuringan extraordinaryrange of topics,formats andlocations,in nearlyevery stateinthe U.S.,nearly100 countriesand aboardships on rivers andoceansworldwide.
Thegrandparent/familyprogramsare chosen to be educational andfun.The programs must provideengaging and informativeactivitiesthatbothchildrenand grandparents will enjoy.
Travelersinput theirages, theirage groups,the type of trip they areinterestedin, andmore, andresults are provided.
In addition to grandparentand grandchildrenadventures,nearlyany kind of travel dynamicisoffered.Travelerscan go with largefamilygroups, microgroups, go as an individualpairedwithother solo travelers, or even have an educationalitineraryplanned around travelingalone
Road Scholaroffersa specificpagejustfor thesetypes of trips at roadscholar.org/ browse-collections/ grandparent/, andalso aseparatecollection fortrips designed for severalgenerations of family
SAMPLE GRANDPARENTTRIP
Onesampletripfor grandchildrenand grandparents includes “Swiss Icons: Heidi, WilliamTell&Chocolate withYourGrandchild.”
Theitinerary includes exploringthe storiesofSwitzerland— includingHeidi,and WilliamTell, afolkhero representing thestrugglefor freedom(andthe namesake of afamed overture)
“OnthisSwiss adventure, thesestories come to life for you andyourgrandchild. Delightinactivitieslikehorse carriagerides andcogwheeltrain ridesthatgiveyou a newperspective on theSwiss countryside, complete with a traditionalSwiss barbecue on theslopesofMt. Rigi,” readsthe trip description.
Another perfectdestination forgrandparentsand grandchildren is to tastehow Swisschocolate is made Travelerswillboard atrain LindtChocolate Factoryand enjoyanexpert-ledexploration of thefactory,and then learn to make theirown chocolate.
Ph ot oC redit: Al yssa Bic hunsky and Road Sc hol ar
andRoadScholar COME JOIN US FOR OUR WINTER OPENHOUSE
It is aimedfor thetravelerover50, andcaterstravelplans to one’staste, interests, physical ability, andmore. Tripscan rangefroma virtuallecture to alocal daytrip, to athree-month European cruise.
JANUARY2025
Mike DeLuca Publisher Susan Shultz Sponsored ContentProducer Jennifer VanBomel Graphic Designer
On the Cover: GettyImage
AdvertisingInformation: 203. 330.6238
301Merritt 7, Floor 1, Norwalk, CT 06851
©2023Hearst Connecticut MediaGroup
NETWORKING EVENT SEE WHA ARB Thursday January 3:00PM -5 in our lobb Join us forw appetizersa networking. Learn about independent assisted livin services.
Please RSVP Mary at 860.533 or on email mbabcock@arborsct.com by Monday,J arborsct.com 403 West Cent Manchester,C
RKING AT’SNEW ATARBORS! y, 30th 5:00PM by wine, and t our t & ng P to 0.533.2524 at @arborsct com January 27 ter Street, CT06040
Photo Credit: Alyssa Bichunsky
february is heart health month KEEPING
ACTIVE IN WINTER KEEPS YOUR HEART HEALTHY
BY SUSAN SHULTZ
While each month has a variety of themes, some are more significant than others. The themes that remind us to focus on particular areas of our health are even more critical as we age. For example, those over the age of 65 can be more at risk for heart disease or a heart attack
HEART CHANGES WITH AGE
According to the National Institute on Aging, age impacts the functionality of the heart in several ways:
• Your heart can’t beat as fast during physical activity
• Heart disease can be caused by a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries
• A stiffness or hardening of the arteries, called arteriosclerosis, can lead to high blood pressure
• Age can also cause arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat
Adobe Stock Photo
SIGNS OF HEART DISEASE
The NIA reports several signs that mean you should check in with your physician, including Pain or numbness in the shoulders, arms, or back; shortness of breath; chest pain; lightheadedness; dizziness; confusion and nausea.
EXERCISE PREVENTS HEART DISEASE
Seniors should aim for two and a half hours of moderate exercise per week, according to the Mayo Clinic
To achieve and contribute to the above, you should get regular exercise. If you have medical issues, talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen. The Surgeon General suggests two and half hours of brisk physical activity, like walking or bicycling if healthy enough. Seniors who exercise daily also have an increased life span and improved mental health, studies have shown.
The Mayo Clinic suggests seniors use what they have in the home to incorporate a regular routine during shorter days of winter Someideasinclude:
• Use cans of soup or water bottles as hand weights.
• Go from a sitting to a standing position out of a dining room chair two to three times in a row instead of just once.
• Walk up and down a hallway or large open space.
• Go up and down your stairs multiple times.
• Turn up the music and dance in your kitchen.
• Join or watch an online or video exercise class.
If you do consider going outdoors, make sure to wear appropriate footwear and don’t risk walking on ice or going out in inclement weather
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS
The Center for Disease Control suggests lifestyle and behavioral changes can lessen your risk of heart disease.
Eating healthy – Eating foods that are high in fiber and low in saturated fats and cholesterol can help keep your heart healthy. The CDC suggests eating many fresh fruits and vegetables and trying to avoid processed foods. The CDC also recommends avoiding excessive salt and sugar.
Keep a healthy weight – Along with eating healthy, the CDC recommends keeping a healthy weight. Those who are overweight or obese put more strain on their heart and blood vessels.
Minimize unhealthy habits – The CDC recommends minimizing alcohol use and urges all not to smoke. Smoking greatly increases your risk of heart disease.
Take control of your health –The CDC suggests keeping on top of whatever long-term illnesses you may have, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and more This is critical to keeping your heart healthy.
HEART MONTH IS AN OPPORTUNITY
The CDC recognizes February as American Heart Month and has an education page on its website. This page is filled with heart facts and shareable social media posts to educate yourself and/or your loved ones. There are also printable guides to manage and log your blood pressure.
Visit https://www.cdc.gov/ heart-disease for more information Statementsmadearenotmeant tooffermedicaladvicenordiagnose anycondition.
Peace of Mind
Protect your home and family from the inconvenience of apower outage with aGenerac generator
At Road Scholar, outside of flights to the destination, one price includes all of the trip’s itinerary, lodging, expert lectures, most meals and more This trip costs approximately $5,000 per adult and approximately $4,000 per child.
Road Scholar offers a specific page just
for these types of trips at roadscholar.org/ browse-collections/grandparent/, and also a separate collection for trips designed for several generations of family
HOW ROAD SCHOLAR WAS BORN
In the early 1970’s, two friends, Marty Knowlton and David Bianco, both at the University of New Hampshire at the time, were discussing Knowlton’s recent backpacking trip through Europe As they discussed, they wondered why there weren’t more educational travel opportunities for adults, especially those in retirement
The organization was initially called Elderhostel, a play on the youth hostel term, and was founded in 1975.
By 1980, gaining momentum primarily through word-of-mouth, more than 20,000 adults had experienced a learning adventure with us in all 50 states and most of Canada.
By 2010, more than 4 million adults had taken Elderhostel programs, and the organization re-branded with a new name: Road Scholar.
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
Road Scholar’s mission as a not-for-profit organization is to “inspire adults to learn, discover and travel.”
Similar to all not-for profit colleges and universities, the Road Scholar team asks for support for its mission from those who believe in it.
Donationsgotofundthebelowandmore:
• Administrative costs
• Create a breadth of programs and itineraries to appeal to all audiences
• The hiring of the most qualified experts around the world
• More than $100,000 in scholarships, especially for those who might be single or widowed and lack the financial resources for these experiences
• Caregiver grants for those who devote their lives to caring for a loved one can recharge on a learning adventure
Tolearnmore,startexploringyourown adventuresortodonate,visithttps://www. roadscholar.org/.
Road Scholar offers thousands of learning adventures, serving 80100,000 participants annually It is aimed for the traveler over 50, and caters travel plans to one’s taste, interests, physical ability, and more
LifeatTheVillageatBucklandCourtis centeredaroundmeaningfulconnections. Asweage,theunwantedeffectsofloneliness canimpactdailyliving,whichiswhyatour community,lifeisfilledwithcompassionate care,extensiveprogramming,chef-prepared meals,andassociatesthatmakeour residentsfeelathome.
The grandparent/family programs are chosen to be educational and fun. The programs must provide engaging and informative activities that both children and grandparents will enjoy.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Bichunsky and Road Scholar
Photo Credit: Alyssa Bi chunsky and Road Scholar