JANUARY2025
RECORD-JOURNAL, BERLIN CITIZEN, CHESHIRE CITIZEN, NORTHHAVEN CITIZEN, TOWN TIMES, SOUTHINGTON& PLAINVILLE CITIZEN
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
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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
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.
resolutiontohavea happyandhealthy2025 –andmakeitabetter onethanthelast!
GETontheROAD
TO AJOURNEY THAT EXPANDSALL YOUR HORIZONS
ROAD SCHOLAR,A NOT-FOR-PROFIT
EDUCATIONALTRAVELORGANIZATION,
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
To learnmore, start exploringyourown adventures or to donate,visit https:// www.roadscholar.org/.
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
LEFT: It is aimed for the traveler over 50, and caters travel plans to one’s taste, interests, physical ability, and more Trips can range from a virtual lecture to a local
trip, to a three-month European cruise RIGHT: The grandparent/family programs are chosen to be educational and fun. The programs must provide engaging and
activities that
children and grandparents will enjoy.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Bichunsky and Road Scholar
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
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SIGNSOFHEART DISEASE
TheNIA reportsseveral signsthatmeanyou should check in with your physician, includingPainornumbnessinthe shoulders, arms,orback; shortnessofbreath; chestpain; lightheadedness; dizziness; confusionand nausea EXERCISE PREVENTS
HEARTDISEASE
Seniorsshouldaim fortwo andahalfhours of moderate exercise perweek, accordingtothe Mayo Clinic.
To achieveand contribute to theabove,you should getregular exercise.Ifyou have medicalissues, talk to your doctor before beginninganexerciseregimen.The SurgeonGeneral suggests twoand half hoursofbrisk physical activity,like walking or bicyclingifhealthy enough.Seniors whoexercise daily also have an increasedlifespanand improved mental health,studies have shown.
TheMayoClinicsuggestsseniors usewhattheyhaveinthe hometoincorporate aregular routineduringshorter days of winter.
Someideasinclude:
•Use cans of soup or waterbottles as hand weights.
•Gofromasitting to astandingpositionout of adining roomchair twotothree timesina rowinstead of just once
•Walkupand down ahallway or largeopenspace.
•Goupand down your stairs multiple times.
•Turnupthe musicand danceinyourkitchen.
•Joinorwatch an online or videoexerciseclass
If youdoconsidergoing outdoors,makesuretowearappropriatefootwearand don’triskwalking on iceorgoing out in inclementweather.
OTHERIMPROVEMENTS
TheCenterfor DiseaseControl suggests lifestyleand behavioral changescan lessen your risk of heartdisease
Eating healthy– Eating foodsthatare high in fiberand lowinsaturated fats andcholesterol canhelpkeepyourheart healthy. TheCDC suggests eating many freshfruitsand vegetablesand trying to avoidprocessed foods. TheCDC also recommends avoiding excessivesaltand sugar.
Keep ahealthy weight –Along with eating healthy, the CDCrecommendskeeping ahealthy weight.Those whoare
overweight or obeseput more strain on theirheart andblood vessels.
Minimizeunhealthy habits –The CDCrecommends minimizingalcohol useand urgesall nottosmoke.Smoking greatlyincreases your risk of heartdisease.
Take controlofyourhealth–The CDCsuggestskeeping on topofwhateverlong-term illnessesyou mayhave, includinghighblood pressure,diabetes, andmore. This is critical to keepingyourheart healthy.
HEARTMONTH IS AN OPPORTUNITY
TheCDC recognizes February as American HeartMonth andhas an educationpageonits website. This page is filled with heartfacts andshareable social mediaposts to educate yourself and/or your lovedones. Thereare also printable guides to manage andlog your bloodpressure.
Visithttps://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease formoreinformation
Statementsmadearenotmeanttooffermedicaladvicenor diagnoseanycondition.
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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
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
Life at aBenchmark communityiscentered around meaningful connections. As we age, theunwantedeffects of loneliness canimpactdaily living,which is whyatour community, life is filledwithcompassionate care,extensive programming, chefpreparedmeals,and associates that make ourresidents feel at home Schedule avisit todaytostart building lasting connectionsnow.
Road Scholar
Photo Credit: Alyssa Bichunsky and Road Scholar
Photo Credit: Alyssa Bi chunsky and Road Scholar