Active Aging Fall 2023 by Smckenna

A A NH

Havenwood Heritage Heights is a vibrant, friendly and unpretentious community on two campuses filled with resort-style amenities. Here, you’ll find an appealing selection of maintenance–free homes, including nine new cottages. The community offers an outdoor sports complex, fitness centers, indoor and outdoor pools, movie theater, Main Street and a variety of dining options. This continuing care retirement community offers accommodations for assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing should the need arise. All this in the company of friends.

in the company of friends.

‘I would never run out of ideas’

STAFF PHOTO BY JESSECA TIMMONS PoetAnn Daysurrounded booksin herRivermead cottage,whichhas been her home since 2013.

Ann Day continues photography, writing and editing through her 90s

BY JESSECA TIMMONS

Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

Thefirstthingyounoticeat AnnDay’scottageat Rivermeadisbooks–and newspapers,journals,and magazines,manyofwhich containDay’scountlessessays,articlesandpoemsfromalifetimeof writingaboutnature.Day,94,has beenwritinganaturecolumn,“Nature,”inVermont’sValleyReporter for61years,whichmakesitoneof thelongestrunningnewspaper columnsintheU.S.Dayisalsoa skilledphotographer,exhibitingher photosatRivermeadinvarious spacesinandaroundPeterborough. Framedphotographslinethewalls ofthecottage:thepristineVermont valleywhereshelivedfor60years, wildlife,flowers,andlandscapes.

“Now,Imostlytakepictures walkingaroundhere,atRivermead,”Daysays,indicatingascene ofthemainentranceatRivermead peekingthroughbushescoveredin heavysnow.“It’sverybeautiful,and differentineveryseason.”

DaycreditsthestaffandcommunityatRivermead,particularlyfitnessdirectorCarolLeger,inhelping herstayactive.Theclosureofthe Rivermeadfitnesscenterduring COVID,followedbyalongconstructionproject,wasablowtoresidents,andDayisstilltryingtobuild backtoherpreviouslevelsofactivity.Daystilldrives,exercisesregularlywithaphysicaltherapist,uses theRivermeadpool,andwalks aroundthecampusregularlywith

theaidofawalker.

“Ijustkeepgoing,”shesays.“I’ve beenverylucky.”

DaywasborninBostonin1929 andgrewuponthefamilyestatein Wayland,theoldestoffivegirls.She recallsherfathertellingherthatjust asshewasbornat6a.m.,thesun camethroughtheskylightinthe ceilingofthedeliveryroom.

“Maybethat’swhyI’vealways lovedthedawn,alwaysbeenan earlyriser,”shelaughs.

SomeofDay’searliestmemories areofwritingpoetryaboutthe worldaroundher,particularlynature.Shepublishedherfirstpoemat ageeight,whenitwonaprizeather summercamp.Day’smother,who grewupinCalifornia,wasafamous poloplayerandequestrianatatime whenfewwomenplayedpolo.Day’s father,Dr.AlanBemis,ameteorologyprofessoratMIT,wascreditedwithdiscoveringacidrainon MountWashingtonasfarbackas 1938.Herfather’sexperiencesin advocatingfortheenvironmenthad aformativeeffectonDay.Sherememberswritingapoemaboutacid rainaftervisitingMountWashingtonwithherfatherinthe 1940’s.

“Allthewaybackthen,thegovernmentwouldnotacknowledge thiswashappening,becausethe acidrainwascomingfromtheauto industryinDetroit.Theyweren’t goingtostopindustry,”Dayrecalls. “Theyhadachancetostopclimate

I’VE SAVED FOR A LIFETIME, AND NOW I COULD LOSE IT ALL?

-What if I lose my house and life savings to a nursing-home stay?

- What if after my death, my adult child divorces or dies? Will my estate transfer to their spouse? What about my grandchildren?

- What if my adult child is battling creditors or drug addiction and inherits the estate?

Don’t miss this powerful educational session with critical guidance on grandchildren’s trusts for education; trusts for children with special needs; and how the SECURE Act affects your ability to create a multi-generational legacy.

October 26

Town & Country Inn and Resort

Shelburne

October 31*

Plaistow Public Library

Plaistow

November 2

Gibson Center for Senior Services

North Conway

November 14*

Grappone Conference Center

Concord

November 15

Portsmouth Public Library

Portsmouth

Staff photo by Jesseca Timmons Ann Day in front of her Rivermead cottage and her fall flowers.

changealmostahundredyearsago, andtheydidn’t.”

AfterattendingConcord AcademyandtheShipleySchool, Daygraduatedandwenttowhat wasthenColbyJuniorCollegein NewLondon,NH(nowColbySawyerCollege).Anavidskier,Day thenmettheloveofherlife,Frank Day,whoranthecollegeskiprogram.

“Wemarried10daysaftergraduation,andFrank’sauntgaveusa trailerasagraduationpresent,and wewentandlivedinit,”Day laughed.“Noonehadtrailersthen itwasoneofthefirstones.You hadtoshowersittingdownonthe toiletseat,andweabsolutelyloved it.”

Theirfirstwintertogether,Ann andFrankworkedasskiinstructors, andinthesummer,theyparked theirtrailerandworkedatJustin Brande’sorganicfarminCornwall, VT.Brande,apioneerinorganic farmingandsustainableagriculture, madeanindelibleimpactonthe youngcouple:theydecidedtobecomefarmers.Frankenrolledinthe EssexAgriculturalSchoolinMassachusetts.

“Frankcamefromaveryproper Bostonfamily.Hisfatherrodethe

speaktothestaffwhopreparedthe mealsandserved.

“FrankandIalwayswentinthe kitchenandtalkedtobutlerandthe cookwhenhisparentsweren’t looking,”shesaid.

trainintothestockexchange everydayandwasabanker. Frankknewhedidn’twantto dothat…hewantedatotally differentlife.Weknewwe wantedtofarm,tobeasclosetona tureandtheoutdoorsaswecould, andtoraiseourfamilythatway,” Daysaid.

recalledthatwhenthey wouldvisittheDayhomein Newton,theywerenotpermittedto

AfterFrankgradatedfromEssex AgriculturalSchoolin1957,the couplepurchasedKnollFarm CountryInn,asprawlingantique farmhouseoverlookingtheMad RiverValley.Withinafewyears, theDayshadtheirownherdof Highlandcattle,astableofhorses, gardens,orchards,andlivestock, whichprovidedfoodforthe kitchen.Anncooked fortheguests,led trailridesandnature walks,andlooked afterthehorses,as wellcaringfortheir twochildren,Alanand Deborah.Eachyear,as manyas300guests fromallovertheworld cametoKnollFarmto enjoyVermont’sunspoiledscenery,the farm-grownfood,and AnnandFrank’sintensive naturewalks,wherethey taughtguestsaboutthe ecology,wildlife,andbotanyofthe localenvironment.Evenwiththe

Courtesy photos by Ann Day

A photographby AnnDay ofone of her Highland cattle overlookingKnoll Farmandthe Mad River Valley.

RIGHT: A postcard of Ann and Frank Day’s Knoll Farm Country Inn in Fayston, VT.

hardworkofrunninganinn,afarm, andafamily, Annalwaysfound timetowrite,publishingessaysand poemsatpublicationsthroughout NewEngland. She joinedapoetry groupinWaitsfieldVermont,as wellastheVermontPoetrySociety, ofwhichsheisnowthelongestparticipatingmember.

WhenAnnwasjust41,Frank, whohadstruggledwithmental healthhiswholelife,diedofself-inflictedwounds.Hewas49years old.

“Iprobablywrotemybestpoems afterFrank’sdeath,”Annsaid. “Everyloss,Ihavewrittenpoems.”

ManyofAnn’spoemsarecollectedinabook,PoetryJournalfor theSeasons, publishedin2006,and theValleyReporterpublisheda bookofherselectednatureessays, TheNatureofThings, in2014.She hasalsobeenpublishedinTime Magazine, TheBurlingtonFree Press,VermontLife,SmokyQuartz, andNewEnglandMemories.In 2021,shewasafeaturedpoetin “WritingTheLand”,anonlinecollaborationofpoetsandthelandby NatureCulture.

Annhasexperiencedmanylosses inherlonglife,includingalosslate inpregnancy.Hersecondhusband alsodiedtragically,andherson,

Alan,diedofpancreaticcancerat just54yearsold.Afewyearslater, Ann’sdaughter,Deborah,wasalso diagnosedwithpancreaticcancer, butisnowhealthyafteraggressive treatment.Morerecently,oneof hergranddaughterswaswidowed withyoungchildren.

Whenaskedhowitwaspossible thatbothherchildrencouldget pancreaticcancer,Annshrugs.

“Whoknows.Theygrewupinthe mostnatural,beautifulenvironment.Therewasnopollution,we grewallourownfood.Theywere alwaysoutside,allyearlong.They sleddeddownthebusstop,they skied…itwasparadise,really.”

Nearly70yearslater,Annstruggleswiththelongtermeffectsof polio,whichshecontractedwhen shewaspregnantwithherson, Alan.

“Iwasnumbfromthewaistdown whenIgavebirthtoAlan,”Annrecalls.“Itstayedinmylegs,myfeet. ButIjusthadtokeepgoing the farm,thecooking,competivetrails rides,allofit.”

Ann’slatesonAlanDaywasapoliticalactivistwhowas involvedin protestingthewarinNicaraguain the1980’s.Annmadeeighttripsto Nicaraguaherself,protestingthe war.Shekeptrunningtheguest

farmfordecadesafterlosingher secondhusband,untilshemovedto Rivermeadin2013.Today,Knoll FarmcontinuestheDay’slegacyas a“spaceforrenewalandretreat.”

AftermovingtoPeterboroughin 2013,AnnjoinedtheNewHampshirePoetrySocietyandtheboard oftheMonadnockWritersGroup. Shekeptwritinghercolumnforthe ValleyReporter,andisontheboard ofRivermedia,Rivermead’sliterary magazine.Shehasalsocontinued herpoliticalactivism,gettinginvolvedineffortstocurtailsomeof theconstructionatRivermead.

“Istillhaveideasforthenature column,butmyeyesaresobadI can’twritethenewonesanymore,” Annsays.“SoI’meditingsomeof theoldonesandsendingthosein.I have60yearsworth.ButIwould neverrunoutofideas.Getting peopletolovenature,toappreciate it,andtounderstandit...that’sbeen mylife’swork.”

WhenIleftAnnfortheafternoon,shewasreadyingherwalker tomakethelong,uphillwalkfrom hercottagetothediningroomall thewayacrosstheRivermead campus.

“No,Idon’tneedaride,”shesaid. “It’sabeautifulday,andIwantto appreciateit.Aren’twelucky?”

“The Conqueror,” a poem by Ann Day, originally published in The Valley Reporter. Daysays sheis writingless these days,but continuestake photographs around her home at Rivermead in Peterborough.

Staff photo by Jesseca Timmons

Wills and revocable trusts

Tips for drafting your estate plan

By STEPHANIE THOMSON Upton & Hatfield

Haveyouthoughtaboutwhat willhappentoyourestate uponyourpassing?Ifyoudo nothaveawill,orotherappropriate estateplanningdocumentsinplace beforeyoudie,yourassetswillbe distributedaccordingtothelawof intestatesuccessioninthestatein whichyouliveatthetimeofyour death.Donotassumethatthelaws ofintestatesuccessionwillreflect yourwishes-veryoften,theydo not.

Twocommonoptionsforestate plansareaLastWillandTestament andaRevocableTrust,whichare describedindetailbelow.

LastWillandTestament:ALast WillandTestamentwilltransfer propertyownedbyyouatyour deathbyuseoftheprobatetransfer

process.HavingaLastWillandTestamentwillhelpensurethatyour assetsaredistributedinthemanner youintendfollowingyourdeath.

Thewillmayincludethenominationofaguardiantoberesponsible foraminor’sorincapacitatedheir’s personalcareand/orassets.

Thewillmayincludeatestamentarytrustforminorsorincapacitatedheirstomanageassetsafter death,andcontrolanddeferdistributionofassets.

Forsomepeople,havingatrust maynotbenecessaryandasimple willisanappropriatechoice.For others,awillandoneormoretrusts maybebeneficial.

RevocableTrust:Togetherwith

appropriatesupportingandfunding documents,arevocabletrustavoids thecostandtimedelaysassociated withprobateadministrationfollowingyourdeath.

Thetrustpreservesprivacyinthe administrationofthetrustfollowingyourdeath.

Inordertoavoidprobate,the trustmustbefundedduringyour lifetimebychangingthetitleon mostofyourassets(bankandinvestmentaccounts,personalproperty,andrealestateforexample) fromyourindividualnametothe nameofyourrevocabletrust.

Income,dividends,gains,and losseswillcontinuetobereported onyourindividualtaxreturnwhile

youareliving.

Itisimportanttotransferthetitle torealestatelocatedinanother statetoyourtrust(ortoalimitedliabilitycompanyorfamilylimited partnership)inordertoavoidprobatebeingrequiredinanother state.

Ifyouownabusiness,discuss withyourprofessionaladvisor whetheryoushouldtransferyour businessownershiptoyourtrust.

Ifyouaremarried,discusswith yourprofessionaladvisorwhether youshouldhaveajointtrustwith yourspouseorwhetheryouand yourspouseshouldhaveseparate trustsforestatetaxplanning,creditorprotection,orotherreasons suchasprotectingchildrenfroma priormarriageorensuringcontinuationofafamilybusiness.

Beforemakinganydecisions,itis importanttoremembertoconsult yourestateplanningattorneyor professionaltohelpdeterminewhat document(s)arerightforyouand yourestate.

ACCESSIBLE LANDLINE AND MOBILE PHONES

FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Future In Sight is working on behalf of the Governor’s Commission on Disability to offer the NH Telecommunications Equipment Assistance Program (NH-TEAP) to individuals with a disability such as vision loss, hearing loss or challenges to speech and mobility.

We can help you acquire an accessible landline OR mobile phone PLUS provide you training on how to use it. Phones are available at a discount to those who qualify for the program based on their disability. Depending on household income, the cost of the phone may be fully covered.

If you or your loved one could benefit from having an accessible telephone, contact Future In Sight at 603-224-4039 or Services@FutureInSight.org. For more info on the program, visit www.FutureInSight.org/TEAP

The keys to aging well––––––

Forming connections with peers and other generations is important for mental health

By LISA CHALLENDER Granite VNA

Ithasbeenwidelyreportedthat, betweentheyears2010and 2020,thenumberofpeopleages 65andoverintheUnitedStateshas grownrapidly.In2020thisgroup representedalmost17%ofthetotal U.S.population.Thisincreaseisexpectedtocontinue.Theincreasing numberofpeopleage65yearsand overhassparkedconversationasto whatitmeanstoagewell.

Ashumans,wearemadeupofa body,mind,andspirit.Totrulyage wellistobalancetheseaspectsof ourselves.Ifwefocusonlyondiet andexercise,wewillbemissingout onsomuchofthehumanexperience.Inuniquewayswealllongfor connection.Wehaveadesireto knowthatwemakeadifferencein theworld.Oneofthewayswecan connectandmakeadifferenceis withthegiftofourtime.Bysharing thisgiftwithothers,weexperience anurturingofmindandspiritAND bodyaswell!

Didyouknowthatpeoplewho volunteerfor200hoursormorea yeararelesslikelytodevelophigh bloodpressureandaremorelikely toenjoypsychologicalwell-being? Volunteeringnotonlyreduces

stressbutalsocanincrease longevity.Whenweshiftourfocus toservingotherswecanexperience improvedmoodandself-esteem.

Therearemanywaysyoucanengageinyourcommunity.Communitycanbeeveryonefromyour family,friends,andneighborsto yourtown,faithcommunity,and evenstrangers.Eachoneofushas thecapabilitytoconnectwithour community.Thekeyistofindthe waysthatresonatewithyouand giveyoujoy!

Small, Random Acts of Kindness

Thegoodnewsisthatwecanall dothisnomatterourage!Haveyou everbeentherecipientofasmall actofkindness?Howdiditmake youfeel?Haveyoueverperformed oneforsomeoneelse?Asimple computersearchwillyieldmany ideastotryout.Somepopularideas include-payingthetollforthe personbehindyou,lettingsomeone goinfrontofyouinlineatthegrocerystorewhentheyonlyhavea fewitems,orleavingrocksdecoratedwithencouragingwordsfor otherstofind.Becareful-thistype ofgivingcanbequitecontagious andaddictive!

Engaging Across Generations

Weliveinafastpacedandeverchangingworld.Itcanbeeasyto forgoopportunitiestogatherasa communityandsharestoriesacross generations.Oneofthegiftsofthe COVIDpandemicmaybethatmany grandparentshelpedgrandchildren withhomeschoolingandother typesofcarewhiletheirparents worked.Youngerpeoplecheckedin onolderadultsorranerrandsso thesevulnerablepeopledidnot havetogooutandbeexposedtothe virus.Thesegiftsoftimeallowed forconversations,sharingof wisdom,andanincreaseinmutual understandingandrespectbetween generations.Asweconsiderhow wemightagewell,letuslookfor moreopportunitiestoengageintergenerationally.

Being or Helping a Caregiver

Asahospicevolunteercoordinator,Iwitnessdailythebenefitsof caregiverrespite.Caregivingisa hardjob.Itissoimportantforthe caregivertohaveachancetotake timeawayfromtheircaregiving roleandre-filltheircupwithsome

Get Involved in Community Service

Therearesomanyopportunities togetinvolvedincommunityservice–localandnational,inperson orremote.Olderadultstendtohave moretimetogiveandareabletobecomeinvolvedinthistypeofcommunityengagement.Theyareable tosharetheirskills,lifeexperiences,orlearnnewskills.Ifyouare someonewhohastimetogiveand notsurewheretobegin,youcan visitvolunteermatch.orgtoview volunteeropportunitiesinyour area.

Ifwearefortunate–wewillcontinuetoage. Thequestionis–what willwedotoincreaseourchances ofagingwell?Equippedwith knowledgeofhowtonurtureour bodies,minds,andspiritswecan experiencegoodhealth,connection,andjoy!

Challender,MBA,MSW,isa volunteercoordinatorwithGranite VNA,ahomehealth,hospice,and communitywellnessagencythat serves82communitiesinNew Hampshire.

Compassionate Cremation Services

Lisa

pixabay.com

One of the gifts of the pandemic may be that many grandparents helped with caretaking of grandchildren while their parents worked.

Social isolation is dangerous

By OWEN HOUGHTON Monadnock at Home

“Wellnessismorethanbeingfreefromillness;it isadynamicprocessofchangeandgrowth.Itisa stateofcompletephysical,mentalandsocialwellbeingandnotmerelytheabsenceofdiseaseorinfirmity.”–WorldHealthOrganization

Activeagingisbeingcelebratedtopromote emotionalwell-beingsoessentialtothe qualityofagoodlife,increasinglythreatenedbylonelinessandisolation. Arecentmajor reportfromSurgeonGeneralVivekMurthy highlightedAmerica’sepidemicofsocialisolationandtheimpactofmentaldisorderswhich plagueoneinfiveadultsinthiscountry.

MeetingwithsixotherformersurgeonsgeneralatDartmouthinlateSeptember,hiscallwas toincreaseservicesforthementalhealthcrisis. EvenbeforetheCOVID-19pandemic,abouthalf ofU.S.adultsreportedexperiencingmeasurable levelsofloneliness.Youngerpeople,ages18to 24,arealsoreportingfeelinglonely. Weshouldallbeawareofthephysicalconse-

AnewdocumentaryattheMonadnockInternationalFilmFestival(MONIFF),“JoinorDie,” premieredOct.1atTheParkTheatre.This JonathanDanielsAwardwinnercomesoutjust intimetosupportthesurgeongeneral. Perhaps itcanhelptochangeoursocialhabitsand strengthenour“civicbackbone”forthegoodof ourdemocracy.

Lonelinesscanbelife-threatening,withthe absenceofsocialinteractionincreasingtherisk forprematuredeath.Withadocumented29% increasedriskofheartdisease,a32%increased riskofstrokeanda50%increasedriskofdevelopingdementiaforolderadults,thecalltoreducesocialisolationisobvious.

quencesofpoorconnectionswithothers,referredtoas“socialisolation”byRobertPutnam ofJaffrey,notedforhiswarningaboutisolation fromgroupsandtheconsequencesofavoiding socialinteractioninhis2000study“Bowling Alone.”

Itisnowamentalhealthcrisis,withdrugoverdosesatanall-timehigh,healthdisordersfrom substanceabuse,militaryPTSDanddysfunctionalfamiliesaddingtothegrowingconcerns. Manyofusbelievethatouruseoftechnology takesawayfromhumancontact–itisstilleasier toZoomintoameetingthantraveltomeetwith groups.WeorderfromAmazonratherthanshop instores.

Manychangesinjectingsocialisolationinto ourdailyliveshaveemergedinthisCOVID era.WhenMonadnockCommunityHospitalannounceditsdecisiontoclosetheBondWellness Center’smembership-basedfitnessprogram,

JOSE LUIS MAGANA/ AP file

U.S.SurgeonGen.Dr. VivekMurthytestifiesbefore the Senate on June 8, 2023.

Idon’tthinktheywereawareofthe impactonmembers’mentalhealth.

Asmanyconversationswith formerworkoutcompanionshave revealed,thesocialinteractioncoupledwithexercisewastheantidote toloneliness.“Wellness,”asthe buildingwasnamed,wasmorethan aswimorrunningonthetreadmill. Itwasironicallyindeedbondingfor wellness,asthenamepromised.

Therewasasenseofloss,almost grief,inthoseconversationsasthey recognizedhowmuchthemedical worldhadchangedsincethataction.Doctor/patientrelationships movingtowardcomputercommunication,staffingproblemsresultinginconfusingvoicemessages, callbacksbeingdelayedandnumerousstoriesofdespairweredescribed.

Imetseveraloftheseformer workoutbuddiesatthe“JoinorDie” video,whereaquestionwasraised aboutthemakeupofsuchconnectinggroups:“Whereisthediversitythatwillchangethedivision inoursociety?”Itneveroccurredto methatmyBondWellnesscontacts wereallfolkslikeme.Therewasremarkablediversitybecauseofour singularwellnesspurpose.

Ifabondbetweenpeopleisa strongfeelingoffriendshipor

sharedbeliefs.Myconnectionsto folksfromallwalksoflifehad nothingtodowithpolitics,ethnicity,sexualpreference,occupationsorsocialstatus.Ourcommonalitywasgenuinehumanconnectionandpersonalwellness. Isisolationdangerous? Knowing thatitcanbe,letusadvocate forsimplecommon-sensestrategies togetpeoplebackintoold-fashionedpatternslikeeatingmealstogetheratafamilydinnertable, holdingpartieswithneighborsofall persuasionsandvolunteeringto helponeanotherout.Todogood andfeelgoodforthecommon good!

Whatwillourdemocracybecome ifwedonotreturntosomeearlier valuesofsocialconnectionwhich madeusstrong?Civicactivities buildcommongoodandimprove personalmental,physicalandspiritualwellness.Beanactiveagerenjoyitandbenefit!

OwenR.HoughtonlivesinJaffrey andisanagingwellnesseducatorand retiredgeriatriccaremanager.Heisa memberofMonadnockatHomeand anadvocateforcivicengagementand long-term-careplanning.Readers maycontacthimatnohoughton@ myfairpoint.net

Fine Feather Healing Arts Center

Acupuncture & Massage Therapy

Our priority is to get you functioning at optimum health. We are a full service holistic health clinic that offers customized Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Massage Therapy to help you enjoy a full and pain free life.

Acupuncture is an effective form of medical treatment that is a complete holistic healthcare system. This non invasive treatment has helped millions of people become well and stay well. Acupuncture is recognized by leading national and international health organizations to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems including

Arthritis

Knee pain

Hypertension

Stroke

Neuropathy

Digestive Disorders

Mental & Emotional Wellness and more

Veterans did you know that you are eligible for free acupuncture? Now excepting new patients through VA Health Care

603-933-1577 www.finefeatherhealingarts.com

THE GRANITE YMCA’S HEALTH INTERVENTION PROGRAMS

As a leader in preventative health care, The Granite YMCA offers a broad range of research-based programs that target specific health issues. All of our programs are people-centric and are designed to help each individual reach a personal best. In-person & virtual options available.

MANAGING YOUR DIABETES

YMCA’s Diabetes Self-Management Education & Support Program consists of one-hour weekly conversation map classes. The program covers detailed information on nutrition, exercise, monitoring, medications, community resources, and stress management.

REDEFINE YOUR HEALTH

The Granite YMCA is a Medicare DiabetesProgramPrevention (MDPP).provider

YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program focuses on small, measurable, reasonable goals to give participants confidence they can make the necessary changes to reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes and live healthier lives.

TAKE ACTION TO IMPROVE YOUR HEART HEALTH

YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program is designed to help adults with hypertension lower and manage their blood pressure. The program focuses on regular self-monitoring blood pressure over 16 weeks using proper measuring techniques.

OUR STRATEGY, YOUR STRENGTH

Mood Lifters is an evidence-based mental wellness program in which you will learn scientifically validated strategies in a supportive group setting. Participants will learn the most effective strategies to manage life—no matter the curve balls life may throw at you.

To learn more, please contact Cindy Lafond, Executive Director of Health Interventions, at 603.232.8668 or health@graniteymca.org. The Granite

By CHRIS HAGUE LINEC

WEmbracing new ideas

hatdoseniorlearnersdo whentheoldwaysdon’t workwell?Innovate.The LearningInstituteofNewEngland College(LINEC)isinits34thyear, andit’smakingchangestokeepup withthetimes.

TiesbetweenLINECandthecollegearestrengthening.Incoming NewEnglandCollegePresidentDr. WayneLesperance,Jr.,andProfessorEricSimon,LINECinstructor andliaisontoNEChaveofferedcreativewaystosupportLINEC.Broad outreachtoNECalumnaethrough thecollege’sAdvancementOffice willpromoteLINECclassesin personforthosewhoremaininthe areaandelectronicallyforothers.

AfterCovidrestrictionslifted, manygroupsfoundtheirnumbers diminished.ForLINEC,thismeant fewerlearnersandlessvolunteer support.Ideasgeneratedbyadhoc discussionsamongseniorlearning

twoinstitutesintheregionareunderwayforspring.Thisisoneway toexpandLINEC’sreach.

TheLearninginRetirementdiscussionscontinuemonthly.With enthusiasticparticipation,moreinnovationcanbeanticipatedwhen LINEC’sApril2024sessionbegins.

LINECiscurrentlyoffering“The AscentofMoney:AFinancialHistoryoftheWorld”inthelateafternoonwhencollegeclassroomsare notinusebyNECstudents.Anotherlateafternooncourse,“GeneticallyModifiedOrganisms,”ison Zoom.Thesenewclasstimeswill becontinuediftheyaresuccessful.

institutesintheregionaimatengagingnewmembers.Thisdiscussiongroup,LearninginRetirement,

bringstogethermanyinstitutes withsimilarconcerns.Planstooffer atrialZoomclasssharedbetween

Today’sseniorlearnersaren’t saying,“becausewe’vealwaysdone itthisway.”Tosustainavaluededucationalandsocialresourceforthe townsaroundHenniker,they’relisteningtothebestideasfromallgenerations,andtryingthemout.The results?Seelinec.orgnow,andlook againnextMarchformoreinnovationsinthespringsession.

Trusts, Estates, and Probate Administration

Our experienced attorneys help individuals, families and business owners achieve their wealth management goals and the preservation and transfer of assets to future generations. Through comprehensive estate planning and active interaction with our clients’ financial advisors, our attorneys identify needs and implement flexible strategies designed to fulfill our clients’ objectives. We regularly accept clients by referral.

Courtesy

Eric Simon to a Mayan site in Belize.

Jeanne S. Saffan

Laura M. Dudziak

“It started out as a normal outing. My wife and I had to run to the grocery store. We were driving down the road casually going over our shopping list when the car ahead of me started to slow down anticipating the yellow light. I started to move my foot from the gas to the brake as any normal person would do when they see brake lights in front of them, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t feel my foot. The car kept moving forward and I just couldn’t get my foot on the brake and CRUNCH! I finally came to a stop when I hit the Car in front of me.”

This tragic story was shared with us by Mike S., a New Hampshire resident who has Peripheral Neuropathy. While no one was hurt in this accident, Mike S. had suffered almost every day of his life with tingling and burning in his feet until numbness set in, and he could no longer feel even the brake pedal beneath his foot.

“The first stage is pain.” Shares Dr. Kristen Markwith of Trend Acupuncture & Integrative

That’s where Dr. Markwith and her staff at Trend come in. “About 80% of our current patients come to us suffering from the same condition as Mike,” tells Dr. Markwith. “They’re in constant pain from neuropathy and it prevents them from not only living their lives but more importantly, it prevents them from enjoying it. Depending on the severity of their nerve damage, we typically see tremendous progress in 3-4 months of treatment. I like to say we’re in the business of making your golden years golden.”

“I can’t lie,” confides Mike. “I was skeptical at first. So many specialists told me there was nothing that could be done and then there’s a doctor right here in Concord tells me she can help. Turns out she was right! About three months after treatment I was able to confidently drive myself to my appointments! My wife and I celebrated by buying ourselves a new car. It’s hard to put into words how incredible this is, quite frankly [Dr. Kristen] gave me my life back.”

“SHE GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK.”

Local clinic has a modern, medical solution to treat your Peripheral Neuropathy And is seeing incredible

Medicine. “You feel burning, tingling, sharp pains, or you feel like you’re walking on tacks or marbles. This pain eventually subsides and the numbness sets in. Unfortunately, the numbness brings with it a whole other host of problems.”

This was the case with Mike. “I said I wasn’t going to drive again. What if that had been a pedestrian?”

It is terribly common that peripheral neuropathy and its debilitating symptoms interfere with a person’s ability to live their life. Mike was now reliant on his wife to drive him around, even the simple pleasure of cruising downtown or taking her to dinner was outside his capabilities. And even more common, Mike’s general practitioner and several specialists told him there was nothing they could do other than to prescribe him pills that would ease the pain of his neuropathy.

results!

While Trend Acupuncture & Integrative

Medicine specializes in acupuncture and it’s definitely part of their protocols in treating neuropathy, the real secret is in a more modern medical solution called ATP Resonance BioTherapy™. “This technology was originally developed by NASA to expedite healing and recovery,” shares Mikayla, Director of Patient Care at the clinic. “It’s like watering a plant. ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ stimulates the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerve and provide them the proper nutrients to heal and repair.”

If you’re ready to schedule a complimentary consultation, call (603) 456-8294 and a care coordinator will be happy to assist you. You can learn more about Dr. Markwith and Trend by visiting www.trendacupuncture.com.

difficult to treat cases and chronic autoimmune disorders, neurological peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral Neuropathy is the pain, discomfort and numbness caused by nerve damage of the peripheral nervous system. Dawn explained that daily tasks like opening doors and using the bathroom were overwhelmingly painful.

“How can you live for the next 30 years when you don’t even want to get out of bed and do simple things?”

She was experiencing the burning, numbness, tingling and sharp pains that those suffering with neuropathy often describe. “The way I would describe it, it’s equivalent to walking on glass.”

Dawn hadn’t worn socks in five years and was wearing shoes two sizes too big so that nothing would ‘touch’ her feet.

Unfortunately, Dawn’s story is all too familiar for the over 3 million people in the U.S. suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy.

and a technology originally developed by NASA that assists in increasing blood flow and expediting recovery and healing to treat the debilitating disease.

“Now when I go to bed at night I don’t have those shooting pains. I don’t have that burning sensation. I don’t have pain coming up my legs,” Dawn enthusiastically describes life after receiving Dr. Kristen’s treatments. “I can wear socks and shoes!”

Dawn and her sister now operate a successful dog walking business, sometimes covering up to 5 miles a day.

“It’s life altering. As far as I’m concerned Dr. Kristen saved my life!”

Dr. Kristen Markwith has been helping the senior community for over 10 years using the most cutting edge innovative integrative medicine. Specializing in chronic pain cases, specifically those 456-8294 or (603) 715-5807 a consultation!

“My feet and legs were extremely painful and my doctor told me there was nothing they could do. That I would have to take Gabapentin for the rest of my life.”

“SHE SAVED MY LIFE”

If you’re unfortunate enough to be facing the same disheartening prognosis, you’re not sleeping at night because of the burning in your feet. You have difficulty walking, shopping or doing any activity for more than 30 minutes because of the pain. You’re struggling with balance and living in fear that you might fall. Your doctor told you to, ‘just live with the pain’ and you’re taking medications that aren’t working or have uncomfortable side effects.

Fortunately, four months ago Dawn read an article about Dr. Kristen Markwith, Licensed Acupuncturist, and the work she was doing to treat those suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy, without invasive surgeries or medications.

Dr. Kristen Markwith, founder of Trend Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine in Concord, NH., is using the time tested science of Acupuncture

that have been deemed ‘hopeless’ or ‘untreatable,’ she consistently generates unparalleled results.

What was once a missing link in senior healthcare is now easily accessible to the residents in and around Concord.

If you’ve missed too many tee times because of pain or you passed on dancing the shag down on Main Street because you are afraid of falling, it’s time to call Dr. Kristen Markwith and the staff at Trend.

It’s time you let your golden years be GOLDEN!

Dr. Kristen Markwith once again accepting new patients but only for a limited time. In an effort to protect her patients, both current and future, she has made the difficult decision to limit the number of patients seen in her clinic. Limited new neuropathy patients will be accepted so call now to schedule a consultation.

“How can you live for the next 30 years when you don’t even want to get out of bed and do simple things?”

She was experiencing the burning, numbness, tingling and sharp pains that those suffering with neuropathy often describe. “The way I would describe it, it’s equivalent to walking on glass.”

Dawn hadn’t worn socks in five years and was wearing shoes two sizes too big so that nothing would ‘touch’ her feet. Unfortunately, Dawn’s story is all too familiar for the over 3 million people in the U.S. suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy. difficult to treat cases and chronic autoimmune disorders, neurological peripheral neuropathy.

and a technology originally developed by NASA that assists in increasing blood flow and expediting recovery and healing to treat the debilitating disease.

Dawn and her sister now operate a successful dog walking business, sometimes covering up to 5 miles a day.

“It’s life altering. As far as I’m concerned Dr. Kristen saved my life!”

Dr. Kristen Markwith has been helping the senior community for over 10 years using the most cutting edge innovative integrative medicine. Specializing in chronic pain cases, specifically those

“My feet and legs were extremely painful and my doctor told me there was nothing they could do. That I would have to take Gabapentin for the rest of my life.”

“SHE SAVED MY LIFE”

Dr. Kristen Markwith, founder of Trend Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine in Concord, NH., is using the time tested science of Acupuncture

that have been deemed ‘hopeless’ or ‘untreatable,’ she consistently generates unparalleled results.

What was once a missing link in senior healthcare is now easily accessible to the residents in and around Concord.

It’s time you let your golden years be GOLDEN!

Finding ways to get around town

By TERRY JOHNSON Southwest Region Planning Commission

Drivingandowningavehicleisa privilegeinwhichsomeNew Hampshireresidentscannotpartake.Thosewhomaybethemost likelytolackaccesstopersonal transportationincludeolderadults, peoplewithdisabilities,peoplewith insufficientincometopurchaseand maintainvehicles,veterans,and youth.

Inadditiontothosewhocannot driveavehicle,ourcommunities haveresidentswhomaywantalternativetransportationoptionsto savemoney,forenvironmentalreasons,orsimplytohaveanother choice.

Avarietyoftransportation providersareavailableintheMonadnockRegiontomeetthemobility needsofresidents.However,they canbedifficulttofindforthose whoarenotfamiliarwiththecommunitytransportationsystem.Mobilitymanagementservicescan helpindividualsfindthetransportationtheyneed.

Mobilitymanagementisatransportationstrategythatprioritizes customerneeds,andthemeetingof theseneedsthroughcoordination. Itisanevolvingconceptthataims toimprovespecializedtransportationfortraditionallyunderserved populations.Itlooksbeyonda singletransportationserviceorsolutiontoa“familyofservices”philosophythatcanofferawiderrange ofservicesandoptionstomeetan equallywidearrayofcommunity demographicsandneeds.Ultimately,mobilitymanagementbeginswithacommunityvisionin whichtheentiretransportationnet-

Mobility Management is an evolving concept that aims to improve specialized transportation for traditionally underserved populations.

workincludingpublictransit,privateoperators,cyclingandwalking, andvolunteerdriverprograms worktogetherwithcustomers, planners,andstakeholderstodelivercoordinatedtransportationoptionsthatbestmeettheneedsof residents.

TheMonadnockRegionalCoordinatingCouncilforCommunity Transportation(MRCC)isacoalitionofpublicandprivatetransportationprovidersandusersand interestedcitizensworkingtobuild aninnovative,coordinated,andresilienttransportationnetwork.The MRCCviewscoordinationoftransportationservicesasanopportunitytoimprovetheavailabilityand affordabilityofcommunitytransportation.Mobilitymanagementis apartoftheequation.Duringfiscal year2022,thenetworkprovided over11,000ridestothosewho neededthem,representingadoublingoftheridesprovidedduring thepreviousyear.

Here’salookatsomeofthetransportationoptionsavailableinNew Hampshire.

Local bus systems

AdvanceTransit(Lebanon, Hanover,Hartford,Norwich,White RiverJunction),advance-

transit.com, COAST,coastbus.org,603-7435777(Dover,Farmington, Portsmouth/Pease,Rochester, Somersworth,plusstopsinMaine ConcordAreaTransit,concordareatransit.com,603-225-1989

HomeHealthcareHospice& CommunityServices(Keene),hcsservices.org/services/transportation,603-352-8494 Manchester,mtabus.org Nashua, nashuanh.gov/1307/NashuaTransit-System

CAPMid-StateTransit capbm.org/Mid-State-Transit SullivanCountyTransportation (Charlestown,Claremont,Lebanon, Newport),scshelps.org/transportation

Tri-CountyCommunityAction Program(NorthConway,Littleton, Berlin,Lancaster,Colebrook)tricountytransit.org

Intercity,

interstate bus services

9999:Concord,Manchester, Nashua

C&J,800-258-7111: Dover, Portsmouth

Personal transportation services

CommunityVolunteerTransportationServices:cvtc-nh.org, 603-821-0569.Since2008,CommunityVolunteerTransportation Companyhasbeenworkingtoaddressunmettransportationneeds inthe34townswithintheMonadnockregion.EveryCVTCrideis providedbyadedicatedvolunteer. AmericanCancerSociety-Road toRecovery:1-800-227-2345.A programoftheAmericanCancer Societywhichprovidesfreerides forcancerpatientstomedicalappointmentsrelatingtocancertreatment.Availablestatewide.

Caregivers,Inc.:603-622-4948.A programofCatholicCharitiesNH. Providescaringridesformedical, grocery,dialysis,andotheressentialneeds.ServesAlton,Amherst, Auburn,Bedford,Candia,Goffstown,Hooksett,Hollis,Hudson, Litchfield,Manchester,Merrimack, Milford,Nashua,andWolfeboro. CommunityCaregiversof GreaterDerry:(603)432-0877, (603)432-7041.Programforelderlyanddisabledindividualsthat providestransportation,primarily formedicalpurposes.Serves Chester,Danville,Derry,Hampstead,Londonderry,Sandown,and Windham.

DisabledAmericanVeterans: 603-373-7190.Providesridesfor veteranstotheManchesterVAfacility.

Greyhound,800-231-2222: Berlin,CenterHarbor,Concord, Conway,Dover,Franconia, Gorham,Hanover,Jackson,Keene, Lebanon,Lincoln,Littleton,Manchester,Manchester–BostonRegional Airport,Meredith,Moultonborough,Nashua,NewHampton, NorthConway,NorthLondonderry, PinkhamNotch,Plymouth, Portsmouth,Salem,Tilton,West Ossipee

FutureinSight:603-224-4039or clientrides@futureinsight.org. Ridesforindividualswithvision loss.Primarilymedicalappointmentsandessentialerrands.A statewideservice.

ConcordCoachLines,800-6393317or603-228-3300:Berlin, CenterHarbor,Concord,Conway, Franconia,Gorham,Jackson,Lincoln,Littleton,Manchester, Meredith,NewHampton,North Conway,NorthLondonderry, PinkhamNotch,Plymouth,Salem, Tilton,WestOssipee

BostonExpress,800-639-8080or 603-845-1999:Concord,Londonderry,Manchester,Nashua,North Londonderry,Salem

PeterPanBusLines,800-343-

GreaterSalemCaregivers: 603898-2850.Providestransportation forhomeboundadultsandseniors tomedicalappointments,grocery shopping,andfriendlyvisiting. ServesSalemandPelham.

SandownSeniorAffairsTransportationProgram: (603)4794413.Providesfreetransportation serviceandsupportthroughavolunteernetworktotheelderly,disabled,chronicallyortemporarilyill residents.ServesSandown.

Creative aging

By LYNNE SABEAN Concord Community Music School

Whileagingisinevitable,manyofusare fortunateenoughtohaveoptionsasto howweage.“Creativeaging”involves bringingarts,health,andsocialserviceorganizationstogethertocollaborativelyimprovequality oflifeforolderadultsandallowingthemthe possibilityofenjoyingandembracingtheprocessofgrowingolder.

Move it or lose it

HarvardMedicalSchoolstatesthatsomeofthe physicalchangesofaging-suchasmaximumattainableheartrate,muscleloss,andchangesto thenervoussystem–canstartasearlyasthe thirddecadeoflife.HMSalsopointstokeyresearchsuggestingthatmanyofthechangesattributedtoagingarecausedinlargepartby “disuse”ofthebody.Theycitea1966research studyattheUniversityofTexasSouthwestern MedicalSchoolwhereparticipantsspentthree weeksrestinginbed.Injustthreeweeks,the20year-oldparticipantsdevelopedmanyphysiologiccharacteristicsofmenatleasttwicetheir age.Fortunately,an8-weekexerciseprogram notonlyreversedthedeteriorationbroughton bythebedrest,butimprovedtheparticipants’ physicalconditiontoalevelhigherthanbefore

thestudybegan.

Atnearlyanyage,itispossibletoincrease strength/flexibilityandregulatebalance/gait. Theseimprovementswillhelppeopleremain mobileandpreventfallsandotherinjuries.The CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention (CDC)agreesthatregularphysicalactivity“can preventordelaymanyofthehealthproblems thatseemtocomewithage.Italsohelpsyour musclesgrowstrongersoyoucankeepdoing yourday-to-dayactivitieswithoutbecomingdependentonothers.”Ifchronicconditionsaffect yourabilitytomeettheCDC’scurrentphysical exerciserecommendations(availableat cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/older_adults/), theagencyrecommendsbeingasphysicallyactiveasyourabilitiesandconditionsallow.

Butphysicalactivityisonlyonecomponentof acreativeagingregimen:Otheraspectstoconsiderincludeone’smental,emotional,social, andcognitivestates.

Remember this

AccordingtotheNationalEndowmentofthe Arts,researchstudieshavemanagedtoisolate someplausiblecomponentsofcreativity.These includememory,divergentthinking,convergent thinking,andflow.Interestingly,thesearethe sameareasofbrainactivitythatcanbesubjectto

Not

Your Average Senior Center…

GoodLife is a 50+ health and wellness center. We have everything from Cardio to Yoga and even Trips, Art, Tai Chi and Educational Seminars - tailored to the community we serve. Commit to getting in shape, staying mentally engaged and connecting with your peers! Our classes are both in-person and via Zoom so everyone has the opportunity to participate. We have both low-cost and FREE classes and you don’t have to pay for a membership! Discover a new vision of aging!

Learn More About GoodLife Email: info@goodlifenh.org Website: goodlifenh.org Phone: 603-228-6630

Address: 254 N State St, Unit L, Concord, NH 03301

Courtesy photo

Heather Bigelow Hearne leads a music therapy class at Concord Community Music School.

changeasapersonages.Engaginginthearts–includingmusic–canhelpparticipantsstimulateneurologicalconnectionsandmemories, helpingolderadultsstaveoffage–relatedeffects ofaging.

Come together, right now

In“TheCreativityandAgingStudy:TheImpactofProfessionallyConductedCulturalProgramsonOlderAdults,”GeneD.Cohen,M.D., Ph.D.,demonstratedthatwhenolderadults cometogetherinagroupenvironmenttoparticipateinactivitiesthatfostercreativeengagement andskillsmastery,therewasamyriadofpsychological,physicalandemotionalhealthbenefits. Also,theU.S.SurgeonGeneral’sAdvisoryonthe HealingEffectsofSocialConnectionandCommunitynotesthathumansarewiredforsocial connectionandthatsocialconnectionsignificantlyimprovesthehealthandwellbeingofall individuals.

Whileone-on-onecreativeagingoptionsare available,manypeopleelecttoattendgroup classes.Theyfindthatsuchsharedactivity buildsfriendships,helpsthemlearnfromothers’ experiences,andallowsthemtosupporteach other.

Music and creative aging

A2019WorldHealthOrganizationReportanalyzedmorethan3,000researchstudiesonthe intersectionofhealthandarts.TheWHOidentified“amajorrolefortheartsinthepreventionof illhealth,promotionofhealth,andmanagement andtreatmentofillnessacrossthelifespan.”

Musicinparticularhasbeenshowntohelpin manyareasoflife,includingmentalfocusand clarity,vocalhealthforspeakingandsinging, stressreduction,andcaregivingforlovedones withmemoryloss.

Musictherapyisdifferentthanjustlisteningto musictohelpyourelax,however,becauseitinvolvesanindividualorgrouptherapeuticrelationshipwithaqualifiedmusictherapist.Music therapistsintegratethecreativeandhealing powersofmusicinaknowledgeableandpersonalizedmannertosupporttheirclients.Theyuse musicand/orelementsofmusic(likesound, rhythm,andharmony)toaccomplishspecific goals,suchasimprovinggaitorshort-term memory.Musictherapyisalsoeffectivefor physicalrehabilitationandfacilitatingmovement,increasingpeople’smotivationtobecome engagedintheirtreatment,providingemotional supportforclientsandtheirfamilies,andprovidinganoutletforexpressionoffeelings. (AmericanMusicTherapyAssociation,2011).

Before you sign up

Therearemanydistincttypesofcreativeaging classesbecausetherearemanydifferentkindsof people.Buttheprocessoffindingtherightclass andinstructorissimilar:

■ Understandwhattheclassinvolvesandwhat modificationsareavailableforanyconditions youmighthave

■ Consultwithyourprimarycarephysicianor specialisttoseewhetheraparticularclassisappropriateforyou

■ Takethetimetoresearchboththecreden-

Elder Law: The emerging need

Nursing

Probate

Trust

Laboe & Tasker, pllc is known for its experience and achievement in the area of

tialsofyourpotentialinstructoraswellastheir certifyingorganization

■ Knowthevenuewhereyourclasswillbe takingplace.Ifyouneedawheelchairramp, doesithaveone?Arethereadequatehandicappedparkingspacesavailable?

■ Findoutwhetheryourinsuranceplanconsiderstheclass“therapy”andwhetheritcovers thecostoftheclass

Nearbyoptionsareavailable:

ConcordCommunityMusicSchool(ccmusicschool.org)offersindividualandgroupMovementandSongforMobilityandMemoryclasses, bothonsiteandinthecommunity.Theyareled byHeatherBigelowHearne,R-DMT.Forthose diagnosedwithParkinson’s,MS,ALS,orother motordisorders,thecurriculumisdesignedto helpincreasestrengthandflexibility,andtoregulatebalanceandgait.Forthosestrugglingwith memoryorcognitiveloss,theuseofrepetitive patterns,songs,andmovementgameshelpto stimulateneurologicalconnectionsandmemories.

CCMSalsooffersindividualandgroupMusic TherapyprogramsledbyTonyVarga,DMA,MTBC,NMTforspecialeducation,earlyintervention,mentalhealth,Alzheimer’sandtheelderly, hospice,andmore.Throughsuchmusicalinvolvement,clients’abilitiesarestrengthenedand transferredtootherareasoftheirlives.Music Therapyalsoprovidesavenuesforcommunicationthatcanbehelpfultothosewhofinditdifficulttoexpressthemselvesinwords.

Tolearnmoreabouttheseprograms,visit603228-1196.

Aging in Place at Home, with Extra Peace of Mind

• Does the dishwasher or computer break, and you don’t know where to turn?

• Are you finding it more difficult to do little (and big) tasks around the home?

• Would your life be easier if your groceries were delivered to you, or you got a ride to the doctor’s office?

If so, Monadnock at Home is here to help!

Join us for a free informational session for older adults (age 62+) who live independently at home but could use assistance around the home or are seeking stronger community connections.

Wednesday, November 8, 11 a.m. Peterborough Public Library

Space is limited – register now! monadnockathome.org/fallinfo or call 603-371-0809

How ageism ages

By GERRI KING Concord Monitor, Reader Advisory Board Emeritus

MyhusbandandIareinourearly80s.We bothworkmorethanfull-time.We’re surprisedthatpeoplearesurprised.

We’renottheleastbitinclinedtohidehowold weareandthatwehavelivedthroughexperiencesthatarenowtaughtinhistoryclasses.We probablywouldn’tthinkmuchaboutitifthere weren’tconstantreminders.

Asanexample,whenmeetingnewpeople, we’reoftenaskedwhatwedidprofessionally,not whatwedoandrarelywhatwe’regoingtodo.

Wouldpeoplelivelongerifthereweren’tconstantmessagesremindingusthat“we’reoverthe hill?”Ifcelebratingabirthdaydidn’timplythat you’reluckytobealive?Ifthereweren’tblack balloonsstartingwhensomeoneturns40?

Thentherearethosestatementsissuedfroma placeofsurpriseandoftenmeantasacompliment:

“Wow!Youlookgreat,”or“youactsoyoung,” or“youarereallysharp”whentheymean“surprisinglysharp.”

“Yougotothegymorhikeortravel?Byyourself?”

Beingcalleda“younglady”withawink.

“Youprobablydon’twanttosigninonthe computer.”

Speakingslowlyandloudlybeforeascertaining

thatit’srequired.

Askingothersaccompanyingthepersonwhat theymightneedorwant.(Myfriendswithdisabilitiescomplainaboutthesamething.)

Andthentherearetheresponsesjustifiedas respectful.Mygrandmothersaidthatsheknew shewasoldwhenpeoplelethergetawaywith thingsthattheydidn’tlethergetawaywithwhen shewasyounger.Shewasalovelywomansoit wasuncharacteristicwheninher90s,shewould saysomethingoutrageoustotestouthertheory.

Typically,peoplewouldsmilewithan“Isn’t shecute”lookontheirfacesanditwoulddrive hernutsbecauseitmadeherfeellikeatwo-yearold.Shetaughtmethatnotarguingwithanolder personisdiscriminatory.

Isupposeweshouldbeappreciativethatdoors areheldopenforusmoreoftenandeveryoneis justalittlenicerandcertainlymoredeferential. However,therearetimeswhenitfeelsabit creepyorsilly.Recentlyayoungmaninsistedon havingmeenterabuildingfirsteventhoughhis armswerefilledwithboxes.WhenIindicated thatIwouldbehappytoholdthedoorforhim, herespondedasthoughasIwassuggestinghedo somethingillegal.

Inoticethatthereareanincreasingnumberof theatricalmusicalsaboutthe50s.Ithinkthat they’reafraidwe’venearedtheendofbeingable toattendandthisistheirlastchancetogetour

money.

Oh,andhaveyouhadaphysicalrecently?Part ofMedicareprotocolisamemorytest.Iloved thatanurseassistantforgottodoitandshewas onlyinherlate20s.Thenhittingmykneewith thatlittlehammer,shesaid“Wow!That’sgood!” Theresponsewasakintomyhavingjustwonan Olympictrial.Iwassoproud.

Ineverknowwhattodowhensomeonemakes anageistcommentaboutsomeonemyage.IsupposethatIshouldbeflatteredthattheyaren’t awarethatthey’reinsultingme.Ontheother hand,wouldIfeelsimilarlyifsomeonemadean antisemiticremarkinmypresencebecausethey didn’tknowIwasJewish?Inthoseincidences,I respond,“IhopeI’dbejustasoffendedevenifI weren’tJewish.”AndIcertainlyhopeIwould.

TheauthorElizabethMarshallThomas,who wroteabookcalled“GrowingOld,”mentioned thatpeoplewilloftentellheraboutsomeonein theirlate90s.Iguesstheythinkitmightgiveher hope?Shesaid,thatwhenshewasinher30s,nobodytoldheraboutpeopleintheir40s.

It’sdifficulttoknowhowtorespondrespectfully,butclearly.It’shardtoknowhowbestto educatewithoutembarrassingthespeaker.What Iamcertainaboutisthatageismages.

GerriKing,PhDisasocialpsychologistandorganizationalconsultantfromConcord.Sheisstill working.

45 Main Street

Peterborough, NH 03458 (603) 924-3050 www.runyonlawoffice.com

Peterborough, NH 03458

45 Main Street

Peterborough, NH 03458 (603) 924-3050 www.runyonlawoffice.com

(603) 924-3050 www.runyonlawoffice.com

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Peterborough, NH 03458 (603) 924-3050 www.runyonlawoffice.com

queline M. Blessing

Concentrating on Estate Planning

L. Phillips Runyon III Jaran R. Blessing

Probate and Trust Administration

Concentrating on Estate Planning

Probate and Trust Administration

Real Estate and Business Law

Jacqueline M. Blessing

Real Estate and Business Law

Concentrating on Estate Planning

Probate and Trust Administration

Real Estate and Business Law

SavetheDate!

17th New Hampshire Caregiver’s Conference Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Grappone Conference Center, Concord, New Hampshire

Keynote Rebecca Rule, Storyteller

“We Cried So Hard We Laughed: Stories From New Hampshire Caregivers”

Workshops, Exhibitors, Raffles & Thanksgiving Luncheon

Lead Sponsors: Bureau of Developmental Services, NBM, New Hampshire Family Caregiver Support Program, WellSense Health Plan

For more information contact: Ellen at Ellen@bianh.org or visit the Coalition of Caring’s website at www.coalitionofcaring.org Facebook: https://ww.facebook.com/CoalitionofCaring/ Registration link https://bianh.salsalabs.org/17nhcc

Tapping into the wisdom of age

By GRACE ZACAROLI Optimal Wellbeing

Formanyofus,ourearlylifeis largelydirectedtowardwhat mightbeconsideredmoreexternalgrowth.Wearebeginningcareers,buildingthem,andpreparing forthefuture.Wearemarrying, raisingfamilies,orembarkingon otherpathsthatinvolveconnection toothers.Throughoutthistimewe arenotlackinginpersonalgrowth andinwardknowing–manyofus willcarrythatthroughourlives.But agreatdealofourenergyandfocus, ofnecessity,isdedicatedoutward.

Asweage,weenterasecondwave ofmeaning-making–thefirstbeginninginadolescence.Somecall this“midlifecrisis,”withajoke,a negativespin,orapejorativeconnotation.Thistimeoflife,however, canberichwithmeaning,powerfullyengaging,andprovideanimportantstartingpointforthenext stageoflife.Andaswegrow throughthatcrisis,withconscious awareness,wecandeepenoursense ofSelfanddevelopthegiftswewish toofferatthistimeoflife–the

pixabay.com

legacywewanttoleavebehind.

Wetendtopaylipservicetothe wisdomofoureldersinourcountry, butouractions,atleastcollectively, don’tusuallymatchup.Wehave worktodo,individuallyandasaculture,tobegintodiscoveranewpath forwardthatallowsformoreintegrationofallagesandstagesoflife. Somuchcanbelearnedandgiven throughthissharingofgenerations. Thisunderstandingseemstohave beenlostintheageoftechnology.

Thereisareasonforthe(punintended)age-oldunderstandingthat wisdomcomeswithageandexperience.Itistrue,thoughnotnecessarilyagiven.Weneedtocultivate ourwisdomthroughoutourlives andchallengeourselvestocontinue togrow.Butwhenwedotakesteps tocontinuetoevolve,anewkindof wisdomcanemerge.Thiswisdomis intrinsicallyholistic.Itisawisdom knownnotonlyinthemindbutin thebodyandtheheart.Itisoftenin-

formedbywhatwemightcallspirit, soul,orourconnectiontosomethinglargerthanourselves. Weoweittoourselves,toour families,andtoourcommunitiesto continuetostrengthenourbodiesas theychangewithageandtoaccess thewisdomtheycontain.Weoweit toourselvesandotherstocontinue tochallengeourminds,tostretch ourthinkingandquestionourassumptions.Weoweittoourselves andotherstogrowinspirit,however,thatmaytranslateforeachof us.Andweoweittoourselvesand otherstodoallofthiswithawise andlovingheart–andahealthy doseofhumorandhumility.

Joinmeforaweeklymeditation groupfocusingondevelopingour innerwisdom.Thegroupwillbe heldonWednesdayevenings,from 6to7p.m.,liveorviaZoom.Costto attendis$15.

Formoreinformationcontact GraceatOptimalWellbeing,LLC. Phone603-584-7580oryoumay contactmeviaemailatgrace@ gracelzacaroli.comor visitgracelzacaroli.com.

Where caring is a way of life...

Navigating the Golden Years

A senior real estate specialist's guide to graceful transitions

By SUSAN ROEMER

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

The Masiello Group

LSUSAN

ife’sjourneytakesus throughvariousstages,and asweenterourgolden years,ourhousingneeds oftenundergoasignificanttransformation.Seniorsmayseekhomes thatoffernotonlycomfortbutalso accessibilityand safety.AsaSenior RealEstateSpecialist,Iamdedicatedtoservingthe uniquerealestate needsofourCapital Regionseniorcommunity,andIam committedwitha teamofprofessionalstoassisting inkeyaspectsofthisjourney,includingsenior-friendlyhomemodifications,thedownsizingand

movingprocess,financialandestate planning,optionsforaginginplace withareversemortgage,andtheinvaluablesupportofmovingcoordinatorsandemotionalassistance.

Senior-friendly home modifications

Oneofthefundamentalconsiderationswhenhelpingseniorsfind theperfecthomeisensuringit meetstheiruniquerequirements. Senior-friendlyhomemodifications playacrucialroleinthisendeavor:

1.AccessibilityEnhancements: Manyseniorsrequirefeatureslike rampsandrailingsforsaferentrancesandstaircases,widerdoorwaystoaccommodatemobilityaids, andlever-styledoorhandlesfor easeofuse.Thesemodifications fosterindependenceandreducethe riskofaccidents.

2.BathroomSafety:Thebathroomisoftenahigh-riskareaforse-

Have a few hours a month to volunteer?

a CVTC volunteer driver and help people in your area get to medical appointments and other important destinations like the pharmacy, grocery, and bank.

our online scheduling tool, you choose which rides to do, based upon your availability and area preference. You’ll receive staﬀsupported enrollment and orientation, calendar reminders via email, monthly mileage reimbursement, and loads of appreciation.

ROEMER

niors.Implementingmodifications likegrabbars,walk-inbathtubs,and non-slipflooringcansignificantly enhancesafetyandeaseofuse.

3.LightingandVisibility:Adequatelightingisessentialforseniorswithreducedvision.Ensuring well-litspaceswitheasilyaccessible lightswitchescontributestoamore comfortablelivingenvironment.

The downsizing and moving process

Thedecisiontodownsizeand movecanbeemotionallyandlogisticallychallenging.AsaSeniorReal EstateSpecialist,Iprovideinvaluableguidancethroughoutthistransition:

1.CompassionateConsultations: Iunderstandthatthedecisionto downsizeandmoveinvolvesmore thanjustbricksandmortar.Itoften meanspartingwithcherished memories.Ihaveconnectedwitha fewprofessionalsthatspecifically assistseniorswiththeirdownsize. Theyengageandadvisewithcompassionateconversationstolearn abouttheirseniors’needsandconcerns.

2.TailoredSolutions:Drawing uponmyexpertiseandexperience,

Ihelpseniorsidentifyhomesthat alignwiththeirgoals.Whetherit’s acozycondooraretirementcommunity,Iofferpersonalizedsolutionsthatcatertoindividual lifestylesandbudgets.

3.PracticalSupport:Iofferresourcesandrecommendationsfor reliablemovingcompaniesandestatesaleprofessionals,streamlining theprocessandreducingstress.Coordinatingtheseaspectsensuresa seamlesstransition.

Financial and estate planning

Navigatingthefinancialandestateplanningaspectsofseniorreal estatetransactionsiscrucialtopreservingassetsandachievingpeace ofmind:

1.TrustedProfessionals:Imaintainanetworkoftrustedlegaland financialprofessionalswhospecializeinseniorestateplanning. Thisincludesprofessionalswhocan provideguidanceonestateplanning,wills,andfinancialarrangements.

2.FinancingAssistance:Seniors oftenhaveuniquefinancialneeds.I workcloselywithlenderswhospecializeinseniorfinancialproducts,

includingreversemortgages,toprovideflexiblefinancingoptionstailoredtoindividualsituations.

3.Optionstoageinplacewith reversemortgages:Aginginplace isagoalformanyseniors,andreversemortgagescanbeaviablesolutiontoachievethisobjective.Asa SeniorRealEstateSpecialist,Iprovidecomprehensiveinformationon reversemortgages:

4.InformedDecision-Making:I offereducationalresourcesand connectseniorswithreputable lenderswhocanguidethem throughthereversemortgageprocess.Thisfinancialoptioncanhelp seniorstapintotheirhome’sequity whilestillresidingthere.

5.AgingwithDignity:Forthose whowishtoremainintheirhomes foraslongaspossible,areverse mortgagecanbeaviablestrategy.I empowerseniorstomakeinformed decisionstoageinplacewithgrace andconfidence.

The Support System: Moving coordinators and emotional assistance

Thetransitiontoanewhomecan beemotionallychallenging.Irecognizethesignificanceofemotional

supportintheprocess:

1.MovingCoordinators:Fora seamlessmove,Icollaboratewith experiencedmovingcoordinators whocanefficientlyhandlepacking, moving,andsettlingintothenew home.Theirexpertiseensuresa stress-freetransition.

2.EmotionalWell-Being:Beyondlogistics,Iofferemotional supporttoeasethetransition.My commitmenttoseniorsextendsto providingguidancethroughemotionalhurdlesandofferingacompassionateeartolisten.

3.GraceandConfidence:My missionistoensurethateveryseniorclientmovesforwardwith graceandconfidence.Iassistincreatingapositiveexperiencethatembracesnewopportunitiesandcherishedmemories.

Inconclusion,asaSeniorRealEstateSpecialist,IamdedicatedtoassistingtheCapitalRegionsenior communitywiththeiruniquereal estateneeds.Mycommitmentisto helpseniorstransitionintotheir goldenyearswithdignityandcomfort.Yourjourneyshouldbe markedbygrace,andIamhereto helpyouachievejustthat.

Improve your space with plants

By CRIS BLACKSTONE

For the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

Youhavelikelyheardabout researchconductedby NASA,whichresultedin frequentlycitedlistsof plantsknowntohelppurifyindoor airquality.Sincethoseinitial studiesduringthe1970s-80sbyDr. B.C.Wolvertonfocusingonthe closedenvironmentofSkylab, we’vecometoacceptthefactthat indoorplantscanhelpimproveair quality–andprovideuswithadditionalbenefitstoourhealthand well-being.

Perhapsourdeepinterestin livingwithplantsindoorsisrooted inoureons-oldrelationshipwith plants.Fromprovidinguswith shelter,fuel,food,drinksand

medicine,plantsareintegratedinto everyculture.There’sprehistoric evidenceofthereverenceforplants usedasmedicineon5,000yearold Sumerianclayslabs.RecordsinliteratureincludingHomer’sIliadand theOdysseyciteplantsusedfor medicinalpurposes,grownintheir palacesandvillasyeararound.

Wherearewewithplantsinour homes,demonstrablymore commonpost-COVIDthanbefore thepandemic?“GreenhouseManagement,”thehorticultureindustry’spremierprofessional journalforcontrolledenvironment plantpropagators,conductedsurveysin2015and2020,askingabout growers’retailsuccessesandpredictionsinwholesaleplantsalesincreasingordiminishing.Thefirst

it can help you put them in the best place in your home.

Come join us! Each session is designed to support and enhance memory and mobility. Each will have moments of stretching, balance and coordination, as well as moments where everyone is singing and moving together.

For those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, MS, ALS, or other motor disorders, the curriculum is designed to help increase strength and exibility, and regulate balance and gait.

For those struggling with memory or cognitive loss, the use of repetitive patterns, songs, and movement games help stimulate neurological connections and memories. Sign up today!

Cris Blackstone

Decorate your spacewith plants, even faux plantsstimulate creativity and productivity in us. If you know where your living plants come from originally,

The best is yet to be! Engage in Creative Aging with Heather Bigelow Hearne, R-DMT

surveyresultsshowed36%confidenceinanincrease;the2020resultsshowedthenumberhadnearly doubled.Thepandemicbrought peoplehomefromtheoffice,home duringeveningandweekendperiods,andtakingfewervacation dayssharedwithpeopleinpublic situations.Ourhomesbecameour sanctuariesandpeoplesought greenery,bringingnatureinside withthem.

Livingwithplants–whether havingpottedplantsinourdécor, hangingartworkdepictingplants, orevenhavingfauxplantsinour spaces–hasbeenshowntoreduce stress,loweranxiety,alleviatefatigue,andincreasecreativityand productivity.Whymightthisbe? Whenweviewurbanenvironments,andmanmadestructures,we aretrulyseeingina“concrete”way asopposedtoseeingthefreeflowinggrowthpatternsmany plantshave.Ourmindsinterpret plantsascalm,andgentleshapes ratherthanrectilinearforms neededfortheengineeringandarchitecturemostbuildingsexude. Jumpingontheincreasedinterest consumersareshowingforindoor plants,marketinghaspumpedup effortstoshowcaselivingwallsand

evensharearesurgencein macrameasacrafttodisplay hangingplantsinallcornersofour housesandoffices.Livingwallsare oftentakencareofbyprofessional tropicalplantspecialists,andwith theexceptionofsometypesof ferns,noteasilytackledbybeginningplantenthusiasts.Nevertheless,livingwallsprovidecommunityspaceswithextraordinary calmingeffectsandincreasedpositivefeelingsaboutsharingcommunityspaces.

There’salottobesaidformixing realandfauxplantsforalush,easyto-care-forlook,yieldingmanypositiverewards.Ifyoutryandbuy plantstoliveinyourhomeoroffice,mimickingtheplacesthey originallycomefrom(suchas philodendronandpothosthatlive

onthelowerlevelsofthick,even overgrownjungle-typeareasofthe world–climbinguptreetrunksand rarelyreachingthetoplevelsofthe sunnyareaabovethecanopy,)you willhavebetterresultsthantrying toforceanarecapalmthatwants brightlighttolivecontentedlyina bathroomgettingnominalnatural light.

Viewingplants,whetherrealor faux,stimulatesthebasalgangliain ourbrains.Alackofgreeneryand natureinourhomesandoffices thwartsthebasalganglia’seffects onourmoodandtemperamentand memoriesofangerandfear(deeply rootedinthehippocampus)are morereadilyexpressedinourbehaviorsandmoodsoverall.Readerfriendlyinformationaboutliving withplantsindoorsisavailable

fromtheNationalCenterfor BiotechnologyInformation,apart oftheNationalInstitutesfor Health,throughitsNationalLibrary ofMedicine.(seencbi.nlm.nih.gov)

“WhyWeNeedMoreNatureat Work:EffectsofNaturalElements andSunlightonEmployeeMental HealthandWorkAttitudes,”edited byIgorBranchi,forhelpfulresearchanddataontheseaspectsof livingwithplantsasanintegralpart ofourhomesandofficeareas. Plantlistsavailablefrommany gardencenters,andfromwebsites offeredbyourCooperativeExtensionspecialistswillsteeryoureliablytoyourplantchoices.While consideringplantsyou’dliketoadd toyourpersonalspaces,cross-referencewhichareconsideredsafe forchildren,andpets,bydoingadditionalsearchesontheplantsthat youfindattractive.Don’tbeshyor embarrassedtoaskprofessionalsat gardencentersforsuggestionsand don’tfeelaloneifyouwanttogive yourplantsindividualnamesortalk tothemasyouwater,fluffupthe pottingsoilordecoratetheclaypot withtopdressingsuchascolored gravelorsmallstatues.Shareyour spacewithaplantandreaptherewards!

Navigating the holidays with dementia

By MELISSA GRENIER Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter

Theholidaysareoftenfilledwith sharing,laughterandmemories,but theycanalsobringstress,disappointmentorsadness.Aperson livingwithAlzheimer’smayfeela specialsenseoflossduringtheholidaysbecauseofthechangesheor shehasexperienced.Caregivers mayfeeloverwhelmedbymaintainingtraditionswhileproviding careandadheringtosafetyprecautions.

Thesafestoptionistoplancarefullyforin-personholidaygatheringswithpeopleoutsideofyour household.Belowaretipsandideas forsafelyenjoyingtimewithfamily andfriendsduringtheholidays.

Adjust expectations

Arrangeameetingorarrangefora groupdiscussionviatelephone, videochatoremailforfamilyand friendstodiscussholidaycelebrations.Makesurethateveryoneunderstandsyourcaregivingsituation andhasrealisticexpectationsabout whatyoucanandcannotdo.

Giveyourselfpermissiontodo onlywhatyoucanreasonably manage.Ifyou’vealwaysinvited1520peopletoyourhome,consider invitingfiveforasimplermeal. Thinkabouthavingapotluck dinner,askingsomeonetoorder andbringdinner,oraskingothersto host.

Familiarizeotherswithyoursituationbywritingaletterore-mail similartothefollowing:

“I’mwritingtoletyouknowhow thingsaregoingatourhouse.We’re lookingforwardtoyourvisit,and wethoughtitmightbehelpfulfor youtounderstandourcurrentsituationbeforeyouarrive.

“Youmaynoticethathaschanged sinceyoulastsawhim/her.Among thechangesyoumaynoticeare: . I’veenclosedapicturesoyouknow howlooksnow.Becausesometimes hasproblemsrememberingand thinkingclearly,his/herbehavioris alittleunpredictable.

“Pleaseunderstandthatmaynot rememberwhoyouareandmay confuseyouwithsomeoneelse. Pleasedon’tfeeloffendedbythis. He/sheappreciatesyourbeingwith

usandsodowe.Pleasetreatthemas youwouldanyperson.Awarm smilewillbeappreciatedmorethan youknow.

“Wewouldaskthatyoucall you’renearbysowecanpreparefor yourarrival.Withyourhelpand support,wecancreateaholiday memorythatwe’llalltreasure.”

Involve the person living with Alzheimer's

Involvethepersoninsafe,manageableholidaypreparationactivitiesthatheorsheenjoys.Askhim orhertohelpyoupreparefood, wrapgifts,helpdecorateorsetthe table.(Avoidusingcandies,artificial foods,etc.asdecorationsbecausea personlivingwithdementiamight confusethemwithrealfood. Blinkinglightmayalsoconfusethe person.)

Maintaintheperson’snormalroutineasmuchaspossible.

Adapt gift giving

Providepeoplewithsuggestions forusefulandenjoyablegiftsforthe person,suchasanIDbracelet;comfortableandeasy-to-remove

clothing;ormusic.

Advisepeoplenottogivegifts suchastools,utensils,challenging boardgames,orcomplicatedelectronics.

Iffriendsorfamilymembersask youwhatyou’dlikeforagift,you maywanttosuggestagiftcertificate orsomethingthatwillhelpmake thingseasier,likehousecleaning, lawn,handyman,orlaundryservices.

Try to be flexible

Celebrateoverlunchorbrunch, ratherthananeveningmeal,soyou canworkaroundtheeveningconfusion(sundowning)ifitsometimes affectsthepersonlivingwithdementia.

Considerservingnon-alcoholic drinksandkeepingtheroombright. Prepareforapost-holidayletdown.Arrangeforin-homecareso youcanrest,whichwillreduce post-holidaystressandfatigue. Ifyouhavequestionsabout adaptingholidaycelebrations,or anyotherconcerns,callthe Alzheimer’sAssociation’s24/7 Helplineat1-800-272-3900.