Vermont Maturity Magazine November-December 2023

Vermont Maturity For Vermonters Age 50 and Older

RTN PUBLISHING, INC.

Phone – 563.557.7571

Robin@VermontMaturity.com www.VermontMaturity.com

PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT

Robin Nichols

VICE PRESIDENT & OFFICE MANAGER

Terri Nichols

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Joshua Nichols

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

James Conner Jim Miller

Carolee Duckworth Phyl Newbeck

Ben Durant Nick Thomas

Alicia Fleming Clover Whitham

Dr. Richard Houston Vicky Parra Tebbetts

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Char Grass

IT & WEB DESIGN

Mark Chaney

ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL INQUIRIES

Phone – 563-557-7571

Fax – 563.557.7641

Robin@VermontMaturity.com

Vermont Maturity is published times per year by RTN Publishing, Inc. and is distributed without charge to qualified subscribers in Vermont. Nonqualified reader subscription costs are $39 per year for United States residents. No international subscriptions are available. Subscription requests must include name, address, phone number and email address.

The publisher makes no representation concerning any product or service advertised in this publication. Vermont Maturity and VermontMaturity. com serve only as a medium for sellers to reach potential buyers and does not warrant the accuracy of any advertisement. Vermont Maturity makes every effort to eliminate typographical errors and assumes no responsibility for misspelling names of people from handwritten copy. All editorial items submitted are subject to editing and alteration at the sole discretion of publisher. Design and format of this magazine is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America. Reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is prohibited without express written consent of the publisher.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Vermont Maturity, 6170 Forest Hills Drive, Asbury, IA 52002-9349.

Dive into one of the world’s wildest and most wonderful places on this Iceland tour, which covers the volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls that wow every traveler.

June 8-18, 2024

Experience fishing, golf, civil war history, music and much more. Iceland – The Land of Fire and Ice

ALL-INCLUSIVE. Fully escorted cruise through the Tennessee Valley, admire the stunning natural backdrop as we pass through the Appalachian Mountains and the Land Between the Lakes.

May 18-26, 2024

Tennessee River Cruise

If you’ve dreamed of a view filled with windmills and blooming fields of color in Holland and Belgium, it all comes true on your European river cruise from Amsterdam to Brussels!

April 26 to May 6, 2024

Tulip Time in Brussels & Holland and Rhine River Cruise

BRUSSELS

TENNESSEE

ICELAND

by Phyl Newbeck

Northern Meridian Senior Housing: Independent Living in South Burlington

Since 2003, seniors have found a home in South Burlington at Northern Meridian Senior Housing, an independent living community for those 55 years of age and older. “Northern Meridian was designed with community in mind,” said owner Stuart Chase. “The property attracts homeowners who enjoy an active lifestyle, appreciate the natural beauty Vermont offers, and who prefer living in a beautiful home that is virtually maintenance free.”

Northern Meridian was built in four phases, the first building opened in 2003, while buildings two, three, and four opened in ’04, ’12 and 2016 respectively, providing a total of 148 apartments. The South Burlington location is convenient to Colchester, Winooski, Essex, and Burlington allowing residents to enjoy events at the Flynn Theater or St. Michael’s Playhouse, art galleries, shopping, music venues, lectures, the Fleming Museum, and sporting events at UVM . Residents also have easy access to

nearby houses of worship, walking paths, grocery stores, city parks, and Burlington International Airport.

Each Northern Meridian apartment is on a single level and has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a dining area, a covered balcony, space for in-unit laundry, and welcomes a small dog or indoor cat if the residents have one or the other. If you were to walk around the Lime Kiln Road property, you will appreciate the views of the Green Mountains. You will also see the many large

Dr. Sydney R. Swindell, DPT & Zachary Wilson, PTA, RVT 62 Merchants Row, Ste 202, Williston, VT 05495 802-857-5407 williston@fyzical.com • Fyzical.com/williston

HOLIDAY POPS

DEC 08

DEC 09

DEC 1 0

BARRE OPERA HOUSE, BARRE

FLYNN CENTER, BURLINGTON

PARAMOUNT THEATRE, RUTLAND

with Myra Flynn Brass Quintet & Counterpoint

DEC 14

DEC 15 DEC 16

windows which give some residents the mountain view and all residents an abundance of natural light.

At Northern Meridian, basic utilities are included in the monthly rent except for telephone, cable, and internet. The complex has ample parking options as well as a variety of common areas such as rooms for socializing, community kitchens, a heated, indoor swimming pool, a fireplace lounge, a billiards room, in-house libraries, as well as a media room with a 75” television, DVD player, and reclining leather seats. Each of the buildings has an exercise room with treadmills

and recumbent bicycles, and there are also free weights and an elliptical machine available for residents.

For people who like to enjoy the fresh air, there is outdoor seating, as well as barbecue grills, fire pits, and gardening areas. Some residents even start seedlings indoors then move them to their outdoor garden. “Northern Meridian offers an attractive alternative for homeowners looking to spend more of their leisure time on activities that feed the soul rather than on house upkeep and property maintenance,” Chase said.

After retirement, Donna Kirby and her husband moved to Northern Meridian from their home in Winooski. “I absolutely love living here,” she said. “It’s a wonderful communal setting.” Kirby said she and her husband were relatively young when they moved to Northern Meridian and were worried that they wouldn’t feel comfortable being in a senior living environment. But that has not been the case. Kirby said residents are independent, active, and some have yet to retire. She noted that many of her neighbors take full advantage of

Your Estate Planning Real Estate Attorneys

Bergeron, Paradis & Fitzpatrick, PC 34 Pearl Street, Essex Junction VT 05452

PHONE: 802-879-6304 www.BPFLegal.com

Estate Planning

Our team handles all aspects of the estate planning process to ensure that your loved ones are protected in the event of death or disability.

Real Estate

Our team is by your side throughout the entire process to ensure that your rights and best interests are protected throughout the buying and selling process.

Estate Planning & Elder Law

the amenities such as the gardening options and the indoor pool. Residents often get together and plan various activities including coffee hours, puzzles, games, and movie nights—whether at the property or a local movie theatre—, Wii bowling tournaments, sip and paint sessions, crafting parties, and an annual summer barbecue.

Kirby also commended the level of responsiveness from the staff who respond to requests as soon as possible. “No more mowing and home repairs,” she said. “When something is broken, it is fixed quickly. I couldn’t ask for nicer staff or residents.”

Like Kirby, resident Linda Bruso also raves about the responsiveness of Northern Meridian’s staff. She recalls waking up on Palm Sunday to find water under her sink. She called the emergency number and within half an hour a worker came, discovered the source of the problem, and in less than thirty minutes it was repaired.

Bruso said everyone knows their neighbors, but they can choose to be as involved in community life as they wish. “Everyone is friendly,” she said, “and you can take part in as many group activities as you want, but you can also keep to yourself if you prefer that. I’m really, really, happy and like everything about living here, especially having my own washer and dryer.”

According to Northern Meridian’s Director of Site Administration, Donna Kaczmarek, people have distinct reasons for entering senior housing. Whether native Vermonters or new to the area, some people are simply moving closer to family or the amenities available in the Burlington area. Many people, Kaczmarek explained, are looking to downsize as they feel that they are spending too much time doing household repairs, raking leaves, cutting grass, and shoveling snow. While others, she noted, state they are spending too much money on property taxes and other household bills. At Northern Meridian residents can stop worrying about these types of household matters as maintenance is just a phone call away and each rent payment covers nearly everything.

“We’re confident people looking for an independent living community with an easy lifestyle will have no regrets when they choose Northern Meridian Senior Housing,” said Kaczmarek. “It simply checks off all the boxes.” VM

Probate Administration 1795 Williston Rd., Ste.125 So. Burlington 864-5951

VermontEstatePlanning.com

Northern Meridian Senior Housing is located at 325-331 Lime Kiln Road in South Burlington, Vermont 05403.

For more information call 802-419-6439, email nm@nevilleco.com or visit NorthernMeridian.com.

Phyl Newbeck writes for a wide variety of Vermont newspapers and magazines. She is the author of Virginia Hasn›t Always Been for Lovers: Interracial Marriage Bans and the Case of Richard and Mildred Loving.

Glenn A. Jarrett & Julie Hoyt, Partners

Great and Affordable Holiday Gifts for Aging in Place

by Ben Durant

The holidays are upon us once again and you might be thinking of a gift for a loved one this year. Many of the hottest technology gifts of 2023 can be multi-purpose; technology that can help your senior live with more convenience and technology that can help your senior stay safe in their own home longer. As technology advances, it often gets less expensive and allows users to avoid big service subscription fees.

Smart Home Solutions

Until recently, home automation used to be strictly for the wealthy. Smart home solutions have come way down in price and have become a thing for the masses.

These systems are just what the doctor ordered to make homes safer and more accessible for seniors. Some key components include:

Home Automation: Smart devices can control lights, thermostats, and appliances through mobile apps on your phone. This can help seniors conserve energy and enhance their comfort.

Voice Assistants: Voice-activated virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant provide quick access to information, weather updates, and even medication reminders.

Smart Security: Surveillance cameras, doorbell cameras, and smart locks allow seniors to monitor their homes and control access remotely, enhancing their sense of security.

Fall Detection: Wearable devices like the Apple Watch, equipped with fall detection technology can automatically alert emergency services or caregivers if a fall occurs, reducing response time in case of emergencies.

Many seniors who may have resisted wearing a dedicated alert bracelet or lanyard, have no problem wearing an Apple Watch.

Telehealth and Remote Monitoring

Telehealth has revolutionized healthcare access for seniors, enabling them to receive medical care and consultations from the comfort of their homes. Seniors can consult with healthcare providers, manage chronic conditions, and even order prescription refills online. Remote monitoring devices, such as wearable fitness trackers and blood pressure monitors like the Apple Watch, can allow healthcare providers to track seniors’

health remotely, leading to more proactive and timely interventions.

Medication Management

Adherence to medication regimens can be challenging for seniors. Technology has stepped in to alleviate this issue:

Smart Pill Dispensers: These devices dispense medication doses at scheduled times, sending alerts to seniors’ smartphones or caregivers if a dose is missed. Many Smart Pill Dispensers can be found on Amazon and other sites for well under $100.

Medication Reminder Apps: Mobile apps for smart phones and watches can send medication reminders and provide information about prescriptions, dosage, and potential interactions. There are many very low-cost or free apps available.

Social Connectivity

Loneliness and isolation can be significant issues for seniors, but technology can help bridge the gap: Video Calls: Platforms like Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime allow seniors to connect face-to-face with loved ones, reducing feelings of isolation.

Social Media and Online Communities: Seniors can join online communities and social media platforms to connect with people who share their interests and experiences. Devices like Amazon Alexa allow one to connect with social media or make video calls to friends and family.

Technology is transforming the way seniors age in place. By embracing smart home solutions, telehealth, medication management tools, social connectivity, and transportation solutions, older adults can maintain their independence, safety, and well-being. As technology continues to advance and become more common, its cost and availability made it much less expensive than days gone by. With the right support from tech, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life and greater peace of mind as they navigate the challenges of aging. VM

Ben Durant is a leading Senior Real Estate Specialist in the State of Vermont and has a passion for supporting and defending his clients through the process of downsizing, right-sizing, and relocating in Vermont. Ben lives with his wife, Amy, and three children in Williston, Vermont. He can be reached at Ben@ TransitionsVT.com or by calling directly at 802-3556688. Visit his website at TransitionsVT.com.

Made in Vermont

by Phyl Newbeck

Vermont Flannel: Spreading Comfort Throughout Vermont and Beyond

For over three decades, the name Vermont Flannel has been a mainstay for lovers of comfortable, durable plaid. Founded 31 years ago by Mark and Linda Baker, the company is now part of the USA Brands group, but their product remains a local one.

Vermont Flannel’s new president and chief operating officer is Matt Bigelow. Even as part of a larger group, Bigelow said there was no thought of changing Vermont Flannel’s name. “That name is everything,” he said. “People come to Vermont because they want a certain

experience, and they leave with Vermont Flannel products because they want something to help them remember that experience. The name means everything to the product.” As former owner Mark Baker was fond of saying “Vermont and flannel go together like bread and butter.”

Bigelow said the first keystone product of the company was lounge pants. He notes that Baker once said that he had contributed more to the prevalence of non-productivity with those pants than anyone else. Baker was quoted as saying that Vermont Flannels were so addictive that they might cause people to quit their jobs and just lounge on the couch at home. “Nowadays,” said Bigelow “we focus more on comfort and coziness than non-productivity.”

After lounge pants, men’s and women’s button-down shirts are probably the biggest sellers. Bigelow said that another very popular item is a flannel hoodie which he said is unique to the company. Vermont Flannel describes its products as “brushed beyond reason for

incredible softness and yarn-dyed for lasting color.” The items are hand-cut and tightly woven to minimize shrinkage, with instructions to wash on the cool cycle and dry on low heat.

All of Vermont Flannel’s products are 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton. GOTS stands for the Global Organic Textile Standard which takes into account both ecological and social responsibility benchmarks. All the cotton is sourced from Europe. Bigelow said he wishes he could source it domestically but there are no longer any flannel mills in the U.S.

Vermont Flannel has roughly 100 employees with most doing production, followed by retail and distribution. All the production takes place in Johnson and East Barre. The company has its own fulfillment center for internet orders so there is also a warehouse crew. The first Vermont Flannel retail store to open was in East Barre, followed by Johnson, Ferrisburgh, Burlington, and Woodstock. The latter two have the highest volume of sales but the Ferrisburgh location

boasts its own iconic covered bridge. Recently, Vermont Flannel opened a store in Manchester, as well as two in Maine.

Bigelow said the company’s sales span the globe. “We’re heavy in New England,” he said, “and we do best in cold weather states, but I don’t think there’s anywhere

Contact Ben today for your FREE Senior Transition Starter Pack. This great package provides everything you’ll need to get started with your transition today!

Serving Vermont's Seniors and Boomers, statewide with all of their real estate needs.

Ben is dedicated to problem solving the unique issues facing Vermont's greatest generations.

Call Ben today for a free consultation.

PHONE: 802.355.6688

WEB: www.transitionsvt.com

EMAIL: ben@transitionsvt.com

we haven’t shipped.” Summer months are quiet, but the business starts to get busy during the fall foliage season and then really picks up around the winter holidays. By mud season, things quiet down a bit. The company may be a local one, but they have done their part to help

Something To Think About

James A Meunier, director

ORIGIN OF FUNERALS

How old is the funeral?

Which culture invented it?

Evidence suggests that the funeral service may be as old as the Neanderthal man, or “cave man” as we commonly refer to him. Archaeologists have dug up graves of Neanderthals and found bits of pollen in them. From this, and other indications, it seems that even way back then, cave men were burying their dead with ceremonies.

A funeral is a ceremony of mourning, of paying respect to a dead person’s life, and of saying goodbye. Funerals are usually religious. They may be elaborate or simple. The one thing most modern experts agree on is that it is important to have some kind of funeral (ceremonial goodbye) to properly begin healing the wound of loss.

others. In April 2022, they collected medical supplies at each of their retail stores to ship to Ukraine.

Although traditional flannel clothing is the heart of their business, Vermon Flannel offers people a variety of opportunities to rock the plaid including scrunchies, scarves, head warmers, and a thong known as a Vong. They also sell flannel dog jackets and leashes, a variety of bags ranging from backpacks to zipper pouches, lanyards, beer hugs, and wine sleeves. One novelty item is a short sleeved black T-shirt with a red plaid breast pocket.

Lori Crowningshield, the manager of both the Woodstock and Manchester locations, signs emails by wishing people a “flantastic day.” Her stores see people from all over the world including travelers from Africa, Spain, Finland, Scotland, and across the U.S. Their most popular sellers are the flannel lounge pants, the classic men’s shirt, and stadium blankets but Crowningshield is partial to the Henley Flannel shirt which has a relaxed fit and a fisherman’s collar. “I’ve worked in retail for over thirty years,” Crowningshield said, “and the Vermont Flannel Company is hands down one of the top U.S. retail companies to be working for. We have amazing customers and employees who enjoy handcrafted products.”

Bigelow is proud of a new collaboration with Vermont Teddy Bear. Vermont Flannel is creating a line of shirts that fit the 15” model. “That’s another cool thing that someone from out of town can buy as a gift,” he said. “There is nothing cozier than a teddy bear with a flannel shirt.”

Vermont Flannel bills itself as part of the Handcrafted USA Movement, but Bigelow concedes that this may have been one of Baker’s creations. “He had a mission,” Bigelow said, “of flannelizing the world.”

Vermont Flannel already has 30 different patterns, but Bigelow said the company will be introducing some new ones for the first time since the pandemic. He wouldn’t elaborate but promised that they would be “absolutely flantastic.”

Bigelow loves the fact that Vermont Flannel products make people happy. “When a new customer walks into a Vermont Flannel store and is confronted with this world of flannel and bold colors there is a sense of childlike delight that you just have to experience,” he said. “The only way to do that is to walk into our stores. We develop new products and talk about different marketing campaigns and coach our retail employees on how to help customers, but the pinnacle is when you see that look on customer’s face and know that they are going to take some of Vermont home with them.” VM

Phyl Newbeck writes for a wide variety of Vermont newspapers and magazines. She is the author of Virginia Hasn’t Always Been for Lovers: Interracial Marriage Bans and the Case of Richard and Mildred Loving.

How Seniors can Maintain Independence and Avoid Isolation During the Winter

by Alicia Fleming

Vermont’s idyllic winter landscapes often grace postcards, but the colder months can pose unique challenges, particularly for the state’s senior population. Winter’s chill can lead to isolation and reduced independence. However, Vermont’s tight-knit communities and innovative spirit have given rise to a range of home-based solutions that empower seniors to thrive, even amidst the snow and ice.

Virtual Community Centers

In response to the need for social connection during the winter, virtual community centers have emerged. Seniors can participate in online classes, discussions, and activities from the warmth and safety of their homes. This home-based option fosters a sense of community and reduces isolation.

Neighborly Support Networks

Vermonters have a reputation for looking out for their neighbors. Establishing neighborly support networks during the winter ensures seniors have assistance with tasks like shoveling snow, getting groceries, or checking in during adverse weather conditions.

Warmth and Comfort Assistance

Older Vermonters can face difficulties in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature during winter. Organizations in Vermont provide heating assistance programs and distribute blankets and warm clothing to those in need. These initiatives promote safety and wellbeing.

Winter-Ready Home Modifications

Simple home modifications, such as installing handrails, non-slip mats, and better lighting, can greatly enhance seniors’ safety during the winter. These adaptations empower seniors to move around their homes with more confidence.

Telehealth Services

Navigating icy roads to reach medical appointments can be challenging. Telehealth services enable seniors to consult with healthcare providers remotely, ensuring they receive timely medical care while avoiding unnecessary travel.

Transportation Solutions

For older adults who can’t drive or don’t feel comfortable doing so in winter conditions, transportation

services that cater specifically to their needs are crucial. Specialized senior transportation services that offer rideshare services and volunteer-based transportation can help seniors access essential services and maintain their independence. These services should be sourced well in advance to ensure any applications or other paperwork is complete before there is a need.

Winter Wellness Programs

Winter wellness programs focus on physical and educational wellbeing. These programs offer fitness classes tailored to older adults, mental health support groups, and even virtual art or music sessions to keep minds and bodies engaged.

Remote Education and Training

Empowering seniors with digital skills can combat isolation. Vermont organizations provide remote education and training to older adults, teaching them

specialized activities – 7 days a week (9 a.m.-7 p.m.)

Upfront pricing model; no tiers or hidden fees

how to use smartphones, tablets, and computers to stay connected with loved ones and access essential services.

Emergency Preparedness Kit

There may be anxiety and worry about power outages during winter storms. Having an emergency preparedness kit that includes flashlights, non-perishable food, and warm blankets can help seniors feel safer and more prepared for unexpected events.

Friendly Visitor Programs

Loneliness is a significant concern during the winter months. Friendly visitor programs connect volunteers with seniors, offering companionship, assistance with tasks, and a regular connection to the outside world.

Vermont’s winters can be challenging, but they also serve as an opportunity for the community to come together and support its seniors. Several organizations such as local Area Agencies on Aging, Senior Centers, Vermont Assistive Technology Program, Vermont

Department of Disabilities Aging & Independent Living (DAIL), VT Department of Health, VT Agency of Transportation, VT Public Transportation association (VPTA), Vermont Humanities Council, AARP Vermont, and Community of Vermont Elders (COVE) can be great resources. If you or a loved one need assistance, please call the Area Agencies on Aging HELPLINE at 800-642-5119 or visit V4A online at Vermont4a.org.

With these home-based solutions, Vermont’s older population can maintain their independence, avoid isolation, and embrace the winter season with greater confidence. As the snow falls and the temperatures drop, Vermont seniors can continue to enjoy the comfort of their homes and the warmth of their communities. VM

Alicia Fleming is the owner of Golden Guide Real Estate - KW Vermont and a trusted Senior Advisor and leading Senior Real Estate Specialist, SRES®. She can be reached at 802-318-0441 or AliciaFleming@ KW.com and you can visit her website at GoldenGuideVTRealty.com.

Age Well Sponsors Friendly Visitor Program, Legacy Giving Opportunities and More

Welcome to AgeWell’sWinter Feature in Vermont Maturity, it’s hard to believe it is winter once again inVermont . Our team is grateful to serve olderVermonters and their caregivers in Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties . Keep reading for information about how you can give back, our nutrition offerings, and this year’s Open Enrollment Period . With Gratitude, Jane Catton, CEO

Welcome to Age Well’s regular feature in Vermont Maturity

Your support means when an older Vermonter calls, we are there to answer and meet their needs. Whether one-time, monthly or in honor of someone special, your gift helps older Vermonters here in Northwestern Vermont age well. Make your tax-deductible gift today: Agewellvt.org/giving-back. Age Well is a 501(c)3 non-profit, Tax EIN 22-2474636. Donations are taxdeductible.

Make New Friends as a Friendly Visitor

Giving Back this Holiday Season

Without generous donors and volunteers, our work would not be possible. Age Well’s services are provided free of charge, your support helps us keep these services free and accessible to those in need.

When you sign up to become a Friendly Visitor volunteer you will be matched with an Age Well client based on common interests with the hope of developing an ongoing supportive relationship that spans months to years!

It’s a very personalized role; each person is going to have different needs. Activities can vary including reading for someone who is visually impaired, going on walks, crafting, baking, and more. It’s really whatever the client requests, but it’s always interesting

and rewarding. Learn more about volunteering by contacting our Volunteer Services team at 802-662-5249 or volunteer@agewellvt.org.

Make generosity a part of your legacy. Your planned gift would play a key role in the future of Age Well and enable us to adapt and thrive, ensuring the health and wellness of our aging population for years to come.

To leave a gift to Age Well, consider using the following language in your will. “I give and bequeath unto Age Well, Tax ID #22-2474636, ___% of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate to be used for general charitable purposes.”

Benefits of Making a Legacy Gift:

✔ You’ll leave a legacy that will be remembered.

✔ Know that your generosity will help generations from now have access to healthy meals, care coordination, and more to help them age well.

✔ It costs you nothing now, and you retain control of your assets throughout your lifetime.

✔ You lessen the burden of taxes on your family.

✔ You may receive estate tax savings.

Age Well’s Development Team shares your passion to ensure older Vermonters have access to services to age with confidence. We would enjoy speaking with you to find out more about your goals and how we can best serve you. Contact Sara Wool, Director of Development at swool@agewellvt.org or 802-662-5229.

Medicare Open Enrollment is Upon Us

The annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period is started October 15 and lasts through December 7, 2023. This is the time of year to check your Medicare drug coverage for 2024 and to change your drug plan if necessary. It also offers an opportunity for those Medicare beneficiaries who do not have a drug plan to enroll into one.

State Health Insurance Program counselors are available in each of Vermont’s Area Agencies on Aging. Whether it is helping someone access their prescription at a lower copayment, helping someone transition from coverage through Vermont Health Connect to Medicare, or assisting someone who is still working and eligible for Medicare, SHIP counselors are the most trusted source of Medicare information and assistance. Call Age Well’s Helpline at 800-642-5119 and ask for SHIP.

Support Finding Fuel Assistance

No one should go without heat during the cold Vermont winter, Age Well can help you navigate and understand the various fuel assistance programs you may be eligible to receive. Call the Helpline at 800-642-5119 to learn more.

Join us for a Meal

For those able to venture out, we serve meals in gathering places and restaurants throughout Northwestern Vermont, providing an opportunity to stay connected to your community, enjoying time with friends and neighbors.

Meals are created to meet the dietary and food safety guidelines required by the Older Americans Act. A typical meal consists of 2-3 ounces of protein, a complex carbohydrate (such as sweet potato, rice, or pasta), one and a half cups of fruit or vegetables, a grain (preferably whole grain), milk and dessert (often includes fruit). Salt is not added to foods during cooking, though in some foods it may naturally occur. Find more information about our meal options below or online at Agewellvt.org/services/ food-meal-delivery/community-meals.

Community Meals

Age Well hosts community meals at over 70 locations. Programs vary from small rural gatherings to senior centers, local parks, to an ever-growing array of restaurants. Space is limited. Advanced registration is necessary for each community meal. An annual registration form is required.

Restaurant Ticket Program

Age Well’s popular restaurant ticket program allows an opportunity for older adults to enjoy a nutritious meal and an outing at a local restaurant. Older adults can make a $5 donation to receive a ticket to dine at one of the participating establishments. Participating restaurants include: 3 Squares Café in Vergennes, Ray’s Seafood in Essex Junction, The Abbey in Enosburg Falls, iHop in South Burlington, Rosie’s in Middlebury, Halfway House in Shoreham, and The Dutch Mill in Shelburne.

Grab and Go Meals

Age Well hosts Grab and Go meals throughout Northwestern Vermont providing an opportunity for older Vermonters to get out and access nutritious meals. Advanced registration is necessary for each Grab and Go meal. An annual registration form is required. VM

Learn more about these Age Well services and other ways to give back by calling the Helpline at 800-6425119 or go online to Agewellvt.org.

For over 40 years, we have provided Vermonters 60+ with the necessary support to manage their daily living needs, with the goal of keeping them active, healthy, and independent. Age Well is a non-profit. Services are provided free of charge and donations are accepted.

Aging & How to Improve Brain Plasticity

by Dr. Richard Houston

One of the most important findings of recent neuroscience research concludes that brain plasticity – our ability to learn new things –does not fade in our later decades. Getting old does not mean that our brain function diminishes – unless we let it happen.

The reality of aging can impact our memory function. Close to half of the population over age 65 reports some kind of memory change. That occurs, however, in the absence of efforts to strengthen memory capacity.

Plasticity is not the same as memory. Plasticity refers to the ability to build new neural circuits in the service of learning new things. Learning a new language, for example demands the construction of new neural circuits. Learning to play an instrument requires new neural circuits. Adults in their mature decades can actively strengthen brain plasticity and memory function with purposeful exercises to build new circuits in our brain.

Want to keep your brain vibrant and agile? Here’s the plan:

MOVE AND RENOUNCE SEDENTARY HABITS

Neuroscience experts believed, for a long time, that the human brain was static in terms of the number of neurons between our ears. The hippocampus is a sea horse-shaped part of our brain buried deep in the middle of our skull. The hippocampus is the central switching station for human memory. Neuroscience experts have discovered that our hippocampus is capable of neurogenesis – birthing new neuron growth stimulated by physical activity.

Exercise also generates a range of proteins that are highly beneficial to brain  function. BDNF – brain-

derived neurotropic factor – gets pumped up by physical activity. Dr. John Ratey of Harvard Medical School calls BDNF ‘Miracle Gro for the Brain.’

Want to give your brain new life? Start by getting active.

TACKLE NEW LEARNING CHALLENGES

Coursera and edX have hundreds of new courses for free. Sign up and learn something new. If you don’t

Aging & How to Improve Brain Plasticity Continued On Page 31

Continued From Page 29

finish it, don’t worry. Find a new course. Community Centers and Senior Centers are often good sources of new learning experiences. Foreign languages are excellent opportunities for boosting your new neural networks. Find opportunities to practice your new knowledge on the internet. Don’t feel competent on the internet? That’s a terrific new learning challenge.

CREATE MEMORY WORKOUTS

Google Maps is a marvelous device. Just tell it where you want to go, and it will tell you when and where to turn. Save it for when you get lost. Get out the map – online or the old-fashioned paper version – and memorize what turns to make and use your noggin.

Grocery lists? Memorize what you need from the store with this twist. Map out what products are likely to be found on which aisle and use the store layout to help you find your items. At the end of the last aisle – before you

check out – go back to your written list and make sure you have everything.

Challenge your memory. Make it work. It will repay you in spades. Who was the 23rd president?

Don’t sit around worrying about your brain’s vitality. DO something to keep your brain in the active learning lane. Get moving. Tackle new challenges. Work your memory.

And, to revisit an earlier column, research by Becca Levy at Yale demonstrates that seniors who believe that their later decades can be rewarding and stimulating live longer and function better. Create a positive learning cycle in your mature decades. There’s no better time to be a student. VM

Richard Houston, Ed.D., is an aging baby boomer who is ramping up his productivity rate in his mid70’s. He swears that his brain has never been more productive. Check out his web sites at Senior-psych.com and Resilience-Advocate.

Take Your Face Back to 2013

Do you look at snapshots of yourself from 10 years ago and think how much younger you looked? You can look that way again, without plastic surgery, needles, or any pain. It’s called Emface, only available at Cheeks Luxury Skin Clinic.

Non-Surgical Facelift

No Needles, No Pain, No Recovery Time Only 4 Sessions Needed Start to See Immediate Results

Reduced Wrinkles, Smoother Skin Only Available at Cheeks!

Call us today or visit Cheeks.cc to schedule a free analysis to see how many years Emface can take off your face.