Vermont Maturity Magazine January-February 2024

Vermont Maturity For Vermonters Age 50 and Older

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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

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IT & WEB DESIGN

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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

Phyl Newbeck

Hannaford Supports Health and Wellness Through Food, Pharmacy and Healthy Lifestyle Choices

by Phyl Newbeck

The Hannaford brothers began selling produce in Portland, Maine in the late 1800s and the company was incorporated in 1902.Today they have 187 grocery stores across New England and New York including 17 in Vermont from Swanton to Bradford, Bennington, and Brattleboro. In addition to selling groceries, Hannaford has prioritized the health and wellbeing of its customers through a variety of services. Today, the company is proud to offer the Hannaford

Dietitian Program, pharmacy services, and nutrition assistance through Snack Pals and Guiding Stars.

Hannaford added pharmacy services in 1984. Their stores have healthcare professionals available to answer questions with expertise and care and to provide immunizations from COVID-19, the flu, shingles, pneumonia, and more. Hannaford has an app which provides customers with prescription management, so they won’t run out of medication or forget to call for refills. Prescription renewal can be coordinated so that

everything can be done in one trip to the pharmacy. Customers also have the option of curbside pickup, sameday delivery to their homes or having medications mailed to them. Most prescription insurance plans are accepted, and all many Medicare Part D plans are honored.

Hannaford has been offering free dietitian services for more than two decades, both in-store and online. Hannaford’s dietitians can provide help with grocery lists, family meal ideas, and menu planning. They can address health concerns ranging from diabetes to stress reduction, and assist with recipe makeover ideas, healthy eating tips, label-reading strategies, and understanding portion sizes. They can also provide nutrition education for schools, work or community groups, advice for shopping on a budget, and assistance on shopping for special dietary needs.

In 2020, the company launched a series of free online classes led by dietitians to help meet people at any point in their wellness journey. The classes vary from month to month but some of the regular offerings include lessons

on understanding diabetes, heart-healthy eating, meal planning made easy, and nutritious meals on a budget. In addition, the Hannaford website has free nutrition booklets on topics including gluten-free living, heart healthy foods, and living with diabetes.

We Specialize in Restoring Mobility and Balance to Maximize Function and Help our Patients Live the Life they Love. Our Programs Include: Improving Balance Neurologic Rehabilitation Orthopedic Rehabilitation Fitness and Wellness Programs

In 2006, Hannaford debuted Guiding Stars, a store navigation program which makes it fast and easy for customers to make nutritious choices. Customers can look for the stars as they shop in-store or online to save time and help them achieve their wellness goals. Products with one star have good nutritional value, those with two are better, and those with three have the highest nutritional value. The Guiding Stars website also has recipes for those who want to make use of these high nutrition foods in their daily cooking. Those recipes include breakfast, lunch and dinner foods, holiday meals, appetizers, soups, stews, desserts, and food for children.

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

The newest addition to Hannaford’s wellness programs is Snack Pals which began in 2019. The following year, they launched the Snack Pals microsite -hannafordsnackpals.com, which offers games and activities for kids to help them learn about healthy eating habits. Children can even earn virtual Snack Pal badges through activities like using recycled Snack Pal containers to create crafts.

“Nutrition plays a critical role in leading a healthy lifestyle,” said Healthy Living Marketing Specialist, Laura Hunt. “Time and again I’m in in awe of the impact our dietitians have on our shoppers, associates, and the communities we serve. Hannaford’s ongoing commitment

to offering free nutrition education removes barriers and allows the dietitians to focus their time and expertise on supporting those that need it most. No matter where you are in your wellness journey, our team of registered dietitians is here to help.”

We are Age Well the leading experts and advocates for the aging population of Northwestern Vermont. We believe that health happens at home and focus on lifestyle, happiness and wellness— not on age.

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Medicare Counseling agewellvt.org

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Age Well is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit.

Hannaford has a long history of taking an active role in the communities they serve, starting with a partnership with the United Way dating back to 1929. In 2017, they received the JoAnn Pike Humanitarian Award for commitment to hunger relief. Two years later, they launched Fuel Kids at School and donated $1 million for the creation of 90 food pantries at schools across the Northeast. During the COVID pandemic, they donated an additional $1.75 million to help those impacted by the pandemic.

Hannaford has a strong commitment to the environment including a decision in 2012 to ensure that all seafood products are sustainably harvested. The following year, one of their stores received a “Best of the Best Award” from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s GreenChill Partnership for installing a first-in-the-nation refrigeration system that was considered far better for the environment than a typical system. In 2016, they eliminated food waste at 53 stores, and by 2021, they had ceased sending food to landfills

with all unsold products donated to hunger relief, given to farmers for animal feed, or used for the production of energy. For ten straight years, they achieved a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.

“Our registered dietitian program is such an important resource for customers seeking to improve their health and wellness,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Vermont Director of Operations Melissa Roberge. “It’s so inspiring to watch our customers achieve their goals such as managing special dietary needs or learning how to prepare a healthy, well-balanced meal with the assistance of our in-store dietitians. We encourage customers who have not taken advantage of this free program to explore how working with one of our dietitians can help them navigate our grocery aisles in a whole new way.” VM

If you’d like to learn more or to reach out to a Hannaford dietitian, please visit Hannaford.com/ dietitians and for more information on free online classes visit Hannafordnutrition.eventbrite.com.

Facebook (Hannaford Supermarkets): Facebook.com/ Hannaford

Instagram (@hannafordmkts): Instagram.com/hannafordmkts

How to Sell Your Home in Winter

by Ben Durant

Selling a house during the winter season, especially when snow blankets the ground, might seem daunting. Many homeowners believe that the colder months are not an ideal time to sell, as they assume that the market slows down and curb appeal diminishes under layers of snow. However, with the right strategies and preparations, selling your house during winter can be advantageous and offer unique opportunities.

Let’s not forget, this is Vermont. Snow helped put Vermont on the map. Thank Snowflake Bentley, or Bing

Crosby, Danny Kaye, and the cast of White Christmas singing about “Snow.” Winter is our season and many homes here shine when covered in snow. Here are a few things to focus on to make sure your home will stand out to buyers.

Winter Curb Appeal

Add Extra lighting: Inside and out: With daylight hours so short in the wintertime, it’s important to brighten things up. Don’t hesitate to boost interior

and exterior lighting by adding lighting fixtures or increasing bulb wattage.

Snow Removal: Keep walkways, driveways, and paths clear of snow and ice. Regularly shovel and de-ice these areas to ensure safe and easy access for potential buyers.

Exterior Maintenance: Enhance curb appeal by clearing snow from the roof, gutters, and around the house. Trim overhanging branches that might be weighed down by snow and touch the house.

Seasonal Decor: Use seasonal decorations strategically to add warmth and charm. A neatly decorated entrance with a seasonal wreath or wellplaced winter plants can create a welcoming atmosphere.

Interior Presentation

Cozy Atmosphere: Emphasize the cozy aspects of your home. Make sure the interior is warm and inviting. Consider staging with plush throws, rugs, and warm

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lighting to create a comfortable ambiance. I never hesitate to bake a pie before a showing.

Highlight Features: Showcase winter-specific features like a fireplace or heated floors. These can be significant selling points during the colder months.

Natural Light: Maximize natural light by opening curtains and blinds during daytime showings. Winter daylight, although shorter, can create a bright and cheerful atmosphere.

Marketing Strategy

Professional Photography: Hire a skilled photographer to capture your home’s interior and exterior on a sunny day after snowfall. These images will highlight the beauty of your property in the winter.

Virtual Tours: Offer virtual tours or video walkthroughs for potential buyers who might not want to venture out in the cold. This allows them to experience your home without physically being there.

Pricing and Timing

Competitive Pricing: Research the local market and set a competitive price. With fewer houses on the market, your property might attract serious buyers looking for opportunities even during winter.

Flexible Schedule: Be accommodating with showing times. Shorter days and inclement weather might limit the window for potential buyers to view your home, so flexibility is key.

Professional Support

Real Estate Agent: Enlist the help of an experienced real estate agent who understands the nuances of selling homes in winter. They can guide you through the process and effectively market your property.

Home Inspection: Consider getting a pre-listing home inspection. Identifying and addressing potential issues beforehand can speed up the selling process.

Final Thoughts

Selling your house in a Vermont winter might present unique challenges, but it also offers distinct advantages. Serious buyers are often actively looking during this time and there are fewer homes to choose from. With the right approach, your property can stand out in the market. By focusing on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, highlighting winter-specific features, and employing strategic marketing techniques, you can increase your chances of successfully selling your home even when snow covers the ground. 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.

Volunteer Sees Human Cost of Medicare Fraud

by Dave Smith

Bonnie Parenteau, a (mostly) retired healthcare fraud investigator from Milton, started volunteering with Vermont Senior Medicare Patrol because she wanted to learn more about the Medicare system. She also knew that losses to this national medical insurance program due to fraud, errors, and abuse were very high, estimated at $65 billion or more each year.

“These losses that are costly to everyone,” said Parenteau, who has been part of the Vermont Senior Medicare Patrol (VT SMP) team for several years now.

Vermont’s leader

But there are other harmful impacts such as emotional trauma, poor health outcomes, and wasted time.

“It’s painful to see people taken advantage of,” she said. “Almost everyone has been hurt or betrayed at one time in their life. Most people have a drive to stop the betrayals but before you can detect a problem, you need to have an idea what fraud could be.”

She’s seen the human cost of medical identity crimes during her career. She recalled an incident when a teenager was denied the opportunity to give blood because the Red Cross flagged her Social Security number as belonging to a person who had tested positive for HIV.

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One woman, said Parenteau, almost lost her children when an addict stole her medical identity. The state found drug addiction listed in her medical records and began proceedings to take away her children. In other cases, patients have been denied medicine they needed or life insurance due to medical identity theft.

Parenteau came into contact with VT SMP after she retired and moved to Vermont full time from New Hampshire in 2018. She was looking for opportunities to stay busy, first joining the AARP Fraud Watch program and eventually meeting VT SMP staff members.

Much of her volunteer efforts involve working oneon-one with Medicare beneficiaries who have contacted the VT SMP office in Montpelier out of concern their medical information has been compromised. Others are simply overwhelmed or confused by the complexity of the system. She and other VT SMP members make sure callers know how to take steps to protect their personal information, and then pass the scam information to the proper federal enforcement agencies.

Most incidents happen when beneficiaries are contacted by scammers who use pressure or deception to try to get them to provide personal information, such as Medicare or Social Security numbers. The scammer then uses that information to bill Medicare for services, equipment, or medicines that were never prescribed or needed. Often beneficiaries are unaware that the crime has happened.

“We stress that older Vermonters should safeguard their Medicare numbers, SSNs, and all personal information,” said Parenteau. “It’s important to help people when they have questions about abuse or fraud. They may faithfully read their Medicare Summary Notices or Explanation of Benefits but find the numbers and terms confusing. Rightly so! Medical bills are so complicated.”

Parenteau sometimes accompanies staff member Hilary Hoffman, VT SMP’s education and outreach coordinator, on the road making presentations to beneficiaries at community centers across Vermont. She meets lots of older Vermonters and describes them

Something To Think About

James A Meunier, director

BEREAVEMENT, GRIEF, MOURNING

The words “bereavement,” “grief,” and “mourning” are often used almost interchangeably. However, there are some subtle and significant shades of difference that should be understood.

BEREAVEMENT is a statement of fact. It is a simple acknowledgement of your relationship to a person who has died and connotes nothing of the way you react to that death. The death of one close relative may be heart-rending, the death of another may leave you cold.

People who are bereaved often experience GRIEF. This is the powerful emotion that should, and usually does, follow the death of a loved one. For everyone it is unique, and must take its own course and duration.

MOURNING refers primarily to social behavior following a death. There are a great variety of cultural, ethnic, and religious norms for mourning. Sociologists and psychologists are finding that these ritualized expressions of grief can be of great benefit to the bereaved.

as very sharp and aware of the need to understand the dangers of fraud. Medicare is such a huge entity, she said, that you can’t underestimate the need for awareness. It’s important for older Vermonters to know about Medicare fraud, she said. And it’s also important for VT SMP to hear back from local beneficiaries. In fact, VT SMP staff love hearing from people.

“These folks at SMP are so professional and dedicated. It’s just a pleasure to work with them,” she said.

As a volunteer with experience in medical fraud, Parenteau is highly valuable to the organization, but not all volunteers need the same background. VT SMP is building a team that includes people with experience in public speaking, one-on-one advocacy, office administration, writing, social media, communications, and other skills.

“With her background, dedication, and attention to detail, Bonnie is such a wonderful asset to have on our team,” said Michelle Kessler, Vermont SMP director. “We’re so lucky she’s willing to devote some of her time to helping Vermonters protect themselves from Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse.”

Parenteau said she is intrigued by the motives of scammers who conduct these crimes.

“Medical criminals can be sophisticated, devious, unconcerned with the truth, and highly driven. … I feel like scammers have the thrill of ‘I know something that you don’t know,’” she said.

“They think they are more clever than you. They are greedy, and they like to get something for nothing.”

Parenteau is an accredited health-care fraud investigator through the National Healthcare Anti-Fraud Association. She lives in Milton with husband Jack, an attorney. She works part-time at the UVM College of Nursing and Health Sciences coordinating placements for nurse-practitioner students around the state.

If you are interested in volunteering for VT SMP, contact Anita Hoy at anita@vermontelders.org. You can also call VT SMP at 802-229-4731 or learn more online at VTSMP.org. VM

Dave Smith is communications coordinator for VT SMP.

Photo of Bonnie Parenteau provided by Dave Smith

Age Strong VT and Vermont Futures Project

by Alicia Fleming

AMultisector Approach to Shaping the Future of Aging

Vermont, known for its commitment to community and quality of life, is addressing the challenges of an aging population through the innovative initiatives of Age Strong VT and the Vermont Futures Project. These programs reflect a multisector approach, recognizing that the well-being and prosperity of older adults is interconnected with broader societal and economic factors.

Age Strong VT is a Multisector Plan on Aging (MPA) that will serve as a 10-year vison and roadmap for Vermont state agencies and lawmakers, business owners, social service agencies, town and city planners, education institutions, and the healthcare industry to work together to adapt to our changing demographics and build communities where all Vermonters thrive. Age

Strong VT’s goals are big. It touches on all aspects of aging well – a secure retirement, health and wellness, social connection, housing, transportation, community design, a coordinated system of services, family caregiver support, and balancing self-determination with safety and protection. In this way, Age Strong VT is building the infrastructure for Vermont to be designated as an Age-Friendly State, a state that is intentionally working to be welcoming, inclusive, and livable for all. Age-friendly communities, programs and systems not only benefit older Vermonters, but all Vermonters at all ages and stages of life.

The plan, which was developed over the last three years by the Advisory Committee and with the input of many Vermonters, is available to read at Healthvermont. gov/agestrongvt. Vermonters are welcome to share

feedback on the plan by emailing agestrongvt@vermont. gov.

“I believe the Age Strong VT plan is an important first step in identifying collective goals to support aging well now and into the future. I am confident that we can make positive progress towards building an age-friendly state by working together towards these collective goals. So many people from different sectors came together to build this plan and see the value in moving this work forward. I am excited to begin the implementation of the plan in 2024.” - Angela Smith-Dieng, Adult Services Division Director, Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL)

Kevin Chu, Executive Director of the Vermont Futures Project notes that the mission question of the Vermont Futures Project is, “How can we use data to support the evolution of Vermont’s economy towards a thriving future full of opportunity for all.” Not opportunity for some, or even for most – opportunity for all. It was a privilege to speak at the Age Strong VT

Summit on Wednesday, November 15th to support the important multisector plan. As a data-informed organization, the Vermont Futures Project has been leading research and education efforts to encourage intentional planning for the economic impacts of an aging population. Vermont offers an early look at where the rest of the country could be headed; we can either be an example of what to do or what not to do. Our goal to grow Vermont’s population was recently featured in a New York Times story about labor force implications an aging population. With more than 35% of Vermont’s population older than 54, no state has fewer residents in prime working age. A thriving future for Vermont is one that balances the evolving needs of people already living in our state with recruitment of new talent to fill any gaps we may have.”

The objective in Age Strong VT to increase labor force participation among older Vermonters is a perfect example of how Vermont can be a national leader. It recognizes the important role of mentorship for economic

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development and resilience. The most productive teams often have diversity of perspectives. Beyond the economic benefits of employment, Age Strong VT recognizes that staying connected to community is one of the most important social determinants of health.

Although it’s easy to see why Vermont needs more people, we also need to tell the story that more people need Vermont! Even as a state with one of the oldest populations, Vermont consistently ranks as one of the healthiest states year after year. It’s a testament to the wonderful work that’s already been done to make Vermont such a great place to live. We can position Vermont to be the best state to grow up and grow old too – because, at the end of the day, isn’t that the goal? Don’t we all grow up hoping to live a long, healthy, and happy life? If so, then let’s age strong together here in Vermont.Kevin Chu, Executive Director, Vermont Futures Project

The innovative collaboration and strategic vision between Age Strong VT and the Vermont Futures Project represents a synergistic effort to address the diverse needs of Vermont’s population. By combining the focus on senior well-being with a broader economic perspective, these initiatives recognize that the vitality of the state depends on the strength and resilience of all its residents.

As Age Strong VT and the Vermont Futures Project continue their collaborative efforts, Vermont is positioned to become a model for other states seeking to create a future where all generations thrive. By embracing a holistic multisector approach that prioritizes health, community, economic prosperity, and innovation, Vermont is not only addressing the challenges of today but also shaping a future where aging is synonymous with strength, vitality, and enduring contribution. VM

Alicia Fleming is the Northern Vermont Care Coordinator for FCP Live-In Liveinhomecare.com. She can be reached at 475-332-2699, Alicia.Fleming@ FCPLiveIn.com.

Angela Smith-Dieng and Kevin Chu contributed to this article.

Your Personal Resilience Plan 1

by Dr. Richard Houston

We kick off the New Year with a bold initiative and encourage every one of our readers to participate in the process. Throughout 2024, we will focus our attention on building a Personal Resilience Plan for readers of Vermont Maturity. With each issue, we will explore a different dimension of resilience and invite you to build a personal plan to promote resilient beliefs and behaviors.

As readers of my articles know, we are big fans of resilience. Behavioral Science research has shown that resilient seniors enjoy the following benefits. They experience …

✔ fewer chronic health conditions,

✔ more independence in daily living skills,

✔ lower incidence of depression,

✔ lower frequency of hopelessness,

✔ stronger adaptive coping ability,

✔ more physically active daily habits, and,

✔ increased lifespan longevity.

If those options were listed on a ‘life menu,’ we might imagine a diner saying “I’ll have one of everything.”

Let’s begin with a dimension that most of us think of when we hear the word ‘resilience.’ The late decades of life offer up a guaranteed number of disappointments and setbacks. For those of us lucky enough to advance in years, we are sure to lose beloved friends and family members. There is no remedy for the loss of an intimate friend or family member who has been an integral part of our life for decades. Most of us return home from a visit to the physician with news of a chronic disease that will haunt us for the duration. We lose physical agility and endurance. The list rings familiar to every reader.

By now, we know the feeling of getting knocked on our ‘derriere’ as we lie staring up at the sky catching our breath. We have had the experience many times before and confront the distressing question: “what now?”

Those of us fortunate enough to have genuine friends might share details of our dilemma and receive words of encouragement and support. Inevitably, however, this is a personal choice. What do we do when we’re ‘down and out?’

Virtually every one of us experiences disappointment, and in the case of major events, even despair and grief.

We do not underestimate the power of these emotional injuries. At some point, each of us confronts the question “now what?”

We ask each reader to review setback events and make a note, mental or preferably written, describing your reactions and the duration of your emotional setback experience. Obviously, in the case of losing loved ones, that reaction may endure for years and even decades. We’ll save a side bar discussion on ghosts for a future article.

For readers who want to build a systematic resilience plan, we suggest you mark a page Unit 1. Describe your personal reactions to significant setback events and note also how you deal with the attendant emotions and if you make a conscious effort to work on a recovery plan.

Those who have read our previous articles may also recall our discussion of Becca Levy’s work out of Yale. Her research on how seniors view their life amazes her readers. She has demonstrated that positive beliefs about aging result in a 50% lower incidence of dementia. Further, negative beliefs about aging are associated with greater

rates of hospitalization. Clearly there is something real and tangible about holding optimistic beliefs about life in later decades.

If there were a clear recipe for making the transition from the painful emotional experiences related to setbacks to a positive, optimistic outlook on life, we would be glad to share it. It is a genuine labor of love – for oneself. Start with getting and staying active. Reach out to friends, especially those who have shared similar experiences. The practice of gratitude is consistently associated with positive mindsets. Attempt to stay in the present. Capture the beauty and wonder of simple things – trees, flowers, kindness, and loving relationships. There’s no easy path forward but the strategy makes sense. Make notes on your experience. We’ll go to unit 2 in our next article. 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.

Golden Years Fashion: Tips To Redefine Your Unique Style

Embracing fashion in your golden years is not just about following trends; it’s a celebration of your unique journey and personal style. As you navigate through these vibrant years, your wardrowbe can be a joyful expression of the life you’ve lived and the person you’ve become. This guide is dedicated to helping you redefine your style with confidence, flair, and a sense of individuality that transcends age.

Understanding Your Current Style

Every fashion journey begins with understanding where you are. Take a moment to assess your current

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wardrobe. What do you love and what feels outdated? Consider the pieces that make you feel your best – these are clues to your personal style. Your clothing should not only fit your body comfortably but also reflect your personality. Are you drawn to classic lines, bold colors, or artistic patterns? This self-awareness is the foundation of your style evolution.

Embracing Change with Confidence

Change is the only constant, and this applies to fashion too. As you age, your body, preferences, and lifestyle might shift, and so should your wardrobe. Embrace these changes confidently. Look for clothing that complements your current lifestyle and body shape. This doesn’t mean shying away from trends; it’s about adapting them in a way that complements your individuality. Remember, confidence is your best accessory, and it never goes out of style.

Curating a Timeless Wardrobe

Investing in timeless pieces is key to creating a wardrobe that endures. Look for places that offer a wide range of high-quality, classic items that can form the backbone of your attire. For example, The Row is renowned for its minimalistic and elegant designs that are perfect for a sophisticated look – you can find them at Ssense.com. These pieces can be effortlessly mixed and matched, giving you versatility and elegance in your everyday wear.

Accessorizing to Enhance Your Look

Accessories are the secret weapon in the art of personal style. They can transform a simple outfit into something special. Consider hats, scarves, jewelry, and even eyewear as elements that can add a splash of personality to your look. Play with colors and textures to find combinations that excite you. Remember, less can be more – a single statement piece can often be

the perfect finishing touch for your outfit.

Staying Updated and Inspired Staying updated with fashion doesn’t mean chasing every trend. Instead, draw inspiration from various sources – fashion magazines, style blogs, or even the stylish people in your life. Pay attention to what resonates with you and what feels authentic to your sense of style. Keeping an open mind and experimenting occasionally can lead to delightful discoveries and a refreshed wardrobe.

A Brief Summary

Fashion in your golden years is an exciting journey of selfexpression. It’s about creating a style that feels true to who you are and who you’ve grown to be. Your wardrobe is a canvas for your life’s experiences, stories, and tastes. Embrace this journey with enthusiasm and let your personal style reflect your incredible journey. Remember, style has no age limit, and the best time to redefine your fashion is now. VM

Glenn A. Jarrett & Julie Hoyt, Partners

Joyce Bulifant’s Ups and Downs of Marriage and Career

by Nick Thomas

For those who keep track of Hollywood nuptials, the title of Joyce Bulifant’s 2017 autobiography may not represent a marital world record, but it’s certainly an attention grabber. The actress, who co-starred in TV series such as “Flo” and “Mary Tyler Moore,” recounted her life and career in “My Four Hollywood Husbands.”

Bulifant describes how alcohol influenced her four hubbies: “Hawaii Five-O” star James (“Danno”) MacArthur; TV/film producer, director, and screenwriter William Asher; “Days of Our Lives” actor Edward Mallory; and her last husband actor Roger Perry who died in 2018.

“It was never my intention to marry famous Hollywood men, it just happened that way,” said Bulifant from Los Angeles. “I was 14 when I first met Jimmy (MacArthur) while we were at boarding school together and we started dating a couple of years later.”

She remembers her spouses as unhappy men especially MacArthur in their decadelong marriage.

“When he wasn’t working, he would drink more and it became a terrible situation,” she said. “I thought if I just loved them enough, they wouldn’t need to drink and would become happy, but it just didn’t work that way.”

Career-wise, Bulifant has been successful on stage as well as in film and television and was a frequent game show panelist in the 70s and 80s. She even appeared

She remained happily married to her last husband Roger Perry although he too experienced some early rough patches. “He wanted to get better, so that’s why this marriage worked,” she said.

briefly in the classic 1980 comedy “Airplane!” as the mother of the sick little girl with the intravenous drip.

“I didn’t want to do that dadgum movie, I thought it was so silly,” she recalled. “I was married to William Asher at the time, and he told me ‘You’re an actress – you

act!’ Now it’s been called one of the 100 funniest movies ever made.”

But one major TV role did slip past.

“I was all signed, sealed, and delivered to play Mrs. Brady on ‘The Brady Bunch,’” she recalled. “One Friday, I was showing the director and producer (and writer, Sherwood Schwartz) my wardrobe, but they were acting very strange. When I asked what was wrong, they sat me down and said the executives at ABC in New York wanted Florence Henderson for the role.”

Schwartz called that evening confirming the bad news. “That’s the way it goes in this business,” said Bulifant. “Florence was a wonderful actress and a lovely lady.”

Concentrating on TV work, Bulifant only appeared in about a dozen films. Her first main feature role was in the 1967 Disney musical “The Happiest Millionaire,”

memorable for her “Bye-Yum Pum Pum” song with Lesley Ann Warren. It would be the last live-action feature produced by Disney, who died a year before the film’s release.

Bulifant’s radiant cheerful on-screen personality and distinctive youthful voice made her a favorite comedic actress with audiences. Despite some missed career opportunities and the marital challenges, she has always remained optimistic.

“When you’re in the entertainment business, you have to deal with disappointment and rejection so if you don’t feel strong and confident about yourself it can be very disheartening,” she says. “That’s true for anyone with self-doubt which is why my book resonates with people from all walks of life. So, I’m very pleased when I hear from people it has helped.” VM

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Alabama, an d has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous newspapers and magazines. See GetNickT.org.

How Weightlifting Can Reduce Falls and Improve Functional Independence for Seniors

by Nick Rizzo

Being functionally independent is a major quality of life factor. The more functional independence you have the less likely you are to experience a fall. Approximately 9,500 deaths in American senior adults are connected to a fall each year. On top of this, the vast majority of minor or serious injuries are connected to falls. Those that experience fall will normally do so again within six months. So it is clear, any way to reduce these risk factors and improve functional independence is critical.

Balance and Movement Control

Starting with the basics, when standing or moving, you need to be able to have solid balance. Training

with weights demonstrated consistent improvement in static and dynamic balance. There is another aspect of biological functioning that also degrades with time and lack of activity. That is your neuromuscular functioning. This is your body’s ability to control movement, proper movement, knowing where your body and all limbs are at all times, and understanding the amount of effort being put into moving, and balance.

Individuals who have been lifting weights throughout the years have more protection against age-related declines in neuromuscular functioning. Maybe you are concerned about how much time, energy, and intensity it requires to gain these benefits? Do you have to be moving hundreds of pounds on your back, day in and day out,

for hours at a time? The answer is no. Three separate studies were able to show that both low and high-volume weightlifting geared towards improving strength slowly but surely will improve neuromuscular functioning. Not to mention all of the functional benefit that comes with it. These improvements were demonstrated through improved balance, greater functional capacity, and proper movement.

Mobility and Flexibility

Another important factor to consider is flexibility. Having proper flexibility at the joints ensures greater functional capabilities. This and safety while performing normal day-to-day activities. Twelve weeks of training has been shown to improve flexibility in essentially every joint movement. Increasing the frequency of weightlifting also provides greater improvement in frontal hip flexion.

Functional Capabilities

This is all sounds great but how is this going to actually benefit you in the day-to-day activities of your life?

First, it allows you to move with greater ease and grace. For example, weightlifting was able to improve step length, step speed, and improve singlestep balance recovery by 15-30%. As your strength increases the benefits begin to appear in general functional capabilities. One study has demonstrated that the performance and time to complete various tasks improves. Specific tasks studied were climbing stairs, rising from chairs, and going from standing to sitting.

Weight training is also as effective as aerobicbased training in improving physical skills and functional capabilities. Even if you have not experienced a serious fall or you already have a history of falls, there still seems to be a lingering fear of falls. This fear can hold seniors and older adults with limited functional capabilities back from doing

the simplest activities or tasks. Thankfully, weightlifting has been shown to reduce the fear of falling whether the volunteer had a history of falls or not. VM

Nick Rizzo is the Director of Training & Fitness at RunRepeat.com.

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