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Finding the th h Right Balance Between Generations If you’re a member of the “sandwich generation,” taking care of your aging parents as well as your children, it’s hard to shake the feeling that if you focus on one generation you’re losing sight of the needs of the other. It can help to remember that your taking care of your parents is good for your children, too. How so? You’re right that your kids also make a sacriϐ ǯ around as much as the they would like you to be and, most likely, they have to do more–become more responsible–because you can’t be there. (Maybe they have to make their own lunch to take to school. Or you can’t be a chaperone at some school event even though you were able to do that a year or so ago.) Yes, in some ways a
child is being de deprived of what a parent might be able to give if he or she didn’t have caregiving obligations to an older family member (or to a spouse who is ill or to a child with special needs). From another perspective, Mom or Dad are giving something to that child or those children that he or she otherwise couldn’t give. We mean a front-row view of love in action without any possibility of mistaking the unchangeable fact that true love demands service and ϐ Ǥ Still, it can be a lot to put on little shoulders. ϐ glance is that Mom or Dad isn’t there (or is there but is exhausted from caregiving and holding down a job) and they miss not just what that parent does for them (nice meals, rides to practice and so
on) but also that person himself or herself. They miss time spent together. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions if you’re taking care of an aging parent and your children: • Talk about caregiving at a time when neither you nor your child are tired and emotions are not running high. • Do something special with each child, one-on one. • Explain what it’s like to be a care-receiver, how it can be hard to accept help. Talk about why you’re taking care of Grandpa or Grandma and explain, in an age-appropriate way, what his or her condition is. • Work at establishing a link between your children and your parents. Let them have some time together. • Remember children
can, in small ways, help with caregiving, too. • Teach what respectful care means and explain the difference between Dz dz Dz ϐ Ǥdz
Yes, at times, a situation may be less than “digniϐ dz treated with dignity. • Remember to thank the child for making sac-
ϐ you help your mother or father. - Article courtesy of www.youragingparent. com.
Staying Fit at any Age
Courtesy of AARP You may have heard that the hardest step in ϐ ϐ Ǥ ϐ is the easiest — we've taken that one step dozens of times, and we bet you have, too. No, it's the 10th, 11th or 53rd step that's really tough. Stumble here, we've found, and you're even less likely to start again, because life is full of obstacles to our best inten Ǥ ϐ ǡ
cruise or deal with a few weeks of crazy at work Ȅ ϐ heading for the lattes instead of the Pilates. Here, we offer you ϐ life, along with easy-tofollow tips on how to get started, keep moving and make it a habit. Get Started Schedule a wake-up call Use an alarm clock to wake yourself, but set your coffeemaker for the same time: The smell of coffee brewing will help
motivate you to get up and get moving. What's more, coffee not only improves your mood and the chances you'll get out the door, but also makes you burn up to 15 percent more calories for three hours after exercise, and boosts endurance, too. Be a spin master Don't know where to start? Consider taking a spin class. The camaraderie and music can make you forget you're working out, and you
can control how hard you work, allowing you to ease in, says Shannon ǡ dass Fitness in Tallahassee, Florida. Remember when Think of a positive memory involving exercise or an activity: a fun hike with your family, swimming at the beach on a beautiful day with friends, racquetball with your neighbor. Now, when you need that little push to get up and out, use that memory like a jolt of electricity. People who invoke positive memories exercise more frequently than those who don't, a University of New Hampshire study found. Rock some new duds Nothing motivates you to take up yoga or ϐ new home-gym items ϐ Ǥ the black yoga pants or sweats and get into a sleek new running top or Ǧϐ leggings. Fun new gear can also help increase your willingness to keep training, says Hajo Adam of Houston's Rice University; he studies the effect
of clothes on psychology. Know thyself Fitness isn't going to become a habit unless you make it easy on yourself. Part of that is knowing what works for you. "If you don't enjoy doing it, you won't continue," says Christine Whelan, a behavior-change expert ϐ ̵ Life Reimagined program. If you need music, make a special playlist just for your workouts. Sample various gyms and pick the one where you feel the most comfortable. Keep Going Get intense Once you’ve been at it for a month or more and you’re beginning to see results, kick your workout up a notch. Add a minute of jogging for every 10 minutes of walking, do some step-ups in between sets of weight lifting, or do whatever is a little harder in 30-second bursts. Short bursts of intensity while exercising can improve heart health, raise metabolism and lower blood sugar; they can also enhance motivation, recent research
published in the Journal of Physiology shows. Rest as needed No one, and particularly those of us over a certain age, should try to sustain high-intensity exercise for every workout. That puts you at an increased risk of burnout — and prevents your body from fully recovering. The best way to tell if you’re burned out? Take ȋ ϐ gers on neck or wrist, or via a mobile heart monitor) every morning for a week when you wake up. If it’s seven beats faster than average, take a day off. Studies show that a rise in your morning heart rate is a sign of training fatigue. Change it up exercise programs than burnout. A University of Florida study found that people who changed their workout every couple of weeks enjoyed exercising more and were more inclined to stick with their regimen than those who stuck to the same old routine. Crosstraining serves the same end. Stay Fit Cont. on Pg. 2.
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Maine BOOMERS
Letter from the Publisher
enhance your lifestyle. From Health and Wellness tips to special interest articles, our team ™‘”Â?• †‹Ž‹‰‡Â?–Ž› –‘ Ď?‹Â?† topics and trends that ƒ”‡ „‡Â?‡Ď?‹…‹ƒŽ –‘ ›‘—ǥ our readers. ƒ‹Â?‡ ‘‘Â?‡”• ƒ”‡ active, involved in community and are very busy with family as parents, grandparents and Jodi R. Cornelio, Publisher guardians to their own Welcome to the parents. Oftentimes we Summer Edition of forget to take time to fo–Š‡ ƒ‹Â?‡ ‘‘Â?‡”•Ǥ cus on our own needs, This season’s theme is hobbies and health. “Get Active in Maineâ€? Š‡ „‡Â?‡Ď?‹–• ‘ˆ •–ƒ›–Š”‘—‰Š Ď?‹–Â?॥ ƒÂ?† ‡Â?- ing active are numertertainment. ous, helping to keep Our goal with the your body in shape, ƒ‹Â?‡ ‘‘Â?‡”• ’—„Ž‹- your mind sharp and cation is to engage our your mood positive. ƒ„› ‘‘Â?‡”• ™‹–Š –‹’• Even light activities like and resources that will walking can make a big Stay Fit Cont. Pg. 1 Keep track Measuring success, whether it’s steps taken in a day, frequency of workouts or your blood metrics, is a proven way to keep yourself coming back for more. People who record their exercise habits not only exercise more, they like it better, according to a recent review of studies from New
York University. Keep ƒ Ď?‹–Â?॥ Œ‘—”Â?ÂƒÂŽÇĄ ™”‹–‡ your successes on your calendar at work, post your progress on social media for all your friends to see — anything to remind yourself that you’ve made progress and to motivate you not to go back to square one. Establish A Habit Think ahead
‡––‹Â?‰ ‹Â? ƒ Ď?‹–Â?॥ ”‘—-
difference in your overall health. This summer in Maine has been pleasantly enjoyable for outdoor activities. We have been fortunate to have comfortable weather that enables us to stay outside for longer periods of time without causing heat exhaustion or other heat related illnesses. Summer is not yet over in this beautiful •–ƒ–‡ •‘ ™Š› Â?‘– Ď?‹Â?† some time to Get Active before Fall and Winter arrives. We have put together our own list of ideas that you can ‹Â?˜‘Ž˜‡ ›‘—”•‡Žˆ ‹Â?Ǥ ‡ creative and have fun. Rally your friends or someone special that
tine can be as simple as making it super easy to get to your workout. Try packing a gym bag the night before or laying out your workout clothes in the bathroom so they are unavoidable in the morning. Or block off time on your calendar so that your workouts are just another part of your day. Be accountable Nothing makes work-
you haven’t seen in a while and enjoy an activity that you may not otherwise do. Whatever the activity, do it for you. • Visit local Maine Wineries who participate in the Maine Wine Trail. Visit www. mainewinetrail.com or see the trail map on page 9. • Visit a local bird sanctuary, arboretum or botanical garden • Tour Maine Lighthouses • Attend guided Nature Walks or visit a community Walking Trail • Grow your own Garden or volunteer at a community garden • Sign up for a water
aerobics class • Join Kayak or water sport social groups • Attend Community Events such as music concerts in the park • To add a little fun and excitement, be hip with the teens in your life and organize ƒ „ƒ…Â?›ƒ”† ‘……‡ǥ ”‘“—‡–ǥ ƒ††‡” ƒŽŽ ‘” Kan Jam Tournament.
� –Š‹• ƒ‹�‡ ‘‘�ers edition, we encourage you to view our articles and we challenge you to create your own checklist regarding ways to Get Active. Feel free to contact us at boomers@turnerpublishing.net to share comments or suggestions. „
ing out more enjoyable than setting a goal and pursuing it with a friend or two. Knowing other people are waiting for you before they can start is powerful motivation to get out the door. One Michigan State University study showed that people who work out with a partner or sports team exercise 200 percent longer than those who exer-
cise by themselves. Enlist your pooch Even if your workout buddy is busy, your dog will never turn down an opportunity to be outside. Your four-legged friend might even inspire you to run that extra mile or go a little harder than you had planned. Weather the weather The skies are lightening ever earlier now, but
if you exercise outside, you’ll want to invest in some foul-weather gear — including wind- and water-resistant tops and bottoms — especially as the seasons change. Keeping dry is critical, particularly for older athletes: In cold weather, heat loss in wet clothes can be double that in dry conditions.. For more information, visit www.aarp.org. „
Did you Know?
Top 5 Cities Where Baby Boomers Live 5. ›”–Ž‡ Â‡ÂƒÂ…ÂŠÇŚ ‘Â?Â™ÂƒÂ›ÇŚ ‘”–Š ›”–Ž‡ Â‡ÂƒÂ…ÂŠÇĄ S.C. Š‡ ›”–Ž‡ ‡ƒ…Š Â?‡–”‘ ƒ”‡ƒ ”ƒÂ?Â?• Ď?‹ˆ–Š ™‹–Š ƒ boomer population of almost 271,000, representing 28.72% of the overall population.
4. Deltona-Daytona Â‡ÂƒÂ…ÂŠÇŚ ”Â?‘Â?† Â‡ÂƒÂ…ÂŠÇĄ Fla. Florida appears three –‹Â?‡• ƒÂ?‘Â?‰ –Š‡ –‘’ Ď?‹˜‡ locations. The Deltona metro area ranks fourth with a boomer population of 496,000, repre-
senting 29.14% of the overall population. 3. Portland-South PortŽƒÂ?†nj Â‹Â†Â†Â‡ÂˆÂ‘Â”Â†ÇĄ ƒ‹Â?‡ ”‡ƒÂ?‹Â?‰ ˆ”‘Â? –Š‡ –”ƒditional sunshine locations, the Portland metro area ranks third with a boomer population of
515,000, representing 29.15% of the overall population. 2. ÂƒÂ”ÂƒÂ•Â‘Â–ÂƒÇŚ ”ƒ†‡Â?–‘Â?ÇŚ Venice, Fla. Florida rounds out the top two spots on the list. The Sarasota metro area ranks second with
Named Turner Business of the Year 2013
a boomer population of 705,000, representing 29.28% of the overall population. 1. ƒŽÂ? ÂƒÂ›ÇŚ ‡Žbourne-Titusville, Fla. Š‡ ƒŽÂ? ƒ› Â?‡–”‘
ƒ”‡ƒ ”ƒÂ?Â?• Ď?‹”•– ‹Â? –Š‡ Â?ƒtion with a boomer population of almost 544,000, representing 29.79% of the overall population. - Courtesy of www.chestsheet.com „
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by the Androscoggin County Chamber
Maine
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The Maine Boomers is published by Turner Publishing Inc., P.O. Box 214, Turner, ME 042820214. Advertisers and those wishing to submit articles of interest can call, 1-800-400-4076 (within the state of Maine only) or 1-207-225-2076 or fax us at 1-207-225-5333, you can also send e-mail to us at: boomers@turnerpublishing.net. Any views expressed within this paper do not necessarily UHÀHFW WKRVH RI WKLV SDSHU 7KLV SDSHU DVVXPHV QR UHVSRQVLELOLW\ IRU W\SRJUDSKLFDO HUURUV WKDW PD\ RFFXU EXW will reprint, at no additional cost, that part of any advertisement in which the error occurs before the next issue’s deadline. This paper also reserves the right to edit stories and articles submitted for publication. This paper is mailed on a quarterly basis, FREE to all postal patrons.
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Summer 2015
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Maine BOOMERS
Tips for Grandparents Helping to Raise Children As retirement age approaches, many older adults envision themselves downsizing and moving to a quaint community to enjoy their golden years in as relaxing a fashion as possible. However, for a growing number of seniors, their retirement years are being spent helping to raise grandchildren. United States Census data from 2010 indicates 4.9 million American children are being raised solely by their grandparents. CanGrads, a National Kinship Support organization, says approximately 62,500 children are being raised by grandparents and other family in Canada. Many grandparents provide part-time care when their older children have to move back home with their families, as roughly 13 million children are now living in homes with their grandparents. Although being raised by grandparents may not be the ideal situation for all parties involved, such situations are a necessity for many families. Seniors who are once again thrown into the care-
giver arena may need a crash course in childcare or a few pointers on parenting in the modern age. · Get the right equipment. Children certainly require a lot of gear, more than grandparents likely used when raising their own children. Certain safety requirements are in place to safeguard young children, and that often means investing in new cribs, car seats, high chairs, and other items. Grandparents should resist the temptation to use old items they may have kept in storage, as such items may no longer be safe and could put grandchildren at risk for injury. · Gather important documents. Grandparents should keep pertinent documents in one easily accessible place in their homes should an emergency arise. These ϐ ǡ health immunization re ǡ ϐ (if the child’s parents are deceased), dental records, school papers, citizenship papers, and proof of income and assets.
· Speak with an attorney. Lawyers can help grandparents wade through legal arrange ǡ ϐ custody, guardianship or adoption. Options vary depending on where petitioners live, but lawyers can provide peace of mind to grandparents concerned about their grandkids’ futures. ȉ ϐ assistance. Seniors may not earn the income they once did and may be on
assistance programs or living off of retirement savings. Grandparents ϐ ing for a child may be ϐ sistance. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a joint federal and state program that can provide need-based ϐ Ǥ AARP or the organization GrandFamilies may be able to put grand ϐ nancial advisors in their
areas. · Contact schools and daycare centers. Schoolaged children will need to be enrolled in school. Grandparents should contact the department of education where they live to learn about local school systems, especially when grandkids are moving in with their grandparents. Some grandparents can qualify for free or low-cost daycare, and such programs can be discussed with
local Social Services ofϐ Ǥ school or daycare can provide grandparents with much-needed free time during the day. · Find emotional support. Taking care of grandchildren is a fulltime job. At times, grandparents may feel stressed or out of sorts. Having a strong support system available can help grandparents work through the peaks and valleys of this new and unexpected stage in life. Church- or community center-based counseling services may be available. Grandparents also can check with their healthcare providers to determine if counseling or therapy sessions are covered under their plans. Caring for grandchildren is a life-changing event. Although it can be ϐ ǡ a lot of energy and com Ǥ ents needn’t go it alone, as there are numerous resources available to se ϐ themselves caring for their grandchildren. - Courtesy of Metro
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Selling a Home? The One Thing you Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Know That can Hurt you
Kathleen Szostek
By Kathleen K thleen Kat Kathle en Szostek Szoste Szo stekk There are many compon ponent entss to to a successful succe su ccessf ssful ul ponents sale. However, one thi thing l H can derail a possible sale right off the bat. What is it? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the sellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s failure to know what the presentation looks like on mainelistings.com. This site, the statewide Multiple Listing Service, will feed other real estate websites. Firstly, is the text accurate? At the request of the owner, I visited a home this week to con-
sider lis sider listin listing tingg it. it. How Howeve However, ever, r, my GPS didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t register Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2013;Ǥ Â&#x160; Â&#x160;ÇĄ Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020; Ď?Â&#x2039; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2020; Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Ǥ Â&#x160;ÇĄ Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2020; the h home. H However, th the th street name was incorrect. And it had been that way for nearly a year. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve showed homes where the square footage was obviously incorÂ&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013;ÇĄ Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; not listed, the awesome view was not noted. Sure, mistakes can and sometimes will happen. Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2018;Â?ÇŻÂ&#x2013; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; for a year. Or a month. Review the listing as
soon soon as as it it is is liveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and live liveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;an and d get any corrections made immediately. imme immedia diatel tely y. made Just J t as it is i vital it l to t review the text, take a hard look at how the photos represent the property. re there enough? With photos, more is better! And today, 35 photos are allowed. Do the still photos have captions that draw attention to what is an asset to the home, the lot, the surrounding area? Is there a virtual tour? Now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not talking about the very same
photos photos used used in the still still sectionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with a bounce added to them. them the m. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Don t added waste time!! Is t a buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s b â&#x20AC;&#x2122; ti I there any additional information provided in the tour? Using a voice narration to further emphasizes the best features of a home. What educators know is the mantra, â&#x20AC;&#x153;repetition, repetition, repetition.â&#x20AC;? Works here, too. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let prospective buyers forget about what your home has to offer.
Most Most buyers buye buyers rs begin begin their search on-line. W â&#x20AC;&#x2122; selli lling the th Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re nott selling furniture, the dog, the alarm clock (the focal point of some listing photos). Make sure the pictures are abundant; brightly lit, show a wide swath of the room (not just a corner at a time); and that they display the Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2020;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2022;ÇĄ Ď?Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;ÇĄ Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x2022; in some of the views. Â&#x2021; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; home stands out! Â&#x201E;
Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2021;ÇŻÂ&#x2022; Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2022; Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021;Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013; Debbie Myers and Friends 6th Annual Maineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Homeless VetÂ&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2022; Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021;Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021; held Sunday, September 20, 2015, at the Augusta Civic Center. All funds produced by the event help support an annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stand Downâ&#x20AC;? event at the Togus Veterans Administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; a day when as many homeless veterans that can be reached are brought together to ac-
cess services provided by the VA and other organizations. Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2030;Â&#x2018;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;manent housing for as many veterans as possible. In addition to this event funds from the Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021;Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; make sure that once the veteran is housed basics items needed to equip their new apartment are available. Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â?Â?Â&#x2014;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022;ÇĄ
Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Your Reason to Call All Season? Vinyl Siding & Windows Standing Seam Metal Roo ing Garages & Additions - And Much More!
there were over 1,200 homeless vets in Maine. The latest information shows that number now down to 438. This very special event will showcase our Maine very talented country music enterÂ&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022;ÇŁ Â&#x2021;Â?Â?Â&#x203A; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2014;ÇĄ Debbie Morin, Peter Allen, Emerald Sky Sharon Hood and Dixon RD., Â&#x2021;Â? ĆŹ Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2022;ÇĄ Â&#x160;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;ÇĄ Â&#x2018;Â&#x201E; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Â?ÇĄ Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â?da Liberty, Plus our talented House band and this year we are thrilled to showcase: The Coun-
try Legends Tour with Georgette Jones (daughter of George Jones and Tammy Whynette and Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x192;Â? Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013;ing a special celebration of country legends George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Tickets available at: Musicians 1st Choice 246 Western Avenue, Augusta, Me. (207) 623-0400. For more info/tickets: 207 712-2392, or www.mhvbc.org. Â&#x201E;
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Sheryl Gregory 377-7307
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Summer 2015
Page 5
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Exercising as We Age From my point of view as an Athletic Trainer, one of the most important components of beginning an exercise regimen is the individual’s baseline strength and function. Consider this; does it hurt your shoulder to reach in the fridge and grab a gallon of milk? Are you struggling to reach for your wallet in the back pocket or bend over and pick up something you dropped? If you answered David Enos, ATC, LAT ‘yes’ to a question like As any aging athlete will that it does not imply you tell you, there are many cannot exercise, it simply aspects to consider while implies that getting those ϐ questions answered takes healthy lifestyle. There priority. Common pain patterns are few unanimous topics in health and medicine that are worth getting these days but one point checked out are groin and we all agree on is the need outer buttock pain, low to get on our feet and get back pain, and neck or moving. However, that is shoulder pain. The body not as easily done as it is is a chain link and one said for many folks and in weak area can expose fact, often times there are larger problems if proper steps that must be put in caution is not taken. If your doctor feels that place prior to beginning or advancing an exercise ϐ work through, the next ϐ Ǥ step is to begin exercisfunction, proper warm up ing in a controlled manand cool down and sup- Ǥ ϐ porting nutrition are all literature suggests beginkey points to both stay ning all forms of exercise safe and maximize the with a functional and dy ϐ - namic warm up and this ing. approach has changed
even since I graduated high school, 10 years ago. Who remembers seeing the whole soccer team sit ϐ leaning forward to stretch their hamstrings, lying backwards to stretch their quadriceps, etc.? This type of stretch/warm up is called static stretching and it is now suggested that static stretches may not only take power and springiness away from your muscles, but that they may actually dispose an athlete to acute injuries such as sprains and strains. Current research suggests athletes to partake in functional and dynamic warm ups prior to activity and sport. This is a way to prepare the body for exercise by mimicking the activity you will be doing. For example, a runner would want to perform a series of body weight exercises such as lunges, Ǥ the end of your dynamic warm up the individual should have increased their heart rate, feel like the muscles are nice and loose and physically look like a little tired, aka sweating, red cheeks etc. There are many great examples of functional and
dynamic warm ups found via a quick Google or YouTube search. Now comes the fun part of what research shows us. Remember when I said that static stretching is bad to do? There is a caveat (of course!). While a warm up is very important and should be designed around your activity, the cool down is best executed via low key, slow, static stretching; think back to the soccer players stretching on the ϐ Ǥ The cool down is another serious aspect to keeping your body resilient and healthy and is designed to keep muscles long after exercise. Static stretches are best performed immediately postexercise and each stretch should be performed for roughly 30 seconds. It is important to stretch the large muscle groups such as the hamstring complex, quadriceps and hip ϐ ǡ ǡ Ǥ So by now, you have been cleared for exercise, you have gone through your dynamic warm up to prepare the body for exer ǡ ϐ activity and are done with your static stretch. You feel great and your body
is primed to capitalize ϐ exercise. The next step in the equation to successfully exercise is to replace the fuel in the tank that you have just spent. Our bodies are machines and just like any other machine; we need to eat to refuel the tanks. Nutrition, particularly sport nutrition, is a hot topic with hundreds of articles being written every year but there are common aspects that each health professional will recognize. Nutrition at its simplest can be understood by three macronutrients; carbohydrate, protein and fat. All three of these nutrients are just as important as another and it is important to understand the basic science as to why. Calories are the energy produced from the macronutrients with carbohy ϐ most readily available energy source for those wishing to exercise. Fat is the highest source of calories and energy however, cellular biology makes fat burn in certain states of exercise more so than carbohydrate and protein. Overall, nutrition can be very complicated but
it is best to keep it simple. The best practice, and what I preach to my athletes, is to eat a balanced plate with little to no processed foods, lots of fruits and vegetables and of course enough water to keep your body fueled up and prepared for both recovery and to start your next exercise! Age alone should not be a deterrent from starting a new or continuing on with an existing exercise plan. There are many ϐ from being active and if it can be done safely and correctly, the pros outweigh the cons. Just as any high school athlete would prepare, the aging athlete must be aware of their bodies and to have aches and pains examined by a health professional, add proper warm up and cool downs, and fuel their bodies. Although it may be intimidating to start from scratch, by making an organized approach, exercise can be fun, safe and a very healthy lifestyle change. - Courtesy of David Enos, ATC, LAT, St. Mary’s Center for Orthopaedics, St. Mary’s Strength and Performance Clinic .
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Page 6
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Ways to Make Retirement Planning Easier For most employees, addressing retirement issues is a costly, abstract and deeply psychological matter, which is apparent from a survey by Schwab Retirement Plan Services. While most survey Â&#x2019;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2019;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D; 401(k) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a workplace savings plan that lets employees invest a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013; Č&#x201A; Â&#x192; Â&#x2026;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021;Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;ÇĄ with nine in 10 calling it a â&#x20AC;&#x153;must have,â&#x20AC;? most do not seek professional help to improve the planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance. In fact, while 87 percent said they would seek professional help changing their carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oil, just 24 percent would seek advice about their retirement planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a professional and rational human being, Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x203A;ÇŻÂ&#x2022; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2018; not seem to make sense, but human nature is often this way,â&#x20AC;? says Reid Abedeen, a partner at Safeguard Investment Advisory Group, LLC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Health-wise, for example, we know whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good for us, yet we often choose an option that is unhealthy. Luckily, many of us come to a point in Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2122;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021; Ď?Â&#x2039;nally follow the wisdom of following our own advice, and I would encourage more individu-
als who are approaching retirement to tend Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2022; sooner than later.â&#x20AC;? Abedeen discusses ways in which individuals can more easily develop a relationship with their retirement Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Ǥ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Procrastination is the thief of timeâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Time is money.â&#x20AC;? Two simple but profound Â&#x201C;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Č&#x201A; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â? Charles Dickens and the Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x152;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2039;Â? Franklin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sum up the problem of neglecting retirement planning. There are issues that many of us would like to ignore and put off, both because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard and complicated, and because we can. Retirement is always something thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;down the roadâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that is, of course, until itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on your doorstep. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let your future well-being, the ability to afford and enjoy the good life in your golden years, suffer. Admit to yourself that retirement planning needs your attention, Abedeen says. Find a professional you trust and take action. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll feel better. â&#x20AC;˘ Develop a relationship with your money; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Ǥ Over time, adults get into a pattern with money. Direct deposit from work, direct withdrawals for
A full day of interactive learning for older adults and their family members presented by
bills, groceries, gas, etc. Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x192;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;mated banking, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to see why we might be disengaged. Find ways Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x192;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Ď?Â&#x2039;-
nances. There are apps out there that can better connect you with one of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important resources. You might think of it as a game, and it can
even be fun. Also, treat your future well-being at least as well as your car. Find a trustworthy professional, who can help you get started with increased Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x192;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013; and guide you over time. If you have an aversion Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â?Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x203A; Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022;ÇĄ Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2020;ing a likeable professional will be important. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like talking Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x192;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;ÇĄ Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014; Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x203A; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;self maintaining an unhealthy distance. â&#x20AC;˘ Contribute as much as you can to your 401(k). Sadly, only about half of American workers have access to a 401(k), so take advantage if and while you can! While many live paycheck-topaycheck, try contributing at least a small percentage â&#x20AC;&#x201C; perhaps 5 percent of your income, and see how much you miss that money. If this means that you have to take on additional debt via credit, then the interest rate may not be worth contribution. However, retirement funding is nothing to put off, so seriously consider Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2020; methods for maximizing this important personal investment. â&#x20AC;˘ Engage yourself with knowledge; understand your 401(k). There are multiple 401(k) plans of-
fering different options. However, when you have a 401(k) plan from a previous employer, your investment choices are usually limited. One option to consider is comparing the investment choices you have within your current plan with the investment choices you have in the previous plan or plans. You may Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â?Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; investment options between the plans gives Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014; Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2030;Â&#x160; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2039;Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;tion to simply keep the money where it is and not change a thing. Another option is to take the old 401(k) from your previous employer and roll it over to an IRA or Individual Retirement Account, with a differÂ&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?Ǥ In most cases this will open up many more investment options to you, and more options mean more opportunity Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2039;Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?Ǥ Â&#x2022; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x203A; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; changes there are some things you need to consider before rolling over your 401k to an IRA. Courtesy of Reid Abedeen. www.safeguardinvestment.com Â&#x201E;
EXPO Join us on Friday, October 2, 2015 Sunday River Grand Summit Hotel & Conference Center Tickets: $25
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If you are an older adult who understands the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle, then the SeniorsPlus Aging Well Living Well Expo is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;must attendâ&#x20AC;? event. Our theme this year is Explore! Just because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve aged doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean we stop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there is so much more to explore. z Dr. Marilyn Gugliucci will open the day, setting the tone for the reason why we are still exploring. z Explore necessary, serious learning such as planning for the end of your life, seven strategies for beating the blues, and how to get up safely if you fall. z 7U\ VRPH ÂżUVW WLPH H[SORUDWLRQV Âą SDLQWLQJ IRU WKRVH ZKR GRQÂśW SDLQW SOD\LQJ the harmonica, Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ai Chi, learning to use your tech devices, woodcarving, ZULWLQJ \RXU OLIH VWRU\ DQG LFH ÂżVKLQJ LQ 0DLQH z Exhibitors booths displaying a variety of products, services, and information. z 5DIĂ&#x20AC;HV IRU JUHDW JLIWV WR EHQHÂżW 6HQLRUV3OXV 0HDOV RQ :KHHOV LQ $QGURVFRJJLQ Franklin and Oxford counties. z Chondola ride ticket, for just $3, to the top of the mountain for foliage viewing. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this opportunity! For more information and to register, call SeniorsPlus at 1-800-427-1241 or visit our website at www.seniorsplus.org.
Summer 2015
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Maine BOOMERS
Senior Planning Questions? By Bill Van Tassel Am I ready to retire? What’s Medicare Part ǫ Dz dzǫ have enough life insurance? Are my tax forms done correctly? Which Medicare Supplement Plan should I get? What about funeral expenses? Senior citizens can have these and many other questions as they near retirement. There are good answers if you know where to look. I, myself, am 65 and still blessed with a good mind. However, none of us can know everything, and often, the ag ϐ ϐ isfactory answers to so many important questions. Of course, we may not even think of the best question to ask. What if there was a place, an organization of trained experts in senior planning, where you could go ask for Ǣ ϐ lutions without having to navigate the often confusing world of the internet. A real, live per-
son you could chat with and not have to stay on hold forever while waiting for help from a government agency. Anthony Arruda, a businessman from Stratton and a senior himself, started the Senior Planning Center in Farmington almost three years ago. “Tony” had already been advising senior citizens on health insurance and retirement related issues for years. When the various drug programs were introduced a few years back and then the Affordable Care Act, he began getting even more questions from his senior clients. So Arruda decided to open a center for senior planning, and then staff it with fully trained agents. Following his completion of a course from the Society of Cer ϐ ǡ he began recruiting others with a heart for helping senior citizens and having them trained ϐ with his new Center.
Tony and his staff of 15 agents meet with people from Kittery to Fort Kent to answer questions regarding in ϐ cial products. They are able to give informed answers that are particular to the client’s needs and frequently save them money. Much of the consultation the Senior Planning Center does with clients is done without cost. Except for help with tax preparation the time spent in advising clients is pro bono. The Senior Planning Center, based in the Plaza, is a privately owned business by Anthony Arruda. Although it works with clients on their Medicare plan choices, the Center is not a government agency. “We educate and inform our customers on their options. We work through several insurance companies and Ǥ ϐ out what our clients
The Senior Planning Center is in the Mount Blue Plaza across from the hospital. A great place for senior citizens to get accurate information from trained agents ǡ ǡ ǡ ϔ planning and other important senior concerns.
qualify for and contact the proper agency for them. The Center has a Facebook page where I found this typical, client testimonial from Mary Liza-
uskas. “Facing retire ϐ was very unsettling. the choices open to me, I made an appointment at…. My meeting with
Tony was not only informative; it also answered my many questions. The follow up with Elizabeth put all my fears to rest. ǯ ϐ facing retirement.”
Teaming Up on Fire Safety and Scam Prevention
Submitted by Jane Margesson, AARP Maine Communications Director September is Disaster Preparedness Month and the timing could not be better to announce an
important collaboration impor in the state of Maine tthat will help residents protect their homes and keep their hard-earned money more secure at the same time. This September, AARP Maine begins working b with the Red Cross in wi Maine to raise awareMain ness about their state ϐ Ǥ The Red Cross, in turn, is distributing AARP’s Fraud Watch Network handbooks through their ϐ Ǥ -
ǡ Ǧ ϐ will reach a broader audience across the state. The goal of the Red ǯ ϐ vention and awareness campaign is to reduce ϐ Ǧ injuries by 25 percent ϐ Ǥ In Maine, the top three ϐ to start are the kitchen, living room, and furnace Ǥ ϐ casualties and injuries can be avoided through ϐ ness. Safety in the kitchen is just one of the topics Mainers can learn about
Maine’s #1 Senior Resource • Medicare Advantage • Medicare Supplements • Retirement Planning • Life Insurance • Part D Rx Plans • Longterm Care • Final Expense
Mt. Blue Shopping Plaza Farmington, ME Anthony G. Arruda
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through the Red Cross initiative. Another is the importance of smoke Ǥ AARP and the Red Cross recommend that every home have working smoke alarms which can increase by 50 percent the odds of surviving a ϐ Ǥ tive, Red Cross volunteers are working in communities across Maine to test residents’ smoke alarms, replace batteries and even install new smoke alarms when needed. To learn more call 1-207874-1192, x113 or visit www.MaineRedCross.org. Another preventive
tactic is the development of an emergency escape plan, which can be a crucial way to save valuable ϐ Ǥ
ϐ ǡ one has, on average, only two minutes to escape. The early warning of a smoke alarm, combined with a practiced escape route, can make all the difference. As part of their outreach, Red Cross volunteers will also distribute AARP Fraud Watch Network scam/fraud prevention handbooks to Maine residents. Scammers have been known to target victims of natu-
ǡ ϐ and other personal tragedies by posing as charity agents or home repair sales people. Our handbooks provide useful tips for the whole family on these and other scams. For more information, go to www.aarp.org/me or call 1-866-554-380. I hope you will take a moment to check your smoke alarms and practice escape routes in your Ǥ with organizations like the Red Cross, we can more effectively protect our families, property, ϐ Ǥ
Page 8
Summer 2015
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Maine BOOMERS
Keeping K eeping M Marriage arriage Going Going Strong Strong Into Your Golden Years The trend of long-married couples calling it quits has been growing. However, there are some steps couples can take to keep their relationships going strong. According to the AARP, divorces among people over the age of 50 have doubled since 1990. Ac ǡ codirector of the National Center for Family & Marriage Research University, one out of their golden years unmarried. There are a number of reasons why divorce rates have skyrocketed among the over-50 set. Understanding just why these divorces are taking place and taking pro-
active steps to alleviate some of the divorce triggers can be a recipe for a happy marriage that continues throughout a couple’s golden years. * Increase accountability. Ours is a transient society where families no longer bat an eyelash over moving great distances away from other family mem Ǥ ǡ ers may feel like they are not connected to children or grandchildren. With this in mind, they may feel less attached to their marriage or their responsibilities or believe that no one will get hurt by a divorce. Keeping families close and remaining in frequent contact can increase accountability and reduce
the propensity for divorce. * Get things out in the open. A major reason for a failed marriage is years ϐ issues rather than addressing problems. Couples should make time to talk to each other about anything that might be bothering them rather than letting too many things slide. If these conversations turn into shouting matches, there is always the option of bringing in a third party to serve as a mediator. * Spend time apart. After retirement, couples ϐ spending hours upon hours in each other’s company. While togeth ϐ ǡ too much time spent to-
gether may lead to feelings of suffocation and the perception that each member of the relationship is no longer his or her own person. Individuals can remedy this by doing more things on their own, whether spending time apart with friends or engaging in hobby time without your spouse. After all, absence makes the heart Ǥ riods of separation can make the time married couples do spend together feel more meaningful. * Recommit to your vows. After 30 or more years, the vows you shared on your wedding may be a distant memory. Some people may have different views on
the permanence of vows, putting personal happiness ahead of the happiness of the couple. Take stock of what you promised one another on your wedding day and stick to those words. ȗ Ǥ Laughter has a way of dissolving a tenuous situation. Focus energy on laughing at mistakes instead of pointing blame. Couples can make fun of themselves and resolve to not take things too seriously. * Act like you’re dating. Couples often become complacent after many years of marriage. They may forget about the little details that made the relationship fun in the early years. The personal notes and cards
and other surprises may fall by the wayside after being together for some time. Make an effort to go on dates, write love notes and think of what was appreciated by your partners when you were in the dating stage. ȗ ϐ ness. Sometimes all that is needed to rekindle a relationship is a selfless act that shows how much you care for your partner. Couples who are on the fence with regard to divorce can make an effort to improve the relationship rather than simply see divorce as the best option. - Courtesy of Metro
Summery Ways to Improve Your Health For the health conscious, there’s no such thing as a summer vacation from making good nutritional choices and getting plenty of exer Ǥ ǯ son to let a healthy lifestyle become boring. Here are three ways to let the summer season guide your routine:
• Mix Up Movement: After months of indoor exercise, you may be ready for a change of scenery. And summer is the ideal time to take a break from the treadmill and incorporate different types of movement and exercise into your lifestyle. So ditch the gym this weekend
and head for greener pastures. From row boating to hiking, you’ll ϐ different muscles than you normally would by mixing things up. • Eat In-Season Produce: Take advantage of the summer harvest and plan meals around in-season produce. The
USDA lists apples, beets, bell peppers, kiwifruit, carrots, garlic, peaches, okra and cherries, amongst many more fruits and vegetables that reach their peak in the summer months. These items are a chock full of vitamins and nutrients and taste their best in summer.
Ȉ ǣ yond the Vitamin D factor, a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology shows that sunlight may lower blood pressure, which could reduce one’s risk for heart attack and stroke. Some research ϐ of sunlight could out-
weigh cancer risks associated with exposure. Don’t forget to take the usual precautions, however. Wear sunglasses, sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat to protect against harmful UV radiation. - Courtesy of StatePoint
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The solution:
You need to get Pie-Eyed. A Maine Find this fun wine at most wine shops. Spiced Pumkin Wine If they don’t carry it, they should. The OMG Wine You Must Try!
YounityWinery.com
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Tips for Enjoying Different Types of Wines There’s a wide world of wine out Ǥ ϐ reaching for the same few varietals time and again, consider expanding your range with different types that you might not necessarily think to pair with your meals. For example, Port, which is thought by many to be just an after-dinner or dessert wine, is versatile in itself and can be used before, during or after meals. “Port is not just a wine to enjoy after dinner,” says David Guimaraens, head winemaker for Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca and Croft. “The range of styles means you can enjoy Port as an aperitif, with dessert, or at a party.” Port is one of the world’s great classical wines and is made in Portugal’s Douro Valley since the late 1600s. Portugal is the birthplace of true Port, ϐ ϐ made from Portuguese grape varieties and the addition of neutral grape
spirit. Depending on how it is aged, Port comes in a spectrum of styles, each of which can beautifully complement meals or special occasions, and can be enjoyed year-round. The most popular styles of Port are Ruby, Tawny and White. Here are a few tips and recommendations for getting the best use of them. Ȉ ʹǡ made by one of the most revered Port houses, is aged for three to four years in large oak vats to produce a full-bodied wine with intense, dark berry fruit ϐ Ǥ ǡ berries and spiced nuts. It also makes an excellent ingredient in cocktails, such as a Manhattan (in place of sweet Vermouth) or as the base of a punch or sangria. • Tawny Ports are matured in small oak casks for 10, 20, 30 or 40 years. These elegant wines have an intense amber color, opulent, jammy, nutty
ϐ ϐ ϐ and dried fruit, making them ideal for pairing with Pecan Pie, dried apricots, and desserts made with coffee or caramel. Slightly chill a Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny and enjoy as an aperitif with mixed nuts, or serve at room temperature at the end of a meal. • White Port, ϐ troduced in the 1930s, is made from white Douro grape varieties and aged in large wooden vats. Lightly sweet with vibrant acidity and a velvety texture, dry white Port offers fruit aromas and ϐ oak notes. Chill
Fonseca’s Siroco Dry White Port for an elegant aperitif wine, or serve it alone or with premium Indian Tonic, such as FeverTree, and a sprig of mint or wedge of lemon. • Don’t forget to savor your Port. A unique characteristic of all Port is that an open bottle can last for up to six weeks when stored in a refrigerator. With a bit of knowledge, you can get the best experience possible trying a new wine varietal. -Courtesy of StatePoint
ͺ ϐ ϐ ǣ Promotes Longevity The Evidence: Wine drinkers have a 34 percent lower mortality rate than beer or spirits drinkers. Source: a Finnish study of 2,468 men over a 29year period, published in the Journals of Gerontology, 2007. ϐ ǣ Reduces Heart-Attack Risk The Evidence: Moderate drinkers suffering from high blood pressure are 30 percent less likely to have a heart attack than nondrinkers. Source: a 16year Harvard School of Public Health study of 11,711 men, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, 2007. ϐ ǣ Lowers Risk of Heart Disease The Evidence: Red-wine tannins contain procyanidins, which protect
Catherine Hill Winery 661 Blackswoods Rd. Cherryfield, ME 04622 Catherine Hill - Eden Village 122 Cottage St. Bar Harbor, ME 04609 207.546.3426 www.catherinehillwinery.com
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against heart disease. Wines from Sardinia and southwest France have more procyanidins than other wines. Source: a study at Queen Mary University in London, published in Nature, 2006. ϐ ǣ Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes The Evidence: Moderate drinkers have 30 percent less risk than nondrinkers of developing type 2 diabetes. Source: research on 369,862 individuals studied over an average of 12 years each, at Amsterdam's VU University Medical Center, published in Diabetes Care, 2005. ϐ ǣ Lowers Risk of Stroke The Evidence: The possibility of suffering a blood clot-related stroke drops by about 50 percent in people
Ricker Hill Farms Ricker’s Cidery / Winery 15 Ricker Hill Rd Turner ME, 04282 (207) 225-6165 tasting room (207) 225-5552 farm stand rickershardcider.com
who consume moderate amounts of alcohol. Source: a Columbia University study of 3,176 individuals over an eightyear period, published in Stroke, 2006. ϐ ǣ Cuts Risk of Cataracts The Evidence: Moderate drinkers are 32 percent less likely to get cataracts than nondrinkers; those who consume wine are 43 percent less likely to develop cataracts than those drinking mainly beer. Source: a study of 1,379 individuals in Iceland, published in Nature, 2003. ϐ ǣ Cuts Risk of Colon Cancer The Evidence:
Moderate consumption of wine (especially red) cuts the risk of colon cancer by 45 percent. Source: a Stony ʹǡʹͻͳ viduals over a four-year period, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2005. ϐ ǣ Slows Brain Decline ǣ clines at a markedly faster rate in nondrinkers than in moderate drinkers. Source: a Columbia University study of 1,416 people, published in Neuroepidemiology, 2006. Courtesy of foodandwine.com.
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Vermont Author Explores the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wrinkle Ranchâ&#x20AC;?
Mercy Kennedy McAllister,
In the year 2030, there will be over 74 million baby boomers over the age of 65 liv-
ing in the United States. The impact this data may have on housing and nursing care for the elderly helped to inspire the creation of The Wrinkle Ranch written by local Vermont author Mercy Kennedy McAllister (pen name) and published in March 2015. It is a fast-paced thought-provoking story about a group of baby boomers who once lived together in a commune in 1960s California. After decades of
separation, the group reconnects in Arizona making a commitment to care for each other to the endâ&#x20AC;Śno matter what. It is a heartfelt story about a spirited group of friends now in advancing years forced to ask themselves: Where will I be at the end of my journey? Where will I go when thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no room at the inn? Detailed yarns are woven throughout the story to create layers of mini dramas: tales
of a marriage that has gone stale, tragic loss, estrangement, a love child and love unrealized. It takes the spirit of the Yukon to help a Vietnam veteran share his story helping him to reconcile with the past. Thought-provoking scenes shed light on the effects of government intrusion, shocking exploitation and a debate on euthanasia. Amidst the chaos of barking Chihuahuas and health
Senior Years - Vata Years
understanding of the cycles of nature as well as our internal cycles we make conscious choises that support us. The following explains the cycles of years that we experience while we are on this planet and suggestions for the emergÂ&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x192;Â&#x201E;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022;Ǥ Youth is the growing Karen Vasil-Busch, BA, LMT years, or Kapha (Earth and Water); Middle According to Ayurve- age, the years out in da, The Science of Life, the world, working to our years are divided establish ourselves, or into three cycles. These Pitta (Fire and Water); cycles refer to Ayurve- and Senior years or Vata Â&#x2020;Â&#x192;ÇŻÂ&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; (Air and Space) the Wiselements, Space, Air, dom years, when we Water, Fire and Earth, disperse what we have which combine into learned to the next genthree forms to what are eration. called the Doshas. DoThink of a plant, startshas are combinations ing from seed and growof elements that are un- Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x192; Ď?Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;ÇĄ Â&#x201E;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â?stable in that they are ing, polinating and then dynamic and changing. maturing and reseeding These three primary itself. Our consciousDoshas - Vata, Pitta and ness is constantly reKapha - are the make Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2030;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021; up of our body/mind in cycles. We can choose to some combination and remain open to the posÂ&#x2039;Â?Ď?Â&#x17D;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; sibilities of our personal as long as we are on this evolution to change for planet. the better by establishIn my opinion, I be- ing regular routines in lieve that Ayurveda was our daily life to support developed to help us re- health and vigor in our main balanced through- mature years. Ayurveda, out our lives, by teach- or the Science of Life ing us that through the offers a framework for
Body Wise Therapy Karen Vasil-Busch, BA, LMT since 1982 336-2065 â&#x20AC;˘ www.bodywise.info Registered Ayurvedic Practitioner Licensed Massage Therapist
this process. Vata (Air and Space) governs all movement, communiation and transportation in the mind and body. It Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2022; Â&#x201E;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2020; Ď?Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2122;ÇĄ elimination of wastes, breathing and the movement of thoughts. Our Senior years are a good time to invest in creating a daily routine, so important for keeping Vata in balance. In nature there is a cycle with most growing things. Establishing a daily routine helps us remain conscious of this, so it is very grounding, routines let our nervous
system know that there is something to count upon every day, it also strengthens neuropathways that relate to security and home (as in being in the body). Suggestions regarding daily routines would center around sleep, meals and exercise. In addition to eating healthful meals and going to bed at about the same time, established health routines centered around exercise will continue to support a balanced, active life, mentally and physically. Ideally, if we have mantained a healthy
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body/mind, our Senior years offer a wealth of activities to choose from. Already established, we know what we are about, so making choices based upon preferences expands our horizons. For example, if you liked to downhill ski in the wintertime as an adult you could choose to continue that activity in the form of crosscountry skiing or snowshoing because you choose to avoid aggravating your knees or hip joints with the vigors of a downhill ski challange. This is not giving up but consiously choosing what we do. Consider the importance of slowing down in order to choose wisely. Meditation is a profoud practice to take up in the Senior/Vata years. Science has conĎ?Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x201E;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â? has a quality called neuroplasticity. Said in another way, when your mind changes your brain changes too. In the
events managed with medical marijuana, Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x152;Â&#x2018;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2039;Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2022;ÇĄ Â&#x192; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2021; love and the inevitability of saying good-bye. The author resides with her husband and golden retriever in Lamoille County, Vermont. Her daughter resides in Winthrop, Maine along with her family. The book is available for purchase through Amazon.com. Â&#x201E;
words of Donald Hebb, who is often reffered to as the father of Neuropsychology, â&#x20AC;&#x153;neurons Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; together,â&#x20AC;? which literally means that you can use your mind to change your brain. A regular practice of Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201E;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021;Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; of decresased stress, improved immunity, Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2039;Â?Ď?Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â?Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2039;Â? the body and decreased pain. Meditation coupled with restorative yoga is an excellent practice for Seniors and a regular meditation practice has been linked to greater happiness and compassion too and that translates to better interpersonal relationships at home or work. Karen Vasil-Busch, BA, LMT is a Registered Ayurvedic Practitioner who offers health consultations and Ayurvedic Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â?Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6;Ď&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2014;Â&#x2026;Â?Ď&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2020;Ǥ Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â? Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021; reached at: www.bodywise.info, 336-2065. Â&#x201E;
7KH :ULQNOH 5DQFK Â&#x2018;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D; Â&#x201E;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2026;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2021;Â?Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2026; Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x152;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x203A;ÇŤ Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014; Â&#x2030;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2122;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;ÇŻÂ&#x2022; Â?Â&#x2018; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2039;Â?Â?ÇŤ Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;ÇŻÂ&#x2022; Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2030;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;ǤǤǤ Available at Amazon.com
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Travel BÂ&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021;Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Those Ages 50 and Up
One of the best things about aging is being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor without as many obligations as you might have had when you were a younger adult. For example, many men and women have a lot more freedom to travel once they turn 50. Many of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s older adults have a wealth of discretionary time, and those who focused on retirement planning from an early age have the money to fund a recreational lifestyle. Travel companies and other businesses understand Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x192;Â&#x201E;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; other seniors are valuable customers and are rolling out the red carpet with
a bevy of discounts and perks. AARP Services, Inc. has long been a trusted resource in senior-based information and resources. The organization continues to broker relationships with various companies to arrange deals on travel-related services and products for older men and women. Members of AARP can link directly to deals through the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. In addition to companies that work with AARP, many other travel companies have discounts or other perks available to men and women over 50. All consumers need to do is inquire about such Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021;Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022;Ǥ Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2020;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2013;ÇĄ
Many people who waited eagerly for the day they could stop working and enjoy a leisurely reÂ&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013; ƤÂ?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;ality doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t match their dreams. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some people are not Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2019;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; ƤÂ?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; mentally to retire,â&#x20AC;? says Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x192;ÇĄ Â&#x192; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; CPA and author of the book Retiring? Beware!! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Run Out of Money and Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Become Bored. He suggests a parttime job provides a possible solution for both Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;ƤÂ&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Č&#x201A; Â&#x2030;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x192; boost to your bank account and a mission to your daily living that another round of golf just isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t supplying. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think many people realize that they may live 30 to 40 years after leaving the workforce,â&#x20AC;? Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x192; Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2022;Ǥ Dz Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2013; of money required to sustain a comfortable lifestyle is staggering.â&#x20AC;? Meanwhile, boredom becomes an insidious enemy, even for retirees
with a beloved pastime they hoped to make the centerpiece of their existence. Playing tennis or lying on the beach is relaxing and pleasurable when done once a week or a couple of times a Â?Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Ǥ Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x203A; wears off quickly when it becomes a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priÂ?Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2019;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?ÇĄ Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x192; says. He suggests a few parttime job possibilities that could work out nicely for retirees, whether their Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; ƤÂ?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; they just want a place to go every day to mingle with co-workers: Cruise ship employment. This is an ideal way to combine a parttime job with pleasure, Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x192; Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2022;Ǥ Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2022;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2022; provide room and board and the use of their facilities when the workers are not plying their trade. Possible jobs onboard cruise ships include golf instructors, scuba diving/ water sports instructors, bridge instructors, arts
log on to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website or give their customer service department a call. Here are some other ways to secure deals on travel and other services. ¡ Do some networking. Fellow seniors who log in to chat rooms or who are members of social clubs may have the inside scoop on age-based travel deals. Learn the ropes from others who have been there before you and take notes on which companies offer the best deals. Č&#x2030; Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2013;Ǥ Understand the details of senior discounts and compare them to other promotions offered to anyone, regardless of age. You may be able to get a
better deal or combine offers if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not locked into a senior plan. Also, check the dates when deals are valid to ensure you can travel when you want to. ¡ Always carry proof of age. Whether it is a driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, AARP card, Â&#x2019;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;ÇĄ Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Ď?Â&#x2039;cate, carry proof of your age at all times. You do not want to miss out on a discount because you cannot verify you are 50 or older. Though being mistaken as younger could be a boost to your ego, it will Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021;Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Â? line. ¡ Explore airline perks. Men and women 55 and older may be eligible for â&#x20AC;&#x153;golden-agersâ&#x20AC;? discounts
at major airlines. Such deals are not typically advertised, so you may need to speak with an airline representative to secure the discount. Seniors also can request special services, such as baggage assistance, priority seating and a ride to the gate, at the airport. ¡ Try negotiating with vendors. If you cannot Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x192; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2013;ÇĄ consider negotiating with vendors for deals. Local hotels or businesses may Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Ď?Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x161;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201E;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â? national chains. It never hurts to ask for a senior discount. Č&#x2030; Â?Â&#x201E;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Ď?Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x161;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2039;Â? scheduling. Unlike students or business travelers, seniors tend to have
freedom with regard to the days of the week when they can travel. You Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Ď?Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x161;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2030;Â&#x2018; and come as you please without having to coordinate with vacation time or school breaks. Use this to your advantage and travel during off-peak times when crowds will be small and rates may be lower. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel down if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re approaching another milestone birthday. Entering into your golden years gives you access to a variety of perks and discounts that can save you time and money on travel. - Courtesy of MetroÂ&#x201E;
Working Through Retirement computer applications, then this can be a good possibility. Usually, the opportunities are with small businesses and entail a Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2019; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; ƤÂ?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;cord keeping. Duties may include establishing and maintaining inventory database systems, tracing accounts receivable and accounts payable, maintaining checking and savings accounts, producing ƤÂ?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;lowing up on delinquent accounts. Virtual assistant. This is a job you can do from your home. The main purpose of a virtual assistant is to assist busy business executives who do not have in-house staff to attend to various administrative functions. These positions have become available due to small companies trying to keep permanent overhead costs down. Training programs are available at community colleges, many of which Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;ƤÂ&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2022;Ǥ The duties of an assistant
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Maine BOOMERS
Maine Towns are Working to be More Age-Friendly… Is Your Community Next?
The aging of Maine’s residents presents new challenges for Maine communities. “The median age in Maine is 44—the oldest in the nation,” according to Lori Parham, AARP Maine state director. “The state also is one of the most rural, so providing services
can be a challenge.” To respond to emerging issues, the AARP has developed the Age Friendly Community Network approach. Paris is one of ϐ ies which have been designated members of the Age-Friendly Community Network because of their
efforts to address aging in their communities. In dents have begun exploring age-friendly issues after a panel at the Western Mountains Senior College. The initiative helps municipalities take stock of their current resources and plan for changes
in housing, health care, transportation and community resources to meet the needs of Maine’s rapidly aging population. The program helps communities develop action plans to address aging issues. The goal is to help adults age in place and age in community, a goal of 85% of Mainers according t AARP surveys. ǡ ǡ Kennebunk, Portland, and Ellsworth have so far begun working with the agefriendly model to become more age-friendly. To begin, each community analyzes strengths and weaknesses in eight areas, and then an action plan to address weak Ǥ got the earliest start and has worked hard on the accessibility of public buildings and developed an ambitious program of events for seniors. The also turning its attention to transportation and to a “Tool Table” for home
projects. Transportation is a top priority in most towns. Volunteer programs are the focus, either independently of as part of The Village Movement –a membership-driven, grass-roots approach to affordable services including transportation, health and wellness programs, home repairs, social and educational activities. In Paris the initiative is being spearheaded by Sarah Glynn, an attorney at the Oxford Hills law ϐ Ǥ Dz ǡ if not years, my law partner and I have recognized that there is a dearth of ready support for our se Ǥ ϐ ǡ often real legal issues.” Glynn thinks the program is a perfect adjunct to the town’s Market Square Revitalization strategy. The select board approved the town’s participation immediately when it heard about the age friendly
program. An Age-Friendly ϐ presented at town meeting. “The response from the Town has been ter ϐ ǡdz Ǥ AARP Maine has retained a veteran town planner to help community groups create action plans. “It’s easy to set out a community’s strengths and weaknesses, and then make an action plan to address them,” said Peter Morelli, who leads the Ǥ contact, Jacquelyn Cressy at rivendellhousebnb@ me.com AARP Maine has a small grant program to support age-friendly community planning designed to include low and moderate income older adults. If you or your community might have an interest in ag-friendly planning in your town, contact Peter Morelli, pmorelli@aarp. org, or 712-7105. More information: www.aarp. org/agefriendly.
Celebrate Social Security’s Anniversary by Sharing Your Own Story
Submitted by Jane Margesson, AARP Maine Communications Director This year, Americans everywhere celebrate 80 years of Social Security. When the Social Security Act was signed into law on August 14, 1935, almost half of all older Americans lived in pover Ǥ ϐ ǡ was just a retirement program. Today, it offers sur ǯ ϐ ǡ ϐ to a retiree’s spouse, and ϐ Ǥ Security is a foundation of economic security for
millions of Americans and their families. Here in Maine, one third of Mainers 65+ who are on Social Security rely on ϐ ͳͲͲΨ their income. Without Social Security, over 80,000 older Mainers would fall into poverty. AARP is celebrating this accomplishment through a new anniversary activity called, “Humans of Social Security.” This project will collect authentic photographs of a wide array of individuals from all 50 states along with a
quote or anecdote about the impact and importance of Social Security in their lives. The goal is to demonstrate how Social Security is a great American program that needs to continue on for future generations. Since a large portion of Mainers are directly touched by this incredible program, we’re reaching out to you to become a part of “Humans of Social Security.” You can submit your own story through our website, aarp.org/hu-
Support at any point in your life • Skilled nursing, personal care support and companionship services available. • We can provide assistance with housekeeping, errands, and hygiene. • Post-operative, short term, respite, and long term care available. • As little as one hour a week up to twenty four hours a day. Contact Jillian Jolicoeur, RN-BSN today for your free in home assessment!
mans, along with a quote or brief summary about your personal experience with Social Security. To keep the activity impactful but enjoyable, below are a couple of examples of the types of information AARP is seeking: • Retirees: How many years did you work? ϐ and amount per hour you originally made? (Funny Ȁ ϐ and related stories are
encouraged!) • Kids: What do you want to be when you grow up? • College age to 30’s: Do you hope to retire someday? What do you hope to look back on and say you achieved? • 40’s to 60’s: What does Social Security mean to you and/or your loved ones? lin D. Roosevelt signed Social Security into law,
many older Americans literally could not afford to stop working. After 80 years, it is hard to imagine life without Social Security. ϐ ǡ over a lifetime of hard work, is making a difference in the lives of millions of families every day including right here in Maine. Happy Anniversary, Social Security, and here’s to 80 more years!
In an age-friendly community, people of all ages can… GO FOR A WALK
GET AROUND WITHOUT A CAR
ENJOY PUBLIC PLACES WORK OR VOLUNTEER FIND THE SERVICES THEY NEED
SHOP, SOCIALIZE AND BE ENTERTAINED LIVE SAFELY AND COMFORTABLY
… and make their town, city or neighborhood a lifelong home.
Most older adults want to remain in their own homes and communities which is why AARP is helping towns and cities nationwide become great, livable places for people of all ages.
1-800-781-0070 ext. 408
www.assistanceplus.com
To become part of the AARP Age-Friendly effort in Maine, contact Peter Morelli at pmorelli@aarp.org or call 207-712-7105.
Page 14
Summer 2015
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Maine BOOMERS
Belize: B elize: a Treasure Treasure Trove Trove of of Attractions Attractions
Mayan pottery can be found in one of the many caves in Belize.
A visitor takes in the scenery at a waterfall in Belize. Photo courtesy of Damian Solano.
Thatch-roofed huts can be found in Belize. beaches in Belize.
By Victor Block
has long stretches of lovely beach backed by mag ϐ Ǧ cal foliage – and it does. I knew that its dense jungles hide intriguing Mayan ruins, some dating back before the birth of Christ – and they do. What surprised me during a visit to the Central American country, which is only about one-fourth the size of Maine, was the treasure trove of other attractions. Like most visitors, I spent time relaxing on soft sand beaches. I also relived the mastery, and mystery, of the great Mayan civilization. I hiked hidden paths, enjoyed gentle canoe paddles and explored the jungle, rain forests and rivers that en Ǥ Just off its Caribbean coastline, some 200 island cayes (pronounced “keys”) bask in the sun. Most visitors head for Ambergris Caye, a popular diving and snorkeling destination.
I preferred the more laid-back lifestyle on smaller, less-developed Caye Caulker. Its two narrow lanes are lined by brightly painted wooden houses. Most transportation is by foot, bicycle or golf carts. ǯ triguing attractions is the mélange of its residents. Mestizos, descendants of Spanish and Mayan ancestors, and Creoles of mixed African and white blood, account for about 75 percent of the population. Mayans, East Indians, Chinese and even a smattering of Mennonites and Amish add to the mix. Most intriguing to me are the Garifuna, descendants of African slaves and Caribbean Arawak Indians. Most of them live in coastal settlements of wooden houses lining dusty streets. I was fortunate enough to meet 78-year-old Erdengela Polonio, a buyei (healer) who was preparing to conduct a dugu ceremony in her wooden, thatch-roofed
“temple” to cure two young girls who could not walk. Among preparations were a crude handmade alter displaying a combination of symbols, including images of Jesus and a collection of items Ȃ ǯ ǡ ϐ and plantain – laid out as offerings to the gods. The goal of a dugu is to heal a person who has ϐ something bad they or a relative has done. The ceremony involves many family members, can last two-to-three days, and includes singing, drumming and dancing. I also relived the compelling story of the Mayans. Wherever you are in ǡ sites are likely to be nearby. The jungle conceals more than 600 ruins of that once-great civilization. My introduction focused upon Caracol, the largest Mayan location over 50 square miles and encompasses remains of some 36,000 structures. Massive pyramids,
broad plazas, ball courts and over 100 reservoirs are linked by more than 20 miles of roads that radiate out like spokes of a wheel. Hieroglyphic texts carved into stelae and other facades provide the names and sometimes portraits of rulers, and descriptions of important historical events. Descendants of the Maya today live in villages of thatchroofed wooden homes, dine on traditional foods like corn tortillas and caldo (a kind of cabbage), and keep their customs alive in other ways. Along with strolls through Mayan sites, very different kinds of walks tempt nature lovers. A personal favorite was the Sanctuary, a remote rainforest known as the only jaguar preserve in the world. However, because jaguars are nocturnal animals, human visitors have little chance to see one. As our guide Santos Gonzalez remarked, “The best place to see a jaguar is a zoo.”
A local House of Prayer. However, we did spot jaguar tracks, and a wild pig and tapir. We encountered a troop of howler monkeys in the treetops, which complained about our presence by their chorus of barking noises that can be heard for a mile. We also saw crocodile half submerged at the edge of a river, a tarantula hidden beneath a fallen tree trunk, and a number of the estimated 300 species of colorful tropical birds that live in the overhead tree canopy. Caving is another pop ǡ and it doesn’t have to be the crawl-on-your-belly, slide-down-a-rope kind of activity. You may choose a walk-in experience, canoe ǡ ϐ an inner tube. I enjoyed a pleasant hour-long canoe ride into Ǥ without the human skulls, animal bones, clay pots and other evidence of former Mayan occupation, the beauty of the cave itself is entrancing. Multihued stalactites suspend-
ed from the ceiling reach almost to the water. The highest cavern soars to a cathedral-like height of 165 feet, then descends so low that boaters have to duck in order to pass. As our canoe glided between walls just wide enough to navigate through, I recalled the open expanse of Caribbean beach I had enjoyed just hours before. That diversity – of nature, people and history – is to me the greatest appeal of a visit Ǥ If you go: For more information contact the logging onto travelbelize. org or calling (800) 6240686. Victor Block is an awardwinning travel journalist who lives in Washington, D.C., and spends summers in Rangeley, Maine. He is a guidebook author who has traveled to more than 70 countries. His articles appear in newspapers around the country, and on travel websites.
Summer 2015
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