55+ Life Summer 2025

SUMMER 2025

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Get out this summer & On the Waterfront

Scenic strolls for body and soul

Outdoor Winery Fun

Tasting, activities and entertainment

Noctourism

Nature, stars and moonlight

Stunning Edimentals Landscaping that you can eat

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Summer Cookbook!

Your guide to the season’s best dishes

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Welcome to The Apex at Crossgates – where luxury meets heart, and home becomes a source of pride. We offer an unparalleled club-style living experience. The Apex vision transcends the ordinary, blending essential comforts with the luxury you deserve. Nestled near Albany Pine Bush Preserve, and surrounded by vibrant hotspots, The Apex effortlessly brings the best of the Capital District to your doorstep.

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JULY / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025

features 18  Carried By the Current

Walking into wellness along the area’s most picturesque water trails

26  Where Fireworks Meet Fastballs Local stars and loyal fans power a new baseball season at The Joe

30  Uncork Summer Magic

Explore wines, festivals, stomping contests and more in New York’s wine country

8 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

A NEW WAY TO GET YOU BACK OUT THERE.

I N T R O D U C I N G S T. P E T E R’S O RT H O P E D I C S

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38

food and drink

travel

34  (Almost) No-Cook Cooking As the summer heats up, your kitchen doesn’t have to

58  Chasing Moonlight Travelers seek the allure of “noctourism” and dark-sky destinations

home & garden 38  Stunning Edimentals Flower beds you can feast on? Yes, please!

health & wellness 43  Kratom Killed My Son The so-called natural remedy turning deadly for some users

50

16  What’s Trending: Flex Appeal Assisted stretching is the latest wellness must-try — but is it worth the hype?

New column!

63  Laugh Lines: A Beach Day For One No kids, no chaos, and a swimsuit that actually stays put

lifestyle

64  On Our Nightstand: The Sporting Life Nonfiction books to inspire you about living

54  The New Student Body Inside the movement to reclaim learning as a lifelong adventure

10 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

14  Publisher’s Note: It Smells Like Summer Alison Michael on embracing the season

46  Don’t Miss a Thing Why hearing loss deserves your attention after age 55 (Hint: It’s not just about your ears!)

50  Who Cares?

PBS documentary by Bradley Cooper shines light on caregiving crisis in the U.S.

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columns

66  The Vine: A Sip of Summer Rod Michael shares a chilled glass of perfectly pink rosé Cover illustration: iStockphoto.com/Nataniil.

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LIFE

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Alison Michael | alison@55pluslife.com Consulting Editor Traci Neal Marketing Consultant Terri Jacobsen Consulting Art Director Tony Pallone Your next adventure begins here!

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Design Consultant Barb Dunn Consulting Online Content Producer Caitlin Manner Contributing Writers Sheryl Nance-Nash Jerry Caraccioli Anthony Pioppi Tom Caraccioli Janet Reynolds Joanne Cleaver Cari Scribner MaryEllen Fillo Brianna Snyder Susan Brady Konig Kitty Williams Caitlin Manner Rod Michael Visit us at

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38 Mall Way, #83, West Sand Lake, NY 12196 editor@55pluslife.com 55+ Living Guide, LLC. Copyright 2025.

All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced in any fashion, including electronically, in part or whole, without written consent from 55+ Living Guide, LLC.

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Publisher’s Note

It Smells Like

Summer I

absolutely love summer and I love this issue’s cover.

It reminds me of growing up in New Jersey, when summers were synonymous with the Jersey Shore.

I can still smell the Coppertone suntan lotion and the salty sea air. The days lingered on forever, and the biggest decision was what time we were going to the beach and what sandwiches we wanted to bring.

While rivers, lakes, ponds and waterfalls may not stir my soul quite like the scent of the ocean, they offer their own kind of magic — especially for the eyes and spirit.

If you enjoy regular walks, these waterside spots can be ideal locations. We all know walking is one of the simplest and healthiest forms of exercise. And research increasingly shows that being near water — whether it’s a river, lake or waterfall — can significantly reduce stress and boost mental clarity, as you’ll discover on page 18.

Let’s talk about learning. In today’s connected world, knowledge is more accessible than ever and personal growth knows no age limit. Those of us 55 and older are increasingly returning to school to keep our brains sharp and our cups full, as writer Brianna Snyder discovers on page 54.

As our population ages at an unprecedented rate, the role of caregivers continues to grow. Many of us have taken on the role of caring for a parent or loved one. It’s a profound, humbling, and deeply human act — an enduring expression of compassion and connection.

While most of us recognize actor Bradley Cooper for his roles in Silver Linings Playbook and A Star is Born, he steps into a different role as executive producer of a documentary film airing on PBS this summer that aims to shed light on the physical, emotional and financial challenges faced by millions of mostly unpaid caregivers in the U.S. As you’ll learn on page 50, Cooper’s Caregiving documentary is part of “The Caregiving Project” — a national engagement campaign on the states and stakes of providing care in America. It focuses on both paid professionals who, in my opinion, are not paid enough, and family members providing unpaid care.

I would encourage everyone to watch it. Education and awareness are the first steps in creating change. n

alison@55pluslife.com

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FLEX Assisted stretching is the latest wellness must-try — but is it worth the hype?

BY CAITLIN MANNER

WHAT IS ASSISTED STRETCHING?

Assisted stretching involves a trained practitioner moving and stretching your muscles for you, a lot like what you might see on the sidelines of a professional football game. The stretches are done manually and using specialty equipment like rollers or resistance bands, and programs are generally tailored to individuals and their goals.

Sari Medick, the regional general manager of Stretch Zone for Clifton Park, Delmar and Colonie, explains that the first appointment at Stretch Zone involves a detailed assessment of physical fitness to establish a baseline and identify areas of pain or stiffness. “We are not

16 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

Photos: iStockphoto.com. Clockwise from left, EmirMemedovski; alvarez; Teraphim.

APPEAL

B

outique fitness studios seem to be popping up everywhere, offering individualized coaching for all kinds of workouts, from Pilates to CrossFit and everything in between. In the last few years, a new trend has emerged: gyms that focus solely on stretching. These studios, such as Stretch Zone or StretchLab, have been proliferating all over the country (StretchLab, which includes locations in Albany and Latham, recently became the first franchise of its kind to reach 500 studios in North America), providing assisted stretching sessions for people looking to reduce pain and increase flexibility.

For people over the age of 50, who are often encouraged to seek out low-impact exercises that will maximize mobility into their later years, it may seem like assisted stretching is exactly what the doctor ordered. Anecdotally, at least, that seems to be the case, but the science is a bit mixed.

Here’s what you should know about the assisted stretching trend.

“

What’s Trending

When you feel good, you move better and you move more.”

— Sari Medick, regional general manager of Stretch Zone

diagnosticians, but we can feel where there is too much tension or you’re moving unevenly. We’re going to find out where that imbalance is and take measurements and try to improve upon it.”

Although there are different methods for assisted stretching, most facilities focus on stretches known as proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, or PNF. This technique typically involves a passive stretch, followed by an isometric contraction (against resistance without movement) and then a deeper stretch. PNF is common practice for increasing range of motion, though there isn’t much research to evaluate the theories behind it, according to one review published in the Journal of Human Kinetics.

dividualized to the population studied.

More encouragingly, one preliminary study conducted at the University of Miami found that an active assisted-stretching program for older adults increased their range of motion, mobility and functional power — all things associated with living healthier, longer.

IS ASSISTED STRETCHING WORTH A TRY?

Most experts agree that when it comes to fitness, any kind of movement is better than no movement at all. Medick says she has countless success stories she could tell, including her own.

“I started off as a client. When they opened here in the Capital Region three years ago, I could not reach my toes,” she says. “I started coming here twice a week for half an hour, and

within the first 12 weeks I had made so much progress that I decided to continue on.”

Medick says her work with Stretch Zone has changed her life, allowing her to pursue other fitness passions like weightlifting, dragon boat racing and kayaking in a more “ferocious manner.” Admittedly “no spring chicken” (her words, not mine!), Medick has been battling arthritis since childhood, and she swears that assisted stretching has been the most effective nonmedical intervention she’s tried. “When you are hurting, we all know it makes you miserable, it makes you not want to do stuff,” she says. “But when you feel good, you move better and you move more. And that’s just so important.” n

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE TREND

Practitioners claim assisted stretching can increase flexibility, blood circulation and range of motion, decrease pain and stiffness, and improve core strength and posture. So far, though, there hasn’t been much conclusive research on the effectiveness of assisted stretching versus individual stretching, and studies about the benefits of stretching in general have had mixed results.

Research published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy found regular stretching to be beneficial overall, but results were highly inSUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 17

Carried by the

Current

Walking into wellness along the area’s most picturesque water trails

BY JOANNE CLEAVER PHOTOS: NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF PARKS, RECREATION AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION LAWSON LAKE PHOTO: ALBANY COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

W

hen Gail Saltz takes a walk, as she often does along the Hudson River, she looks forward at every turn to fresh frames of water through the trees.

The New York City-based psychiatrist says she counts on brisk walks through her favorite parks, daily in Central Park and, on weekends, north along the Hudson, to reset her mood and mental state.

While exercise coaches stress that walking is its own reward, with its well-documented cardiac, balance and systemic benefits, there’s a bigger gain, too, says Saltz. “The physical benefits of walking are great, but only if you do it long enough, fast enough and often enough,” she says. “What will keep you doing that? Certainly, having something that you look forward to seeing is an important ingredient.”

Rivers, lakes, ponds and waterfalls can be an ideal destination for your eyes and your spirit, even as your body gains the benefits of walking. State and county parks in the Capital Region offer ever-changing water vistas that sustain motivation and enjoyment of regular walks, both for locals and for day-trippers like Saltz.

The Albany area overflows with natural water features, dominated by the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk rivers at Peebles Island State Park, says Alane Ball Chinian,

18 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

GRAFTON LAKES STATE PARK

SUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 19

Saratoga/Capital District regional director for the state park system, operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “You have a strong sense of where you are — you’re at the point where these two enormous river systems meet,” she says.

Pace your place Most public parks offer plenty of shady benches where you can take a break, whether you need to pace your distance or just soak in a quiet moment.

The more you quietly observe, the more you’ll see, predicts Saltz. When she walks along the Hudson at various points north of New York, she plans time to let her mind rest and her eyes wander. “It looks like nothing’s happening,” she says of the first few minutes of contemplative gazing.

“But there are boats, birds, currents and eddies.”

Ever-shifting weather does have its downsides. Chinian offers several

cautions: For instance, to see the most dramatic waterfalls and vistas might require walking along “natural surface” trails, which is park staff-speak for unpaved dirt. While New York state parks often do offer universally accessible, paved walkways that wind by scenic byways, it’s best to check park maps online to confirm that you or your group can manage the trails you want to traverse.

Count on park staff to fill you in about the day’s conditions, especially after rain or snow, when paths might be treacherous, branches might be down or benches not usable, adds Chinian.

The gains of taking in a water view aren’t all in your head, says Jessica Corona-Irwin, a registered nurse and certified dementia practitioner with Remo Health, an online service for caregivers who help people with dementia.

“There’s a lot of research around the benefit of being near bodies of water.

Whether it’s a lake, river or waterfall, it reduces stress and enhances mental

clarity. The rhythmic sounds of flowing water evoke relaxation and responses in the brain that quell stress.

It lowers cortisol levels and improves your mood,” she says.

Whether you go on your own or with a companion, bring your whole self to your waterside perambulation, recommends Corona-Irwin. Take in the fresh air, the sound of the water and its rhythmic movement. “Make space for it to be a whole experience,” she says, “beyond that 10,000 steps.”

Here are some of the area’s best water-centric parks to explore.

 LAWSON LAKE COUNTY PARK Feura Bush For a quiet getaway that doesn’t involve a noisy beach, check out Lawson Lake.

Its trails wind through deep forest, and the lakefront offers pavilions for picnics regardless of the weather.

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20 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

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PEEBLES ISLAND STATE PARK

 PEEBLES ISLAND STATE PARK Cohoes The two great rivers converge at Peebles Island, where rushing water is nearly guaranteed. Overlooks let you hover above the shore for a close look at the aquatic drama. The park offers amenities including a pavilion available for rent for groups.

CHERRY PLAIN STATE PARK Petersburgh This peaceful getaway surrounded by a 4,000-acre wildlife management area is known for its 22 miles of hiking trails around the 34.6-acre Black River Pond, including the scenic Waterfall Trail and a path to the historic Charcoal Kiln Site. Spend a day on its sandy beach or enjoying the picnic

22 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

grounds, launch your canoe or kayak from the boat ramp, or plan a longer stay at the campground.

HUDSON RIVER ISLANDS STATE PARK Coxsackie If you’re after the full river experience, this is the place — and you’ll have to muster a boat to get there. The park is in the middle of the Hudson River, accessible by canoes and kayaks from shore. Larger boats must anchor offshore as there are no docks on the island, which is only open for day trips.

GRAFTON LAKES STATE PARK Grafton Long Pond is the highlight here, as it features a sandy beach that invites wading, swimming and sunning. Other ponds in the park are stocked with fish.

Trails lace through the woods around the ponds.

TACONIC STATE PARK Copake Falls There’s enough to do at Taconic State Park to occupy a very long weekend.

The full-recreation lake is just the start: Campgrounds abound, you can hike up Brace Mountain, take in the newly opened Copake Iron Works, a circa 1845 industrial revolution historic site, and ride the narrow-gauge Pomeroy Railroad.

ANN LEE POND NATURE and HISTORIC PRESERVE Albany If bird-watching and nature walks are your gig, check out this peaceful park, which features trails through a variety of water-centric ecosystems.

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WONDERFUL WATERFALLS

The awe-inspiring drama of the region’s cascades

If it’s drama you’re after, head for a park that features a waterfall or two.

Alane Ball Chinian, Saratoga/Capital District regional director for the state park system, recommends going on a clear day after a rainfall, when falls overspill.

One of her favorites, Thacher State Park, south of Albany, is renowned for its cliffs — and cliffs often mean waterfalls.

“Thacher offers it all,” says Chinian. “A beautiful visitors center with exhibits, and it’s fully accessible. On the escarpment trail, you’re walking along the cliff and you’re walking over waterfalls. The water goes under your feet and over the cliff. … The Indian Ladder Trail takes you down a cliff, via stairs, and you can walk under the waterfall.”

THACHER STATE PARK Voorheesville Even if you’re not up to the risk of the Indian Ladder Trail, you can see the lake from overlooks.

The on-site nature center is located on Thompson’s Lake and offers equipment rentals as well as interactive nature displays.

MINE KILL FALLS

 MINE KILL STATE PARK and MINE KILL FALLS North Blenheim It’s a short walk from the main entrance to the overlooks to the 80foot high Mine Kill Falls. Boating and fishing are welcomed on the Blenheim-Gilboa Reservoir, also within the park. n SUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 25

s k r o w e r i F Where

s l l a b t s Fa Meet

BY ANTHONY PIOPPI

F

or generations, baseball has been a warm-weather staple in upstate New York — a classic way to spend a summer evening. The minor leagues, in particular, have a long and storied history in the Capital Region dating back to the 1850s.

Continuing that tradition is the Tri-City ValleyCats, the minor league team that’s been playing games at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in Albany since 2002. The team plays 48 home games that offer the perfect excuse to grab some peanuts and family and friends and settle into the bleachers under the lights. The ValleyCats are members of the 18-team Frontier League and play a 96-game regular-season schedule from early May until late August, followed by playoffs.

The Frontier League is one of the eight professional in-

26 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

dependent baseball leagues in North America and is considered the oldest active independent baseball league in the world. None of the teams are affiliated with MLB organizations, but the league is an official MLB Partner League. Players can be signed by MLB teams during the season — so you never know who might be the next breakout star.

The level of play is similar to Minor League Baseball’s Single-A teams. The rosters are primarily made up of accomplished college graduates looking to move to an MLB organization or former minor league players trying to return.

Players come from more than 15 countries.

Fans of the ’Cats have seen major league talent regularly grace the diamond at The Joe. Since 2000, approximately 60 alums of the Frontier League have made it to the majors, including current Texas Rangers pitcher Kumar Rocker, who was on the Tri-City roster in 2022. Andrew Bellatti, who

Photo courtesy of Tri-City ValleyCats.

Local stars and loyal fans power a new baseball season at The Joe

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 ARLO MARYNCZAK, the 6-foot-7 Bethlehem Central High School and Siena College alum, takes the mound once again this season for the Tri-City ValleyCats.

played for Tri-City in 2021, was with the Philadelphia Phillies and Miami Marlins. In March, he signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.

The ValleyCats, which are hosting the Frontier League AllStar Game July 16, have traditionally been one of the more popular teams in the league. Last year, the team averaged 3,000 fans for games at The Joe, in part because of their onfield success. Tri-City went 52-41, finishing second in the East Division before losing in the Wild Card game.

This season’s Tri-City squad includes some local flair.

Arlo Marynczak, a Bethlehem Central High School and Siena College alum, will be taking the mound once again. The 6-foot-7 righty appeared in 22 games last season as a starter, closer and set-up man — not a common role in the modern game, where positions are typically more specific. But, he says, he’s comfortable adapting.

“I’m kind of used to that. I’m an outs-getter. I pride myself in being ready quickly,” he said.

An affiliate of National Health Care Associates, Inc.

SUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 27

ic director at Troy High School. Paul also played baseball at Wake Forest before being drafted by the Detroit Tigers.

For Marynczak, the goal is the opposite: He wants this year to be a launching pad to something better.

“It’s an accomplishment to be at this level,” he said, “but the goal is to move on.”

The ValleyCats play six days a week, excluding Mondays.

Tickets can be bought at the stadium or online at tcvalleycats.com, where the full schedule and promotional lineup are posted. And while baseball is the main event, the stadium experience offers so much more: postgame fireworks, theme nights like Taylor Swift Night and Christmas in July, and even a concert by country star Tyler Hubbard on August 14.

There’s something for everyone — making it an unbeatable summer tradition.

Looking for more baseball adventures across New York this summer? The state is filled with options. Triple-A fans can catch the Buffalo Bisons (the Toronto Blue Jays affiliate), Rochester Red Wings (Washington Nationals) and Syracuse Mets (New York Mets). Double-A’s Binghamton Rumble Ponies (Mets) and High-A teams like the Brooklyn Cyclones (Mets) and Hudson Valley Renegades (New York Yankees) also offer thrilling games all summer long.

That’s not to say that independent league action is limited to Albany. The Perfect Game Collegiate League’s 16 teams includes squads in Albany, Amsterdam and Glens Falls. The United Shore Professional Baseball League has four teams that play at Jimmy John’s Field in Utica. The Empire Baseball League plays in Malone, Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake. Whether you’re in the Capital Region or on a weekend trip, there’s a ballpark nearby and a summer night just waiting to be filled with the crack of the bat and the cheer of the crowd. n

Photo: iStockphoto.com/cmannphoto.

For Marynczak, who grew up watching ValleyCats games, playing for his hometown team is a summertime dream come true. “It’s a real honor to represent this area,” he said.

“It’s not something I take lightly.”

Marynczak still works out in the same facilities he did as a kid and works with Christian Brothers Academy’s varsity baseball team in Albany. He says he sees himself as a role model for young players. “I learned the game growing up in the same town as you,” he tells them. “You can do this.”

Another local standout, Jake Reinisch — a Shenendehowa High School grad and a Wake Forest University standout — was traded to the ValleyCats in the offseason by the New York Boulder, where he played right field and first base.

He’s excited to play for hometown fans. During his college career, only his parents were able to see him play.

“It’s super cool to come here with all my friends and family,” Reinisch said, adding he’s especially thrilled that his grandparents will get to see him play for the first time since his high school years.

While many players are chasing MLB dreams, Reinisch says he’s enjoying this season with a refreshing sense of freedom.

“I have no goals, which sounds not good, right?” he says.

“There is no pressure. I’m hanging it up at the end of summer and moving on.”

Reinisch cites the Roman Stoic philosopher Seneca, who said “Cease to hope and you will cease to fear,” adding that this attitude helps him play at his best. “I don’t feel stressed to perform,” he says. “I’m ready to move on but enjoying it while in the process.”

Reinisch is in graduate school at Russell Sage College and is a graduate assistant on the baseball team. His goal is to get into educational administration and coach baseball, following in the footsteps of his father Paul Reinisch, who is the athlet-

28 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

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magic…  MILLBROOK VINEYARDS & WINERY offers a variety of tastings, tours and picnics designed to create unforgettable experiences and memories.

Explore wines, festivals, stomping contests and more in New York’s wine country

BY TOM AND JERRY CARACCIOLI

30 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

f

rom eager, curious and future oenophiles, to savvy sommeliers, or folks just enjoying a picnic in a picturesque setting, New York State’s Hudson Valley and Capital Region provide wine lovers a paradise of some of the finest vintages and distinctive flavors the state and country have to offer.

In the summer months, New York wineries also offer plenty of fun, from live music nights and festivals to wine and food pairings, vineyard tours and even yoga among the vines.

While most think of California’s Napa Valley, Santa Barbara wine country (highlighted in the 2004 film Sideways), Washington state and Oregon as some

Photo courtesy of Millbrook Vineyards & Winery.

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of the most notable areas for wine production in the United States, New York also is recognized as one of the nation’s top five wine-producing states.

The Empire State’s Hudson Valley and Capital Region are two big reasons why.

The Hudson Valley is one of the oldest and most historic wine regions in the country, with a wine-growing tradition dating back to the 17th century. It’s home to more than 40 wineries, many of which offer tours, tastings and seasonal events, especially in summertime — the heart of the growing season. Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville, billed as “America’s Oldest Winery,” offers tasting flights, as well as guided tours of the 1839 property and vineyards.

Most of the vineyards provide stunning scenery. Nestled along the picturesque banks of the Hudson River, many of them are perched on rolling hills, offering panoramic scenes of the river, lush green landscapes and the Catskill Mountains.

“We have the most beautiful view of any winery in the area,” Kate Soldani, owner of Galway Rock Winery, boasts.

“If you come to visit us, we have a magnificent patio in which you can see all the way to Vermont — Mt. Equinox. We’re a really relaxed place, not hoity-toity. We love wine, having a good time and really enjoy our customers. In New York state, we make higher-acid wines, so they go really well with food.

They’re balanced and quite lovely.”

At Hummingbird Hills Winery, late spring and summer are times to celebrate with special events at the vineyard located within driving distance from Albany and New York City. “We host an Easter egg hunt with local kids searching the grounds for 1,000 eggs,” Hummingbird Hills owner and tasting director Kimm Schick says. “In May, we have a Mother’s Day Brunch. I’m a Jeep owner and belong to a wonderful

32 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

club that will hold a Jeep event, Go Topless, in May. For the summertime, we usually do an aloha event and a summer barbecue event.”

Here’s a selection of some of the area’s notable wineries to explore this summer:

Altamont Vineyard & Winery 3001 Furbeck Road, Altamont altamontwinery.com

Altamont Vineyard & Winery, in the scenic foothills of the Helderberg Mountains in Altamont, offers a serene escape with its picturesque 13-acre estate.​Visitors can enjoy seasonal vineyard tours that include a walk through the estate followed by wine tastings in the cozy tasting room, complemented by local cheeses, crackers and chocolates. The winery also hosts special events such as “VinYoga,” combining yoga sessions with wine tastings in the heart of New York’s wine-making region. OPEN WEEKENDS

Brotherhood Winery

100 Brotherhood Plaza, Washingtonville brotherhood-winery.com

Nestled in Washingtonville, Brotherhood Winery stands as America’s oldest continuously operating winery, with a history dating back to 1839. This historic winery offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, featuring hand-excavated cellars that house over 200 oak barrels of aging wine. Visitors can take guided tours through the subterranean vaults and listen to live music on the weekends, partake in wine tastings, and have a meal at the 1839 Restaurant. The winery also hosts seasonal events such as the popular Grape Stomp competition, where teams compete to extract the most juice in a timed challenge. OPEN SEVEN DAYS

Galway Rock Vineyard and Winery 998 Saratoga Road, Ballston Lake galwayrockwines.com

Highlighted by a light and airy tasting room and patio, Galway is noted for its Brunch Baskets and Mimosa Sundays. Each month the winery typically hosts four or five fun, public and private events — Girls Night Out, lobster dinners, baby and bridal showers and small weddings. “I started the winery [in 2014] in my parents’ garage in Galway,” owner Soldani reminisced. “I had worked in the wine industry before and worked my way up. I started with four tanks, and we sold our wine at farmers markets and other local liquor stores. As the business grew, we really outgrew the garage. We found a home for the winery and opened a tasting room in Ballston Lake. In 2018, we moved the whole operation to Ballston Lake. And that’s where we are today.”

OPEN SEVEN DAYS

Hummingbird Hills Winery

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery 26 Wing Road, Millbrook millbrookwine.com

Located 90 minutes from Albany and New York City, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery is a jewel of the Hudson Valley, described by the New York Times as “Hudson Valley’s flagship winery.” The winery offers a variety of tastings, tours and picnics designed to create unforgettable year-round experiences and memories. OPEN SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS AND BY AP-

POINTMENT

1442 Burtonville Road, Fultonville hummingbirdhillswinery.com

Hummingbird Hills Winery, a boutique winery operated by husband and wife Ken and Kimm Schick, provides a family-like atmosphere that offers a variety of unique, handcrafted wines (dandelion wines, which is a family recipe; two cooking wines, a garlic wine and tomato wine; fruit wines; a chocolate wine; and a honey wine, as well as grape wines) that satisfy the developing tastes of beginning connoisseurs, as well as the palettes of more experienced oenophiles. Produced from grapes grown or sourced locally, Hummingbird Hills is also committed to creating every bottle of its wine with minimal preservatives, highlighting

Photo courtesy of Brotherhood Winery.

the fruit’s natural flavors. “We will celebrate 15 years in August, and we absolutely love what we do,” Kimm Schick said. “And, it shows when you visit our winery. For anyone that has not been out to our area in Montgomery County, in the town of Charleston (mailing address Fultonville), we own a 200-acre farm and have the most gorgeous views.

The country is just amazing with outdoor seating, and we always encourage people to bring a picnic lunch.” OPEN

The Vineyard at Windham 11 Mount View Estates Road, Windham thevineyardatwindham.com

The Vineyard at Windham is a boutique vineyard and tasting room nestled in the Catskill Mountains. Within four acres, the vineyard produces and sources some of the best-rated wines in the Empire State while also celebrating the viticulture of planting, tending, harvesting and processing their grapes. OPEN FRIDAY-SUNDAY n

 THE DIMLY LIT CELLARS OF BROTHERHOOD WINERY in Washingtonville were excavated by hand in the late 19th century and house more than 200 oak barrels.

SUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 33

) ! st o m l A (

No-Cook

Cooking As the summer heats up, your kitchen doesn’t have to RECIPES BY AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN PHOTOS BY JOSEPH KELLER

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hen the summer heat rises, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours over a hot stove. As temperatures climb, so does the appeal of meals that are quick, easy and don’t leave your kitchen feeling like an oven.

America’s Test Kitchen’s The Complete Summer Cookbook helps home cooks beat the heat with 500 recipes that make the most of summer’s bounty, whether you’re eating at home, planning a luncheon or dinner party, or bringing a dish to a potluck picnic. From crisp, dinner-worthy salads to make-ahead mains and chilled dishes perfect for warm days, these recipes are designed with summer in mind. We picked out a few classic, minimal-cook recipes that are perfect for a simple, cool lunch or light dinner — and of course we couldn’t forget dessert!

MINT COOKIE NO-CHURN ICE CREAM SERVES 8 (MAKES ABOUT 1 QUART)

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

100 White Pine Drive Albany, New York 12208 (518) 452-4250 avilaretirementcommunity.com 34 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

With little more than a blender and some basic pantry ingredients, you can have velvety, creamy, scoopable ice cream. Whipping heavy cream in a blender incorporates air in a way that mimics the effect of churning in an ice cream maker. After about a minute of work, we popped the blended mixture in the freezer and waited. The cream mixture freezes more quickly in a loaf pan than in a taller, narrower container. If you don’t have a loaf pan, use an 8-inch square baking pan.

Food & Drink

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups heavy cream, chilled • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk • ⅛ teaspoon green food coloring • ¼ cup whole milk • ¼ cup light corn syrup • 2 tablespoons sugar • ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract • ¼ teaspoon table salt • ½ cup coarsely crushed Oreo cookies

DIRECTIONS

1 Process cream in blender until soft peaks form, 20 to 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of blender jar and continue to process until stiff peaks form, about 10 seconds. Using rubber spatula, stir in condensed milk, food coloring, whole milk, corn syrup, sugar, vanilla and salt. Process until thoroughly combined, about 20 seconds, scraping down sides of blender jar as needed.

2 Pour cream mixture into 8½ by 4½-inch loaf pan and gently stir in cookies. Press plastic wrap flush against surface of cream mixture. Freeze until firm, at least six hours or up to five days. Serve.

SUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 35

SPINACH AND STRAWBERRY SALAD WITH POPPY SEED DRESSING SERVES 4 TO 6

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

We love to brighten up a summer salad with fresh, vibrant berries. Spinach and strawberries pair well, but they need to be combined in the right way to let both components shine. In our salad, we cut back on the spinach and swapped in crisp chopped romaine for color and crunch. We also bumped up the amount of strawberries to a full pound so there are berries in every bite. For a dressing that was neither too thick nor over-the-top sweet but had plenty of flavor, we toasted the poppy seeds to enhance their nuttiness and used them in a simple vinaigrette of red wine vinegar, a minimal amount of sugar and mild vegetable oil. Red onion and toasted almonds rounded out the salad’s ingredients. Poppy seeds are dark so it’s hard to see when they’re fully toasted. Instead, use your nose — they should smell nutty.

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup red wine vinegar • ⅓ cup sugar • ¾ teaspoon table salt • ½ red onion, sliced thin • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds • ½ cup sliced almonds, divided • ¼ cup vegetable oil • 1 teaspoon dry mustard • ½ teaspoon pepper • 1 pound strawberries, hulled and quartered (2½ cups) • 1 romaine lettuce heart (6 ounces), torn into bite-size pieces • 5 ounces (5 cups) baby spinach

DIRECTIONS

1 Whisk vinegar, sugar and salt together in bowl. Transfer ¼ cup vinegar mixture to small bowl and microwave until hot, about a minute. Add onion, stir to combine and let sit for at least 30 minutes.

(Pickled onion can be refrigerated, covered, for up to two days.)

2 Meanwhile, toast poppy seeds in 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until fragrant and slightly darkened, 1 to 2 minutes; transfer to bowl and set aside.

Add almonds to now-empty skillet, return to medium heat and toast until fragrant and golden, three to five minutes.

3 Whisk oil, mustard, poppy seeds and pepper into remaining vinegar mixture. Combine strawberries, lettuce, spinach and ¼ cup almonds in large bowl. Using fork, remove onions from vinegar mixture and add to salad. Add poppy seed dressing to salad and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer salad to serving platter and top with remaining ¼ cup almonds. Serve.

TOMATO SANDWICHES SERVES 4

There’s no better way to highlight juicy, ripe tomatoes than in a flavorful, simple sandwich. For bold, intense tomato flavor, we marinated them in a mixture of extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar and salt, which enhanced and amplified their bright, complex flavor.

We then used some of the leftover tangy, tomato-juice-infused marinade liquid to liven up the mayonnaise. After spreading it on each slice of toast, we topped the zesty mayo with shingled tomato slices and black pepper.

Choose tomatoes that measure no more than 2 inches in diameter. You can use any medium-size round, ripe tomatoes (except for plum tomatoes).

The tomatoes may break if you toss them with the marinade in a bowl; combining them in a zipper-lock bag is gentler.

36 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar • ¾ teaspoon table salt • 1 pound mixed ripe tomatoes, cored and sliced ¼-inch thick • ½ cup mayonnaise • 8 slices hearty white sandwich bread, toasted

GET THE BOOK

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

The Complete Summer Cookbook: Beat the Heat with

500 Recipes that Make the Most of Summer’s Bounty America’s Test Kitchen 464 pages | $32.99

DIRECTIONS

1 Whisk oil, vinegar and salt together in medium bowl; transfer marinade to a gallon-sized zipper-lock bag. Add tomatoes to bag, press out air, seal bag and gently turn to coat tomatoes with marinade. Lay bag flat on counter and let sit for 10 minutes.

2 Transfer tomato slices to nowempty bowl, leaving marinade in bag. Combine 1½ tablespoons marinade with mayonnaise in small bowl. Discard remaining marinade.

3 Place toast on cutting board.

Spread a tablespoon mayonnaise mixture on one side of toast.

Shingle tomatoes evenly on four slices of toast, covering as much of toast as possible. Season tomatoes with pepper to taste. Top tomatoes with remaining 4 slices of toast, mayonnaise side down.

Cut sandwiches in half. Serve.

SUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 37

edimentals

Flower beds you can feast on? Yes, please!

BY CAITLIN MANNER

38 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

Magnolia photo courtesy of Heather Flournoy. Additional photos: iStockphoto.com. Herbs on plate, dunhill; slate background, Markus Quanz; lamb’s ear, bgwalker; lilac, Svetlana Dunaeva.

STUNNING

Home & Garden

LAMB’S EAR

garden — but before you start eating right out of the yard, there are a few things to consider: First, make sure your landscaping hasn’t been treated with pesticides or chemical weed killers.

Second, before eating any plant, make sure you’ve identified it properly. Many edimentals have toxic look-alikes that can be difficult for the untrained eye to distinguish.

Beautiful soft, fuzzy, silvery leaves and cheerful, purple flowers add bright contrast to any garden. According to author Barstow’s blog, lamb’s ear leaves are delicious when battered and fried Milanese-style, but you can also use the young leaves in teas, omelets, pastas and salads.

MAGNOLIA

already growing, untasted, in your yard right now.

To get a better idea of which edimentals grow well in our neck of the woods, we reached out to Heather Flournoy, a local herbalist and avid forager who has over 25 years of experience in seeking out, cultivating, teaching about — and eating — all kinds of plants. She shares her seemingly infinite plant lore with people through Wild Roots, an initiative of D.I.G. Farm in North Salem, New York, and Wild Nearby, a group she founded to spread awareness of the amazing riches that grow naturally all around us.

When we spoke in late April, Flournoy was getting excited for the bounty of springtime that was just around the corner. “This property came with five big, really old lilac stands. I can’t wait for them to bloom because I’ll start making tea. [Lilacs] make this wonderful tea … lilac water, lilac honey … anything I can get that scent in.”

Not all edimentals taste like something you could wear as perfume, although that does have a certain kind of appeal. Many edimentals — like nasturtium, with its pepHerbalist and avid forager pery blossoms — make inHeather Flournoy triguing additions to salads.

Others are commonly added to desserts or stir-fries.

Before you go harvesting half of your yard for tonight’s dinner, Flournoy advises that you really need to make sure you know what you’re picking, as many landscaping plants aren’t edimentals.

“Well,” she jokes, “you could eat them once…”

To properly identify which plants are safe to eat, Flournoy recommends consulting with a master gardener, like those with the Cornell Cooperative Extension.

The following plants grow well in our zone, and will make great additions to any

The petals of magnolia flowers are known for their unique, spicy flavor, and pickled magnolia flower buds have been compared to pickled ginger.

COMMON LILAC

I

f you’re still planting flowers you can’t eat, you’re missing the tastiest trend in gardening. The term “edimentals” — coined by author Stephen Barstow in his book Around the World in 80 Plants: An Edible Perennial Vegetable Adventure for Temperate Climates — is used to describe plants that serve a dual purpose, seamlessly blending beauty and functionality into your garden. Edimentals encompass a broad spectrum of plants, including fruit trees, flowering crops, pretty herbs and even evergreens.

Edimentals aren’t some fussy trend that will require uprooting your existing flower beds or turning over the soil to make new ones. One of the key ideas behind edimentals is that they can be integrated directly into existing gardens.

And because edimentals are usually resilient, perennial plants, they also require far less maintenance than a typical vegetable garden. As if that weren’t enough, many native varieties of edimentals are also valuable resources for local pollinators.

The absolute best part about edimentals? Many of them are probably

As Flournoy explained, lilac blossoms can be used to make a fragrant and flavorful tea, but you can also infuse SUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 39

Not only do goldenrod’s brilliant yellow blooms make a delicious tea, but

40 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

Not many people know that daylilies (and, in particular, tiger lilies, which are native to upstate New York), are edible. Daylily flower buds taste like a cross between asparagus and green peas, and are delicious sautéed or steamed, while the flowers and young shoots can be enjoyed raw. The petals of the blossoms make an intriguing addition to salads and sandwiches, too.

SWEET VIOLETS Violet leaves and flowers are edible, and are often used in salads or candied for desserts. Or, if you enjoy the occasional chemistry experiment, you can extract a beautiful purple liquid from their flowers to add to drinks that will turn pink when anything acidic is added.

Evergreens — like white pine, eastern pine and spruces — are everywhere, and you may be surprised at how much of them can be eaten. Flournoy listed a slew of ideas: “In some areas of the world, the pollen is really prized. The buds, when they’re tight, can be pickled, or they can be made into a jam. Flournoy is careful to warn people that just about all the evergreens are edible in our area except for yew. “I always teach people this first, because it’s all over and commonly used in plantings around public buildings, and it’s a very toxic plant,” she says. n

Forsythia, goldenrod, daylily, evergreen courtesy of Heather Flournoy. Additional photos: iStockphoto.com. Echinacea, Iva Vagnerova; herbs, Vasil Dimitrov; sweet violets, saraTM.

GOLDENROD

Echinacea (or purple coneflower) is a staple in most gardens, mainly because it’s really easy to cultivate. In addition to being a beautiful flower beloved by pollinators, several parts of the plant are edible as well. The petals have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and are beautiful in salads, and the leaves and stems can be incorporated into various dishes or teas.

Flournoy lamented that so many people are missing out on the opportunity to harvest and eat the blooms. “You can pick the flowers everyday. They only live for one day; people don’t realize this — they don’t want to pick them because it’ll ruin their beauty — but they’re going to dissolve by the next day anyway.”

EVERGREENS

Most herbs are fantastic edimentals.

Because you don’t need much space for them to thrive, they’re easy, low-maintenance plants, and they can be added to just about anything for a burst of fresh flavor. Some examples: rosemary is a lovely evergreen choice that can grow upright into a statement plant or be trimmed into a bushy hedge; thyme plants are great for making a soft, bee-friendly garden border; lavender has many culinary uses in addition to its delightful aroma; and purple basil will add a bright pop of color anywhere you put it.

DAYLILIES

One of the first shrubs to herald spring, the yellow blooms of forsythia can be used raw in salads, as a garnish, or made into syrup, jelly or tea.

ECHINACEA

HERBS

the shoots and young growing tips are actually a vegetable that you can harvest in decent enough quantities to eat. The young shoots and tips have a relatively strong flavor that some have compared to the herbaceous taste of celery, and goldenrod leaves can be used like spinach, as well.

FORSYTHIA

sugar, syrup or cream with lilac blossoms to use in desserts and cocktails.

She cautions that if you boil them, the scent will disappear. They’re edible on their own as well, and have a mild, floral, slightly lemony taste. Be wary of look-alikes: Other varieties of lilacs look similar but are definitely toxic.

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Nickolas Scribner photos courtesy of the author. Roses, iStockphoto.com/Creativeye99.

Health & Wellness

Kratom Killed My Son The so-called natural remedy turning deadly for some users

BY CARI SCRIBNER

A

sk almost any adult about a substance called kratom, and the vast majority will shrug their shoulders. But far more teens and young adults will recognize the name. In fact, they may be ingesting it without even knowing

that it’s as highly addictive as opiates and as staggeringly difficult to quit as heroin. Kratom, which NBC News recently called “gas station heroin,” has been out there for about 10 years but has become wildly popular more recently,

Editor’s Note: Cari Scribner, a longtime contributor to this magazine, shares the powerful and deeply personal story of losing her 27-year-old son, Nickolas, to kratom. Often sold in gas stations and convenience stores and marketed as a harmless herbal supplement, kratom can be dangerously addictive. Cari’s story is a wake-up call for families, educators and lawmakers alike — and a critical look at the urgent need for awareness and regulation.

SUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 43

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lying dangerously under the radar for older adults, even as includes substances that are not controlled under the Conmore young people begin to use it. trolled Substances Act but pose potential risks for abuse, adKratom is an extract from a tropical evergreen tree in diction or public health.

Southeast Asia. Indigenous people chewed the leaves but With federal safeguards stalled, some U.S. states have taken didn’t swallow them. They also brewed tea with kratom, rematters into their own hands. Kratom is banned in Alabama, moving the sediment before drinking. Field workers there Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin. used kratom for a jolt of energy so they would work more New York state lawmakers are considering prohibiting sales productively. to people under 21 and requiring warning labels on kratom Kratom supporters call it a “healthy energy enhancer,” but products. it is in fact highly addictive with a long list of dangers in“Addiction is in a downward spiral,” says addiction councluding delusions, severe liver damage, heart attacks and, in selor Kurt Brown of Albany. “Something has to be done, extreme cases, death. and fast.”

Today’s gas station kratom is made from leaves that are I know firsthand the gut punch kratom can deliver. Just compressed into a dense powder, increasing its effects sigabout six months ago, kratom side effects took the life of my nificantly. At low doses, it’s used to boost 27-year-old son, Nickolas Scribner. energy — but at high doses, it has a Nick was a gifted, confident young sedating effect. Kratom is a $1.5 man with a great job as an elecbillion industry now, and it’s trician for Saratoga County everywhere. and a bright future ahead.

The potent green powHe was extremely close der is packaged and sold as to his 29-year-old brother tea, gel capsules, gummies, Ryan, who was his next-door — Steve Dercole, Conifer Park clinician fruit-flavored energy drinks, liqneighbor. uid extracts and honey sticks. You can But Nick could not sleep, plagued buy these at most gas stations or quick-stop shops with insomnia since he was a child. We saw a speor even online. This is despite the fact that kratom is not fedcialist who wrote a prescription for an anti-anxiety med. erally regulated as a supplement or drug, and there are no Then, in a tragic turn of events, a friend mentioned an Food and Drug Administration-approved uses for it. “all-natural plant-based herb” that would keep him alert So how did kratom stay under the radar? during the day. Nick decided a natural remedy was safer than “It was considered an herbal supplement before its dangers a pharmaceutical drug and made his first kratom purchase. were uncovered,” says Steve Dercole, an outpatient clinician For the first few months, Nick experienced less grogginess. at Conifer Park detox services in Glens Falls. “We still don’t But within the first year, Nick had to increase his kratom know what’s in those capsules. There are no disclaimers. It’s use. Since there are no recommended dosages, I had no idea just a free-for-all right now.” how much he was taking.

Kratom affects the same opioid brain receptors as morNick did not smoke, drink alcohol or use recreational or phine, exposing users to high risks of addiction, abuse and prescribed medicines. It was all about kratom. dependence. It has opiate and stimulant effects on users Ironically, long-term use of kratom causes insomnia. who, in initial small doses, may experience increased alertA young man seeking sleep was deprived of it, even as he ness, energy and chattiness. showed up for family events, birthdays and holidays, laughed However, within a short period of time, users will begin at jokes, and played with dogs. to experience significant withdrawal side effects, including Two common kratom side effects, vomiting and catatoncrushing stomach cramps, jerky movements of the limbs, miic sleep, collided on the night of November 17, 2024. It was graines, tremors, insomnia, hot flashes, anger and aggression. the perfect storm. Nick began to wretch, and was in such In higher doses, kratom can cause hallucinations, insomdeep sleep, he was unable to turn to his side. He died from nia, high blood pressure, sweating, vomiting, anxiety and asphyxiation. seizures. Other long-term side effects are difficulty breathHis brother found him, already cold, eight hours later. Our ing, choking, asphyxiation and, in extreme cases, death. family is gutted. Nick was my youngest and showed so much Kratom isn’t easy to kick. It can take weeks or months for potential. frequent users to withdraw from it.

There are words to describe women: single, divorced, widThe U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in 2017 placed owed, but there is only one word to describe a mother that’s kratom on its Drugs and Chemicals of Concern List, which lost a child: empty. n

“

We still don’t know what’s in those capsules.”

SUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 45

Health & Wellness

Don’t miss a

THING

Why hearing loss deserves your attention after age 55 (Hint: It’s not just about your ears!)

BY MARYELLEN FILLO

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO GET YOUR HEARING CHECKED

“Hearing is an often overlooked, but critical part of overall health and well-being, yet many of us haven’t had our hearing checked in years, if at all,” said Meredith Resnick, director of strategic communications for the Hearing Loss Association of America. “Many people don’t realize that even a small hearing loss can affect your daily life, relationships, employment and connection to the world around you.”

Clearly, hearing loss can make it harder to connect with others and enjoy daily activities. But what many people don’t realize is that it’s also linked to more serious medical issues. Experts say the combination of social and health impacts should be a wake-up call for seniors to take hearing loss seriously, get tested, and address it if needed.

Shari Eberts, a hearing health advocate and coauthor of Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss

46 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

“When our hearing deteriorates, our overall quality of life is affected,” said Shari Eberts, a hearing health advocate and co-author of the book Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss.

“Hearing loss often comes on gradually, so it is difficult for people to notice it themselves,” Eberts says. “Stigmas and embarrassment can hold them back. Hearing health is not just about ears. It is about overall health.”

HOW HEARING LOSS CAN AFFECT YOUR HEALTH

Hearing loss can be tied to other health issues like diabetes, heart disease, medication side effects, difficulty walking and even a higher risk of falling. Studies are also connecting it to dementia risk. Eberts explained that a 2014 Johns Hopkins study found those with even mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop cognitive decline and dementia. This likelihood increases with higher degrees of hearing loss. In 2023, another companion study showed that hearing intervention — hearing aids and other assistive devices and strategies to optimize hearing — slowed down the loss of thinking and memory ability by almost 50 percent.

SO WHAT’S THE ISSUE WITH GETTING HEARING AIDS?

“Using hearing aids is still perceived by most people as an ailment of age and we don’t want to be old or look old or act old. We are young,” says MaryKate Owens, past president of the Albany Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America. The organization is an outreach, nonprofit, self-help group for people with hearing loss.

Dr. Maura Cosetti, associate professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Meredith Resnick, director of strategic communications for the Hearing Loss Association of America

Photos/illustrations: iStockphoto.com. Hand to ear, stockyimages; audio waves, Iconic Prototype.

M

ore than 50 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss. That’s about one in seven people in the United States, making it the third most common chronic physical condition in the country, twice as prevalent as diabetes or cancer. Hearing loss is on the rise and is expected to affect 2.5 billion people worldwide by 2050.

DID YOU HEAR THAT?!

If you’re over age 55, this might not come as a surprise.

As we age, so do our ears — and with an aging population, the number of people with hearing loss is only going up. The important thing? Don’t brush it off. Really. It’s something worth paying attention to, the experts say.

dventures.

A t a Gre Beyond seeing a doctor for a hearing evaluation if hearing loss is suspected, Owens also emphasizes preventative measures to preserve good hearing and health.

“There is a lot of lip service paid, but little intervention to loud environments,” she says, recommending the use of phone apps that measure potentially dangerous noise levels in public places.

“WHAT’D YOU SAY?”

It can be challenging to convince a spouse, family member or friend who is in denial about their hearing issues to take action to treat it, said Eberts. Rather than shaming or embarrassing someone with hearing loss, talk to them about how much you care for them and how important it is for them to stay connected.

“Unfortunately, only 20 percent of the people who could benefit from wearing a hearing aid use one,” Eberts notes, suggesting a more private, at-home online test could be a fair first step.

“It is a challenge,” agrees Owens. In most cases, she says, a medical checkup is necessary to determine whether hearing loss is chronic or the result of something benign. “It could be a matter of earwax or some other issue that needs to be addressed by a specialist,” she says. “I think every couple has its own issues when it comes to encouraging the other to get care. For me, personally, I used bribery, ‘If you go and get tested, I will do (whatever).’”

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WHY IT MATTERS

The bottom line is that prioritizing our hearing, just like we do for our vision, heart and overall health is important, especially as we age.

“Hearing is an important part of communication,” says Eberts. But hearing loss doesn’t “come with a how-to guide, making it challenging for those who have it, whether they are newly diagnosed or have lived with it for a long time.”

“It’s important to get help and treatment if necessary, sooner rather than later,” adds Resnick.

Dr. Maura Cosetti, associate professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, adds that in addition to limiting exposure to loud noises, people should avoid unintentional trauma to the ears and eardrums that may be caused by using cotton swabs or other foreign objects to deep-clean them.

“Don’t put anything in your ears,” Cosetti advises.

“Overall, take good care of your health.”

CONTINUES ON 48 

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SUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 47

CONTINUED FROM 47

THINK YOUR HEARING IS FINE?

BY MARYELLEN FILLO

I

think I hear fine. Sometimes, my adult children think otherwise. So when I was asked to write about hearing in people over age 55, I thought it was a good time to try one of those online hearing tests to determine if I had a hearing problem.

The benefits of these online at home tests are clear — they’re easy, private and if you just want to ignore the results, you can. No one will ever know, though you surely will!

Any “cheating” aside, and after some research, I decided to try a test offered

Patrick Bergmann, AuD Doctor of Audiology

by United Healthcare and another by Amplifon, a hearing aid retailer. In both cases, I used earbuds to take the test, making sure I was in a quiet space.

The United Health test asked for more information about me and tested each ear individually. It also asked a series of questions to determine if I had noticed any hearing issues in different environments. Then, each ear was tested with a variety of high-frequency sounds. According to the test results, I had no hearing issues.

The Amplifon test asked only for my age and gender.

The test involved listen-

ing with both ears to a series of short conversations in a variety of places — a restaurant or park, for instance — with typical background noise. At the end of each vignette, I was asked questions about the conversation and had to choose an answer. In the end, I passed and was told there was no hearing loss detected.

Were these tests as comprehensive as a test in a doctor’s office? Probably not. But it was a good first step, and each test took only a few minutes. There are many sites to choose from, so take five minutes and check yourself out. It’s worth listening to. n

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SUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 49

BY KITTY WILLIAMS

T

Who

Cares?

PBS documentary by Bradley Cooper shines light on caregiving crisis in the U.S.

50 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

om Chiodo’s experiences as a caregiver to four of his family members forced him to examine some deeply personal and epically profound life questions about himself. “ One day you wake up and all of a sudden you’re a senior and you have those fears,” says Chiodo, who cared during different points in his life for his grandmother, his mother and two brothers.

Like others of a certain age, he began to ask himself, “Do I have a plan? Do I have a long-term care plan? How will I survive? How will my child survive?

Who will take care of me? Who will have that capability? I don’t want to be a burden,” he recalls.

Chiodo shared his story recently in advance of the release of a new PBS documentary, Caregiving, set to premiere in June. Chiodo joined co-executive producer and actor Bradley Cooper to produce the film, aiming to shed light on the physical, emotional and financial challenges faced by the millions of mostly unpaid caregivers in the U.S. Cooper has said he was inspired to produce the film after his own experience caring for his father, who died of lung cancer in 2011.

“During his battle with lung cancer, I came face-to-face with the overwhelming realities of taking care of a loved one,” Cooper has said. “I was lucky enough that I was able to be there for my dad. And I certainly benefited from the help we also got from others.”

Produced by Cooper’s production company, Lea Pictures, public television station WETA-TV, and Ark Media as part of The Caregiving Project, a national engagement campaign on the state and stakes of providing care in America, Caregiving focuses on both paid professionals and family members, including spouses, parents and children, providing unpaid care.

Award-winning actress Uzo Aduba

Lifestyle

Opposite page: People with disabilities climb the steps of the U.S. Capitol in March 1990 at the Wheels of Justice and Capitol Crawl protests ahead of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (Photo by Tom Olin). Clockwise from top: Kim Olloz takes her daughter, Charlotte, for a walk in a park in New York City; actor Bradley Cooper was inspired to produce Caregiving after his own experience caring for his father; Tracy Eacret is providing end-of-life care to her father John at her Colorado home; Malcoma Brown-Ekeogu celebrates her caregiving partnership with her husband, Kenneth, with a dance on their wedding anniversary; Matt Cauli, caregiver to his wife, Kanlaya, helps her with physical therapy at home while she recovers from a stroke and cancer (Photos courtesy Ark Media).

SUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 51

Above: Frances Perkins, secretary of labor (1933-45) in President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration, and architect of the Social Security Act, testifying in Congress in 1942 (Getty Images). Opposite page: In the 1970s, people with disabilities at a protest, calling for the implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and protection against discrimination (Photo by Anthony Tusler).

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(The Residence, Orange is the New Black) narrates the film, bringing her own experience as a caregiver for her mother to the project.

The Caregiving Project was created

by Well Beings, a national service of WETA-TV, the flagship PBS station in Washington, D.C. Well Beings also includes a network of resources, a site where caregivers can share their personal stories, and the Well Beings YouTube Channel, each of which delves even deeper into the caregiving experience.

Through deeply personal stories, Caregiving offers an intimate, firsthand look at the emotional and practical realities of caregiving and the vital role caregivers play in the family, workplace and the country’s economy. Through these narratives, the film underscores the urgent need for support and recognition for those who provide care.​ It’s estimated that caregiving is valued between roughly $600 billion and $1 trillion a year in the U.S., according to a recent analysis by the Partnership for Women & Families based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Caregivers are heroic people,” said Cooper. “Their ability to focus and give all of themselves is something I stand in awe of.”

Known for his roles in A Star Is Born and Silver Linings Playbook, Cooper says he hopes the documentary will provide affirmation and support “for those who do this profoundly meaningful and increasingly vital work.” In addition to the roughly 5 million paid caregivers, there are as many as 105 million adults in the U.S. providing unpaid care, and those numbers are surging as more than 11,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day, outpacing the number of professionals who care for those who need it.

Through his own experience, Cooper said, “I came to appreciate how we need to care for caregivers better.”

Chiodo says of Cooper, “He understands it doesn’t matter who you are,

where you’re from — it is hard to figure this out.”

The film features paid caregivers, too, such as Zulma Torres, who stepped into the world of caregiving in 1997 out of necessity. A new mother searching for steady work, she followed a tip from her sister-in-law and took a job as a home health aide. Back then, she was earning just $6.25 an hour — barely enough to cover essentials, and she didn’t exactly love her work, which involved bouncing between short home visits and doing small tasks for different clients.

That changed the day she walked into a client’s apartment in the Bronx

for what would become her first eighthour shift. The need was immediate; the connection was palpable. “From that day forward, my heart opened up,” says Torres.

Over nearly three decades, Torres has become a steadfast presence in the field. Through the support of her union, United Healthcare Workers East, she now has life insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off — benefits she says she had to fight for. During the pandemic, while many stayed home, Torres continued commuting from Connecticut to New York for work.

Today, she earns $19.50 an hour, which she agrees is still fairly low compared

to the work and commitment involved.

“Now, we need the governor to see it, too,” she adds.

She appears in the documentary alongside her client of 16 years. At the time of our interview, that client was in and out of the hospital. Torres was preparing herself for the possibility she’d have to take on a new case. After 27 years in the field, she says, when you walk into someone’s life for the first time, “it’s brand new all over again.”

Still, her purpose remains the same.

“If I can put a smile on someone’s face — like my client, she has such a beautiful smile — then my job is done,” says Torres. “My heart is content.” n

WATCH & SHARE YOUR STORY Caregiving premiered in June and is available on PBS and the PBS YouTube Channel. Watch the trailer at Wellbeings.org.

As part of The Caregiving Project, caregivers are invited to share their personal stories, videos, photos and reflections to offer hope, foster understanding, build community and break down stigma surrounding caregiving. Use the hashtag #WellBeings or email your story to info@wellbeings.org. Your submission may be featured in the We Are Well Beings Storywall.

SUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 53

Lifestyle

The New

Student Body Inside the movement to reclaim learning as a lifelong adventure

I

n today’s connected world, knowledge is more accessible than ever and personal growth knows no age limit. Those of us who are 55 and older are increasingly returning to education to keep our brains sharp and our cups full.

WHY JUMP BACK INTO LEARNING? First things first — ask yourself why you’re interested in learning something new. As New York University clinical assistant professor and occupational therapist Tripta Velamoor puts it, figuring out your “why” makes all the difference.

“Are you looking for personal enrichment, staying cogni-

54 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

tively engaged, social connection, a second career, or building on current career skills to continue in part-time work or volunteer opportunities?” she asks. “There are so many reasons why an older adult approaching retirement would pursue higher education.”

At the Union College Academy for Lifelong Learning (UCALL), Director Valerie D’Amario says the school has been helping folks scratch that intellectual itch since 1988.

The best part? There’s absolutely zero pressure. No career ladder to climb, no boss to impress — just pure, unadulterated learning for the heck of it.

Photo: iStockphoto.com/millann.

BY BRIANNA SNYDER

FINDING YOUR PERFECT LEARNING FIT The educational buffet for the 55+ crowd is more diverse than ever. Let’s break down the options: CAMPUS-BASED PROGRAMS

Places like UCALL offer short, focused courses on campus. Think five-week deep dives into history, literature, science and the arts — taught by college professors and other knowledgeable folks (sometimes even fellow students sharing their expertise).

THE ONLINE VS. IN-PERSON QUESTION

“Each of these has its pros and cons,” says Velamoor. “Think about personal preferences and learning styles as well as the purpose of the experience. The social connection piece may be better suited to an in-person mode, while learning specific skills could be done virtually with more consistency … as well as flexibility in location.”

Can’t decide? Many programs (including UCALL) now offer hybrid options. Join in person when you’re feeling social, or log in from your couch on those days when leaving home feels like too much effort.

WHAT SHOULD YOU LEARN?

Maybe you’ve always wanted to understand Renaissance art, or you’re itching to learn woodworking. According to both D’Amario and Velamoor, health and wellness topics are super popular, especially anything related to keeping your brain sharp. The arts and humanities are big hits too.

“Choose subjects that align with prior interests or new ones,” advises Velamoor. “Consider learning in a group for social engagement and motivation. Get up to date with technology skills to avoid frustration and stress. Consider offering your own expertise to lead classes at your local libraries or senior centers (or) groups. Also, ask about audit options for classes, to gain the benefit of learning without the stress of having to earn a grade.”

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS

Before diving in, Velamoor suggests thinking practically about your needs.

“Consider your energy levels throughout the day,” she says.

“How’s your mobility? Do you need transportation help?

And what about your workspace at home — is it comfortable enough for studying?”

BRING A BUDDY

“Consider taking classes with friends to help with motivation and social engagement,” Velamoor suggests. You can help each other with tech issues, discuss what you’re learning and keep each other accountable.

D’Amario says UCALL thrives on this community spirit, with SUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 55

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members bringing “a wealth of life experience from a variety of backgrounds” to create a vibrant learning environment.

SHARE WHAT YOU KNOW

Do you have expertise to share? Both Velamoor and D’Amario encourage older learners to think about teaching as well.

“Consider offering your own expertise to lead classes at local libraries or senior centers,” says Velamoor. It’s a wonderful way to give back while staying engaged.

DITCH THE GRADE ANXIETY

Remember those stress dreams about failing exams? Most lifelong learning programs, D’Amario says, have “no tests, homework, or prerequisites — only a desire to learn.”

If you’re eyeing college courses, Velamoor recommends asking about audit options: “You’ll get all the learning without the stress of grades.”

TECH TROUBLES

Let’s face it, technology can be intimidating if you didn’t grow up with it. AI is evolving at a pace that some call alarming. Velamoor suggests: “Take tech training courses through the educational organization, local libraries or senior centers before enrolling in classes.” This prep work can make a huge difference in your comfort level, both in the classroom and at home.

PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS

COMMON ROADBLOCKS AND HOW TO GET AROUND THEM

Vision or hearing challenges? Mobility issues? Don’t let these stop you. “If you need accommodations, ask and advocate for them,” Velamoor encourages. “These should not be barriers to participation.”

BUDGET CONCERNS

FINDING YOUR LEARNING COMMUNITY

Worried about costs? Many programs understand that retirees often live on fixed incomes. UCALL, for example, offers financial assistance for both membership and course fees to make sure everyone can participate.

And here’s a hack for you: If you’re 60 or older, SUNY colleges across New York offer “senior auditor” programs, which let you sit in on regular college courses absolutely free. Join any for-credit course as long as there’s space available. While you won’t earn college credit or get a formal transcript, you’ll soak up all the same knowledge as the tuition-paying students.

For New Yorkers curious about taking free classes at outof-state colleges, options vary widely. Many state universities offer tuition waivers or discounts for seniors (sometimes even for nonresidents), though you might still pay registration fees.

Don’t overlook local resources, either. Community colleges like Hudson Valley Community College and SUNY Schenectady, Capital Region BOCES, the Humanities Institute for Lifelong Learning (HILL), and Empire State University all have offerings geared toward people 55 and up.

The bottom line? As Velamoor puts it, “Education in later life should enhance quality of life, not add stress. Engage with purpose and curiosity, and prioritize your needs.” n

JUGGLING COMMITMENTS

Between grandkid duties, travel and other activities, find-

Photo: iStockphoto.com/insta_photos.

ing time can be tricky. Velamoor recommends looking for “shorter course sessions, one-time offerings or self-paced courses” that fit your lifestyle.

The key is making sure “the workload remains enjoyable and not an additional burden causing unnecessary stress,” she says.

 WHERE TO FIND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING FOR SENIORS IN THE CAPITAL REGION • The Academy of Lifelong Learning at NYU • Albany Lifelong Learning Institute (ALLI) at UAlbany • Capital Region BOCES • Empire State University

• Hudson Valley Community College • The Humanities Institute for Lifelong Learning (HILL) • LifePath • SUNY Schenectady

• Union College Academy for Lifelong Learning (UCALL)

SUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 57

g n i s a Ch

l n i g o h o t M Travelers seek the allure of “noctourism” and dark-sky destinations

I

t’s hard to beat the magic of the moonlight. It sets the mood for mystery, romance, excitement. No wonder folks suddenly can’t seem to get enough of it and are seeking celestial experiences. Noctourism — travel to dark-sky destinations — is trending.

It’s defined by after-dark adventures, from stargazing and cool nighttime tours in nature, to rooftop dinners, evening walks in zoos and beyond.

A recent Booking.com survey highlights the growing demand for the dark. Nearly two-thirds of those polled said they are considering visiting darksky destinations, with 72% looking for star-bathing experiences, and more than half seeking once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events like a total eclipse — there’s one in August 2026 — or the aurora borealis. According to the survey, concerns about climate change are also fueling the trend as people are shifting their activities to nighttime to avoid rising daytime temperatures, and some said they would book accommo-

58 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

dations without lights to encourage less light pollution and preserve flora and fauna.

Stephanie Webb, a travel guide at See Sight Tours, says noctourism isn’t just a trend. “It’s a whole different lens to experience travel. Whether it’s paddling under the stars in Austin or chasing ghost stories in Savannah, night brings a calm, almost sacred energy to travel. An after-dark experience might become the most memorable part of your trip.”

As someone who loves night crawling, she offers a couple of pointers, “Many of these tours sell out because they’re limited or seasonal, (so) book in advance,” she says. “Bring a tripod or low-light camera, especially for stargazing or city skyline shots. Your phone might not do it justice.”

One of her favorite spots is Boston’s Freedom Trail nighttime lantern-light tour. “You hear the same stories, but somehow, they hit differently under the stars,” she says.

Photo: iStockphoto.com/Oscar Gutierrez Zozulia.

BY SHERYL NANCE-NASH

Travel Here are a few other prime spots for nighttime adventure.

Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission 195 New Karner Road, Albany

Take a self-guided night hike, do a scavenger hunt or book a guided night walk with one of the preserve’s educators. Enjoy a Night at the Discovery Center event with interactive exhibits, games, storytelling and more.

“Through our evening Science Lecture Series, we engage people in scientific thinking and environmental stewardship,” says Wendy Craney, communications director. “Lectures are presented by local scientists and the preserve’s own expert staff and feature a wide variety of topics from tiger beetles to wild turkeys, to climate research.”

Landis Arboretum 174 Lape Road, Esperance

There’s no party like a “Star Party.” Dudley Observatory, the New York State Parks and Albany Area Amateur Astronomers host Star Parties in the Landis Arboretum to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets and more. Telescopes are provided. You

might want to also bring binoculars. The Landis Arboretum also hosts Full Moon Night Walks.

Letchworth State Park 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile

This gem in is called “the Grand Canyon of the east.” For great dark sky views, head to Upper Falls, Inspiration Point or Archery Field overlook. Camping is available.

Beaver Meadow Nature Preserve 1610 Welch Road, North Java

Make your way toward Buffalo for this nature preserve that’s ideal for watching the moon rise over Beaver Pond or listening to the sounds of nature at night. The Buffalo Astronomical Association’s dark-sky observatory is open to the public the first Saturday of each month from April to October. Stay overnight in a Beaver Meadow cabin to elevate the experience.

Storm King Art Center 1 Museum Road, North Windsor

This open-air museum occasionally hosts nighttime events.

Take in art and nature from sunset through moonrise during a special guided event with Storm King educators and an astronomer.

New York Botanical Garden 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx

You can find special evening events at this Bronx institution, like “Starry Nights” on select nights during the Van Gogh’s Flowers exhibition with music, performers, drinks, food and after-dark Van Gogh-themed drone shows — New York City’s first at a cultural institution.

Wolf Conservation Center 7 Buck Run, South Salem

For an unforgettable experience closer to home, there’s the “Sleeping with Wolves” program. Camp under the stars alongside wild wolves roaming nearby. Expert guides will tell you all about wolf behavior and conservation and you’ll be able to hear the wolves howling in the distance.

CONTINUES ON 60 

SUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 59

“

“An after-dark experience might become the most memorable part of your trip.”

— Stephanie Webb, See Sight Tours

 A RENDERING OF NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN’S “THE STARRY NIGHT” illuminated drone show over NYBG’s iconic conservatory. The 10-minute sunset show featuring hundreds of dancing drones is part of the garden’s “Van Gogh’s Flowers” exhibition.

— Photo courtesy NYBG CONTINUED FROM 59

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt 45 E. 42nd St., New York

Stargaze atop this New York City landmark, some 1,100 feet above the bustling streets. You’re high enough to get views of Saturn, Jupiter, meteor showers and more. New York Astronomy Nights with the Amateur Astronomers Association wow with experts who’ll show you constellations, planets and other celestial delights.

Sterling Nature Center 160 Genesee St., Auburn

Located in upstate New York at Cayu-

60 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

ga County’s northern tip along Lake Ontario you’ll find the Sterling Nature Center. There are two miles of shoreline with minimal light pollution.

There are special Full Moon Walks, comet viewings and night photography hikes.

Rail Explorers, Catskills division 70 Lower High St., Phoenicia

How cool is a moonlit ride on a rail bike, where you sit side by side on pedal-powered carts that wind their way along historic tracks? Rail Explorers offers a ride you’ll never forget through the Catskills, through

forests and over bridges with LED lights along the path.

The Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa 378 Main St., Aurora

This collection of historic estates along Cayuga Lake encourages guests to experience all things celestial. You can borrow telescopes, stargazing kits and self-directed guides from the site’s lending libraries. One favorite is the Sunset Hike, which includes a guided adventure, campfire, stargazing from an overlook platform and, of course, s’mores. n

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River cruises are cozy, not crowded.

They’re not just for retirees.

If you’ve sailed on a mega ocean liner with thousands of guests, you’ll love the change of pace. Most river cruise ships carry fewer than 190 guests—many closer to 100. That means no long lines, no crowds, and a more relaxed, personal experience.

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They’re more inclusive than you think.

Yes, river cruises can look pricier upfront—but they often include excursions, wine with meals, Wi-Fi, and more.

When you add it all up, the value is often on par with (or better than!) traditional cruises.

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These are perfect for multi-generational trips and a great way to introduce kids or grandkids to the heart of a destination.

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There’s a whole world beyond Europe and the Mississippi.

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Not all river cruises are the same.

Sure, the ships may be similar in size and sail the same rivers—but each cruise line has its own personality.

Some focus on food and wine, others on culture, wellness, or adventure. That’s where we come in— helping you find the perfect match for your travel style.

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Laugh Lines

a y D f o h r c a O e n B e A

Beach photo: iStockphoto.com/gbh007.

I

N

ids k o

,

os and a swimsuit that actually a h c st no SUSAN BRADY K

walk effortlessly onto the beach with supplies for one: sunblock, towel, chair, book, water bottle.

Without so much as a subcommittee meeting, I decide where I want to set up, spread out my towel and kick off my sandals. I sit and stare at the ocean.

For the first time in decades, I’m not in charge of anyone. I don’t have to monitor sunburns, swim time, spouses or snacks.

A number of things fell into place for me to achieve this milestone. My four children grew up, bless them. I am not yet a grandmother (though I am extremely open to the concept — no pressure, kids!). Our family pets, of which I was in charge, crossed the rainbow bridge after achieving the impressive ages of 20 for the cat and 14 for the dog. The stream of young people (my own and surrogate) that I allowed to crash at my place in between jobs or relationships has abated.

Oh, and I got divorced.

Summer “vacation” used to mean miraculously locating a last-minute, affordable beach rental within minivan driving distance that slept six and was dog- and cat-friendly. Then it was up to me to organize and pack clothes, bedding, groceries and gear for everyone. And that barely covered one week of summer. The remainder consisted of day camp signups, playdate drop-offs, swim lessons at the town pool, lightning bug hunts and grandparent visits.

I believed, while raising my family, that I would never again read a book on the beach; never not be wrangling a kid;

BY

ONIG

never even attempt a walk, lie down or swim without a serious time constraint.

On this particular midsummer morning, I’m day-tripping to a local public beach because it doesn’t involve managing logistics equivalent to the invasion of Normandy. I get in the car and go.

My life is my own. Single. Pet free.

Kid free. Fancy free. It feels like playing hooky, almost as if I might get in trouble.

Seated placidly at my encampment for one, I exhale.

Another personal triumph — the battle of the bathing suit is finally over. I did not win and, at 60-something, I have no more bleeps left to give. The Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue paparazzi are not following me onto the beach.

I’ve been shedding a lot of things lately, but not weight. After birthing 40 pounds worth of humans, my youngest over 20 years ago, I’ve given up trying to lose those stubborn pregnancy pounds. I seek out sensible swimwear and find something

ays

put

called a Women's Tugless High Neck Swim Dress Swimsuit. This is not about appearance but about comfort and function. I want to swim without anything unexpectedly popping out.

I hear children yell with excitement. I look up from my book and smile. A young family sets up nearby, juggling little kids, buckets, wagons, a playpen, coolers, hoodies, umbrellas and flip-flops.

Before I know it, I’m watching them like a binge-worthy series I can’t turn away from.

I marvel at the children, the seashell hunts, the tantrums, the energy, the frolicking in the surf.

Now I’m talking to myself.

Really? Towels so close to the water with the tide coming in?

I could offer to hold the baby. Is that creepy?

That umbrella is going to blow away with the first breeze.

Do you not see that wave?

Just as my busy, kid-rearing days came to an end, I suspect my current handsfree stage won’t last forever. I’ll embrace it for now.

Or, I might stroll over there to see if they need help building that sandcastle.

The woman in the sensible bathing suit digs a mean moat! n  Susan Brady Konig, the author of three books, has just completed a memoir about identity, loss and joy at midlife.

SUMMER 2025 | 55PLUSLIFE.COM 63

On Our Nightstand

i n t r g o • Life The Sp Nonfiction books to inspire you about living

BY JANET REYNOLDS

M

Sidecountry:

Tales of Death and Life from the Back Roads of Sports

by John Branch, Norton Publishing, 368 pages

A Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporter, John Branch created his latest book by choosing 20 articles from the more than 2,000 articles he had written at the time (this book was published in 2022). The articles are united by their overarching focus on sports activities from the edge, an idea that is clear from the book’s title. “Sidecountry” refers to the side routes, if you will, that can be found when backcountry skiing to the side of the marked routes at ski resorts.

While the articles are united by people doing extraordinary feats — some successfully, some tragically — the stories are about so much more than whatever activity is being discussed. The opening piece, “Snow Fall,” for instance, is

64 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

about a group of very good downhill skiers who get caught in an avalanche. It is one of the most riveting pieces of writing I’ve ever read. Branch cleverly weaves the science behind avalanches with the unfolding of the story as people gather together to take this ill-fated sidecountry ski trip.

In other chapters, the high-stakes risks of rock climbers trying to climb Yosemite’s El Capitan is counterpointed by a piece on a Tennessee girls basketball team that literally never wins a game. This is sports writing — no, it’s writing — at its best.

A Course Called Scotland:

Searching the Home of Golf for the Secret to Its Game

by Tom Coyne, Simon & Schuster, 336 pages

Tom Coyne has made a career writing about golf, much of it as he traipses the world playing on some of its most famous cours-

Baseball cap: iStockphoto.com/Lidiya Buzuevskaya.

aybe you’re more of an armchair outdoorsman (or woman). Or perhaps you’re someone who jumps into outdoor physical activity enthusiastically and firsthand, whether it’s baseball, hiking, fishing or rock climbing.

Whatever your preference, these three books will grab your fancy and — who knows? — maybe even get you to take up something new. If nothing else, stepping into these authors’ shoes for a bit may change your understanding of the world and, possibly, your life.

es. Not a bad gig. His trilogy started with the publication in 2010 of A Course Called Ireland: A Long Walk in Search of a Country, a Pint, and the Next Tee. That was followed by A Course Called Scotland in 2019 and in 2022 by A Course Called America: 50 States: Five Thousand Fairways, and the Search for the Great American Golf Course.

Entertainingly written, Coyne’s Scotland book covers more than 100 courses in the country where golf began as he weaves golf history in with stories that make this book as much about his own personal journey as it is about the game. Part of his quest is to qualify for a tee time at St. Andrews, the oldest golf course in the world. The golfer in your life would likely enjoy any one of these books. I love Scotland, so this was my reading choice. (Also full disclosure: The golfer in my house, who has read them all, said this was his favorite.) Golf Digest also called it “one of the best golf books this century.”

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Wild:

From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

by Cheryl Strayed, Alfred Knopf, 336 pages

You may recognize Cheryl Strayed’s name from the play and Hulu series Tiny Beautiful Things.

The show is based on the advice column that Strayed wrote for the New York Times, “Dear Sugar,” and traces her life as an advice columnist even as her own life is a bit of a shambles.

But it was Wild that brought Strayed to national prominence. The book, which was made into a movie starring Reese Witherspoon, is Strayed’s memoir about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail alone while trying to navigate grief after her mother’s death — and it is as compelling a read about hiking and life lessons as you’ll likely come across. Strayed unflinchingly bares her soul in this book as she continues to walk sans boots after losing them over a ledge 30-plus days into her 1,100-mile journey. At this point in her life, she has nothing to lose. Her marriage is floundering, she is a waitress who dabbles in drugs, and she is estranged from her siblings and stepfather. And she’s never hiked anything of this magnitude.

This is her story of overcoming the odds, the power of perseverance and the ways in which healing can occur when and where you least expect it. Oh, and if you’re thinking you don’t need to read it because you saw the movie, you’re wrong. The book is always better and this is no exception. n

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The Vine

A Sip of Summer

BY ROD MICHAEL

s I relax on my deck in the summer heat and gaze out at the many colors of another stunning sunset, there’s only one thing I’m reaching for — a chilled glass of rosé. This isn’t just any beverage — it’s the charming overachiever of the wine world, winning over both first-time sippers and seasoned swirlers alike. With its rainbow of flavors, aromas and varying shades of pink, rosé fits just about any moment.

Or as I like to say, “This wine is so good, it can even go with a bad conversation!”

Rosé is far from a modern trend — it dates back to ancient times when winemaking techniques were simpler and produced lighter-colored wines. The secret behind its signature pink hue lies in the briefer contact between the grape skins and the juice, often just a few days. (Curious about how local vintners are putting their own spin on classic winemaking? Don’t miss our feature on regional wineries elsewhere in this issue.)

Rosé is known for being fruity and refreshing with subtle hints of blueberries, strawberries, peaches, melons and candy. The wine is best served chilled between 45 and 55 degrees. Your glass should perhaps have a slight taper to capture the delicate bouquet of the fruits and florals.

A rosé mirrors some of the brightness found in white wines, but carries the fruit essence of reds, making it an ideal choice to pair with fresh, light summertime fare.

Rosé isn’t just a pretty wine — it comes with personality!

You’ll find it in three delicious styles: sweet, dry and sparkling.

Sweet rosé is like summer in a glass — fruity, candylike, with just the right touch of acidity. It’s perfect with spicy dishes, grilled fruit or even a fruity dessert like a tart.

Dry rosé is the crowd favorite — crisp, refreshing and full of red berry flavors with hints of herbs and flowers. This goldish-pink standard comes from Provence in southeastern France. Pair it with charcuterie, salads, grilled seafood, Mediterranean dishes — or just enjoy it on its own.

And then there’s sparkling rosé — the life of the party! Fizzy, festive and fabulous, it can be sweet or dry, though the dry styles tend to shine. Expect bright acidity, red fruit, delicate bubbles and maybe even a little toasty flair. Bonus tip: It’s amazing with oysters.

So, before the sun goes down, let me invite you to your first sip. Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful color that fills your glass. Hold it up to the light, swirl it around, fill your nose with its lovely bouquet. Start with a small sip and let the wine glide across your tongue. Your taste buds might catch notes of ripe berries, citrus, spice or a subtle sweetness. Feel how it awakens your palate, how the flavors linger or fade. Let it speak to you in its own way, and discover what delights your senses most.

Drinking wine is not just about the liquid in your glass, it is about engaging all your senses. Surround yourself with good company, music and lively conversation. Let the wine and your surroundings transport you to a different world. This is a journey of your senses, allowing you to fully appreciate the moment and the beauty that surrounds you.

Life is short, the sun is sinking in the western sky, the laughter is picking up … perhaps it is time to refresh your glass. n

66 55+ LIFE | SUMMER 2025

Photo: iStockphoto.com/ Foxys_forest_manufacture.

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