55+ Life Winter 2023

Time to get

COZY Take time for tea AMERICA’S BEST SPOTS FOR AFTERNOON TEAS

Soup’s on TASTY WINTER SOUPS TO MAKE WITH YOUR CROCKPOT

Sweet dreams HOW TO GET THE BEST NIGHT’S SLEEP

WINTER 2023

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CONTENTS

 Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa is one of our recommended spots to unwind with afternoon tea.

features 15 TEA TIME

Top places to channel your inner Downton Abbey across America

20 SWEET DREAMS

Doctors share their secrets for getting a good night’s rest at any age

55 LIFE AFTER DEATH

Coping with the loss of a partner

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55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

— Photo courtesy of venue

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MORE CONTENTS

26

29

health and wellness 46 A CASE OF THE SNIFFLES

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travel 37 ON THE ROAD AGAIN

The joys (and challenges) of traveling with grandkids

Tips for preventing colds and the flu

48 GETTING STONED Curling is a great way to pass the cold wintry months

63 SELF-CARE IS SMART CARE Making time for yourself is crucial when you’re caring for a sick family member

home & garden 26 COMFY COZY Winterizing your home means investing in chunky blankets

42 2023 DESIGN TRENDS How to make your home on trend for the coming year and beyond

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55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

food and drink 29 SOUP’S ON

Easy soups to warm up wintry nights

33 WINE TIME

The best wines to pair with hearty wintry fare

columns 12

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

61

BE YOUR BEST Benita Zahn on why starting a selfcare routine is not selfish

66 THE VINE

A reflection on the value of friendship

Photos: See individual stories for credits. Cover photo: iStockphoto.com/GMVozd.

48

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Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Alison Michael | alison@55pluslifemag.com Consulting Editor Janet Reynolds Marketing Consultant Terri Jacobsen Consulting Art Director Tony Pallone Consulting Online Content Producer Caitlin Manner

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SPONSORED CONTENT

What You Should Know About

Osteoporosis

BY DR. SARAH AVERY, DPT, PYT, RYT-200 | FOUNDER, IN MOTION INTEGRATIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY

O

balance system consistently in a safe environment improves steoporosis affects 55% of the population ages 50 that system, and makes you feel more confident in overcomand older in the United States. Osteoporosis is ing slips, trips, and falls that lead to fractures. most prevalent in postmenopausal women due to Yoga is not the only important tool to use when considhormonal changes from reduced estrogen and progesterone ering osteoporosis. Bones need to be stimulated to improve production. There are also factors that may contribute to their density. Progressive loading of the body builds strength osteoporosis including certain medications, lifestyle habits & stimulates bone growth. It is shown that lifting 70-80% (i.e., diet, exercise, and sleep), and other diseases. of body weight 2-3x per week for at least 12 weeks is where Over time, bones become porous and fragile due to an the best results occur. In a home imbalance in the activity of osprogram where you do not have acteoclasts (cells that absorb bone) Each session, I come home feeling so cess to loads this heavy you can opt and osteoblasts (cells that form much stronger and so relaxed. … My for 5-6 days per week at less load bone). Osteoclast activity is highflexibility and strength have improved to help maintain bone density. Exer and causes an increased rate so much and I'm able to do things that ercises should be introduced under of resorption of bone, leading to the guided supervision of a profesporous bones. The most common I never thought I could possibly do!" sional until you sufficiently undersites include the low back, hips, — Previous In Motion program participant stand movement patterns to use this and the long bones of the legs. amount of weight safely and independently. Please note, it When bones become porous and fragile there is a higher risk requires patience and a buildup period to be able to lift this for fractures in these areas. amount of weight! The muscles and joints need to adapt to There is considerable research outlining the correlation incremental increases. For some, it may take up to a year to between spinal compression fractures and osteoporosis. achieve this, and possibly longer depending on your individCompression fractures affect approximately 25% of all postual needs. For balance, it takes about 10,000 repetitions of menopausal women in the United States. The prevalence of something to show changes in neuromuscular coordination. this condition steadily increases with advancing age, reachWhen done daily, it can take up to a year to see improveing 40% in women 80 years of age. ment.

Improving your posture requires getting educated about Here are some tips for living with osteoporosis: how you hold your body and strengthening your postural • Understand that you can improve or maintain your bone muscles. Yoga is one of the key exercises that improves posdensity naturally! ture when done consistently (over 4-6 months). Those with • The right stimulus, dose, and consistency can help you get osteoporosis should also consider balance and stability. Falls back to doing the things you love. among the elderly, especially those with osteoporosis, are as• Finding your community will help you feel supported and sociated with high morbidity and mortality and can involve understood. high-cost medical intervention. In fact, falls are responsible • Exercising with a professional who specializes in osteopofor 90% of the growing increase in hip fractures. One out of rosis will give you the confidence you need to build bone three adults aged 65 and older fall each year. Like strength density safely. n training, balance improves with practice. Challenging the

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11

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

A look back, a look forward

a Alison Michael photo by Saratoga Potrait Studio/Becky Miller.

s I start a new year, it’s a time of reflection for what my team and I have accomplished in the past 12 months. Paper costs have increased, which made it easy to get discouraged. But what lifted me up was hearing from you, our readers, about how much you enjoy and look forward to reading 55+ Life. A brand solely dedicated to those embracing midlife and beyond — and I include myself in that group — is what I had always envisioned when I took ownership three years ago. We’re all learning as we go, together.

“I close my The past year has brought a new website with adeyes to old ditional articles online, a new name and look, and ends. And more content than ever before with over a dozen open my writers contributing reported content in each issue. heart to new New for this year is the option of getting the magabeginnings.” zine mailed directly to your home. With an annual — Nick paid subscription, you can be sure you’ll never miss Frederickson an issue! Visit 55pluslifemag.com to learn more.

As a fan of Netflix’s series The Crown and Downton Abbey on PBS, my love for tea has grown over the past several years. The Brits have always done it well, but in this issue we’ve highlighted some neat places on this side of the pond to enjoy an afternoon tea both near and far. Take a virtual tour starting on page 15. I’m adding some of these to my travel to-do list!

Teatime is a chance to slow down, pull back, and appreciate our surroundings.

I confess I love bedtime and sleep. I’ve always been a morning person, which means I like to go to bed early. Unfortunately, as I’m aging, it’s not falling asleep that’s become a challenge, but getting a full night of uninterrupted sleep. Dr. Boris Medarov, medical director of Albany Medical Center’s Sleep Clinic, explains how sleep changes as we age and what we can do about it in our feature story on page 20. You’ll learn some simple adjustments you can make to your routine to improve your sleep.

So pour yourself a cup of tea, relax, and savor these stories!

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TRAVEL

tea time

top places across America to channel your inner Downton Abbey

BY SHERYL NANCE-NASH

T

here’s something about a spot of tea.

It warms the belly and lifts the spirits. The health benefits are real, too.

Many studies have shown that tea is good for you, boosting the immune system, fighting inflammation and possibly even offering some protection from cancer and heart disease.

Taking time out for tea can also be a nice respite while traveling and another way to learn more about the area you’re visiting. With that in mind, we offer up a few special spots for tea times you won’t forget.

Photo: iStockphoto.com/Eva-Katalin

On the road DRISKILL HOTEL

Austin, Texas

The historic Driskill Hotel in Austin has been wowing visitors since 1886 and its teatime options are no exception. Take your choice of Austin Breakfast, a Ceylon black tea or Texas Sweet Dreams (with organic rosehips, lemongrass, hibiscus, orange peel, Texas lavender, stevia leaf, and natural vanilla). The Iron Goddess of Mercy is oolong tea with a honey WINTER 2023 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM

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 Regroup with tea and delectables at the Waldorf Astoria in Atlanta.

amber infusion of fragrant, earthy flavors and plum notes.

If you fancy, have sparkling wine or nonalcoholic sparkling cider.

Any tea worth its sugar includes delectable goodies. The Driskill doesn’t disappoint with orange-cranberry scones, Devonshire cream, lemon curd, and fruit preserves. Course two tea sandwich options include salmon phyllo cups with crème fraiche, dill, and caviar; truffle deviled egg; chicken salad, red grapes, fine herbs, and a tartlet cup; cucumber and cream cheese; and prosciutto, fig jam, brie, and focaccia.

Save room for the final round options of lemon poppy petit fours, chocolate custard tarts, rose raspberry Linzer cookies and anise tea cakes with vanilla Chantilly.

When you’ve had your fill of tea, rest for a spell and get ready for the raucous fun that is Austin, including barhopping on Sixth Street, listening to some of the best music anywhere, and dining at world-class restaurants.  https://driskillhotel.com

THE FAIRMONT

San Francisco, California Afternoon tea has been a tradition at the Fairmont since 1907. The elegant setting in Laurel Court with its stainedglass windows and chandelier sets just the right vibe for an elegant tea. Options include a variety of teas; delicious Dungeness crab with mango salad and chives on sourdough;

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55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

chicken salad with grapes, apples, and cashews on Turmeric toast; cinnamon raisin scones; and sides like lemon curd, Devonshire cream and fruit compote. You can add bubbly to the afternoon with the champagne tea service.

While you’re in the City by the Bay, be sure to make your way to the de Young Museum, the Legion of Honor museum, and San Francisco’s many unique shops, to name just a few of the multitude of options in this vibrant city.  www.fairmont.com/san-francisco

BROOKS LAKE LODGE & SPA Dubois, Wyoming

If you’ve checked into the Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa, you’re in for a treat come Governor’s Tea Time. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a day of outdoor revelry. The tone is set with the historic Tea Room’s mountain views, stone fireplace, and leather sofas. Visitors can choose from a variety of fruits, cheeses, cookies, crumpets, tea, and, yes, cocoa and coffee.

When you’re ready for action, options include horseback riding, hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, and, for those who want something a little less active, playing horseshoes. The 100-year-old Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa is named after Wyoming’s seventh governor, Bryant Brooks, who discovered the valley where the guest ranch makes its home.  https://www.brookslake.com

TRAVEL NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN

Napa Valley, California

The Napa Valley Wine Train recently added an afternoon tea service to its tour options. Take a 3-hour journey on a vintage train as you sip your choice of teas, sparkling wine, toast and cheese, demitasse portion of soup and petite salad course, finger sandwiches, scones with accompaniments, and signature mini desserts. Want to take your tea to the next level? Add a caviar course. With stunning scenery and good food, this is a ride you’ll remember.

Finding other things to occupy your time in Napa Valley will not be an issue. In addition to a plethora of vineyards, the valley offers a multitude of fine dining options, bike tours, hot air balloon rides, shopping and more.  https://www.winetrain.com

WALDORF ASTORIA ATLANTA BUCKHEAD Atlanta, Georgia

The new afternoon tea service at Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead caused a buzz along with the opening of the hotel’s signature restaurant, Brassica. Teatime in the solarium combines classic traditions with Southern flair. The menu offers teas like Organic Emperor Jasmine and Sencha Fukujyu Chan, and French and Southern-inspired sweet and savory treats. Popular bites include the Kentucky Benedictine cucumber sandwich, smoked salmon with dill and cream cheese, and the chocolate ganache and peanut butter tart. A harpist adds to the lovely atmosphere.

Looking for other things to do in Atlanta? History buffs will enjoy the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park, which includes a museum. Great food abounds. If you’re not sure where to start, consider checking out one of the city’s food halls.  https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/atlwawa-waldorf-

astoria-atlanta-buckhead

COURTYARD TEA ROOM, BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Boston, Massachusetts

You know tea and Boston have quite a history. What may come as a surprise is that tucked into the historical McKim Building, home to the public library, is the Courtyard Tea Room that overlooks a stunning Italianate courtyard. Not only can you have a classic, traditional tea with sandwiches, scones, jams, petit fours, and some 15 locally sourced teas, but the library also features the Map Room Tea Lounge, where you can drink tea-infused cocktails featuring literary inspired cocktails from authors who mentioned spirits in their novels or drank spirits while writing.

Copley Square, where the library is located, offers plenty of other things to do. Old South Church is a short walk away while Newbury Street, also within walking distance, is a shopping mecca. Other don’t-miss options while visiting Boston: the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Museum of Science.  https://www.librarytea.com

Photos courtesy of venues pictured.

 Options for enjoying a spot of afternoon tea around the country include (clockwise from top left) the Napa Valley Wine Train, Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa in Dubois, Wyoming; and the Driskoll Hotel in Austin, Texas.

WINTER 2023 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM

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TRAVEL

Close to home THE TAILORED TEA

Latham

The Tailored Tea has charm and then some. The 1806 farmhouse features vintage furnishings, linens, and china, but you’ll also love the modern touches. The tea party options, which are available every day from noon-4 p.m., are many. The Hudson, for instance, includes a choice of three tea sandwiches, such as cucumber and mascarpone on white/whole wheat bread with a bit of honey; egg salad and olives on banana bread; or smoked salmon and cream cheese with scallions on pumpernickel, plus your choice of a scone, a sampler of mini desserts, and a half-pot of tea or other beverage. The Mohawk includes salad or soup, two types of scones, a mini dessert sampler, and a half-pot of tea.  http://thetailoredtea.com

MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE Photo: iStockphoto.com/unalozmen.

New Paltz

What better place to have an afternoon tea than a Victorian castle resort in the mountains of the Hudson Valley? Relax and take in the experience that includes an assortment of teas served in the most elegant of tea sets, house-made scones with jam, chocolate truffles, petit fours, and sandwiches.

Want to continue the pampering experience? The award-winning spa at Mohonk is legendary. Or work off the tea with a little forest bathing and hiking.  https://www.mohonk.com

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NYSDED

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Care for the

Long-Term

BY BRIAN M. JOHNSON, MBA, CLTC | DIRECTOR, ADVISORS INSURANCE BROKERS

W

hen it comes to where and how you live, and what you do with your money, you want the freedom of choice and confidence that you’re making the right decisions. The same is true with your Long-Term Care strategy, helping you set the stage for the future and the legacy you have planned.

Long-Term Care is quite simply assistance with simple everyday tasks, even as simple as eating or getting dressed.

The need for care could arise from an accident, illness, cognitive impairment, or the aging process. You may never need it. But, the best time to start thinking about it is before the need arises and while you’re still able to take control. Many Americans work hard, save diligently for retirement, yet fail to address the single biggest risk to their portfolio and families: extended healthcare.

When it comes to Long-Term Care, do not be swayed by common misconceptions such as:

“It won’t happen to me.”

People unrealistically downplay their personal risk. 79% of people put off discussions about long-term care, but 98% of financial professionals say they have clients who have needed it. In fact, being healthy presents even a higher risk of needing Long-Term Care services than someone who is managing a chronic condition.

“Medicare or Medicaid will cover me.”

If qualified, Medicare will likely be insufficient for long-term care needs while Medicaid does not account for your choices or preferences, and one must financially qualify for benefits.

“That’s what my savings are for.”

Many Americans significantly underestimate long-term care costs. Home Care, Assisted Living and Nursing Care can run between $40,000-$150,000 per year in today’s dollars.

“My family will take care of me.”

This might not be a misconception; however, do you really want to put the burden on your loved ones?

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than men to become family caregivers. Due to life expectancy rates, women are also more likely to need care. With an aging population, that contradiction means it’s more important than ever for women to be open and honest about the expectations for the future. 87% of caregivers surveyed say emotional challenges are among the most difficult aspects of providing long-term care.

When should you begin planning? Clients tends to wait until they age 60 before beginning their long-term care planning, but financial professionals suggest moving that timeline up a decade or more. The earlier we start, the more options we will have. Planning ahead not only protects our assets and loved ones, but it also gives us peace of mind. LongTerm Care is in the back of all of our minds and dealing with it up front can be extremely freeing.

When planning, we should consider: • Caregiving: Let your loved ones know your preferences.

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• Legal matters: Make sure you have a living will, a trust,

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Above all, planning starts with a conversation. Some of the most important conversations about your care are not the easiest, however, the easiest time to discuss the topic is when you’re healthy and not yet in need of Long-Term Care.

Remember, it’s never too early to address Long-Term Care and the sooner you do it, the sooner you’ll have that peace of mind. n

Brian M. Johnson, MBA, CLTC is a Director at Advisors Insurance Brokers in Clifton Park.

He can be reached at (518) 371-5522 x154.

WINTER 2023 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM

19

Sweet

Dreams

Doctors share their secrets for getting

a good night’s rest at any age

If

BY REBECCA GATTO

getting a good night’s sleep is not an every night event, you’re in good company. In fact, according to a recent study in the Journal of Psychophysiology, experts can predict the age when a good night’s sleep might start to feel elusive.

“Age 50 years seems to be a critical turning point in the human life for sleep,” the study’s authors write. That’s the age

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55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

when the circadian rhythm, which controls the chemicals that make us feel alert or drowsy throughout the day, starts to shift.

The first thing you may want to adjust, though, may surprise you. Reducing sleep anxiety starts not by changing your behavior, but by changing your expectations.

Dr. Harold Sokol is a pulmonologist and critical care physician who treats patients at St. Peter’s Sleep Center in Troy.

He says it’s not normal to sleep all night in adulthood without waking up.

“The only people I know who do that are either lying, on drugs, or in a coma,” Sokol says. “No one else does. No one.”

Still, it’s hard not to get increasingly concerned about lack of sleep since habitually short sleep times have been connected to a number of health challenges, including cardiovascular, neurological, and psychiatric disorders. And re-

Illustration: iStockphoto.com/seijiroooooooooo.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

searchers think that certain sleep processes are critical to learning memory.

Dr. Boris Medarov has spent his career becoming a sleep expert. As the medical director of Albany Medical Center’s Sleep Clinic, and an associate professor of medicine with the division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at Albany Medical College, he says sleep is still an area where little is known.

WINTER 2023 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM

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Illustration: iStockphoto.com/Elena Shlyapnikova.

“Even today, in the 21st century, we know awfully little about sleep,” Medarov says. “We know what happens if you don’t sleep, but how exactly sleep contributes to our health, why we have different types of sleep, why we dream, those remain unanswered questions that continue to preoccupy our minds.”

Even so, he says, sleep is absolutely critical for all kinds of well-being. And its absence is associated with all kinds of ills, from high blood pressure and insulin resistance to increased likelihood of being involved in a car accident.

“We all feel miserable when we don’t get enough sleep,” he says. “Good sleep is essential for our quality of life, and for our health.”

If you’re struggling with insomnia, Sokol recommends resetting your habits by aiming for six hours of sleep at night and not taking naps. Since most adults need about seven hours, he says, this will make you feel tired pretty quickly — and that’s the whole point. This trick is called sleep restriction, and it helps people consolidate their sleep into healthy nighttime hours.

Once you’ve established a healthier rhythm, Sokol says, you can increase your sleep time to a healthy seven or eight hours. At this point, it’s time to give yourself a bedtime and

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stick to it — that means on the weekends, too.

These simple adjustments may drastically improve your sleep. But if you’re still feeling fatigued, don’t worry — you’re not doomed to a life of drowsiness. Addressing some of the most common interruptions that might cause you to lie awake at night is within your grasp. Here are some common issues and tips from the experts.

YOUR BLADDER

Older bodies produce less of a chemical called antidiuretic hormone, which prevents people from waking up to use the bathroom.

“When you’re younger, you produce a lot of it, and that’s why you don’t have to urinate in the middle of the night,” Sokol says. In short, midnight trips to the toilet can’t necessarily be avoided outside of common-sense measures like drinking less water before bedtime.

The problem comes when patients let this normal sign of aging create anxiety, preventing them from going back to sleep. “It’s not a big deal; it’s not because you’re falling apart,” he says.

That said, changes in balance and bone density are equally normal parts of getting older, so make sure your path to the

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Best sleep apps

bathroom is clear of obstructions and reasonably well-lit for safety. The last thing anyone wants is a late-night injury from falling.

ACHES AND PAINS

“Everybody’s aches and pains increase as we grow older, whether they admit it or not,” Sokol says. From arthritis to chronic illness, it’s important to deal with discomfort that can disrupt rest.

Taking pain medication before bed can be one solution.

Certain pain medications can be risky, however, especially sleeping pills and opiates, which Sokol says he almost never prescribes because they can be habit-forming and have serious side effects. With cannabis products becoming legal on the state level, he says some of his patients have also used THC for pain relief.

Especially in cases where cannabis products can take the place of other medications with known risks, he says, “I’m certainly willing to keep an open mind.”

CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL

One of the surest and most scientifically-backed ways to improve your sleep is to cut out the nightcap. While alcohol

HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOU

W

hile doctors and researchers chase down answers to questions of sleep, app developers are happy to offer their own solutions — often for a monthly fee. But which, if any, can actually help?

“Be wary of any app that says it can measure your sleep,” warns Dr. Boris Medarov of Albany Medical Center. “A phone or similar device has no way of knowing if you’re asleep, let alone if you’re in deep sleep … the only thing a device, your phone, may know is if you’re moving or not.”

However, he says, apps that play calming sounds, stories, or meditation tracks can be helpful if you enjoy them.

Dr. Harold Sokol of St. Peter’s Sleep Center says his patients have shown him many apps but he only keeps one on his own phone to show them. It’s called CBT-i Coach, and it uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help treat insomnia. The app is not for profit and is written

by Stanford researchers, who run one of the largest sleep centers in the U.S. Here are some apps for sleep that come highly recommended by sleepfoundation.org, a media company that uses a medical and scientific advisory board to vet the sleep advice they publish.

Calm  Especially popular for its sleep stories, this

app was also named one of Wired magazine’s best sleep gadgets.

Headspace  Not just for sleep, this meditation-focused app promises to help you find more joy throughout the day. It also includes guided meditations for falling back asleep when you’ve woken up, and for waking up gently in the morning.

Yours App  Perfect for folks who don’t consider

themselves particularly tech-savvy, this all-in-one app is notably easy to use. It includes everything from quick yoga routines to sleep stories and meditations.

Sleep Reset  For the A+ students and spread-

sheet lovers, this highly personal app allows you to track different sleep factors and receive a sleep score. You can even hire a personal coach through the app — call it extra credit.

CBT-i Coach  Recommended by St. Peter’s’ Dr.

Sokol, this nonprofit app is designed and run by researchers at Stanford. It uses the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy to treat insomnia without medication.

WINTER 2023 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM

23

HEALTH & WELLNESS

CONTINUED FROM 23

may help you feel sleepy, it doesn’t keep you asleep. In fact, it prevents your brain from entering healing REM sleep cycles.

“Whatever sleep you have is full of bad dreams,” Sokol says. “Alcohol is not a good thing for sleep.”

And while you’re at it, you might want to nix the after-dinner cup of coffee, too. Even decaf coffee contains some caffeine, so consider a switch to calming herbal tea after lunchtime.

CHRONIC ILLNESS

Illustrations: iStockphoto.com. Cannabis: GeorgePeters; sheep: Jenny On The Moon.

the Cannabis Conundrum W

hile the research on the effectiveness of cannabis as a sleep aid is scant, using cannabis to fall asleep and stay asleep is popular.

People turn to two main types of cannabis products for sleep: CBD and THC. The more thoroughly studied chemical THC is the active ingredient that creates feelings of euphoria and produces a high. On the other hand, CBD is a milder chemical that some people say helps them feel calm and sleepy.

As people begin to navigate the world of cannabis products, they turn to people like Robert Cohen, general manager at Kapha Cannabis, a dispensary in Lenox, Massachusetts. He says sleep and pain relief are the two most common reasons people ask for his advice.

“There are strains of cannabis that lend themselves to a relaxing, sleepy experience,” Cohen says. He recommends indica varieties in low doses. Products like “Moxie Mints” and “Dream Drops” are specially formulated edible options, and they have proven popular with his customers.

Since many doctors are hesitant to recommend cannabis products, let alone specify dosages, people who want to give it a try should start low and slow.

“Everybody’s individual formulation is different,” Cohen says.

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55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

If feelings of fatigue are so persistent that they’re preventing you from doing things you enjoy, something more could be at play. In this case, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor. In particular, one sleep-related condition becomes much more common around age 50: Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA. OSA is a disorder that causes people to stop breathing while they’re asleep, sometimes as many as a hundred times over the course of an hour. Sleep apnea has serious consequences: It can exacerbate existing health conditions, raise your risk for certain kinds of dementia, and severely lower your quality of life.

Casey Toomajian, CEO of Hometown Healthcare, says he’s seen so many weary people walk through his office doors that he can practically read the sleepless nights written in the lines on their faces. His company supplies Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) machines, which treat OSA by helping people breathe normally during sleep. Hometown Healthcare also educates people and remotely monitors their usage of the machines.

The good news is once the condition has been diagnosed by a doctor, studies show that people who consistently use these machines to help them breathe are much healthier than their peers who don’t get treatment. A 2021 Oxford University study, for instance, showed that patients 65 and older who used their PAP machines reduced their risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Toomajian says he’s seen the proof himself. He makes a point of sharing success stories with everyone in the company. Most recently, he recalls a musician who was so exhausted he could no longer play the drums. But after he began treatment for his OSA, he returned to making music.

“People feel like they have a new lease on life,” Toomajian says. “It’s pretty cool to hear the stories. It’s a feel-good business.” n

Sleep routines

to help you catch some

H

ZZZ’s

ealthy sleep starts long before we go to bed, and it requires commitment, according to Albany Med’s Dr. Medarov.

“They are simple rules, they are not difficult to do for the first night, second night, but it requires real motivation and some degree of devotion,” he says. “On the other hand, those rules tend to be effective.”

1 Limit caffeine, especially after lunch, and alcohol, particularly late at night.

2 Exercise during the day, but avoid working up a sweat at the gym right before bed. Our bodies need to wind down and prepare for sleep.

3 Avoid blue light before bed. It blocks melatonin, a hormone that makes us sleepy. If you must use your phone or computer, check the settings on your device to see if you can change the light to a warmer tone. Even reading lamps should use warm white bulbs for better sleep.

4 Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time every day. Even on the weekend, stick to a consistent schedule.

5 Reserve the bedroom environment for sleep and intimacy only. This means no TV, no working on the computer — even arguments should take place elsewhere.

6 Ensure a comfortable sleep environment that is dark and set to a comfortable temperature.

If you can’t fall asleep within 15-20 minutes and find yourself becoming frustrated, Medarov recommends leaving the bedroom and doing something calming. This prevents your brain from connecting your sleeping space with feelings of anxiety.

He suggests relaxing activities like TV, reading, or knitting. Then, once you start to feel sleepy, you can go back to bed.

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25

HOME & GARDEN LAYOUT NAME

comfY cozy

Winterizing your home means investing in chunky blankets

BY BRIANNA SNYDER

C

old weather seems like such a relief at the end of summer. Cozy season is here, with its warm drinks and fuzzy sweaters. But the joys of soft things and candlelight are only the first line of defense against the longer nights and seasonal blues. Those months after New Year’s and before spring can feel never-ending.

But don’t worry. We have a solution.

“There are many simple but impactful ways to warm up your space for winter,” says Jenna Burger of Jenna Burger Design in Saratoga Springs. “With our busy lives, most want to create and feel content with a calming, peaceful and inviting home.”

Here are some suggestions of what’s on trend for cozying up your home this winter.

Turn to color Amy Krane, of Amy Krane Color in Ghent, says color can do a lot to change the feeling of a room. “Consider painting a room or two a color that’s mid-toned in value … from the warmer side of the color wheel,” she says. “These colors in-

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55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

clude all variations of red, orange and yellow. This includes maroons, pinks, browns, caramels, and golds as well as earth tones and neutrals like cream, beige, putty, and tan. Warmer wall colors create an inviting ambiance and an embracing emotional response from people.”

If you don’t want to take on a paint project, turn to your textiles. Blankets, throws, pillows, rugs, and tapestries can all reflect the part of the color wheel we most associate with comfort.

Burger agrees: “Add darker hues into your interior decor,” she says. “Colors like emerald, cognac, and crimson will add coziness and moodiness to your space.”

Blankets, of course “With heating prices soaring this winter it’s important to add touches like throw blankets to your living room and reading chair/nook,” Krane says. “Not only do throws afford you the ability to get snuggly while watching TV or reading, but they’re pretty darn great for adding pattern and color to a room. This helps create a different vibe for the new season.”

The key is to keep coziness convenient. If all you need to do

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 Consider colors from the warmer side of the color wheel to cozy up your home.

— Photo by Carl Bellavia, courtesy of Amy Krane

when you’re feeling chilly is to grab a nearby blanket, then an extra soft, extra comfortable weighted blanket, for example, is the kind of thing you’ll want to have draped and ready to go.

“Store away the lighter linen summer throws and swap them out for a cozy blanket that can be draped on a sofa or chair,” Burger says. “Three things that scream cozy: flannel bed sheets, a chunky blanket, and fuzzy slippers. All with a hot cup of tea.”

Scents and sensibility Few things are warmer than firelight, and whether or not you have a fireplace, candles are a quick way to conjure comfort and joy.

“Introduce candles or essential oils that have richer and more robust scents,” Burger says. Cinnamon, orange, ginger, cocoa, and tonka bean are all perfect for making your living room feel like a warm cocoon.

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27

HOME & GARDEN

“Adding another layer to your bedding adds more visual interest to the bedroom decor and helps on those chilly nights,” Krane says. “Choose a coverlet, blanket or quilt that’s a different texture and color than your duvet cover or main quilt.”

Faux furs, cable knit, flannel (as Burger mentioned earlier) and crochets and knits all offer textures that are distinct. They also happen to be super warm.

All of the lights Krane says the items that signal comfort to her include “textures that invite touch, seating which you can sink into, and comforting lighting.”

Check out your light bulbs. Do they give off a warm or cool color?

“Warm orange or yellow light is from bulbs with lower color temperatures,” Kane says, “so check the light color when you purchase your bulbs. Daylight bulbs are blue in color and make a space have a

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55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

colder and more institutional feel.”

For those deeper-winter blues, when light is scarce, consider a light therapy lamp, which can approximate the effects of sunshine on the daylight-deprived.

Keep a hosting mindset Those coffee-table books? Get rid of ‘em.

Julia Maleski Putzel of JMP Interiors in Clifton Park recommends creating vignettes throughout your home for cozy time. Instead of the vase or the book on your coffee table, what about a tea set? Keeping your place guest-ready will also keep it feeling hospitable to you in the way you like.

“I think people should cater to hunkering down,” Putzel says. “Being welcome for guests and having those vignettes is more interesting” than knickknacks or decorative things. She suggests games, wine, chocolates, even tarot cards. All are items that capture attention and make you — and your guests — feel special and comfortable. n

Photo: iStockphoto.com/Iuliia Pilipeichenko.

Take it to the bedroom

FOOD & DRINK

Soup’s

On

Easy soups to warm up wintry nights RECIPES FROM AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN

W

inter is all about getting and staying cozy. Even if you’re a winter outdoors enthusiast, there’s nothing better than coming up to a tasty, gut-warming soup. Add a little fresh bread, maybe some cheese, and a glass of wine (see our story on winter wines on page 33), and you’ve got the perfect winter feast. Enjoy!

Photo: Joe Keller, courtesy of America’s Test Kitchen.

CONTINUES ON 30 

WINTER 2023 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM

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55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

Photo: Steve Klise, courtesy of America’s Test Kitchen.

For more soup recipes, visit 55pluslifemag.com.

FOOD & DRINK

SLOW COOKER TURKEY AND RICE SOUP SERVES: 6-8

|

COOKING TIME: 6 to 7 HOURS ON LOW

I N G RE DIE NT S • 2 onions, chopped fine • 4 garlic cloves, minced • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 1 tablespoon tomato paste • 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried • 1 teaspoon table salt, divided • 8 cups chicken broth • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick • 2 celery ribs, sliced ¼ inch thick • 2 bay leaves • 2 pounds bone-in turkey thighs, skin removed, trimmed • ⅛ teaspoon pepper • 2 cups instant brown rice • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

I N S TRUCTIO NS 1 Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tomatoes, onion, half of the jalapeños, garlic, 2 teaspoons chipotle, and tomato paste and cook until onion is softened

|

PICTURED ON PAGE 27

and beginning to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in 1 cup broth, scraping up any browned bits; transfer to slow cooker.

2 Stir remaining 5 cups broth and tortilla pieces into slow cooker. Season chicken with salt and pepper and nestle into slow cooker. Cover and cook until chicken is tender, 4 to 5 hours on low.

3 Meanwhile, wipe skillet clean with paper towels. Heat remaining 1 cup oil in skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tortilla strips and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer tortilla strips to paper towel-lined plate; discard remaining oil. Season tortilla strips with salt to taste and let cool slightly to crisp.

4 Transfer chicken to cutting board, let cool slightly, then shred into bite-size pieces using 2 forks. Whisk soup vigorously for 30 seconds to break down tortilla pieces. Stir in chicken, remaining jalapeños, and remaining 1 teaspoon chipotle and let sit until heated through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve, passing tortilla strips, Cotija, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges separately.

SLOW COOKER FRENCH ONION SOUP SERVES: 6-8

|

I N G RE DIE NT S SOUP

• 2 pounds beef bones (stocked in the frozen foods aisle of most supermarkets) • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter • 4 pounds yellow onions, halved and sliced through root end into ¼-inch-thick slices* • Salt and pepper • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar • 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme • ¾ cup apple butter • ¾ cup dry sherry • 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour • ¼ cup soy sauce • 2 cups chicken broth • 2 cups beef broth CHEESE CROUTONS

• 1 small baguette, cut into ½-inch slices • 10 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded (2½ cups)

I N S TRUCTIO NS 1 For the soup: Arrange beef bones on paper towel-lined plate. Microwave until well browned, 8 to 10 minutes.

PICTURED AT LEFT

Meanwhile, set slow cooker to high. Add butter, cover, and cook until melted. Add onions, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, brown sugar, and thyme. Stir apple butter, sherry, flour, and soy sauce together in small bowl until smooth. Pour over onions and toss to coat.

Tuck bones under onions around edge of slow cooker.

Cover and cook on high heat until onions are softened and deep golden brown, 10 to 12 hours (start checking onions after 8 hours). Note: Cooked onions can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.

2 Remove bones from slow cooker. Heat broths in microwave until beginning to boil. Stir into slow cooker.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3 For the cheese croutons: Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position (about 6 inches from broiler element) and heat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange bread slices in single layer on baking sheet and bake until bread is golden at edges, about 10 minutes. Heat broiler. Divide cheese evenly among croutons and broil until melted and bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes.

4 Ladle soup into bowls and top each with 2 croutons.

Serve. *NOTE: After halving the onions, slice them through the root end for hearty slices that will hold up to long cooking.

WINTER 2023 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM

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FOOD & DRINK

Wine Time The best wines to pair with hearty wintry fare inner wines are a popular way to complement your meal and its tastes, textures and aromas, or even just to take the chill out of a snowy evening.

But the wine you drink in September is not necessarily the wine you should drink in February.

It’s time to put away the grenache rosé, pack up the pinot grigio, and cross cabernet franc off your list. These bottles, and a host of others, are fruitier and lighter blends. They lack the comforting core of heavier winter wines.

We consulted with two local sommeliers and a couple of regular folks who are wine — and food — enthusiasts to provide seasonal suggestions to help you expand your winter wine options.

Krysta Dennis holds a diploma from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust in London, is one of the founding members and sommelier of the Siena College Beverage Institute (SBI), and is the producer for the Siena Creative Arts Department.

She also teaches a Wines of the World class for SBI and su-

pervises student projects with local craft beverage producers.

“If you’re looking for a white wine that is as crisp and clean and bright as freshly fallen snow, try a riesling,” Dennis says.

“It’s a very versatile white that’s great with seafood, pork, cheese, and my favorite Thai food.”

Dennis says New York state is fortunate enough to have some fantastic winemakers in the Finger Lakes making world-class rieslings, like Herman J. Wiemer, Lamoreaux Landing, Boundary Breaks, Dr. Frank, and more.

Red wines are also popular for their layers of flavor. “I’m looking for a red wine with depth and substance in the winter, something I can sink my teeth into,” Dennis says. “Nebbiolo is a great grape for this time of year. From Piedmont in Northwestern Italy, it comes from the land of truffles and rich stews, and pairs beautifully with those.”

Dominick Purnomo, wine director and co-owner of Yono’s and dp An American Brasserie, grew up in his family’s restaurant working alongside his parents. Upon finishing at WINTER 2023 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM

33

Photo: iStockphoto.com/Denis Kalinichenko.

D

BY CARI SCRIBNER

FOOD & DRINK

Morrisville State University in 2000, Purnomo came back to Albany to work in the family business and took over the dayto-day operations. It was then that he discovered a true passion for wine. He was a national finalist for the Best Young Sommelier Competition and has been nominated for a James Beard Award for his wine program on three occasions.

“Syrah is my favorite varietal for winter meals because of the rusticity of the wines and the foods they lend themselves to,” says Purnomo. “This wine is as at home with a peppercorn-encrusted steak off the grill as it is with a hearty chili with a good dose of spice.”

He also has a recommendation for wine to pair with pasta, and it might sound familiar, because it was also on Dennis’ list. “Nebbiolo, from the Langhe in Northern Italy is my

W I N T E R RIESLING

Crisp, clean and versatile white. “Great with seafood, pork, cheese, and my favorite Thai food.”

— Krysta Dennis, Siena College Beverage Institute

34

NEBBIOLO

Red with depth and substance. “My go-to wine for rich and hearty tomato-based pasta dishes.”

— Dominick Purnomo, Yono’s and dp An American Brasserie

55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

go-to wine for rich and hearty tomato-based pasta dishes,” Purnomo says. “The wine is delicious in a glass on its own but ethereal when paired with pasta dishes, especially those with a meat sauce.”

Janice and Joe Verrastro of West Sand Lake are vino enthusiasts who appreciate the deep flavors of wines ushered in during the winter. They particularly enjoy shiraz (the Aussie version of syrah) with its black fruit flavors, as well as Barolo and Montepulciano and sangiovese wines with hearty winter meals that typically include meat and potatoes.

One of their favorites pairs nicely with most cuisines. “We always have a good port on hand,” Janice Verrastro says.

Daniel Craven of Delmar is a self-confessed foodie who is always thoughtful about the wine he is pairing with his mas-

W I N E S SYRAH

Full-bodied red with black fruit flavors. “This wine is as at home with a peppercornencrusted steak off the grill as it is with a hearty chili with a good dose of spice.”

— D.P.

PORT

Sweet red fortified wine (a blend of wine and spirit), often served with dessert. “We always have a good port on hand.”

— Janice Verrastro, West Sand Lake vino enthusiast

terpiece meals. “If I’m making something with bold flavors such as steak, I like a richer red blend like cabernet sauvignon,” Craven says. “Red blends are hard to go wrong with when they’re alongside lots of strong tastes.”

The New Year is already here, but if your midnight toast didn’t satisfy your thirst for the bubbly, go ahead and pop a bottle anytime this winter. “While many people only think of Champagne for New Year’s Eve and special occasions, I personally enjoy Champagne as frequently as possible,” says Purnomo, who recommends Champagne Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru. “The high acidity levels lend this wine to pairing with just about any food imaginable,” Purnomo says. “It makes each moment more celebratory, and is also perfect to enjoy as an aperitif while you’re cooking those hearty winter meals.” n

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Rich red blend pairs well with bold flavors.

“Hard to go wrong with when they’re alongside lots of strong tastes.”

— Daniel Craven, Delmar foodie

CHAMPAGNE

Bubbles aren’t just for New Year’s! High acidity levels lend well to food pairing “with just about any food imaginable... it makes each moment more celebratory.”

— D.P.

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TRAVEL

On the Road Again

BY JOANNE CLEAVER

t was midnight and the 2-year-old was not the least bit sleepy.

Her father, tired from a day of running around the gentle hills of western Connecticut with her and her elementary-school-aged siblings, lay on the sofa of our sprawling vacation rental house, one pajamaed arm thrown over his eyes. She ran a toy truck up and down his crossed legs.

He opened one eye and looked at her. Then he looked at me, the night owl whose genes had clearly carried downline intact.

I pulled the toddler and a pile of books into my lap. By the time we exhausted the narrative exploits of the Little Blue Truck, she was drifting off. Her father hefted her off to bed and I turned in, too.

Vacationing with grandchildren (and often, their parents) all but guarantees moments together that you can’t capture at home, not in between the busy-ness of school, errands, lessons, and chores. With our eldest daughter, her husband (he of the sofa) and their little flock, we’ve explored national historic sites and beaches of North Carolina’s Outer Banks; children’s museums in the Midwest; the Smoky Mountains; and, this past fall, a classic New England autumn. This year, family-oriented destinations, from state and national parks

to ritzy resorts, are gearing up for new experiences uniquely suited for three-generation groups, and all but guaranteed to mint lasting memories.

Recent research from the University of Toronto indicates that experiences are more meaningful gifts than objects — good news for grandparents who want to explore the world with their grandchildren. Learning new things together, sideby-side, puts everyone on the same plane as a rank amateur and lets kids discover aptitudes and talents in fresh settings.

The trick is to find experiences that don’t burden one of the adults with all the tasks of setting up, instructing and cleaning up. That’s where folk schools can save the day. Modeled after European schools that built a structure around the tradition of elders teaching artisan skills to the rising generations, American folk schools typically are located in scenic rural locations and offer one- to five-day workshops that blend tradition with skill.

Professional potters, painters, quilters, woodworkers, gardeners and others design classes for various skill levels, from rank beginner to accomplished intermediate. And best of all, all that’s left for the adults is to make the arrangements (and pay) and show up.

CONTINUES ON 39  WINTER 2023 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM

37

Photo: iStockphoto.com/Imgorthand.

I

The joys (and challenges) of traveling with grandkids

TRAVEL

Clockwise from top left: A moment for smiles during the Colorful Canyons trip, one of several Grandparent Adventures packages offered by Road Scholar; grandmother and granddaughter take part in the Hanging Hardwood Splint Snowflakes program at the Adirondack Folk School; a group of grandchildren enjoy their stay at the Grandparents and Grandchild Camp at Great Camp Sagamore.

38

55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

Photos courtesy of organizations pictured. Canoeing photo by Jessica Reihl.

“We try to make the experience as turnkey as possible for everybody, including the instructors. You pay the fee and you show up,” says Scott Hayden, executive director of the Adirondack Folk School in Lake Luzerne. “Show up with the enthusiasm to learn and if you’ve always wanted to try something, you can do that. It’s a noncompetitive learning environment.’

Cooking classes are popular with multigenerational groups, says Hayden. After all, you can eat your errors … or maybe not.

Also ascendant: a half-day session on how to build a bat house to support furry pollinators, and coppersmithing, which doesn’t require the heat and force of ironwork. “You can bang away to make a copper bowl or plate or wall hanging,” says Hayden. “The worst-case scenario is that you try something and you don’t like it, but then you haven’t invested in the equipment. And if you love it, you are developing a relationship with an expert in that craft.”

Great Camp Sagamore in the Adirondacks is a way for grandparents and grandchildren to get out in nature without the hassle of tent camping. The camp, a National Historic Landmark that was built by William West Durant and finished by Alfred Vanderbilt as a family retreat, is a Gilded Age wonder in the middle of pristine wilderness. Each summer the camp offers two five-night gatherings for grandparents and grandchildren (one for children 6-9 and one for children 6-14) where kids and grandparents can participate in music, nature-inspired art projects, canoeing, hiking, and games.

Word to the wise: These sell out quickly so get on their email for notification of when registration opens up.

National and state parks are naturals for grandparents and grandkids, says Catherine Parker, a veteran family roadtripper who operates the travel blog Carful of Kids.

First, seniors often qualify for a lifetime pass for a one-time fee of $80 that allows them unlimited entrance to the parks that charge fees. Fourth graders are also given a one-year pass, which makes that timing that combines the senior and fourth-grade passes the obvious golden year and, says Parker, a must-do.

“In the past six months, the National Park Service has finally added accessibility to its website,” she says, adding that park rangers are now well-trained in advising groups with mixed abilities about which trails will work best. Maps available at visitors centers offer opportunities to tutor grandkids in the analog skill of reading (gasp!) printed directions and serve as souvenirs, too. “Some parks now have ‘senior’ and ‘junior’ ranger programs. Those are fun activities and help you see in a short time what is most important about this park,” says Parker.

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TRAVEL

equally, though some historic sites with high-energy demonstrations come close.

The Wright Brothers National Memorial on the North Carolina coast offers a history of the famed brothers’ scientific process and acres of wide-open fields where rangers demonstrate the physics of flight. Our visit satiated our history buffs’ craving for detail and gave preschoolers plenty of runway for their own physics experiments. Turns out, it takes more than speed and energy to achieve liftoff — not that the kids didn’t try.

Multigenerational groups require multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. In the last decade, whole-house rentals through online platforms have become popular because they offer full kitchens for serving breakfasts and dinners that include children’s favorites (economical and fuss-free, especially after a day of adventures). But such rentals can be expensive: Our western Connecticut lodging, which comprised half of an oversized duplex, absorbed our group’s six adults and five children in its four bedrooms and two full baths, and cost $500 per night, plus a cleaning fee, plus local taxes.

Hotels and resorts have caught on and some have retooled suites to better suit families. For instance, the Sagamore Resort on Lake George offers a spectrum of flexible configurations, from suites with kitchenettes to four-bedroom condos that

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55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

sleep 12, for its annual grandparents and grandkids weekend.

Fluctuating prices for gas and flights aren’t dampening family enthusiasm for making up for time lost to COVID, says Kate Loweth, managing editor and senior travel editor with Tinybeans, a photo sharing platform. Grandparents account for about 10% of its five million users.

Families are focusing less on how to accomplish the trip — drive or fly? — and more on destinations that expand a family tradition. Nostalgia is the overarching theme, she says, with grandparents eager to share treasured places and activities with their grandchildren.

“What fond memories you have as a child, that’s what you want to pass on,” she says. That could mean Disney destinations, or, as in our case, centering trips around cherished New England destinations like Old Sturbridge Village, the famed living history museum; downtown Boston; and the Maine coast.

Our grandchildren are well-versed now in the North Carolina seashore, but have they inhaled the salt air at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine, or dug for mysterious shelled creatures at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, before strolling the boardwalk eating taffy? They haven’t yet, but they will — soon. n

Photo courtesy Adirondack Folk School.

 The Goldberg family displays handiwork created as part of the Birch Bark Frames program at the Adirondack Folk School.

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Photos: iStockphoto.com. Zellij, Uladzimir Zuyeu; sisal, Reid K Dalland; Southwestern, ivanastar; tadelakt, stigua.

Clockwise from top left: Trends for the new year are evident in deep green zellij tiles, natural textures such as sisal grass, Southwestern-style patterns and tadelakt plaster finishes.

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2023

HOME & GARDEN

Design Trends How to make your home on trend for the coming year and beyond

T

BY BRIANNA SNYDER

his year, design is all about the earth. Interior design trends for 2023 are rife with evocations of the natural environment: earthy colors and tones, sustainable furniture and materials, natural textures.

“Something that’s going to be on the forefront for us is sustainability,” says Julia Maleski Putzel of JMP Interiors in Clifton Park. “Not just sustainability in materials but in how people experience any kind of space.” In other words: Does your space inspire a closer connection with the environment, with durable building and furniture? That’s going to lead the charge in 2023.

So here are a few things to look out for this year.

Wallpaper is in!

“Wallpaper is very on-trend for every room and space in the home,” says Amy Krane, of Amy Krane Color in Ghent.

Look for floral, nature-inspired prints and bold colors and designs, such as geometrics and other Southwestern-style patterns (more on this in a bit). And look for more environmentally friendly paper. Wallpaper technology has come a

long way. You can find paper made with water-based inks or sustainable materials like hemp.

Make the textures natural “A high emphasis is going to be on natural materials,” Putzel says, “how they’re harvested or produced, what is their impact on the psyche of a human. Something like pampas grasses or sisal grass, which are traditionally considered very rough, coarse textures but when you can balance them, they’re very durable. It’s a natural element so it’s very sustainable.”

Sustainability in this context isn’t just about where these things come from, but also about how long they’ll last. These are meant to adorn your home for a long time, and not end up in a landfill by 2024.

The beauty of the hand “Seeing evidence of ‘the hand’ is an important characteristic of many design elements today,” Krane says. “From the hand-painted look of tadelakt [a plaster finish that originated in Morocco] and limewash for walls, the use of rattan, caning WINTER 2023 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM

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HOME & GARDEN

and ceramic in furnishings, the hand-painted look of tiles — all point to the importance of moving away from the sleek machine-made and [instead] celebrating the craftsmanship of artisans.”

The flaws and quirks in a handmade piece are a testament to its worth as a reflection of what is human and creative in us and around us. These objects and designs give your space a highly personal and warm feeling.

Bringing the Southwest up north Southwest styles are coming in hot in 2023.

Putzel says colors will be “more muted and in that terra cotta and earthy palette.” That’s because those colors and textures conjure “a warm part of the country. Plus there are ties to Indigenous people who create those textiles and fabrics that are very much of the earth. When we see those palettes, we think adobe, wrought iron, elemental. They play on that human experience of emotion when we see and interact with these textiles and fabrics and colors.”

Trends and micro-trends With the acceleration of how we metabolize trends and information thanks to TikTok, social media and the internet in general, Maleski says micro-trends have rapid cycles. While more broadly we’re anticipating a prolonged rise in sustainability in practice and aesthetics, you’ll find outlier trends alongside them.

“With TikTok you really see the micro-trends,” she says.

“Something as simple as trim on fabrics, so where there might be highly embellished fabric on the edges of curtains, pillows and bedding.” Crocheting is one of these micro-trends you may have noticed in fashion, too. And, it turns out, fashion is the main driver of trends in interior design.

“If you watch the fashion trends, you’ll notice this cyclical style that happens every three to five years — sometimes even in two years, depending on how popular it is. What happens in fashion will reinvent itself in interiors.” So if you want to know what’ll be happening in 2026, Maleski says, pay attention to the runway this year.

Aging in place Sustainability means accessibility, too, and for people who are aging in place, this is especially important. Putzel says universal design is also a growing trend for this coming year and beyond.

“Sustainability in this context is about being able to customize a space to truly fit the person,” she says. “How do we incorporate smart elements like zero-threshold showers, integrated lighting and smart technology? We’re going to be putting a lot more emphasis on the human that’s in there rather than cookie-cutter designing. How can we prolong their time in a space and make it more pleasing for everybody? These are some of the buzz topics that are going on in the design community.” n

“Almost all of the paint brands chose warm colors like bronze, orange and clay as their 2023 Color of the Year,” says Amy Krane. “So you’re going to see more and more of these types of colors in home decor. But the prevalence of olive green is still being felt all over the design world. When venturing beyond neutrals like white, beige and warm gray for kitchen cabinets, deep greens are playing an outsized role there as well in other spaces in the home on walls, millwork and exterior siding.”

You’ll find purple on that palette this year, too. Again, thank the fashion industry for what’s about to be a very purple ’23.

Because it’s fairly quick and easy to paint a wall, the very on-trend may find themselves getting out the drop cloths. But mostly the color of the year is a reflection of broader trends in design, and isn’t necessarily a prescription for how to decorate your home. And anyway: There are lots of colors of the year.

“Dark paint colors like black, deep green, navy and charcoal are still gaining traction as exterior house colors in most of the country,” Krane says. “Vintage-inspired patterned tiles that appear to be handcrafted are popular and zellij tiles continue to be used for kitchen backsplash and bathroom walls in droves.”

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55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

Photo: iStockphoto.com/ginosphotos.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

A Case of the

Sniffles

tips for preventing colds and the flu

’T

is the season … for colds and the flu. And, thanks to COVID-19, people become even more anxious at the first sign of a sniffle.

Viruses ramp up their attack on our bodies during the winter, a time when people are sheltered inside because of the weather and not getting vitamin D from the sun as they do during the warm weather. The common cold is seemingly inevitable, especially for schoolchildren and the elderly.

The flu is much more serious and sometimes must be treated more aggressively than with over-the-counter medicine.

When a cold hits, it’s anybody’s guess as to how long it will last. The common cold is in fact a viral infection of the throat and nose, also known as your upper respiratory tract. Many types of viruses can cause the common cold, but the most common is the rhinovirus.

“Respiratory infections spread most efficiently when people are together, indoors, where ventilation is not optimal,” says Dr. Ronald Musto of Capital Healthcare Associates, a division of Community Care Physicians, in Troy. “Thus, winter is prime time for the spread of respiratory infections. Typically, that is November through March in the Northern Hemisphere.” In the Southern Hemisphere, the opposite is true.

The best way to avoid respiratory infections, according to Musto, is to remain home if ill and cover sneezes and coughs with a tissue, wash your hands frequently and ask that those around you do the same. “Be immunized annually against influenza and make sure you are current on your COVID boosters. Make certain that you are current on your pertussis immunization and pneumococcal pneumonia immunization if eligible,” he advises.

Musto says influenza is a different virus than the ones that cause colds. “Influenza can be more severe and may progress to pneumonia in people who are younger, older or immunocompromised. Influenza typically accounts for about 30,000 deaths and 400,000 hospitalizations each year in the U.S.” If you do get sick, Musto says it’s a good idea to touch base with your physician if you have symptoms of respiratory illness. “There are diagnostic tests for influenza and COVID that may guide treatment,” he says. “In particular, contact

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55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

your physician promptly for high fevers, shaking chills, cough producing phlegm, shortness of breath, wheezing, inability to eat or drink or changes in mental status.”

Having a proper diet can go a long way toward remaining healthy during the winter, according to Jennifer Nardone, a registered dietitian and renal nutrition specialist practicing in Albany. “People in general understand that food plays an important role in their health. But, some people may lack a deeper understanding of the science and how to use food for their specific needs. The amount of information on food and nutrition is vast and widely accessible, but it can be confusing. It’s important that people reach out to a registered dietitian for guidance and reliable information,” she says.

Nardone says that a diet that is at least 50 percent plantbased can go a long way toward keeping an already healthy person healthy. “However, it’s also important for people to choose a healthy diet that is sustainable so they can maintain consistent healthy habits,” she says. “Generally speaking, eating more fruits and vegetables is an easy way to maintain a healthy diet.”

The holiday season and winter can be a challenging time for maintaining proper eating habits, Nardone says. “Making healthy choices can be a challenge every day,” she says. “Ask for help, plan ahead and take time to relax are just a few ideas to help you reduce stress and refocus your health and wellness needs or goals.”

Don’t be discouraged if you get sick during the winter.

Studies show that most adults get at least one or two colds every year. Just keep an eye on how long it lasts: If you’re having high fevers or continuing symptoms, check with your doctor to make sure there aren’t other issues.

And because illnesses increase during the winter, get tested for COVID-19 if you think you may have been exposed to the virus. If you have a confirmed case of coronavirus rather than a cold, your doctor will guide you on best steps to take depending on the severity of your symptoms. n

Photo: iStockphoto.com/PIKSEL.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Curling is a great way to pass the cold wintry months

BY JOHN TORSIELLO

W

hen the winter winds start blowing, some people curl up in front of the fireplace with a good book or a glass of wine. More athletic types might also curl, as in the sport of curling.

The sport (think lawn bowling, but on ice) is gaining in popularity, thanks in part to its extensive coverage during the recent Winter Olympics.

“Curling is definitely growing in popularity,” says Kathy Bentley, president of the Albany Curling Club. “I think this is due to TV coverage of curling and our U.S. teams in the Olympic Games, and people sharing their positive experiences on social media. As more people try the sport, more people discover how much fun it is. Here in Albany, we take pride in our welcoming atmosphere and inclusiveness. We find that our new curlers enjoy the game and the new friends they make.”

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55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

Dion Warr, president of the Schenectady Curling Club, says open houses at the rink during Olympic coverage can draw 500 to 1,000 people. “The Olympics have brought exposure to our great sport, and people love to watch it and want to try it themselves.”

Curling, which is believed to have originated in Scotland in the 1600s, consists of two teams of four players, who fill the positions of lead, second, third, and skip. In a curling match, each player slides round stones, concave on the bottom and with a handle on the top, across an ice rink or a natural ice field toward the tee, or button, which is a fixed mark in the center of a circle (called the house). The circle is marked with concentric bands.

The object of the game, now usually played indoors on smoothed ice areas referred to as “sheets,” is for each side to get its stones closest to the center. A unique aspect of the

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sport involves “sweeping” the ice in the lane to control the speed and direction of the stone. The sweeping reduces the friction of the ice on the stone to allow it to stop in the desired spot in the house.

“Our members are on the ice in league play almost every evening and we have several daytime leagues as well,” says Bentley. “Most of our leagues have teams formed from ‘skip draws,’ so teams are a mix of experience. In this way newer curlers can play next to experienced curlers, learning from them and meeting new people.”

Albany hosts “bonspiels,” or curling tournaments, and the off-the-ice part of a bonspiel is also important with its food and drink, games and entertainment, perhaps a costume contest, and lots of fun socializing. “Some of our bonspiels are in-house for our members only, but we regularly host large

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Photo courtesy of Schenectady Curling Club.

 Seniors get their game on at Schenectady Curling Club, where membership ranges in age from 6 to 90.

bonspiels for curlers from other curling clubs,” says Bentley.

“We’ve had curling clubs from all over the East, including teams from Canada down to the Carolinas, as well as some teams from the Midwest and West. Our members regularly travel away to other clubs to compete and enjoy bonspiels.”

That kind of socializing happens after most games, according to Bentley. “After each game we ‘broomstack,’” she says.

“Both teams sit around a table together and socialize. The winning team buys the first round, so nobody really loses.

Everyone makes new friends.”

Part of the allure of curling, says Bentley, is that every player on the team is involved in every single shot: You’re either “delivering” the rock or stone, sweeping the rock, or calling the shot. Teamwork is key. “Curling is a game of thinking and strategy,” she says. “Delivering a rock requires careful attention to your form, similar to hitting a golf ball, for instance.”

Curling is also a good workout. “It’s not easy sweeping the rocks,” Bentley says.

Curling is not a difficult sport to learn, according to Bentley. “Here in Albany, we have great instructors and instructional helpers [our new curlers make great helpers], and after a two-hour ‘Learn to Curl’ session, our newest curlers CONTINUES ON 53 

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51

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

are ready to play in our leagues. We just finished our fall membership drive and we’re thrilled to have over 30 new members, bringing our total membership to about 175. As a two-sheet club [meaning we only have enough ice to play two games at the same time], 175 members is a great number.

Our ice is quite busy, but we can still allow our members to play in as many leagues as they like.”

The Albany Curling Club has a range of members. Bentley says the “Little Rockers” start at age 8; many clubs start at even younger ages. There’s also a Juniors program for older youth. “On the higher end of ages, we have active curlers in their 80s, and we just celebrated the 90th birthday of one of

our active curlers,” she says. “Our newest members range in age from about 20 to 60.”

The Schenectady Curling Club has a similar age range in its membership, which ranges from 6 to 90. “Over 35 percent of our members are female. We have two dedicated women’s leagues and lots of open leagues where men and women play together,” says Warr. “We have leagues almost every day of the week, including mornings. We host many tournaments during the year and our members travel all over to compete in other clubs’ events.”

While curling is easy to learn, Wart says it “takes time to excel at.”

“It’s very similar to golf in that way,” he adds. “Like golf, you can have fun and enjoy it right away, but getting better takes time and practice.” n WINTER 2023 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM

53

Photos courtesy of Albany Curling Club.

Scenes from the Albany Curling Club, clockwise from top left: Jim Held is a brand new curler, using a “stabilizer” here as he delivers a rock; Bill Koniowka delivers his curling stones using a “delivery stick”; Winn Schwartz and Clara Cabesas have been active curlers since 1977 and 1966, respectively. Combined, they have over 100 years of curling experience.

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55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

Photo: iStockphoto.com/ckellyphoto.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Life After Death Coping with the loss of a partner

J

BY JANET REYNOLDS

une 2, 2019, was a typical Sunday for Donna and Clark Perkett of Queensbury. “We had such a great day,” says Donna. “We were so busy. Clark was over helping the neighbor who had a bad heart.

His mom lives across the street and he was helping plant her flowers. Then we had a really nice family dinner, the nicest steak and mushrooms and potatoes.”

It was a day that seemed to be a beginning — of warm weather, days by the pool, family barbecues. Instead, it was the last day of Clark’s life. He died that night in his sleep from a massive heart attack.

Donna and Clark had been together 35 years, almost 32 of them married. They had nine children, four of them biological and five adopted from China and Guatemala. “We had

a fantastic partnership,” says Donna, noting they were both banking executives. “We shared household chores, had great jobs. I would have told you I had the absolute perfect life.”

“And then Monday morning my husband just didn’t wake up,” she says. “He had always been super healthy, never taken a sick day in 35 years of work. He just had his first cavity.

It was absolutely crazy.”

Clark and Donna were both 55 at the time of his death.

With children ranging in age from 12-27 — six of them still living at home — Donna was completely overwhelmed.

And that was before the COVID-19 pandemic added isolation to the emotional mix. “The kids were on these islands with their own grief,” she says. “It was really, really hard for a long time.”

WINTER 2023 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

 At left, Clark Perkett and at right, a photo of Clark, Donna and their nine children.

While Donna felt — and still feels some days — totally alone in her grief, the reality is different. Widows accounted for 30% of all older women in 2020, according to a 2021 report from the Administration on Aging at the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. The report notes there were more than three times as many widows (8.8 million) as widowers (2.6 million). As Ben Franklin famously noted, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

The challenge is learning how to live without your partner and how to navigate grief, an ever-evolving emotion, and doing it in a society that’s not particularly adept at handling grief.

“Even when we talk about grief with friends and family, there might be this response of ‘But that was six months ago.

Why is this still upsetting you?’” says Tara Hempel, director of clinical services at Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York.

Kelly Daughtery, a licensed clinical social worker and certified grief counselor who offers grief counseling at Greater Life Grief Counseling in Malta, echoes Hempel’s thoughts.

It’s critical, she says, to recognize that grief is not a one-anddone. It comes in many forms and in many stages.

“The primary loss is the partner,” she says. “But there are

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— Photo courtesy of Donna Perkett

secondary losses, too, and sometimes they can feel just as challenging.”

Take identity, for instance. “Who am I without this partner and what does my future look like?” Daughtery says.

That feeling really resonates for Paula Temple of Albany, who lost her husband, Mark, to HPV cancer five years ago.

“I really struggled with who I am as Paula without my partner, without my other half,” she says. “You don’t understand that until half of that is gone. I still struggle with that.”

“When you lose your spouse, it’s amazing what you lose,” echoes Perkett. “We had ‘couple friends.’ They all evaporated.”

People were helpful in the beginning, Perkett says, but then life goes on for everyone else. “I remember thinking my world had stopped and everyone else kept moving forward.

I wanted to stand on my roof and scream, ‘Don’t you know what happened?’ I can count on one hand how many times I have gone out with friends since Clark’s death. People don’t know what to say or what to do.”

Finances can be another challenge. Depending on a couple’s life stage, the revenue change can be significant, which in turn can impact the remaining partner’s living situation. “Do you stay in the home? Can you afford that?” says Daughtery.

These worries can be amplified, Hempel notes, for people

who may have never lived alone. “They may have gone from living at home with their parents to living with a partner,” she says. “Some folks have never lived alone.” “[Loneliness is] a natural part of grieving,” Hempel says, “but it doesn’t make it easier. Even if they’re surrounded with family and friends, they can often feel very alone.” She recommends taking a moment to be aware of the times of loneliness, certain times of day, for instance, or days of the week or holidays/anniversaries. That might be a time, she says, to make plans with friends who can help.

Talking to the person who has died can also help, Hempel says. “If you’ve been talking to them as long as you’re together and suddenly that stops, it’s a hard transition. Just because they have passed away doesn’t mean that love stops. They’re still in our lives. Why not have that connection with them still?” Hempel recommends writing them a letter or journaling to them, especially if there are things left unsaid by the death. “Feel free to share those regrets with your loved one,” she says. “It can be comforting. It’s a different connection, but it’s still a connection.”

“I still find loneliness the hardest,” says Perkett three years after her husband’s death. “We were planning for our future when we would be kid-free. It’s not only the death of a person but a death of your dreams and future plans.”

Temple, 59, finds nights and weekends hardest. “You come home from work and there’s no one to talk to, no one to make dinner for. Weekends are very long. I keep myself busy the best I can, but even so you come home from an event and you want to share but the lack of someone to share the mundane everyday moments is very difficult.”

Daughtery advises clients to lean into their grief. “You have to deal with it and you have to feel it. Our society is not great about this,” she says. She advises people to sit with their feelings when they come up. “You don’t have to worry about making other people uncomfortable,” Daughtery says. “You need to do this for you.”

Daughtery suggests that those who are grieving recognize who can help them in the ways they need help. “Who are your listeners? Who are your doers?” she says. “If you keep going to someone who’s not a listener, you’re going to get frustrated.”

Therapy and grief support groups can be helpful, too.

“You can get connection and guidance from other people,” Daughtery says. “It’s a way to learn new coping skills and release your emotions.”

“I did a lot to address my grief,” says Perkett, noting she has talked with therapists and used online programs. “I was determined I wasn’t going to shove it down, that I was going to talk about it. Clark was a great guy who was loved by all.

I’ve looked at ways to honor him.”

Above all else, Daughtery advises, “Be patient with yourself. Grief is really hard. Practice some self-compassion.” n

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

CONTINUED FROM 57

Photo: iStockphoto.com/Chinnapong.

HOW TO HELP SOMEONE WHO IS GRIEVING • Offer specific services. Don’t make the grieving person tell you what they need. “As a society we say if you need anything, let me know, but that puts the work on the person who is grieving,” says Hempel. “And that can be hard.” People often drop by food in the beginning but it’s six, nine months down the road where the assistance, everything from yard cleanup to a surprise meal, might really make a difference.

Perkett has a friend who initially checked in on her every day, and now does it a couple of times a week. “It’s incredible to have someone who shows you that they care,” she says.

Perkett says one person hired a local pool company to come and teach her how to use her pool.

Someone else hired a cleaning service. Another taught her how to drive their boat. These were all areas that were Clark’s domain. “That’s some of the things people went above and beyond and did,” she says. “Don’t ask people if or how you can help.

Come up with something on your own because people are always going to say, ‘I’m fine.’”

• Ask how people are doing. “The

• Talk about the person who is gone. Use their name, advises Hempel, rather than their entity, like husband or wife. “Using their name is very meaningful,” she says.

they don’t say something,” says

person who’s grieving hasn’t forgotten about it,” Hempel says.

• Include the widow or widower in activities. “It’s not like we don’t want to be included any more just because we don’t have someone to come with us,” Perkett says. “Odd numbers are okay.”

• Recognize significant dates.

“People tiptoe around the dates and are not sure if they should say something as if I’ll forget if Temple. “Reach out on those days you know are his birthday or our anniversary or a child’s birthday because that’s hard, too.”

WINTER 2023 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM

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55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

BE YOUR BEST

YOUFirst!

Putting

Why starting a self-care routine is so important

Benita Zahn photo by Kris Qua Photography.

M

BY BENITA ZAHN

any years ago when the Albany, New York-Tula, Russia sister city program was robust, I traveled to Tula. I was investigating the impact the alliance had on health care in that city. What struck me most was what we could learn about the value of self-care.

In Russia the banya is central. As our guide told me, “First you build the banya; then you build the house.”

A banya is a sauna, but with greater humidity than we are used to in this country. It also incorporates a cold pool or buckets of cool water. First you experience the heat, then the cool and, if you’re inclined, repeat. Sometimes the procedure includes bunches of dried branches and leaves from white birch, oak or eucalyptus that are softened in warm water and used to massage the body.

The result of all this is exquisite care for the body’s biggest organ — our skin. The heat and humidity open pores, stimulate blood flow and help excrete toxins through the sweat.

While all that’s going on, you’re relaxing. Your mind clears as your skin experiences a deep cleanse. And Russians do this routinely!

Back here in the States, we rarely make time for our well-being. Instead we wave our jam-packed calendars and to-do lists like badges of honor. But why? How are we served by all this activity?

That question has grown even more important since the pandemic. Mental health is in a spiral. In the U.S., the management consulting firm McKinsey & Company notes nearly six times as many employers report increased mental health issues among employees since the pandemic began, with burnout among the most common.

Despite this we hold tightly to the mistaken notion that self-care is selfish. On the contrary. For starters, selfish means you are taking ONLY for yourself with no gain for others.

SELF-CARE is about ensuring that you are able to give, support and share with others because you are stoking your fire. Like your car, if you don’t put in gas the vehicle won’t go. It’s the same with humans. Not taking time to recharge and refill means you eventually run down. You struggle both emotionally and physically.

But “I don’t have time for me,’’ you insist. Well, if you don’t take time for your well-being, you’ll be forced to take time to

recover from illness, even accidents. Not embracing self-care also depresses your immune system, clearly not good during cold, Covid and flu season.

As a certified health and wellness coach, clients tell me they simply can’t “indulge” in self-care. Perhaps the time is at hand to change the paradigm, not only for your personal well-being but to teach the next generation the difference between selfishness and self-care.

Here’s a step-by-step self care routine to get you started: • Begin with breath awareness. Breathe in slowly to the count of three and exhale to the count of three. As you do this, focus on the breath. Listen to it. Sense it.

• Listen to your self-talk and remember that words have power. If you routinely berate yourself in your self-talk, choose kinder words.

• Take a walk. Nature heals. Don’t think about “stuff.” Be in the moment.

• Build relationships. Research finds that having just one person you connect with boosts your happiness, and happiness is an underpinning of self-care.

• Establish a sleep routine and stick to it, even on the weekend.

• Say no when you’ve got too much on your plate or you simply don’t want to do it. No excuses necessary.

• Say yes to something that appeals to you or excites you.

• Put the phone away for a while. Take a break from all the “noise.”

• Pare down the to-do list so it only includes what absolutely, positively has to be done that day.

• Give yourself props for what you accomplish, from brushing your teeth to making your bed to adding any of these self-care tips to your day.

In short, be kind to yourself, treat yourself like you would a best friend. If you begin your day with a moment of gratitude for anything that brings a smile to your face and follow that by setting an intention for the day, you’re taking the first steps toward crafting a self-care plan that can last a lifetime.

And while you may not be able to find a banya, a warm bath or shower works, too. n BENITA ZAHN is a certified health and wellness coach working in the Capital Region. Visit benitahealthcoach.com.

WINTER 2023 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

SELF-CARE IS

Making time for yourself is crucial when you’re caring for a sick family member

BY CAITLIN MANNER

f you’ve flown, you’ve heard the drill: “In case of an emergency, please secure your oxygen mask first before assisting others.” It’s a sound piece of advice that experts advise caregivers to heed even while their feet are planted firmly on the ground.

“It’s that model of — you know when the oxygen mask comes down? That’s a good analogy,” says Albany County Department for Aging Commissioner Deb Riitano. “Take care of you, and then hook up the kid, you know? Because that’s what you need.”

It is estimated that almost 80% of long-term care in the United States is provided by unpaid or informal caregivers, people who care for others who need help with everyday tasks. Of that caregiver number, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the majority are women who have reached middle age and who also have jobs. Many baby boomers now find

themselves part of the “sandwich generation,” a term coined to describe someone who is caring for an older family member as well as someone who is younger than they are.

Unfortunately, the demands of caregiving can limit a caregiver’s ability to find the time or energy to care for themselves. In a 2019 CDC public health survey, about 15% of caregivers who responded reported 14 or more mentally unhealthy days in the previous month. About 18% reported experiencing 14 or more physically unhealthy days during the same time period. Insufficient sleep, inability to schedule and keep medical appointments, stress, and suffering from their own chronic diseases were the most common reasons provided for these unhealthy days.

Felicia Segelken is a social worker and facilitator for monthly caregiver support groups with LifePath, an Albany-based organization that provides supportive services for older adults. She says one of the hardest parts about being a WINTER 2023 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM

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Photo: iStockphoto.com/Inside Creative House.

I

SMART CARE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

caregiver is switching to a mindset in which you prioritize taking care of yourself. “A lot of caregivers take on a lot of stuff themselves, and don’t necessarily ask for help, which definitely leads to putting their own self-care on the back burner,” she says. “There’s a lot of guilt if they’re not focusing on the loved one.”

Caregivers are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, and they’re at an increased risk of suffering from chronic disease themselves. Riitano, who along with her siblings cares for her 95-year-old mother with dementia, has seen firsthand the impact caregiving can have on a family.

“My brothers do most of the caretaking, and my sister brings meals as well, but my brother that does most of the caretaking is unwell himself,” she says. “The person who is caretaking, they certainly make sure that the person they’re caring for is getting meals, but they might not be getting meals themselves. They might not be able to sleep — my brother has had some serious issues that have needed attention, and he’s needed caretaking, too.”

Here are some steps experts suggest caregivers consider to maintain their own health.

Find someone to listen

Establish respite care Finding some kind of respite care is another important step for caregivers. Caring for a loved one is rewarding but exhausting, so it is important to know you have help when you need it most. “I come across some caregivers that don’t realize all the different services that are available to them, and [they] wait until something happens in their lives where they need help immediately, instead of being able to walk through that process in preparation,” Segelken says.

Meals on Wheels or other food delivery options can take a load off a caregiver’s plate (pun intended). Holly Cargill-Cramer, executive director of LifePath, says that Meals on Wheels is “more than a meal, because we’re not just UPS

Photo: iStockphoto.com/wildpixel.

Being able to confide in someone often helps to head off feelings of isolation and powerlessness in overwhelmed caregivers. Those who receive regular emotional support

are better equipped to prevent burnout, handle difficult care decisions, and balance their own needs with those of their loved ones.

Segelken advises caregivers to establish a support system even before they think they need one. “It is really helpful to be in a space where you’re comfortable and sharing the hardships and good times of caregiving,” she says. “It’s important to be heard.”

While finding the time to participate in structured support groups can seem impossible, Riitano says it’s critical. “Find one virtually! You’re not being selfish, taking that time for yourself, and if you can do it from home it will be easier.”

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dropping off a box of frozen dinners on a porch. We are required to make sure the person comes to the door or lets us in; it’s basically a daily status check along with the meals, and we can report back to caregivers or social workers if we observe changes in status.” This can mean peace of mind for a caregiver who needs to be at work during the day.

In addition to programs like Meals on Wheels, a number of organizations provide various levels of similar services in the Albany area, including Community Caregivers and the Albany Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NNORC). Community Caregivers is a volunteer organization that provides regular respite care as well as assistance with tasks like shopping, transportation, referrals to other agencies and services, and filling out important paperwork. NNORC is an interfaith community collaboration that provides support for caregivers and for those who are aging in place. They often provide programming, assistance navigating healthcare, education, and home visits as well.

Senior drop-in day programs are another potential option that can provide some respite. LifePath manages a number of senior centers that provide various levels of unstructured or guided activity, which offers socialization for people who have grown isolated through age or other circumstances.

“Someone can go to work and know that Mom is not home alone all day long, if something happens,” Cargill-Cramer says. “A meal is being made for her and she has social activities. So [caregivers] can drop folks off and have that emotional respite either because they’re working or just need some time for themselves.”

In-home care, while expensive, is another alternative, one for which the government is slowly recognizing the need for subsidized funding. “The fact is, we’re in a home care crisis,” Riitano says. “My office has done a great job lobbying for money to get [subsidized] home care, and thankfully our Senator Schumer is on top of it as well.”

The little things Caregivers can also take some other smaller steps on their own that can make a difference in their health and capacity to continue as caregivers.

Segelken recommends caregivers take some time — even if it’s just once a month — to check in with themselves. “Even taking five minutes of your time, putting away technology and seeing how you are in that moment,” she says. “It allows you to slow down in our fast-paced society, and even something as simple as writing a check-in list or letter for yourself can be helpful.”

Riitano also suggests that if you have a faith tradition to seek assistance there. “If you’re connected to a synagogue or church or a mosque, there are often resources there,” she says. “And at the very least, if you’re a religious person, you’re going to need spiritual help. That’s important, too.” n

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THE VINE

I’ll Be There for You A reflection on the value of good friends

A

BY ROD MICHAEL

hours of the morning. We have pursued common interests and have loved every moment of it. We have also shared moments of grief and consoled one another when life has dealt us a blow.

We have all worked at building and nurturing our friendships, because we know we don’t get the same chances twice.

Not long ago, I accompanied a dear friend on a fly-fishing excursion. We returned to his home where he prepared a sumptuous meal and we drank a lovely wine. As we gazed out at the countryside during our meal, we were speechless, both caught in the moment, realizing the gift of our friendship and knowing that the only way to have a friend is to be one.

If our friends had not walked into our lives when they did, our book of life would have had a lot fewer chapters and a lot fewer laughs.

Friends do not care if your house is clean; they care that they are welcome in your home. It is not what we have in life, but rather who we have in our lives. n

Photo: iStockphoto.com/lisegagne.

s we walk along life’s highway there are no better moments than those we spend with a friend.

Friends are the people who really know us, who can make us laugh when we would rather cry and who know just what to say at the right time. People will walk in and out of our lives, but the one who leaves a footprint in our heart is a friend.

We have all experienced that moment when you meet someone for the first time and instantly a switch flicks and two kindred souls connect. A brother (or sister) from another mother is standing right in front of you. We realize even in silence that we know one another and they become our chosen families through thick and thin.

I have been fortunate in life to have made many good friends. Over the many years, we have done many wonderful things together. We have taken trips all over the world, laughed and drank and eaten many fine meals into the wee

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55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

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