RECORD-JOURNAL,
BERLIN CITIZEN, CHESHIRE CITIZEN, NORTHHAVEN CITIZEN, TOWN TIMES, SOUTHINGTON& PLAINVILLE CITIZEN
SOWSPOSITIVITYASWELLASPRODUCE GARDENINGSEASON
BY SUSANSHULTZ
Springhas sprung, as they say, andinConnecticut, that meansthateager gardenershavingwatched their dormantplots andbulbs fortoo long areready to get theirhands dirtyagain
As we age, physical changesmay impact ourabilities to,among otherthings, spendlongperiods of time on our kneeslovinglyplantingeachseedand seedling.Perhaps, having downsized, we have less spacefor ourprize tomatoes or award-winningdahlias
Butjustbecause things mighthavechanged,itdoesn’t mean we can’tkeepour thumbs just as green. According to GardeningKnowHow.com,creatingasustainable and
easy to care forgardenfor olderadultswithmorelimited physical staminaand mobility canbedonewithsome simple fixes.
Some of thosesuggestions includechoosingeasytogrow plants that aretolerantofdifficult conditions,building raised beds from theground, andmakingsurethere are pathwayswithinthe garden foreasymovement.
In Connecticut, thereare particular typesofcrops that growdue to weatherpatterns, soil types, andmore. Easy togrowvegetablesinclude cucumber,lettuce,tomatoes, and beans. Allkinds of squash grow well in NewEngland weather.
Appletrees aresynonymouswithNew Englandfallfor areason. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and figs also do well in Connecticut gardens.
POTTED PLANTS
If youhavedownsized as aseniorand have more patioordeckspace than grass, fear not. Accordingtothe University of Connecticut, planningyourcontainer vegetablegardeniseasy if done right. Containergardens areparticularly enjoyablefor theculinarilyinclinedsince they adapttoherbgardens beautifully.
HealthFamilyCT,apartofUConn,offersthese tipstoplantacontainergarden:
•Choosethe rightcontainer:Choosingthe largestcontainer possible is best as deeper containers allowroots to grow anddon’t dry up as much.
•Differentcrops need differentthings: Tomatoes need to climb, carrotsneeddepth to grow,and squash andzucchinitendtoneed extra spacefor theirvines
•Pay attentionto theplant’s sunlight needs when deciding placement.
NO FAIL PLANTS
ThegardenclubofWilton, CT hascompiledalistof“no fail”perennialsthatmight be helpfulfor lowmaintenance gardeningwhen planed andcared
Examplesinclu
Rudbeckias
Coneflower
Hellebores
BeeBalm
Astilbe
Sedum
CatMint
Daylilies
Siberian Iris
Peonies
Coreopsis
Ladies Man
tle
Allium
•Makeiteasytoremembertowater andaccess awater source
FLOWER GARDENS
Easy flower gardenstogrowinConnecticut includethose from bulbsthatreturnannually, as evidencedbythe daffodils, hyacinths, andmore that popupinthe spring.Wildflower gardens arealsopleasingtothe eyeand requireminimal effort.
Choosing plants that arenativetothe area will naturallybeeasiertogrowastheyare acclimated to thesoiland climate. Also,perennial blooms, much like bulbs, will return withoutyoureffort to replant. Visitthe CT BotanicalSociety to find outmoreabout native plants.
COMMUNITYGARDENS
If youtruly don’thaveaccesstospace at home, many townshavecommunity garden spaces offered forresidents,asdomanyseniorlivingor retirement communities.
HELPFULEQUIPMENT
In addition to offeringgardening tips for seniorsand discountstoorganizations that offer learning workshops, AARP hasalistofhelpful
gardeningequipment forolder gardeners. Items suggestedinclude kneeling pads or benches, elevatedgardenbeds, rakeswithtelescopichandles, anda hori hori,aJapaneseall-purpose bladeused forweeding,digging andmore. Visitwww.aarp. org/home-family/your-home/info-2020/gardening-tools-comfort.html formoreinformation OTHERGARDENING
BENEFITS
In addition to thesimplejoy that comeswith gardening, accordingtoAARP, gardeningisalso asourceofphysicalexerciseand memory protection.According to researchers, gardeningspurs braingrowthand canhelpprotect theareas of the brainthatretainyourmemories. It’s even been used to treatpatientswithdementia.
In addition,growing your ownvegetablesisa biteasieronyourwalletatthe grocerystore and is naturallyorganic.
FormoreinformationongardeninginConnecticut,visitTheConnecticutAgriculturalExperimentalStation’sguidetostartingagarden.
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THERE’SAN APP FORTHAT YOUR PHONEHAS RESOURCES
TOFIT YOUR LIFESTYLE
BY SUSANSHULTZ
For thoseofuswho didn’t grow up in this newera of technology,living a virtuallifetakes some gettingusedto. Butwhile many decrythe overreliance on phonesand social media, theseadvances providemanytools to enhanceour lives, oneapp at atime.
Whetherits forhealth, forkeeping in touch, in case of emergency, or just forfun,yourdevicehas many optionsliterally at your fingertips
KEEP THEMINDMOVING
Elevate— Abrain training appwithgames designed to boost your brainactivityand keep your mind sharp.
WordBrain— Awordgamewithincreasinglychallenging prompts that will keep your mind muscle in good shape!
BrainHQ Aworkout foryourbrain whereyou exercise your memory,brain speed, intelligence,navigation, andmore.
KEEP THEBODYMOVING
SilverSneakers This programisavailable free of charge to seniors65and overthrough select Medicare plans. Theapp lists participatinggym locationsand classes, as well as online fitness tips andresources.
Erin Brown Hastings FuneralDirector
Preplanning
is the most thoughtfulgift youcan give your family.
Preplanning offers peace of mind foryou, knowing your family won’tbeburdened with making decisions during this difficult time. Italso ensures that yourwishes will be carried out as you intended. Call us at 203-235-4152 to findout the many benefits of Preplanning, including financial.
MyFitnessPal This apphelps trackyourexerciseand diet on adaily basis. Youcan loginyourexercisehours andevenscan food barcodes fornutrition information
DailyYoga— This appisgreat forstaying in shapeand being motivatedathome. It offersguidedmeditations andyogaclasses forevery levelfrombeginnertoexpert.
STAYINGINTOUCH
FacebookandFacebookMessenger— Theseappsare easy to navigate andhelpyou keep in touchwithfamilyand friends, whether rightnextdoororonthe othersideofthe world.
WhatsApp— This is afree, privatemessaging andvideo calling app that canbeusedthroughoutthe world. This is also ahandy app forgroup chatsorsharing information
Instagram SimilartoFacebook, Instagramisaplace to keep up with your family andfriends’latestthoughtsoractivities, kids’ photos,lifeeventsand more.There is also an area to private messageyourconnections
WordsWithFriends Play avirtual game with your friends and family on this appthat’ssimilar to Scrabble.
HEALTH
MedisafeMedicationManagement Notonlydoesthisapp monitor your dailymedicationintakeand offer reminderstotake them, butitalsoalertsyou when your prescriptionsdropinprice
GoodRx This apphelps seniors find thebestprice forneeded prescriptions andofferscoupons to furtherget thebestbangfor your medicalbuck.
BetterHelp This appoffersresources foranyonewho might
need a mental health boost, as well as private online therapy services
Calm This app is aimed to relieve stress, sleep better and “live mindfully,” according to its website. It offers meditation, calming music, soundscapes to help you relax and focus, and video lessons on stretching and yoga IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
CTPrepares This state sponsored app offers the information and alerts in emergency situations It also incorporates text messaging and allows residents to communicate with family members in an emergency. The app allows you to get real-time notifications including state office closings and public safety messages
RedPanicButton This app allows you to hit a button to alert an emergency contact that you need help or are in crisis.
Life 360 This family-tracking app allows your location to be shared with your loved ones and vice versa in case of an emergency.
SeniorSafety This app lets your family track you if your phone has been inactive, if you’re getting malicious spam requests, and
more It helps keep you safe and gives your loved ones peace of mind
USEFUL TOOLS
AARP This go-to information app for seniors contains the latest lifestyle trends, senior celebrity interviews, informative articles, discounts, resources, and more
FindMyiPhone After downloading this app, you’ll never lose your phone again. You can track the location from your computer or another loved one’s phone.
MagnifyingGlass+Flashlight The usefulness of these apps is obvious. Whether at home or trying to read a menu at a restaurant, you can keep on reading.
1Password We all have trouble remembering our various passwords. This app keeps all your passwords in one digital wallet, so it remembers them for you.
JUST FOR FUN
Audible Listen to your favorite books on audio while you walk, garden, or just relax. It’s helpful for those who struggle with arthritis or have vision issues as well.
Spotify Access thousands of your favor-
ite songs and more on this digital music app. Spotify also offers podcasts in every genre. OldTimeClassicalRadioShows Whether they’re before your time or not, there’s nothing more enjoyable than listening to these various vintage shows from a simpler time
Some of these apps are free and some require monthly subscriptions, but all of them can improve your quality of life.
Todownloadtheapps,visitwww.apple. com/app-store/foriPhoneorplay.google.com/ store/apps
Adobe Stock Photo
Jason L. -CommunityExecutiveDirector
MANDATED REPORTERS: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT CT STATE ELDER ABUSE LAWS
THE LAWFIRM OF MAHON,QUINN &MAHON IS PLEASEDTOANNOUNCE…
That retiredMeridenProbate Judge, BRIANT.MAHON,isaccepting newclients whoneedhelpin…
• ElderLaw Issues • TheProbating of Estates
• ThePreparation of Wills, Powers of Attorney andLivingWills/Medical Directives
PROTECT YOURSELF ANDYOURLOVED ONES
CALL BRIANTODAY (203-238-1010) or emailhim at brian.mahon@mqmlawyer.com
Thankyou to ourcommunity forvotingfor BrianMahon as your Readers’ Choice Best Estate Planning Attorney
BY SUSAN SHULTZ
As we age, so do our parents. And in many cases, these parents’ needs exceed what we are able to provide. This means they often move to a nursing home or assisted living residence.
However, especially when our loved one suffers from something that demobilizes them, whether physically, or due to dementia, which leaves them vulnerable. We hope they receive the best care, but in case of the worst, Connecticut has laws that require those in certain roles to be legal mandated reporters.
Much like those who work with vulnerable minors, mandated reporters on the elder level are usually those who work in these areas that are legally required to report suspected neglect or abuse of the elderly.
Connecticut recently reinforced these laws to make them even more effective If your loved one is in one of these facilities or has home care aides, it is important o know the laws
WHAT
IS A MANDATED REPORTER
According to the State of Connecticut’s website, the Department of Social Services (Department) administers the Protective Services for the Elderly (PSE) Program. This program ensures adults aged 60 years or older are able to live with dignity and respect by investigating maltreatment allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation.
When a mandated reporter has reasonable cause to suspect or believes that someone age 60 or over has been abused, neglected, exploited, or abandoned, or is in a condition caused by one of these or is in need of protective services they must report this to the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), Protective Services for the Elderly (PSE) within 24 hours.
The 24-hour window is a change from the previous 72-hour window and went into effect on July 1, 2022 as part of Public Act. No 22-145.
Another law requires anyone who becomes a mandated reporter due to any lifestyle change complete the educational training program developed by the Department, or an alternate program
FIVE WAYS TO EASE YOUR RETIREMENT WORRIES
(BPT)-ByRobWilliams,ManagingDirector,FinancialPlan-
ning,RetirementIncomeandWealthManagement,SchwabCenterfor FinancialResearch
Thereare alot of cautionary talesinthe news thesedaysabout how unprepared people arefor retirement,paintinga rather bleakpicture of widespread financialinsecurity. Butthe realityisquite different. We recently surveyed more than 1,000Americans andfound they actually feel pretty optimistic abouttheir retirement plans. Sixin10 people saytheyare notconcerned abouthavingenoughmoney to live off of in retirement,and most also feel financiallyprepared. The numbersare even better forpeoplewho arealready retiredorsemi-retired. Over 90%say they'vesaved enough to live comfortablyand are confident abouttheir overall financialsituation.
BY BRANDPOINT
Mike DeLuca
Susan Shultz
how to stay strong
FOR SURGERY
(BPT)-ByMichaelJ.Sutherland,MD,MBA, FACS
Every year, more than 15 million Americans undergo surgery. For many, the prospect of having surgery can feel overwhelming, prompting worries and unease about recovery. But the process of having surgery doesn't have to be daunting - and simple steps and habits can make a significant difference in outcomes
At the American College of Surgeons, the largest professional association of surgeons in the world, we have a free resource, Strong for Surgery (www.facs.org/ for-patients/preparing-for-surgery/strong-for-surgery/), that provides patients with practical tips to navigate their surgical journey. While there is no "one-size-fitsall" approach to preparing for and recovering from surgery, practicing healthy daily habits and having candid
conversations with your care team about your goals can greatly improve your results.
EAT TO HEAL
Good nutrition will help at every step along your surgical journey. Eating well begins by planning a nutritious meal that includes a balance of protein-rich foods, whole grains, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables - all of which play a role in nourishing the body with enough calories, protein, vitamins and minerals. We recommend eating at least three times a day, and increasing fiber intake, if tolerated. Aim to include protein-rich foods with each meal, such as lean meat, fish, poultry, beans, eggs, cheese, nuts, tofu, milk, cottage cheese and yogurt. If you cannot meet your requirements with meals, consider supplementing your diet with healthy snacks, additional proteins or vitamins. Make sure to
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stay hydrated, and drink sufficient water each day.
Before surgery, many patients are required to temporarily stop eating and drinking Your care team will advise on when it is safe to resume eating and drinking. Be sure to follow their recommendations both before and after surgery and ask any questions.
ENGAGE IN HEALTHY HABITS
Generally, the more fit and active you are before surgery, the better you will function after surgery. Your care team can work with you before your surgery to improve your fitness, which can facilitate your recovery and help you maintain your strength. Often called "prehabilitation," your doctor may recommend exercises or refer you to specialized physical therapists who can design a therapy and exercise plan to target any physical limitations that you may be experiencing
Other risk factors, such as smoking, obesity and high blood pressure, are also important to manage before and after surgery. Smoking can increase the risk of complications after surgery, making it harder for you to recover from anesthesia and increasing the risk of infection. If you currently smoke, ask your surgeon about ways you can quit smoking. There are many effective options to help people quit smoking, including medications and tailored programs that offer empathetic and personalized support.
BE EMPOWERED TO ASK QUESTIONS
There are many considerations when making plans to have surgery. Our Strong for Surgery guide and Geriatric Surgery Patient checklist (www.facs.org/gsvpatient) include printable handouts that you can download and print for free to help you prepare your questions before an appointment, prepare your list of medicines and supplements, and keep track of your notes during appointments
Together, these small steps can make a big difference in surgical outcomes - and optimize your chances to stay healthy and strong before and after surgery.
Textadaptedfromthe StrongforSurgeryguide oftheAmericanCollege ofSurgeons(www.facs. org/for-patients/preparing-for-surgery/strong-forsurgery/).
MichaelJ.Sutherland, MD,MBA,FACS,isa traumaandgeneralsurgeonandtheSeniorVice PresidentforMember ServicesattheAmerican CollegeofSurgeons.
None of this means people aren't worried at all. What we found is that most retirement anxiety centers around things beyond people's control, like inflation, market fluctuations, rising health care costs and potential changes in government policy If you fall into that category, here are five practical strategies to help ease those concerns and provide greater peace of mind
1.Makesureyourportfolioreflectsyourcurrentriskcapacity
While "risk tolerance" refers to the amount of market volatility you can stomach, "risk capacity" is about determining how much money you'll definitely need over the next one to four years. Think of it as the financial buffer required to cover your short-term expenses without being affected by market and economic swings. Once you know your risk capacity, set aside the appropriate cash and split it into two types of cushions:
* Money you know you'll need in the next year - Consider putting this into high-yield checking or savings accounts, money market funds, or CDs with maturities under 12 months.
* Money you'll need in the next two to four years - Consider putting this into high-quality short-term bonds, bond funds, or CDs with maturities between two to four years.
2.StayInvestedandDiversified
A diversified portfolio could potentially help navigate the ups and downs of the economy. And spreading your investments across various asset classes - like stocks, bonds and real estate - may create a cushion against market volatility Stocks, in particular, have historically outpaced inflation over the long term, helping to preserve your purchasing power. Overall, staying invested through market cycles rather than reacting to short-term fluctuations can be one of the best strategies for maintaining your wealth in retirement
3.RevisitYourEmergencyFund
An emergency fund is crucial at any stage of life, but it becomes especially vital in retirement when income is often more fixed. In addition to your cash cushions, aim to keep enough in your emergency fund to cover about a year's worth of expenses, minus any guaranteed income from sources like Social Security or pensions. A high-yield checking or money market account can be a great place to store these funds, allowing for easy access in an emergency without penalties or delays
4.PlanforLong-TermCareCosts
One of retirees' biggest worries is the potential cost of health care, especially long-term care. To prepare, start by answering three fundamental questions:
* Who will provide care if needed?
* Where do you want that care to be provided?
* How will you pay for it?
From there, consider consulting with a financial planner to explore options that align with your needs. This might include long-term care insurance or other strategies to ensure your assets are protected. Addressing these concerns proactively can reduce stress about unexpected health costs in the future.
5.KeepPerspectiveonChangesinWashington
Political shifts, such as a new administration or changes in Congress, can create anxiety about taxes, Medicare, Social Security and the markets. However, it’s important to remember that market movements are more often driven by corporate earnings, economic data and central bank policies than by political changes.
Additionally, there’s usually a significant gap between campaign promises and actual policy changes. Legislative processes are slow and often result in watered-down versions of initial proposals, so avoid jumping to conclusions based on political rhetoric.
Stick to your long-term investing plan and avoid making emotional decisions based on the latest headlines.
Retirement is a major life change, and even if you’re generally confident about your retirement savings, it is normal to be anxious about factors outside of your control. If you’re feeling that, you’re not alone. And although you can’t control inflation
or the markets, health care costs, or the economy in general, there are steps you can take to regain a sense of control.
Formoreinformation,visitSchwab.com/retirementfora widerangeofresourcesandhelp.
Disclosures
Theinformationprovidedhereisforgeneralinformational purposesonlyandisnotintendedtobeasubstituteforspecificindividualizedtax,legalorinvestmentplanningadvice. Wherespecificadviceisnecessaryorappropriate,consultwith aqualifiedtaxadvisor,CPA,financialplannerorinvestment manager.
Investinginvolvesrisk,includinglossofprincipal. Diversificationstrategiesdonotensureaprofitanddonot protectagainstlossesindecliningmarkets.
©2024CharlesSchwab&Co.,Inc.Allrightsreserved MemberSIPC (1224-C0VP)
Kimberly,RN, LEFD
Mike &Kim
WCONNECTICUT MASTERS’GAMES
hether you’re lacing up your sneakersdaily or digging your cleats outofthe attic, the ConnecticutMasters’Games,based in Middletown,wants youtoknow there’s aspotonthe roster foryou.
The gamesoffer aspiring athletes over30through 90+ thechancetonot only play butcompete at anyage in almost anysport onecan imagine. From individual to team sports, badmintontobowling,softballtoswimming, or track to tabletennis, theseOlympic-style competitions thathappenevery twoyears offer year-round fun. This multi-sportfestivalisfor Connecticut’smaster amateur athletes
Thegames arerecognizedbythe National Senior GamesAssociation andthe United States OlympicCommittee as theofficial Senior GamesofConnecticut.The Connecticut Masters’ Gamesisa nonprofit, tax-exempt
OFFERS ATHLETES OF ALL AGES ACHANCETOSHINE
BY SUSANSHULTZ
corporationgoverned by aBoard of Directors. Gamesare open to allConnecticut residents, andthat participants developa senseofcamaraderie that extends beyondthe actual event. Thevariety of sportchoices, from more intensetomorepassive,offersoptions forthose ofdifferentagesand abilities.
HISTORYOFTHE GAMES
TheConnecticut Senior Olympics (now knownasthe ConnecticutMasters’Games)began in 1979 when Phil Lubarsky,aretired physical educationteacher,identified the need forphysicalactivityamong olderpeoplelivingin the state. With just 167participants, the firstOlympiad washeldOct.14and 21,1979, in thecityofBridgeport. Forthe next 17 yearsthe gameswerehostedbythe University of Bridgeport andwereheldinthe greater Bridgeport area.Overthe years, thegames grew from a three-day weekendinJunetoinclude ayear-roundprogram encompassing more than 850Olympians.
InJune1997, Southingtonhostedthe 18th Annual Connecticut Senior Olympics Summer Games. In 2000 and 2001,discussions beganwiththe Nutmeg StateGames
To find outmore or register,visit ctmastersgames.org website, or call 860-788-7041 for more information.
organization to assume management of theConnecticut Senior Olympics.The staff andboard of directorswas almostentirelyvolunteer at that point, and findingadequate funding to supportthe eventhad become problematic.
In February 2002,Nutmeg’sboard of directorsvoted to makethe Senior Olympics adivisionofthe organization The ConnecticutSeniorOlympicswereheldinNew Londonin2002and 2003,utilizing facilities at Connecticut College andthe United States CoastGuard Academy.
In2004, theConnecticut Senior Olympics changedits name to theConnecticut Senior Gamesand movedthe eventtoHartfordand TrinityCollege.The gamesmoved to Manchester in 2010,and then to NewBritain for2011, 2012, and2013.
In September2012, theboard votedtochangeits name to theConnecticut Masters’ Games. The2013events reached newheights,withmorethan1,200 participants playing in 15 differentsportingeventsduringa non-qualifying year.
approved by the Department, no later than ninety days after becoming a mandatory reporter
Mandated reporters are defined by the state as those who are professionally in frequent contact with those over age 60 and could be in the position of observing such abuse or neglect.
THIS LIST INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, SOCIAL WORKERS, DOCTORS, NURSES, DENTISTS, PSYCHOLOGISTS, EMS EMPLOYEES, POLICE OFFICERS, PHARMACISTS, CLERGY
AND HOMEMAKERS/COMPANIONS.
HOW TO REPORT
During regular business hours, reports can be made by calling the Protective Services for the Elderly program at the Connecticut Department of Social Services the toll-free line: 1- 888-385-4225.
After business hours or on weekends or state holidays, please call Infoline at 2-1-1. If you are calling from outside Connecticut, call Infoline 24/7 at 1-800-203-1234.
If you are not sure whether your suspicions constitute abuse
or neglect, you can speak with PSE social workers during normal business hours by calling 1-888-385-4225. These staffers can determine next steps.
If you are not a mandated reporter but suspect elder abuse, you are encouraged, but not required by law, to also report to DSS Protective Services for the Elderly (PSE).
PENALTIES
The law takes mandatory reporting seriously. A mandated reporter who fails to report the abuse during the designated 24-hour time frame could be fined up to $500 and be required to retake training If the failure to report is considered intentional, the mandated reporter can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor (up to three months in prison, a fine, or both) for the first offense.
Those found guilty of elder abuse can be find up to $10,000 and serve up to 10 years in prison depending on the severity of the charges.
Gov. Ned Lamont has been vocal about improving the lives, health and safety of Connecticut’s aging population. Last legislative session he signed into law two public acts intended to increase their quality of life in senior residential centers.
Among the laws’ highlights are penalties for not correcting compliance failures, more fee and cost transparency, no rooms containing mor than two beds, and a requirement for a highly qualified on-site administrator at these residences
WHAT THE GAMES OFFER
The team sports include three-on-three men’s and women’s basketball, women’s softball, men’s softball divided by age (from 50+ to 75+), and men’s and women’s volleyball.
Individual sports include archery, badminton, bowling, cycling, pickleball, racquetball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and track and field.
“With over 1,400 athletes participating in our CT Masters’ Games in 2024, the most since the pandemic, we were happy to see athletes coming out to our events with goals of qualifying for the 2025 National Senior Games,” said Masters’ Games Manager Peter Swain.
The deadline for each event is different because they may occur on different days. Typically, deadlines will be a week before the event, sometimes two weeks prior for team sports. To view individual game registration, visit https://csmg.org/ connecticut-masters-games/
There are 11 different sports on the CT Masters’ page currently, but there will be 13 or 14 total CT Masters’ sports that run in 2025.
The Masters’ Games now include 30 to 40 year olds This was due to the request of people in that age range looking to participate in the events in the past few years and us agreeing
that they should have a place to come and continue their passions, Swain said.
STANDOUTS
Swain said there are a few athletes who have impressed him who are still competing in the Games at 90+.
“In our Bowling events, Robert Kalinowski at 94 has been competing in our Games for a while and will be back with his son, Bill, this year at our CT Masters’ Bowling Tournament,” Swain said
He has qualified for the National Senior Games this year, being the only athlete in his age group from CT, we are unsure if he is making the trip to Des Moines. Another impressive athlete is Edward Soderberg, who is a Track & Field athlete turning 89 this summer He has also been competing in the Track & Field sets for a while, running in the 50M, 100M, 200M, 400M, and 800M races! He also qualified for the National Senior Games in 2025 in all five categories.
COMMUNITY
The benefits athletes gain from participating in the Masters’ Games expand past more than just staying active and healthy, Swain said.
“Our athletes also receive benefits such as building and maintaining friendships, fulfilling their passion of playing the
sports they love, and receiving the ability to travel to new places and compete against the top athletes in their age groups,” he said Staying active and healthy is a key benefit to anyone and can be even more important to those who are 55+ as they may deal with various other life factors that can distract them from being active and exercising
Swain said building and maintaining friendships is another benefit they get out of competing at the events, as they’ve seen many instances where teammates are great friends with one another and can joke around with each other.
“Having teammates and playing in sports at this age provides you with the opportunity to have more friendships in your life and more people who support you whether on or off the field,” he said. Masters’ Games athletes also have the ability to qualify for the National Senior Games which takes place every other year A large amount of the athletes will qualify and end up competing in the National Senior Games, which may take them to another place in the country, such as Pittsburgh in 2023 and Des Moines, Iowa in 2025.
In addition to the games, the Masters’ offers a “Partner Finder ” database that allows visitors to plug in their sport of choice and search for a buddy to play with. Alternatively, athletes can enter themselves into the database for others to find them.
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT
If you aren’t an athlete but want to join the fun, the games’ organizers are always looking for volunteers to serve as game administrators, registration guides, scorers, timers, and assist with the award ceremonies. Volunteers can also choose the particular sport they wish to help with.
The staff is also in search of volunteers to provide sports medicine. No event experience is necessary, and new sports-medicine volunteers will be trained. This event can also translate into credit hours for medical professionals and medical students.
Tofindoutmoreorregister,visitctmastersgames.orgwebsite,or call860-788-7041formoreinformation.