A A NH
MAY 22 AT PM
Don’t miss RiverMead’s Annual Tour of Homes – our most popular event of the year! This is your chance to explore a variety of our floor plan types and see the vibrant lifestyle our residents enjoy up close. Meet current residents, discover the ins and outs of our community, and see all the exciting opportunities available here. It’s the perfect way to experience everything RiverMead has to offer!
Don’t miss RiverMead’s Annual Tour of Homes – our most event of the This is your chance to a of our floor types and see the vibrant our residents enjoy up close Meet current residents, discover the ins and outs of our and see all the available here. It’s the way to RiverMead has to offer!
PHOTO COURTESY CELESTE LUNETTA
‘Just move, and go as far as you can go’
By ASHLEY SAARI MonadnockLedger-Transcript
In2023,attheageof79,Marilyn Griskacompletedherfirstfive-kilometerrun.Orrather,inhercase, walk.Itwouldn’tbeherlast.
EveryAugust,RindgehostsTour deCommon,a5Kracethatstarts aroundthetown’scommongreen, withachildren’sfunruntakinga laparoundthegreenitselftokick offtheevent.
Griska,nowinher80s,hascompletedtheracetwice.Shewasfirst encouragedtotakeonthechallenge byoneofherfellowmembersofthe RindgeWoman’sClub,Patricia MartinofRindge,whowasanannualparticipantintherun.Shewas joinedbyfellowclubmember LaurelCameron,whoatthetime was71andalsoparticipatinginher first5K.
“Ithinkit’sveryimportantto keepmoving,”saidCameron. “That’sthemotto.Justmove,andgo asfarasyouthinkyoucango.”
GriskaandCameronalsoparticipatedinalocalwalkinggroupthat woulddouptotwomilestwicea weekinordertokeepuptheir
Trio of seniors making Tour de Common in Rindge a tradition
ASHLEY SAARI
Pat Martin, Marilyn Griska and Laurel Cameron of Rindge head off the start line at the Tour de Common 5K in Rindge in 2023.
stamina.
Inadditiontoregularwalking, Cameronsaidshealsolikestohike, bike,crosscountryski,snowshoe andkayak.Despitearthritis,she saidshehasbeenabletokeepgood mobility.
ForGriska,shehasbeenmaking regularuseofawalkerforseveral yearsnow–includingforbothofher finishesoftheTourdeCommon.
“Ibelieveinstayingactive,” Griskasaid.“It’sjustmydetermination.I’mcertainlynotfast.Iwalk,I don’trun.”
Griskasaidoneofthekeypoints thatgothertosignupforthe5Kin thefirstplace,andwasjustascrucialinfinishingit,wasthesupport ofherfellowwalkers,whostayed withhereverystepoftheway.In whathasbecometraditionfor them,theyhavehercrossthefinish linebeforethemsoshedoesn’t comeinlast.
Sheisalsoamemberofthe walkinggroupduringmonthswhen theywalkoutdoors.
“Theygetmeintocondition–thoughIdon’tknowthatI’lleverbe incondition,”jokedGriska.“It’smy supportiveteamthatwon’tletyou quit.”
“It’sjustgoodforallofus,”agreed Cameron.“Thebestthingabout
doingitwithothersistheykeep yougoing.”
GriskasaidinAugust,whenthe TourdeCommonrollsaround again,sheintendstobeonthe
rosteronceagain.
“I’llprobablydoitagainthisyear. Itendtowinmyagecategory,becauseI’mtheonlyoneinmycategory.Ifanyother80-year-oldsjoin, I’mintrouble.”
AshleySaaricanbereachedat603924-7172,Ext.244,orasaari@ ledgertranscript.com.She’sonX@ AshleySaariMLT.
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI
Pat Martin, Marilyn Griska and Laurel Cameron of Rindge at the Tour de Common 5K in Rindge in 2023.
after life planning
Take steps to protect your assets
Options include wills and revocable trusts
By STEPHANIE THOMSON
Haveyouthoughtaboutwhat willhappentoyourestate uponyourpassing?
Ifyoudonothaveawillorother appropriateestateplanningdocumentsinplacebeforeyoudie,your assetswillbedistributedaccording tothelawofintestatesuccessionin thestateinwhichyouliveatthe timeofyourdeath.Donotassume thatthelawsofintestatesuccession willreflectyourwishes–very often,theydonot.
Twocommonoptionsforestate plansarealastwillandtestament andarevocabletrust,whicharedescribedindetailbelow.
Alastwillandtestamentwill transferpropertyownedbyyouat yourdeathbyuseoftheprobate
transferprocess.Havingalastwill andtestamentwillhelpensurethat yourassetsaredistributedinthe manneryouintendfollowingyour death.
Thewillmayincludenomination ofaguardiantoberesponsiblefora minor’sorincapacitatedheir’spersonalcareand/orassets.Itmayincludeatestamentarytrustforminorsorincapacitatedheirsto manageassetsafterdeathandcontrolanddeferdistributionofassets.
Forsomepeople,havingatrust maynotbenecessary,andasimple willisanappropriatechoice.For others,awillandoneormoretrusts maybebeneficial.
Togetherwithappropriatesupportingandfundingdocuments,a revocabletrustavoidsthecostand
timedelaysassociatedwithprobate administrationfollowingyour death.Thetrustpreservesprivacy intheadministrationofthetrust followingyourdeath.
Inordertoavoidprobate,the trustmustbefundedduringyour lifetimebychangingthetitleon mostofyourassets(bankandinvestmentaccounts,personalpropertyandrealestateforexample) fromyourindividualnametothe nameofyourrevocabletrust.
Income,dividends,gainsand losseswillcontinuetobereported onyourindividualtaxreturnwhile youareliving.Itisimportantto transferthetitletorealestatelocatedinanotherstatetoyourtrust (ortoalimitedliabilitycompanyor familylimitedpartnership)inorder toavoidprobatebeingrequiredin anotherstate.
Ifyouownabusiness,discuss withyourprofessionaladvisor whetheryoushouldtransferyour
businessownershiptoyourtrust.
Ifyouaremarried,discusswith yourprofessionaladvisorwhether youshouldhaveajointtrustwith yourspouseorwhetheryouand yourspouseshouldhaveseparate trustsforestatetaxplanning,creditorprotectionorotherreasons suchasprotectingchildrenfroma priormarriageorensuringcontinuationofafamilybusiness.
Beforemakinganydecisions,itis importanttoremembertoconsult yourestateplanningattorneyor professionaltohelpdeterminewhat document(s)arerightforyouand yourestate.
StephanieThomsonisanattorney focusingonestateplanning,probate, businessrepresentationandresidentialandcommercialrealestatetransactionsforUpton&HatfieldinPeterborough.Shecanbereachedat603410-2838orsthomson@uptonhatfield.com.
Club hits the trails year-round
Foroversixyears,themembersofthe hikingclubatHavenwoodHeritage Heightsretirementcommunityhave hikedduringall12monthsoftheyear, throughrain,snow,iceandfrigidtemperatures.
Cladinlayersofwarmclothes,shodwith micro-spikesontheirhikingbootsforsure footingandcarryinghikingpolesforstability,thehikers–rangingfromages69to94 –donothesitatetoventureoutintothe winterlandscape.
“Weagreewiththeoldsayingthat‘thereis nobadweather,onlyinadequateclothing,’” saidDonHayes,theoriginalorganizerofthe hikingclub.“Thegloryofthecrisp,clear winterair,thesplendorofsunsparklingoff thesnowandthewide-openforestswith theirexpansiveviewsmakewinterhikingreallyspecial.”
Clubmembersenjoythemanybenefitsof hiking.Studieshaveshownthathikingreducesstressandanxietylevels,strengthens respiratoryandcardiovascularhealth, strengthensbonesandjoints,improvescognitivefunctioningandhelpsreducesymptomsofseasonalaffectivedisorder–allof
“We agree with the old saying that ‘there is no bad weather, only inadequate clothing’… The glory of the crisp, clear winter air, the splendor of sun sparkling off the snow and the wide-open forests with their expansive views make winter hiking really special.”
Don Hayes, the original organizer of the Havenwood Heritage Heights hiking club
whichareimportantforusasweage.The hikingclubdoesnotwanttoforegothose benefitsduringthewintermonths.
Asteeringcommitteemeetsonceamonth toplanatleastonehikeforeachweek.Committeememberscheckoutthetrailconditionsaheadoftimeandthenleadthe hike.Saturdayhikesarenomorethan twomilesinlengthandarerelatively flat.Wednesdayhikes,ontheotherhand,can
beuptofivemileslongwithsignificantelevationchange.
“Wearereallyblessedbyhavingsomany marveloustrailswithinaneasydrivefrom Concord.Andourexperienceoneachtrail variesastheseasonschange,” saidHayes.“Weareallaging,ofcourse,but weintendtoremainactivesolongaswe canandtohavefunwithgoodfriendsin beautifulsettingsintheprocess.”
a vibrant, active life. At Concord Imaging Center, we’re dedicated to helping you stay strong and confident as you enjoy the moments that matter most.
e belie e our health is the ke to li ing a vibrant, acti e life At Concord Center, e’re dedicated to ou and confident as you enjo the most
MY ‘PINCH ME’ PHASE
The Baldwin is a brand-new Life Plan Community that’s reimagining senior living for a new generation of older adults. Here, you’ll find a culture based on choice and flexibility, with award-winning architectural design and floor plans, and a curated array of services and amenities. You’ll be empowered to craft a lifestyle that feels natural and satisfying to you, while also enjoying the peace of mind that comes with knowing on-site care is available. Discover The Baldwin today.
‘I WRITE BECAUSE...’
Millie LaFontaine
John Buttrick
TheMonitorisfortunateenough tohaveadedicated,engagedand thoughtfulreadership.Eachweek, wereceivedozensofletters,op-eds andothercommunitysubmissions offeringfresh,nuanced,well-reasonedperspectives.
Somewritersarefirst-timecontributors,venturingoutoftheir comfortzonestovoicetheiropinionsinapublicforum.Others,like MillieLaFontaine,JohnButtrick andJeanStimmell,areveteran writerswhocontributetothepaper onaregularbasis.
Forthisspring’seditionofActive Aging,weconsideredhowour oldercommunitymemberskeep theirmindsandbodiessharp.
Wedecidedtoreachouttothese seasonedwriters,allthreeofwhom areretired,toaskthemtoanswer onesimpleprompt:“Iwritebecause...”
Lifeisallaboutconnectingwith myworld,mycommunityandthe peopleIcareabout.Asaphysician, Iwasabletoconnectonapersonal levelwithmypatientseverydayfor 35years.Itwasaprivilegetolisten totheirstoriesandtoputmyself intotheirshoes,allwhiledrawing onmytrainingtoofferthemsound medicaladviceandareasonable planformanagingtheirsymptoms.
WritingisoneofthewaysI’ve tried,inretirement,tolistentothe storiesaroundme.Itfeelsespeciallyimportanttomenowtoidentifyboththeworrisomeandpositiveaspectsofthosestoriesandto drawonmybedrockvaluestocome upwithaplantomoveforward, particularlyduringthispainfully precariousmoment.Iamgratefulto havehadwonderfulfamilymembers,wiseteachersandwarm friendsallalongtheway.Theyhave generouslyconnectedwithme.It’s importantformetotrytodothe same.
MillieLaFontaineisaretiredphysicianwholivesinConcord.
Leisureactivitiesinretirement aregreat,butafter12years,Iwas losingasenseofmeaningandpurpose.
Then,inaplayfulconversation withoneofmydaughters,weconsiderednamingmyresidence “MindsCrossing,”aplacetodiscuss issues,theologyandphilosophy.
Itbroughtbackmemoriesofwhat Imissedmostabouttheactivitiesof myprofession.Ihadlivedata crossroadsofminds,aplacewhere disparatemindsmetfordebate,understandingandsolutionstoproblems.
Formorethan40years,IwasactiveasanordainedUnitedChurch ofChristminister.Iwasoneofthe regionalministersfor260UCC churchesinIllinoiswhenIretired.
MindsCrossinghasbecomemy home,geographicallyandintellectually.Iwriteaboutwhatever crossesmymind.Iwritetoinvite otherstomeetmeatthecrossroads andpondertogetherthehardissues oftheday.Iwritetoponderand thinkthingsthrough.Iwritetodis-
coverthepeace-senseofhumanexistence.
Itgivesmepleasure,purposeand asenseofcompanionshipwith otherseekersforunderstanding.
JohnButtrickwritesfromhisVermontFolkRockerinhisConcord home,MindsCrossing.Hecanbe reachedatjohndbuttrick@ gmail.com.
Jean Stimmell
Idroppedoutofsociologygraduateschooltwiceinthe1970s, findingschooltooabstractandconfining.Toclearmyhead,Ibegan buildingstonewalls;itfeltgoodto beoutsideinthefreshairdoing physicalwork.Mybusinessprospered,anditbecamemycareerfor 20years.
ThenIcompletedgraduateschool atAntiochandbecameapsychotherapistforanother20-year career.Iremainengagedinmy otherlifelongavocation:photography.
IwrotemyfirstpieceinMarchof 1986asaVietnamveteranreacting totheover-the-topstoriesthatwere
thencirculatingabouthowVietnam veteranswerecrazy.Itbecamethe coverstoryfortheold,muchmissed“NHTimes.”Afterthat,I beganwriting“MyTurn”piecesfor theMonitoronaregularbasis.
Iwritebecauseitscratchesan itch.Ihavealwayslovedtheories aboutwhatmakestheworldgo around.
Writinghelpsmakesenseofcurrentconundrums,notjustformy
audiencebutalsoformyself. JeanStimmellisaretiredstone masonandpsychotherapistlivingin Northwood.Heblogsatjeanstimmell.blogspot.comandjstim.substack.com
MILLIE LAFONTAINE
MillieLaFontaine isanopinion contributor for the Concord Monitor.
JOHN BUTTRICK
John Buttrick writes opinion pieces for the Concord Monitor.
JEAN STIMMELL JeanStimmellwrites fortheConcord Monitor's opinion section.
“It started out as a normal outing. My wife and I had to run to the grocery store. We were driving down the road casually going over our shopping list when the car ahead of me started to slow down anticipating the yellow light. I started to move my foot from the gas to the brake as any normal person would do when they see brake lights in front of them, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t feel my foot. The car kept moving forward and I just couldn’t get my foot on the brake and CRUNCH! I nally came to a stop when I hit the Car in front of me.”
This tragic story was shared with us by Mike S., a New Hampshire resident who has Peripheral Neuropathy. While no one was hurt in this accident, Mike S. had suffered almost every day of his life with tingling and burning in his feet until numbness set in, and he could no longer feel even the brake pedal beneath his foot.
“The rst stage is pain.” Shares Dr. Kristen Markwith of Trend Acupuncture & Integrative
That’s where Dr. Markwith and her staff at Trend come in. “About 80% of our current patients come to us suffering from the same condition as Mike,” tells Dr. Markwith. “They’re in constant pain from neuropathy and it prevents them from not only living their lives but more importantly, it prevents them from enjoying it. Depending on the severity of their nerve damage, we typically see tremendous progress in 3-4 months of treatment. I like to say we’re in the business of making your golden years golden.”
“I can’t lie,” con des Mike. “I was skeptical at rst. So many specialists told me there was nothing that could be done and then there’s a doctor right here in Concord tells me she can help. Turns out she was right! About three months after treatment I was able to con dently drive myself to my appointments! My wife and I celebrated by buying ourselves a new car. It’s hard to put into words how incredible this is, quite frankly [Dr. Kristen] gave me my life back.”
“SHE GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK.”
Local clinic has a modern, medical solution to treat your Peripheral Neuropathy And is seeing
Medicine. “You feel burning, tingling, sharp pains, or you feel like you’re walking on tacks or marbles. This pain eventually subsides and the numbness sets in. Unfortunately, the numbness brings with it a whole other host of problems.”
This was the case with Mike. “I said I wasn’t going to drive again. What if that had been a pedestrian?”
It is terribly common that peripheral neuropathy and its debilitating symptoms interfere with a person’s ability to live their life. Mike was now reliant on his wife to drive him around, even the simple pleasure of cruising downtown or taking her to dinner was outside his capabilities. And even more common, Mike’s general practitioner and several specialists told him there was nothing they could do other than to prescribe him pills that would ease the pain of his neuropathy.
incredible results!
While Trend Acupuncture & Integrative
Medicine specializes in acupuncture and it’s de nitely part of their protocols in treating neuropathy, the real secret is in a more modern medical solution called ATP Resonance BioTherapy™. “This technology was originally developed by NASA to expedite healing and recovery,” shares Mikayla, Director of Patient Care at the clinic. “It’s like watering a plant. ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ stimulates the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerve and provide them the proper nutrients to heal and repair.”
If you’re ready to schedule a complimentary consultation, call (603) 456-8294 and a care coordinator will be happy to assist you.
You can learn more about Dr. Markwith and Trend by visiting www.trendacupuncture.com.
www.TrendAcupuncture.com
time-tested science of acupuncture solutions to treat your pain, LIVE your life.
456-8294 a consultation! Street, Unit 2, Concord, NH www.TrendAcupuncture.com
Peripheral Neuropathy is the pain, discomfort and numbness caused by nerve damage of the peripheral nervous system. Dawn explained that daily tasks like opening doors and using the bathroom were overwhelmingly painful.
“How can you live for the next 30 years when you don’t even want to get out of bed and do simple things?”
She was experiencing the burning, numbness, tingling and sharp pains that those suffering with neuropathy often describe. “The way I would describe it, it’s equivalent to walking on glass.”
Dawn hadn’t worn socks in ve years and was wearing shoes two sizes too big so that nothing would ‘touch’ her feet.
Unfortunately, Dawn’s story is all too familiar for the over 3 million people in the U.S. suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy.
Medicine in Concord, NH., is using the time tested science of Acupuncture and a technology originally developed by NASA that assists in increasing blood ow and expediting recovery and healing to treat the debilitating disease.
“Now when I go to bed at night I don’t have those shooting pains. I don’t have that burning sensation. I don’t have pain coming up my legs,” Dawn enthusiastically describes life after receiving Dr. Kristen’s treatments. “I can wear socks and shoes!”
Dawn and her sister now operate a successful dog walking business, sometimes covering up to 5 miles a day.
“It’s life altering. As far as I’m concerned Dr. Kristen saved my life!”
Dr. Kristen Markwith has been helping the senior community for over 10 years using the most cutting edge innovative
“My feet and legs were extremely painful and my doctor told me there was nothing they could do. That I would have to take Gabapentin for the rest of my life.”
“SHE SAVED MY LIFE.”
If you’re unfortunate enough to be facing the same disheartening prognosis, you’re not sleeping at night because of the burning in your feet. You have di culty walking, shopping or doing any activity for more than 30 minutes because of the pain. You’re struggling with balance and living in fear that you might fall. Your doctor told you to, ‘just live with the pain’ and you’re taking medications that aren’t working or have uncomfortable side effects.
Fortunately, four months ago Dawn read an article about Dr. Kristen Markwith, Licensed Acupuncturist, and the work she was doing to treat those suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy, without invasive surgeries or medications.
Dr. Kristen Markwith, founder of Trend Acupuncture and Integrative
integrative medicine. Specializing in chronic pain cases, speci cally those that have been deemed ‘hopeless’ or ‘untreatable,’ she consistently generates unparalleled results.
What was once a missing link in senior healthcare is now easily accessible to the residents in and around Concord.
If you’ve missed too many tee times because of pain or you passed on going for a night out on the town because you are afraid of falling, it’s time to call Dr. Kristen Markwith and the staff at Trend.
It’s time you let your golden years be GOLDEN!
To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call (603) 456-8294, a patient care coordinator will be happy to assist you.
To learn more about Dr. Markwith and Trend Acupuncture, please visit us at www.trendacupuncture.com
Peace of mind for the future
Advanced care and end-of-life planning
By SUSAN VARNUM HospiceCareServicesSupervisor
Weprepareforeverysignificant eventinourlives.Weplanourweddingsandprepareforthebirthof ourchildren.Weplanbirthdayparties,graduationparties,vacations, andthelistgoeson.Whenthe eventarrives,wefeelgratefulthat weplannedahead,packedwhatwe neededandinvitedthepeoplewe wantedtosharetheexperiences withus.Ourfinalmonthsanddays shouldreflectthesamethoughtful planning,preparationandcommunicationthatwe’vepouredintoall ourprecedinglifeevents.Yet,most ofushesitatewhenitcomestoplanningfortheendofourlives.
Talkingaboutdeathanddying
canbechallenging;itmayremind usofpreviouslossesoflovedones andfriends,andnooneenjoys thinkingaboutfuturelossesorour owndeath.However,theselosses canshowuswhatmattersmostto usandhowwewantourendingto unfold.DoctorAtulGawande’s book,“BeingMortal:Medicineand WhatMattersintheEnd,”asksthe question,“Iftimebecomesshort, whatismostimportanttoyou?”Answeringthisquestionforyourselfis thefirststepinpreparingforendof life.
Whenwehaveonlyashorttime left,wewilllikelywanttospendour timeandenergyfocusingonwhat mattersmost,likespendingtime withfamilyandfriends.Thisispreciselywhyadvancedplanningisimportant:whenwemakeourwishes knowninadvance,ourlovedones, healthcareprovidersandothers willnotbeforcedtomakedifficult, last-minutedecisions–theywillalreadyknowwhatwewant.
How – and where – to begin
Advancedirectivesaredocumentsthatinformyourdoctorand lovedonesaboutthekindofhealth careyouwishtoreceive,including legaldocumentsaboutwhoserves asyourhealthcareproxy,should younotbeabletomakemedical decisionsforyourself.Advancedirectivescan–andshould–berevisedascircumstanceschange. Thegeneralrecommendationisto considerthe‘5Ds’–decade,divorce,diagnosis,decline,death–asreminderstoreviewadvanced directives.
Inadditiontoadvancedirectives, itiswisetoworkwithanattorney tocompletefinancialandestate planning.Thisprocesswillinclude nominatingapersonorpeopleto serveasadurablepowerofattorney,whichisapersonwhois legallyempoweredtomakefinancialdecisionsonyourbehalf,andan executor,whowillmanageyoures-
tate.Itisimportanttochoosea person(orpeople)youtrustfor theserolestoensuretheyactinaccordancewithyourwishes.
TheConversationProjectoffers guidanceonhowtostarttheconversationaboutyourwisheswith theimportantpeopleinyourlife, includingyourhealthcare providers.Theorganizationalsooffersinformationforthosecaringfor lovedoneswithdementiaandthose caringforchildrenwithseriousillnesses.Locally,homehealthand hospiceagencyGraniteVNAoffers freeinformationandassistance withadvancedirectivesatits “Walk-inWednesday”sessionsat locationsinConcord,Laconia,and Wolfeboro.
Knowingthatyouraffairsarein ordercanbringgreatcomfortto youandyourlovedonesandallow youtofocusonwhatmattersmost duringahighlyemotionaltime. End-of-lifeplanningistrulyagiftto thoseweleavebehind.
At Scott-Farrar, we proudly carry forward our
full of activities including yoga, book club, happy hour, gardening and more
• Fitness center, Library, Café, Auditorium, and other amenities onsite
• Onsite Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy
• Spacious private apartments
• Transportation to medical appointments
Contact Jennifer Boyd to schedule your tour of Scott-Farrar | 603.924.3691, ext. 202 Trusts, Estates, and Probate
Administration
Our experienced attorneys help individuals, families and business owners achieve their wealth management goals and the preservation and transfer of assets to future generations. Through comprehensive estate planning and active interaction with our clients’ financial advisors, our attorneys identify needs and implement flexible strategies designed to fulfill our clients’ objectives. We regularly accept clients by referral.
Jeanne S. Saffan
Stephanie J. Thomson
Laura M. Dudziak
Timothy K. O’Brien
How do I save enough money to retire?
By KYLE LABELLE
Retirementmayseemfaraway,butthechoices youmaketodaydeterminethelifestyleyouwill enjoylater.AcommonquestionIhearis“HowdoI saveenoughtoretire?”Thegoodnewsisthatit’s notaboutluckorguessing;it’saboutconsistently spendinglessthanyouearnandinvestingthedifference.
Themost-importantfactorwhenplanningforretirementishowmuchyouspend!Thelessyou spend,thelessyouneedtosave.Thisisbecauseyou generallyneedtoaccumulate20to25timesyour annualexpensestoleavetheworkforce.
Withadiversifiedportfoliothatisatleast70% stocks,youmaybeabletowithdraw4%to5%per yearfromyourportfolioandnotrunoutofmoney. However,youneedtomakesurethatamount,along withyourotherincome,cancoverallyourexpenses,includingincometaxes.
Thebestthingthosepreparingforretirementcan doistoconsistentlyliveonlessthantheyearnand regularlyinvesttheirsavings.Agreatplacetostart yourinvestingjourneyisyourjob’sretirement plan,especiallyifyourcompanyprovidesa matchingcontribution.Youwilleventuallywantto increaseyoursavingsratebeyondthatpointtoensureyoureachyourgoalof20to25timesyourannualexpenses.
Fortunately,manycompaniesmakeiteasytoincreaseyourannualsavingswith“automaticescalation”options.Thisallowsyoutoautomaticallyin-
creaseyoursavingseveryyear.Savingbetween 15%and20%ofyourincomebyage35puts workersonagreatpathtomeettheirretirement savingsgoal.
Higherearnersmayneedtosavebeyondtheir employer’sretirementplantoreachthisgoal.This iswhereRothIRAsandtaxablebrokerageaccounts comeintoplay.TheIRSimposeslimitsonhow muchyoucancontributetoyouremployer’s 401(k)or403(b)planeachyear.Thoseunder50 yearsoldin2025cancontributeamaximumof $23,500totheseworkplaceplans.Someonemaking morethan$160,000peryearwouldneedtouse theirRothIRAortaxablebrokerageaccountinadditiontomaximizingtheirworkplaceretirement plantocontinuesavingatleast15%oftheirincome.
Whilesavingandinvesting15%to20%ofyour incomeisagreattargetforayoungerindividual, thismaynotbeenoughifyoustartsavinglaterin life.Thosebeginningintheir40sor50sneedto targetahigherratetoreachtheiraccumulationgoal of20to25timestheirannualexpenses.Thegood newsisthatthesearetypicallytheirpeakearning years,allowingmid-andlate-careerworkerstosave asignificantlyhigherpercentageoftheirincome thantheycouldwhentheywereyounger.
Thekeyistolimitlifestylecreepastheirincome increases.Workersoftenallowtheirspendingto risealongwiththeirpaycheck.Whilethereis nothingwrongwithrewardingyourhardwork,you stillwanttoensureyouaresavingenoughtomeet
• Are you tired of dealing with a broken appliance or computer and not knowing who to call?
• Are you finding everyday tasks, big and small, more challenging than before?
• Would your life be easier if your groceries were delivered to you, or you got a ride to an appointment?
If so, Monadnock at Home is here to help!
Join us for a free informational session for older adults (age 62+) who live independently at home but could use assistance around the home or are seeking stronger community connections.
Tuesday, April 29, 1:00 p.m.
Peterborough Public Library
Space is limited – registration required monadnockathome.org/info2504 or call 603-371-0809
yourfuturegoals.Lifestylecreepnotonlylimitsthe amountyoucansavebutalsoincreaseshowmuch youneedtoretire.
Remember,yourretirementsavingsgoalisamultipleofyourspending.Increasingyourspendingby $20,000peryearmeansyouwouldneedanextra $400,000to$500,000forretirement.Thegood newsisthatthereverseisalsotrue.Reducingyour spendingasyounearretirementcanhaveadramaticimpactonyourretirementreadiness.Doing soallowsyoutodecreaseyourtargetsavings amountwhilealsoturbochargingyoursavingsrate. Ultimately,savingenoughforretirementcomes downtohowmuchyousaveandhowmuchyou spend.Theearlieryoustartinvesting,themoreyou canbenefitfromcompoundinterest,makingit easiertoreachyourgoal.However,ifyoubegin laterinlife,youcanstillmakesignificantprogress bylimitingspendingandincreasingyoursavings rate.Stayingdisciplinedandmakingstrategicfinancialdecisionswillputyouonthepathtoasecureandcomfortableretirement.
KyleLabelleisafinancialadvisorwithMilestoneFinancialPlanning,LLC,basedinBedford,NewHampshire.Disclaimer:Thisisnottobeconsideredinvestment,tax,orfinancialadvice.MilestoneFinancial Planning,LLC(Milestone)isafee-onlyfinancial planningfirmandregisteredinvestmentadvisorin Bedford,NH. Advisoryservicesareonlyofferedto clientsorprospectiveclientswhereMilestoneandits representativesareproperlylicensedorexemptfrom licensure.
Over the past five years, wage costs for nursing homes have gone up over 30%, as have food costs. Medicaid reimbursement hasn't kept pace, and now tariffs will drive care costs even higher for food and medical supplies and equipment. For senior care to survive, NH legislators must, at a minimum, fund Gov. Ayotte's proposed Medicaid budget for nursing homes.
Program to prevent falls among seniors
By DAVID ALLEN MonadnockLedgerTranscript
Thereareapproximately3million emergencyroomvisitsyearlyinthe UnitedStatesasaresultofolderindividualssufferingfalls,accordingto theCentersforDiseaseControland prevention.
AntrimRecreationDirectorCelesteLunettaisdoingherbestto minimizethatpossibility,conductingaSAILclassattheTownHall threedaysaweektohelpolderindividualsdevelopandmaintain strength,balanceandfitness.
“Alltheevidencesaysthatattendingclassesthreetimesaweek hasasignificantimpactontheseissues,”saidLunetta.
SAILstandsforStayActive&IndependentforLife.Theclassmeets Monday,WednesdayandFridayat 11a.m.,isfreetoattendandopento peoplebeyondjustresidentsof Antrim.TheNationalCouncilon Agingwroteoftheprogramthat “physicalfunctiontestresultsshows significantimprovementsin strength,balance,andmobilityin thosewhowerebelownormallimits atbaseline,andinthosewhoat-
tendedclassestwiceaweekormore formorethantwomonths.”
“Instructorsoftheclassesare trainedandTheGrapevinecovered thecostoftraining,”saidLunetta, notingthecollaborationbetweenAntrim’scommunityresourcecenterandtheRecreationDepartment.“WehadaStrongLiving programthatperhaps10to12 peopleattendedbeforethepandemic.”
Thenthedepartmentselected SAIL.
“It'sagoodprogramandit’sinthe publicdomain,sotherearenolicensingfeesinordertoofferit,” Lunettasaid,incontrasttoothers suchasSliverSneakersandtaichi.
TheGrapevinehasalsotakencare ofcontactingparticipantsinthe eventthataclassiscanceled,aswell asthecostsofitemssuchashand weights.Asthecourse’sfocusis safety,severalclassesinthewinter werescratchedwhenthedriving lookedquestionable.
“Theroutinesincorporatefallprevention,whichgoesbeyondexercisesinbalanceandstrength,”said Lunetta,explainingthatalerting
peopletotheneedforspacesin homestobewell-litisanother helpfulangle.“It’simportantto avoidclutter,andthrowrugsaren’t good,astheysliponfloors.Proper footwearwithheelshelps,asdograb barsonwalls.”
Tohelpwithsuggestionssuchas thegrabbars,theprogramhas workedwithEdmundsAceHardwareinAntrim,whichduringthe wintermonthsprovideda15%off couponforparticipantstofinditems thatwillhelp.Edmundsisjustafew stepsfromTownHall,whereclasses areheldupstairs.
“PeopleintheMonadnockregion areprettyindependent,butaswe age,welosebonedensityandmuscle mass,”Lunettasaid.“That’snosecret,sowehavepeopleintheir50s comingtoclass,andindividualsin their90s.”
Lunettasaidtheprogrammaybe partofphysicaltherapyprescribed byadoctor,andnotesanotherdividendthatperhapswasn’tinthe mindsofitsfounders.
“There’sarealsenseofcommunity initthatyoucan’treplace(bydoing exercisesaloneathome),”shesaid.
Lunettasaidthataswordhas spread,shehashadtoconsiderthe prospectofawaitlistforthosewho’d liketojoin,butfornow,thingsare good,andshe’dhatetoturnanyone away.Shehasasuggestion,giventhe accessibilityoftheprogramandinformationonthenationalwebsite, doh.wa.gov/you-and-yourfamily/injury-and-violence-prevention/older-adult-falls/stay-activeand-independent-life-sail.
“Ifrecfolksfromothertowns cametocheckoutaclassandwanted toofferit,TheGrapevinecould sponsortheirtraining,”shesaid.
Theprogramalreadybenefits peoplebeyondAntrim.
“Itgetsyoumoving,andisgreatfor improvingyourbalance,”saidSusan TherriaultofPeterborough.
HollisAllensaid,“Celesteisagreat instructor,”lamentingthesnowy daysinwinterthatrequiredcancelingclass.
Lunettanoticeschangesinthose whoattendregularly,andalsohears aboutthem.
“Everyonesaysthattheyfeel betteraboutthemselvesthanwhen theystartedtheprogram,”shesaid.
Havenwood Heritage Heights is a vibrant, friendly and unpretentious community on two campuses filled with resort-style amenities. Here, you’ll find an appealing selection of maintenance–free homes, including nine new cottages. The community offers an outdoor sports complex, fitness centers, indoor and outdoor pools, movie theater, Main Street and a variety of dining options.
This continuing care retirement community offers accommodations for assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing should the need arise. All this in the company of friends.
CREATING COMMUNITY
Ice-cream making, sing-alongs, shared
By SRUTHI GOPALAKRISHNAN Monitorstaff
Fromthemomentsomeonenew movesintothebuilding,Peabody PlaceinFranklinprovidesavibrant retirementcommunitywithactivitiesrangingfromsocialclubstoexercisegroupsandfieldtrips.Residentshereremainactiveandengaged,livinglifetothefullest.Those whocalltheseniorlivingfacility “home”continuouslyfindwaysto contributetothecommunityofferings.
TheMonitorsatdownwithseven residentstolearnmoreaboutthe waystheystayactive mentally, physicallyandsocially andcreate meaninginretirement.
Cindy Spain, 72
ThreeyearsagowhenSpaincame toPeabodyPlace,shewalkedaround
thepropertyandrealizedthewindowsofeachapartmentcoulduse somethingmore.Shedecidedto createacircularflowergardenoutsideeachwindow,offeringresidents thechancetowatchtheflowers growandthrivefromtheirown apartments.Thisspring,she’sexcitedtoseethefirsttulipsbloom.
Lastyear,shealsoplantedavegetablegardenthatyieldedfresh tomatoesthatSpainsharedwith otherresidents.
“Astheflowersgrow,IthinkI’m growingtoo,inmyspirit,”said Spain.“Itkeepsmealive.Itmakes mefeelhappy.”
Doris Weinberg, 92
Ifthere’safreshlybakedtreat nearbythecoffeestationinthe lobbyoftheseniorlivingfacility,it’s usuallyoneofWeinberg’s.Sheloves tobake,especiallysugaryconfec-
gardens and more at Peabody Place
tions,andshareshercreationswith everyonearoundher.
Onceaweek,Weinbergbrings cookiesorcakestothediningroom. Herfellowresidentssaytheycannot passthemup hertreatsarejust toodelicious.
“Ihaveasweettooth,”sheadmits. “Itkeepsmegoing.”
Whennotbaking,shewrites poems.
Therearetwobooksofherpoems residingaroundthebuilding.
Debbie Gray, 69
Gray,aformerlibrarian,transitionedtoindependentlivingwith herhusbandlastOctober.
However,herloveforbooksand storytellingneverfaded.Today,she volunteerstoreadtochildrenatthe SanborntonPublicLibraryandthe JennieBlakeElementarySchoolin Hill.
Bringingbothhervoiceandher guitar,Graymakesstorytimeengaging.
Shesaidthatreadingtochildren isn’tjustaboutgiving it’salso aboutexperiencingthejoythey bringinreturn.
“Thebestpartisseeingthesmiles ontheirfacesandjustthey’llsay thingstoyouthatmakeyourheart happy,”saidGray.“They’reusually receptive,andyoucanjustbeyourself.”
John Benham, 86
Benhamusedtoserveonthe boardatPeabodyPlaceandwasa keymemberofthebuildingcommittee,whichhehelpedshapeinto theentityitistoday.Thoughno longerinanofficialrole,heremains deeplyinvolved,continuinghislifelongpassionforcommunity building.
“It’sjustlikethecontinuationof whatIdidallmylife,”saidBenham. “Itkeepsyouactive.”
Oneofhiscontributionsisthe Fridaymorningbreakfastshe startedtogiveresidentsachanceto cometogether,connectandfostera strongersenseofcommunity.
“Iliketogatherpeople,”said Benham.“Thisplaceneedstobe openandfriendlylikeanyplacein thecity,anditis.”
Pat Tingley, 85
TingleyarrivedatPeabodyPlace withherpiano notjustbecause shelovesplayingbutalsoasawayto keepherfingersmoving.Thishelps withaconditionthatcausesherfingerstobendtowardherpalm.
EveryFridayafternoonduring cocktailhour,Tingleytakesher placeatthepianoandbeginstoplay, fillingtheroomwithmusic.Over time,asing-alonggroupformed aroundher,turningthesegatherings intoacherishedtradition.
Tingleyplaysavarietyoftunesfor herfellowresidentstosing.Even poetrywrittenbyresidentsfindsits wayintothemusic.
“It’sveryexhilaratingforme,” saidTingley.“It’sjustniceplayingin thebackground.”
Elisabeth Hurd, 72
HurdjoinedPeabodyPlacein November,bringingwithherabackgroundasaprofessorofsocialwork andapoliticaladvocate.Sheserves asavoiceforresidentsinthesenior livingfacility,ensuringthatthose withcognitivechallengeshavetheir concernsheardbymanagement.
“I’minaleadershiprole,whichI neverexpectedtobeatthispointin mycareerhere,”saidHurd.“Itryto listentowhatpeopleareconcerned about,worriedabout,andsoforth.”
Now72,shesaidshe’sfoundan unexpectedjoyinthischapterofher life,thankstothesupportivecom-
munityandmanagementatPeabody Place.
“Youcanfindhappinessinaging,” shesaid.“Itrulydidnotexpectit.”
Gene Mockabee, 84
Mockabee,anauthorandformer electricalengineerwhoservedasa pastorfor45years,nowleadsthe writers’groupattheseniorlivingfacility.
Thesedays,healsoenjoyssharing old-timeradioshowprogramswith residentsatPeabodyPlace.
Inadditiontoapassionforwords, Mockabee,alongwithhiswife,has alwaysenjoyedaloveoficecream. Recently,thecoupleboughtanice creammakerfortheseniorliving community butnotjustanymachine.Theychoseahand-cranked oneoveramotorizedversion.
“Wealwaysfoundatthechurches thatgatheringtogetherandtaking turnscrankingthething,youtell stories,meetpeopleandit’sjust morefun,”saidMockabee.“Sowe crankitoutinthemorningandthen letitseasonforafewhours,and thenhavethesocialintheafternoon.”
Clayton Bushman, 94
Bushman,theoldestalumnusof FranklinHighSchool,isaregularat thetownparadeeachyear,wherehe ridesinaconvertible.HealsocoleadsthePeabodyPlacePoets.
Beyondhisparticipationinthese activities,residentsatthesenior livingfacilityalwaysfeelwelcomed whenevertheycrosspathswith Bushman.
“He’sanambassador,helpingusto feelcomfortable.Justbysitting there,hewouldsmile,”saidGray.“If yougoover,he’lljustholdyourhand andsayhello,andsomedays,that’s whatyouneed.”
SruthiGopalakrishnancanbe reachedatsgopalakrishnan@cmonitor.com.
We are more than just a place to hang your hat! We are a place to call home in your retirement years. Whether it’s independent living, assisted living, long term care or respite, we offer quality, compassion and excellence in nursing!
At Presidential Oaks, you are part of the family. Call Lezanne at 603-724-6100 admissions@presidentialoaks.org
SRUTHI GOPALAKRISHNAN
Agroup ofresidents atPeabodyPlace gatheredonThursday, April10, totalk about how they stay engaged with the community.
Osteoporosis and aging
By DR. VACHE HAMBARDZUMYAN
Osteoporosisisoften calledthe“silentdisease”becauseitprogresseswithoutobvioussymptomsuntilaseriousfractureoccurs.Asweage,ourbonesnaturallybecomemorefragile,with postmenopausalwomenfacing thehighestriskduetohormonal changesthatimpactbonedensity.
Understandingthiscondition iscrucial.Currently,about54 millionAmericanshaveorareat riskforosteoporosis,makingita significanthealthconcernthat candramaticallyimpactmobilityandindependence.
Understanding your risk
Several factors contribute
to osteoporosis risk. Age
is a primary concern, with the likelihood of developing the condition increasing significantly after 50. Women are four times more likely than men to experience bone density loss, particularly after menopause. Family history also plays a critical role, as genetic predisposition can increase your chances of developing the condition.
Severalfactorscontributeto osteoporosisrisk.Ageisaprimaryconcern,withthelikelihoodofdevelopingtheconditionincreasingsignificantly after50.Womenarefourtimes morelikelythanmentoexperiencebonedensityloss,particularlyaftermenopause.Family historyalsoplaysacriticalrole, asgeneticpredispositioncanincreaseyourchancesofdevelopingthecondition.
Lifestylechoiceshaveaprofoundimpactonbonehealth.
HCS Helps You Stay at Home
Poornutrition,lackofphysical activity,smokingandexcessive alcoholconsumptioncanacceleratebonedensityloss.Certain medicalconditionsandlongtermuseofspecificmedications,
Visiting Nurses Rehab Therapies (PT/OT) Hospice at HCS
Meals on Wheels
Friendly meals
Foot Care Clinics
Caregiver Support
suchassteroids,canalsocontributetoweakeningbones.
Nutrition and exercise: your bone health allies
AdietrichincalciumandvitaminDisessentialformaintainingstrongbones.Dairy products,leafygreenvegetables, fortifiedcerealsandfattyfish providekeynutrientsthatsupportbonestrength.VitaminDis particularlyimportant,asit helpsthebodyabsorbcalcium effectively.Safesunexposure anddietarysourcescanhelp maintainadequatevitaminD levels.
Physicalactivityisequallycrucialinpreservingbonedensity. Weight-bearingexerciseslike walking,hiking,andtaichihelp stimulateboneformationand improveoverallbalance.Resistancetrainingbuildsmuscle strength,whichindirectlysupportsbonehealthbyreducing fallrisksandimprovingoverall stability.
Recognizing the warning signs
Whileosteoporosisoftenprogressessilently,therearesubtle indicatorstowatchfor.Gradual lossofheight,developinga stoopedposture,chronicback painandfracturesfromminor impactscanallsignalunderlying bone-densityissues.Thesesigns oftenemergeslowly,making regularhealthscreeningscritical.
Healthcareprofessionalsrecommendbonedensityscreening forwomenover65andmenover 70,orearlierforthosewithmultipleriskfactors.TheDEXAscan isapainlesstestthatmeasures bonedensityandcandetectpotentialissuesbeforeseriousfracturesoccur.Earlydetectionprovidesthebestopportunityfor effectivemanagementandprevention.
Prevention and management
Protectingyourbonesisalifelongjourneythatrequiresa proactiveapproach.Regularex-
ercise,abalanceddietand avoidingharmfulhabitslike smokingandexcessivedrinking cansignificantlyreduceyour riskofosteoporosis.Forthosealreadydiagnosed,varioustreatmentoptionsareavailable,includingmedicationsthatcan slowbonelossandimprovebone density.
It’simportanttoworkclosely withhealthcareproviderstodevelopapersonalizedbonehealth strategy.Thismightincludedietaryrecommendations,exerciseplans,supplementsandpotentiallymedication.Eachindividual’sapproachwilldiffer basedontheirspecificriskfactorsandoverallhealth.
Quick self-check
1.Areyouover50?
2.Doyouhaveafamilyhistory ofosteoporosis?
3.Doyougetenoughcalcium andvitaminD?
4.Doyouexerciseregularly? Ifyouansweredyestomultiplequestions,consultyour healthcareprovideraboutyour
bonehealth.
Staying strong as you age
Bonehealthdoesn’tdeclineinevitablywithage.Withinformed choicesandproactivecare,you canmaintainstrongbonesand reducetheriskoffractures. Whetheryou’reinyour40sor 80s,it’snevertoolatetostart protectingyourskeletalhealth. Bystayinginformed,making healthylifestylechoices,and workingcloselywithhealthcare professionals,youcansignificantlyreduceyourriskofosteoporosis-relatedcomplications andmaintainyourindependence andqualityoflife.
Dr.VacheHambardzumyanis anorthopedicsurgeonspecializing inspineandjointhealthatMonadnockOrthopaedicAssociatesin Peterborough.ContactMonadnockOrthopaedicAssociates BondWellnessCenter,Suite200, 458OldStreetRoad,Peterborough,NH03458.Call603-9242144,orvisitmonadnockortho.org.
DENTAL CARE
time-honored care
Generations Dental Care has been a trusted name in oral health in Concord, NH, for decades. Our commitment to providing exceptional dental care while fostering long-term relationships has made us a community cornerstone. We ensure every patient feels welcomed, cared for, and empowered to achieve their healthiest smile. We proudly offer general and routine dentistry and specialized services, including dental implants, endodontics, oral surgery, and sedation.
Open House May 8th 5:30-8:00pm
