Active Aging Fall 2023

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Active Aging — October 2023

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‘I would never run out of ideas’

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STAFF PHOTO BY JESSECA TIMMONS

Poet Ann Day surrounded books in her Rivermead cottage, which has been her home since 2013.

Active Aging — October 2023

Story, page 4

I’VE SAVED FOR A LIFETIME, AND NOW I COULD LOSE IT ALL?

Staff photo by Jesseca Timmons

Ann Day in front of her Rivermead cottage and her fall flowers.

Ann Day continues photography, writing and editing through her 90s

BY JESSECA TIMMONS

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Active Aging — October 2023

Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

he first thing you notice at Ann Day’s cottage at Rivermead is books – and newspapers, journals, and magazines, many of which contain Day’s countless essays, articles and poems from a lifetime of writing about nature. Day, 94, has been writing a nature column, “Nature,” in Vermont’s Valley Reporter for 61 years, which makes it one of the longest running newspaper columns in the U.S. Day is also a skilled photographer, exhibiting her photos at Rivermead in various spaces in and around Peterborough.

Framed photographs line the walls of the cottage: the pristine Vermont valley where she lived for 60 years, wildlife, flowers, and landscapes.

“Now, I mostly take pictures walking around here, at Rivermead,” Day says, indicating a scene of the main entrance at Rivermead peeking through bushes covered in heavy snow. “It’s very beautiful, and different in every season.”

Day credits the staff and community at Rivermead, particularly fitness director Carol Leger, in helping her stay active. The closure of the Rivermead fitness center during COVID, followed by a long construction project, was a blow to residents, and Day is still trying to build back to her previous levels of activity. Day still drives, exercises regularly with a physical therapist, uses the Rivermead pool, and walks around the campus regularly with

the aid of a walker.

“I just keep going,” she says. “I’ve been very lucky.”

Day was born in Boston in 1929 and grew up on the family estate in Wayland, the oldest of five girls. She recalls her father telling her that just as she was born at 6 a.m., the sun came through the skylight in the ceiling of the delivery room.

“Maybe that’s why I’ve always loved the dawn, always been an early riser,” she laughs.

Some of Day’s earliest memories are of writing poetry about the world around her, particularly nature. She published her first poem at age eight, when it won a prize at her summer camp. Day’s mother, who grew up in California, was a famous polo player and equestrian at a time when few women played polo. Day’s father, Dr. Alan Bemis, a meteorology professor at MIT, was credited with discovering acid rain on Mount Washington as far back as 1938. Her father’s experiences in advocating for the environment had a formative effect on Day. She remembers writing a poem about acid rain after visiting Mount Washington with her father in the 1940’s.

“All the way back then, the government would not acknowledge this was happening, because the acid rain was coming from the auto industry in Detroit. They weren’t going to stop industry, ” Day recalls.

“They had a chance to stop climate SEE ANN DAY PAGE 6

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ANN DAY FROM PAGE 4

change almost a hundred years ago, and they didn’t.”

After attending Concord Academy and the Shipley School, Day graduated and went to what was then Colby Junior College in New London, NH (now ColbySawyer College). An avid skier, Day then met the love of her life, Frank Day, who ran the college ski program.

“We married 10 days after graduation, and Frank’s aunt gave us a trailer as a graduation present, and we went and lived in it,” Day laughed. “No one had trailers then — it was one of the first ones. You had to shower sitting down on the toilet seat, and we absolutely loved it.”

Their first winter together, Ann and Frank worked as ski instructors, and in the summer, they parked their trailer and worked at Justin Brande’s organic farm in Cornwall, VT. Brande, a pioneer in organic farming and sustainable agriculture, made an indelible impact on the young couple: they decided to become farmers. Frank enrolled in the Essex Agricultural School in Massachusetts.

“Frank came from a very proper Boston family. His father rode the

speak to the staff who prepared the meals and served.

“Frank and I always went in the kitchen and talked to butler and the cook when his parents weren’t looking,” she said.

After Frank gradated from Essex Agricultural School in 1957, the couple purchased Knoll Farm Country Inn, a sprawling antique farmhouse overlooking the Mad River Valley. Within a few years, the Days had their own herd of Highland cattle, a stable of horses, gardens, orchards, and livestock, which provided food for the kitchen. Ann cooked Courtesy photos by Ann Day for the guests, led A photograph by Ann Day of one trail rides and nature of her Highland cattle walks, and looked overlooking Knoll Farm and the after the horses, as Mad River Valley. well caring for their RIGHT: A postcard of Ann and two children, Alan and Frank Day’s Knoll Farm Country Deborah. Each year, as Inn in Fayston, VT. many as 300 guests from all over the world came to Knoll Farm to train into the stock exchange enjoy Vermont’s unevery day and was a banker. spoiled scenery, the Frank knew he didn’t want to farm-grown food, and do that…he wanted a totally Ann and Frank’s intensive different life. We knew we nature walks, where they wanted to farm, to be as close to naAnn taught guests about the ture and the outdoors as we could, recalled that when they ecology, wildlife, and botany of the and to raise our family that way,” would visit the Day home in Day said.

Newton, they were not permitted to local environment. Even with the

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Active Aging — October 2023

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hard work of running an inn, a farm, and a family, Ann always found time to write, publishing essays and poems at publications throughout New England. She joined a poetry group in Waitsfield Vermont, as well as the Vermont Poetry Society, of which she is now the longest participating member.

When Ann was just 41, Frank, who had struggled with mental health his whole life, died of self-inflicted wounds. He was 49 years old.

“I probably wrote my best poems after Frank’s death,” Ann said.

“Every loss, I have written poems.”

Many of Ann’s poems are collected in a book, Poetry Journal for the Seasons, published in 2006, and the Valley Reporter published a book of her selected nature essays, The Nature of Things, in 2014. She has also been published in Time Magazine, The Burlington Free Press, Vermont Life, Smoky Quartz, and New England Memories. In 2021, she was a featured poet in “Writing The Land”, an online collaboration of poets and the land by NatureCulture.

Ann has experienced many losses in her long life, including a loss late in pregnancy. Her second husband also died tragically, and her son,

Alan, died of pancreatic cancer at just 54 years old. A few years later, Ann’s daughter, Deborah, was also diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but is now healthy after aggressive treatment. More recently, one of her granddaughters was widowed with young children.

When asked how it was possible that both her children could get pancreatic cancer, Ann shrugs.

“Who knows. They grew up in the most natural, beautiful environment. There was no pollution, we grew all our own food. They were always outside, all year long. They sledded down the bus stop, they skied…it was paradise, really.”

Nearly 70 years later, Ann struggles with the longterm effects of polio, which she contracted when she was pregnant with her son, Alan.

“I was numb from the waist down when I gave birth to Alan,” Ann recalls. “It stayed in my legs, my feet.

But I just had to keep going — the farm, the cooking, competive trails rides, all of it.”

Ann’s late son Alan Day was a political activist who was involved in protesting the war in Nicaragua in the 1980’s. Ann made eight trips to Nicaragua herself, protesting the war. She kept running the guest

farm for decades after losing her second husband, until she moved to Rivermead in 2013. Today, Knoll Farm continues the Day’s legacy as a “space for renewal and retreat.”

After moving to Peterborough in 2013, Ann joined the New Hampshire Poetry Society and the board of the Monadnock Writers Group.

She kept writing her column for the Valley Reporter, and is on the board of Rivermedia, Rivermead’s literary magazine. She has also continued her political activism, getting involved in efforts to curtail some of the construction at Rivermead.

“I still have ideas for the nature column, but my eyes are so bad I can’t write the new ones anymore,” Ann says. “So I’m editing some of the old ones and sending those in. I have 60 years worth. But I would never run out of ideas. Getting people to love nature, to appreciate it, and to understand it...that’s been my life’s work.”

When I left Ann for the afternoon, she was readying her walker to make the long, uphill walk from her cottage to the dining room all the way across the Rivermead campus.

“No, I don’t need a ride,” she said.

“It’s a beautiful day, and I want to appreciate it. Aren’t we lucky?”

Staff photo by Jesseca Timmons

“The Conqueror,” a poem by Ann Day, originally published in The Valley Reporter. Day says she is writing less these days, but continues take photographs around her home at Rivermead in Peterborough.

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Wills and revocable trusts Tips for drafting your estate plan

By STEPHANIE THOMSON Upton & Hatfield

H

ave you thought about what will happen to your estate upon your passing? If you do not have a will, or other appropriate estate planning documents in place before you die, your assets will be distributed according to the law of intestate succession in the state in which you live at the time of your death. Do not assume that the laws of intestate succession will reflect your wishes - very often, they do not.

Two common options for estate plans are a Last Will and Testament and a Revocable Trust, which are described in detail below.

Last Will and Testament: A Last Will and Testament will transfer property owned by you at your death by use of the probate transfer

Before making any decisions, it is important to remember to consult your estate planning attorney or professional to help determine what documents are right for you and your estate. process. Having a Last Will and Testament will help ensure that your assets are distributed in the manner you intend following your death.

The will may include the nomination of a guardian to be responsible for a minor’s or incapacitated heir’s personal care and/or assets.

The will may include a testamentary trust for minors or incapacitated heirs to manage assets after death, and control and defer distribution of assets.

For some people, having a trust may not be necessary and a simple will is an appropriate choice. For others, a will and one or more trusts may be beneficial.

Revocable Trust: Together with

you are living.

It is important to transfer the title to real estate located in another state to your trust (or to a limited liability company or family limited partnership) in order to avoid probate being required in another state.

If you own a business, discuss appropriate supporting and funding with your professional advisor documents, a revocable trust avoids whether you should transfer your the cost and time delays associated business ownership to your trust. with probate administration folIf you are married, discuss with lowing your death. your professional advisor whether The trust preserves privacy in the you should have a joint trust with administration of the trust folyour spouse or whether you and lowing your death. your spouse should have separate In order to avoid probate, the trusts for estate tax planning, credtrust must be funded during your itor protection, or other reasons lifetime by changing the title on such as protecting children from a most of your assets (bank and inprior marriage or ensuring continuvestment accounts, personal prop- ation of a family business. erty, and real estate for example) Before making any decisions, it is from your individual name to the important to remember to consult name of your revocable trust. your estate planning attorney or Income, dividends, gains, and professional to help determine what losses will continue to be reported document(s) are right for you and on your individual tax return while your estate.

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Fill your future with promise.

The keys to aging well––––

ACCESSIBLE

LANDLINE AND MOBILE PHONES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES Future In Sight is working on behalf of the Governor’s Commission on Disability to offer the NH Telecommunications Equipment Assistance Program (NH-TEAP) to individuals with a disability such as vision loss, hearing loss or challenges to speech and mobility.

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Active Aging — October 2023

We can help you acquire an accessible landline OR mobile phone PLUS provide you training on how to use it. Phones are available at a discount to those who qualify for the program based on their disability. Depending on household income, the cost of the phone may be fully covered.

Forming connections with peers and other generations is important for mental health––––––

By LISA CHALLENDER

stress but also can increase longevity. When we shift our focus t has been widely reported that, to serving others we can experience improved mood and self-esteem. between the years 2010 and There are many ways you can en2020, the number of people ages 65 and over in the United States has gage in your community. Community can be everyone from your grown rapidly. In 2020 this group represented almost 17% of the total family, friends, and neighbors to U.S. population. This increase is ex- your town, faith community, and pected to continue. The increasing even strangers. Each one of us has number of people age 65 years and the capability to connect with our over has sparked conversation as to community. The key is to find the ways that resonate with you and what it means to age well. give you joy!

As humans, we are made up of a body, mind, and spirit. To truly age Small, Random Acts of well is to balance these aspects of Kindness ourselves. If we focus only on diet and exercise, we will be missing out The good news is that we can all on so much of the human experido this no matter our age! Have you ence. In unique ways we all long for ever been the recipient of a small connection. We have a desire to act of kindness? How did it make know that we make a difference in you feel? Have you ever performed the world. One of the ways we can one for someone else? A simple connect and make a difference is computer search will yield many with the gift of our time. By sharing ideas to try out. Some popular ideas this gift with others, we experience include - paying the toll for the a nurturing of mind and spirit AND person behind you, letting someone body as well! go in front of you in line at the groDid you know that people who cery store when they only have a volunteer for 200 hours or more a few items, or leaving rocks decoyear are less likely to develop high rated with encouraging words for blood pressure and are more likely others to find. Be careful - this type to enjoy psychological well-being? of giving can be quite contagious Volunteering not only reduces and addictive!

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If you or your loved one could benefit from having an accessible telephone, contact Future In Sight at 603-224-4039 or Services@FutureInSight.org.

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Engaging Across Generations

We live in a fast paced and everchanging world. It can be easy to forgo opportunities to gather as a community and share stories across generations. One of the gifts of the COVID pandemic may be that many grandparents helped grandchildren with home schooling and other types of care while their parents worked. Younger people checked in on older adults or ran errands so these vulnerable people did not have to go out and be exposed to the virus. These gifts of time allowed for conversations, sharing of wisdom, and an increase in mutual understanding and respect between generations. As we consider how we might age well, let us look for more opportunities to engage intergenerationally.

Being or Helping a Caregiver As a hospice volunteer coordinator, I witness daily the benefits of caregiver respite. Caregiving is a hard job. It is so important for the caregiver to have a chance to take time away from their caregiving role and re-fill their cup with some

self-care.

Get Involved in Community Service There are so many opportunities to get involved in community service – local and national, in person or remote. Older adults tend to have more time to give and are able to become involved in this type of community engagement. They are able to share their skills, life experiences, or learn new skills. If you are someone who has time to give and not sure where to begin, you can visit volunteermatch.org to view volunteer opportunities in your area.

If we are fortunate – we will continue to age. The question is – what will we do to increase our chances of aging well? Equipped with knowledge of how to nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits we can experience good health, connection, and joy!

Lisa Challender, MBA, MSW, is a volunteer coordinator with Granite VNA, a home health, hospice, and community wellness agency that serves 82 communities in New Hampshire.

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One of the gifts of the pandemic may be that many grandparents helped with caretaking of grandchildren while their parents worked.

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Social isolation is dangerous Surgeon general warns that social isolation can have physical effects

By OWEN HOUGHTON Monadnock at Home

“Wellness is more than being free from illness; it is a dynamic process of change and growth. It is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” – World Health Organization ctive aging is being celebrated to promote emotional well-being so essential to the quality of a good life, increasingly threatened by loneliness and isolation. A recent major report from Surgeon General Vivek Murthy highlighted America’s epidemic of social isolation and the impact of mental disorders which plague one in five adults in this country.

Meeting with six other former surgeons general at Dartmouth in late September, his call was to increase services for the mental health crisis.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, about half of U.S. adults reported experiencing measurable levels of loneliness. Younger people, ages 18 to 24, are also reporting feeling lonely.

We should all be aware of the physical conse-

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A new documentary at the Monadnock International Film Festival (MONIFF), “Join or Die,” premiered Oct. 1 at The Park Theatre. This Jonathan Daniels Award winner comes out just in time to support the surgeon general. Perhaps it can help to change our social habits and strengthen our “civic backbone” for the good of our democracy.

Loneliness can be life-threatening, with the absence of social interaction increasing the risk for premature death. With a documented 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults, the call to reduce social isolation is obvious.

It is now a mental health crisis, with drug overdoses at an all-time high, health disorders from substance abuse, military PTSD and dysfunctional families adding to the growing concerns.

JOSE LUIS MAGANA / AP file Many of us believe that our use of technology U.S. Surgeon Gen. Dr. Vivek Murthy testifies before takes away from human contact – it is still easier the Senate on June 8, 2023. to Zoom into a meeting than travel to meet with groups. We order from Amazon rather than shop in stores. quences of poor connections with others, reMany changes injecting social isolation into ferred to as “social isolation” by Robert Putnam of Jaffrey, noted for his warning about isolation our daily lives have emerged in this COVID era. When Monadnock Community Hospital anfrom groups and the consequences of avoiding nounced its decision to close the Bond Wellness social interaction in his 2000 study “Bowling Center’s membership-based fitness program, Alone.”

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HEART

I don’t think they were aware of the impact on members’ mental health.

As many conversations with former workout companions have revealed, the social interaction coupled with exercise was the antidote to loneliness. “Wellness,” as the building was named, was more than a swim or running on the treadmill.

It was ironically indeed bonding for wellness, as the name promised.

There was a sense of loss, almost grief, in those conversations as they recognized how much the medical world had changed since that action. Doctor/patient relationships moving toward computer communication, staffing problems resulting in confusing voice messages, callbacks being delayed and numerous stories of despair were described.

I met several of these former workout buddies at the “Join or Die” video, where a question was raised about the makeup of such connecting groups: “Where is the diversity that will change the division in our society?” It never occurred to me that my Bond Wellness contacts were all folks like me. There was remarkable diversity because of our singular wellness purpose.

If a bond between people is a strong feeling of friendship or

shared beliefs. My connections to folks from all walks of life had nothing to do with politics, ethnicity, sexual preference, occupations or social status. Our commonality was genuine human connection and personal wellness.

Is isolation dangerous? Knowing that it can be, let us advocate for simple common-sense strategies to get people back into old-fashioned patterns like eating meals together at a family dinner table, holding parties with neighbors of all persuasions and volunteering to help one another out. To do good and feel good for the common good!

What will our democracy become if we do not return to some earlier values of social connection which made us strong? Civic activities build common good and improve personal mental, physical and spiritual wellness. Be an active ager enjoy it and benefit!

Owen R. Houghton lives in Jaffrey and is an aging wellness educator and retired geriatric care manager. He is a member of Monadnock at Home and an advocate for civic engagement and long-term-care planning. Readers may contact him at nohoughton@ myfairpoint.net.

THE GRANITE YMCA’S HEALTH INTERVENTION PROGRAMS As a leader in preventative health care, The Granite YMCA offers a broad range of research-based programs that target specific health issues. All of our programs are people-centric and are designed to help each individual reach a personal best. In-person & virtual options available.

MANAGING YOUR DIABETES YMCA’s Diabetes Self-Management Education & Support Program consists of one-hour weekly conversation map classes. The program covers detailed information on nutrition, exercise, monitoring, medications, community resources, and stress management.

REDEFINE YOUR HEALTH

The Granit e YMCA is a Medicare Diabetes P revention Program p rovider (MDPP).

YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program focuses on small, measurable, reasonable goals to give participants confidence they can make the necessary changes to reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes and live healthier lives.

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The program focuses on regular self-monitoring blood pressure over 16 weeks using proper measuring techniques.

OUR STRATEGY, YOUR STRENGTH Mood Lifters is an evidence-based mental wellness program in which you will learn scientifically validated strategies in a supportive group setting. Participants will learn the most effective strategies to manage life—no matter the curve balls life may throw at you.

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TAKE ACTION TO IMPROVE YOUR HEART HEALTH

Embracing new ideas

By CHRIS HAGUE

two institutes in the region are underway for spring. This is one way to expand LINEC’s reach. hat do senior learners do The Learning in Retirement diswhen the old ways don’t cussions continue monthly. With work well? Innovate. The enthusiastic participation, more inLearning Institute of New England novation can be anticipated when College (LINEC) is in its 34th year, LINEC’s April 2024 session begins. and it’s making changes to keep up LINEC is currently offering “The with the times.

Ascent of Money: A Financial HisTies between LINEC and the coltory of the World” in the late afterlege are strengthening. Incoming noon when college classrooms are New England College President Dr. not in use by NEC students. AnWayne Lesperance, Jr., and Proother late afternoon course, “Genetfessor Eric Simon, LINEC instructor ically Modified Organisms,” is on and liaison to NEC have offered creZoom. These new class times will ative ways to support LINEC. Broad be continued if they are successful. outreach to NEC alumnae through Today’s senior learners aren’t the college’s Advancement Office saying, “because we’ve always done will promote LINEC classes in Courtesy it this way.” To sustain a valued eduperson for those who remain in the LINEC adult learners took to Zoom during the pandemic to participate with NEC cational and social resource for the area and electronically for others. students in a travel experience with New England College Biology Professor towns around Henniker, they’re lisAfter Covid restrictions lifted, Eric Simon to a Mayan site in Belize. tening to the best ideas from all genmany groups found their numbers erations, and trying them out. The diminished. For LINEC, this meant results? See linec.org now, and look fewer learners and less volunteer institutes in the region aim at enbrings together many institutes support. Ideas generated by ad hoc gaging new members. This discuswith similar concerns. Plans to offer again next March for more innovations in the spring session. sion group, Learning in Retirement, a trial Zoom class shared between discussions among senior learning LINEC

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Active Aging — October 2023

Stephanie J. Thomson

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“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 finally 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 first 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,” confides Mike. “I was skeptical at first. 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 confidently 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.”

16

Active Aging — October 2023

Local clinic has a modern, medical solution to treat your Peripheral Neuropathy And is seeing incredible results!

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.

While Trend Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine specializes in acupuncture and it’s definitely 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.

We specialize in difficul conditions, autoimmun conditions, and pe

Call (603) 456-829 to schedule 163 Manchester Stre www.TrendAc

“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 difficulty 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 Medicine in Concord, NH., is using the time tested science of Acupuncture

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 dancing the shag down on Main Street 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! Dr. Kristen Markwith once again accepting new patients but only for a limited time. In an effort to protect her patients, both current and future, she has made the difficult decision to limit the number of patients seen in her clinic. Limited new neuropathy patients will be accepted so call now to schedule a consultation.

Active Aging — October 2023

94 or (603) 715-5807 a consultation! eet, Unit 2, Concord, NH cupuncture.com

and a technology originally developed

by NASA that assists in increasing blood flow 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 integrative medicine. Specializing in chronic pain cases, specifically those

17

lt to treat cases and chronic ne disorders, neurological eripheral neuropathy.

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 five 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.

“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 difficulty 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 Medicine in Concord, NH., is using the time tested science of Acupuncture

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 dancing the shag down on Main Street 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! Dr. Kristen Markwith once again accepting new patients but only for a limited time. In an effort to protect her patients, both current and future, she has made the difficult decision to limit the number of patients seen in her clinic. Limited new neuropathy patients will be accepted so call now to schedule a consultation.

Active Aging — October 2023

94 or (603) 715-5807 a consultation! eet, Unit 2, Concord, NH cupuncture.com

and a technology originally developed

by NASA that assists in increasing blood flow 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 integrative medicine. Specializing in chronic pain cases, specifically those

17

lt to treat cases and chronic ne disorders, neurological eripheral neuropathy.

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 five 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.

Finding ways to get around town

By TERRY JOHNSON

Southwest Region Planning Commission

18

Active Aging — October 2023

Driving and owning a vehicle is a privilege in which some New Hampshire residents cannot partake. Those who may be the most likely to lack access to personal transportation include older adults, people with disabilities, people with insufficient income to purchase and maintain vehicles, veterans, and youth.

In addition to those who cannot drive a vehicle, our communities have residents who may want alternative transportation options to save money, for environmental reasons, or simply to have another choice.

A variety of transportation providers are available in the Monadnock Region to meet the mobility needs of residents. However, they can be difficult to find for those who are not familiar with the community transportation system. Mobility management services can help individuals find the transportation they need.

Mobility management is a transportation strategy that prioritizes customer needs, and the meeting of these needs through coordination.

It is an evolving concept that aims to improve specialized transportation for traditionally underserved populations. It looks beyond a single transportation service or solution to a “family of services” philosophy that can offer a wider range of services and options to meet an equally wide array of community demographics and needs. Ultimately, mobility management begins with a community vision in which the entire transportation net-

NE-428304

Mobility Management is an evolving concept that aims to improve specialized transportation for traditionally underserved populations. work including public transit, private operators, cycling and walking, and volunteer driver programs work together with customers, planners, and stakeholders to deliver coordinated transportation options that best meet the needs of residents.

The Monadnock Regional Coordinating Council for Community Transportation (MRCC) is a coalition of public and private transportation providers and users and interested citizens working to build an innovative, coordinated, and resilient transportation network. The MRCC views coordination of transportation services as an opportunity to improve the availability and affordability of community transportation. Mobility management is a part of the equation. During fiscal year 2022, the network provided over 11,000 rides to those who needed them, representing a doubling of the rides provided during the previous year.

transit.com, COAST, coastbus.org, 603-7435777 (Dover, Farmington, Portsmouth/Pease, Rochester, Somersworth, plus stops in Maine Concord Area Transit, concordareatransit.com, 603-225-1989 Home Healthcare Hospice & Community Services (Keene), hcsservices.org/services/transportation, 603-352-8494 Manchester, mtabus.org Nashua, nashuanh.gov/1307/NashuaTransit-System CAP Mid-State Transit capbm.org/Mid-State-Transit Sullivan County Transportation (Charlestown, Claremont, Lebanon, Newport), scshelps.org/transportation Tri-County Community Action Program (North Conway, Littleton, Berlin, Lancaster, Colebrook) tricountytransit.org

Intercity, interstate bus services

Here’s a look at some of the transGreyhound, 800-231-2222: portation options available in New Berlin, Center Harbor, Concord, Hampshire.

Conway, Dover, Franconia, Gorham, Hanover, Jackson, Keene, Local bus systems Lebanon, Lincoln, Littleton, ManchAdvance Transit (Lebanon, ester, Manchester–Boston Regional Hanover, Hartford, Norwich, White Airport, Meredith, MoultonborRiver Junction), advanceough, Nashua, New Hampton, North Conway, North Londonderry, Pinkham Notch, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Salem, Tilton, West Senior Real Estate Specialist Ossipee SUSAN ROEMER Concord Coach Lines, 800-639can be your starting point when your weighing your options for 3317 or 603-228-3300: Berlin, your living situation.

Center Harbor, Concord, Conway, Susan’s 20 years of Selling Real Estate in the Capital Region and Franconia, Gorham, Jackson, Linher Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation empowers her to coln, Littleton, Manchester, be your source. Susan can guide you with grace, confidence and Meredith, New Hampton, North professionalism with difficult life choices, decisions to age in place Conway, North Londonderry, or when to sell, where to go.

Pinkham Notch, Plymouth, Salem, Call or email Susan for a no-obligation consultation Tilton, West Ossipee 603-491-0833 | sroemer@masiello.com Boston Express, 800-639-8080 or 603-845-1999: Concord, Londonderry, Manchester, Nashua, North Better Homes & Gardens - Masiello Group Direct 603-491-0833 Londonderry, Salem 4 Park Street, Concord NH 03301 Office 603-228-0151 Peter Pan Bus Lines, 800-343-

9999: Concord, Manchester, Nashua C&J, 800-258-7111: Dover, Portsmouth

Personal transportation services Community Volunteer Transportation Services: cvtc-nh.org, 603-821-0569. Since 2008, Community Volunteer Transportation Company has been working to address unmet transportation needs in the 34 towns within the Monadnock region. Every CVTC ride is provided by a dedicated volunteer.

American Cancer Society - Road to Recovery: 1-800-227-2345. A program of the American Cancer Society which provides free rides for cancer patients to medical appointments relating to cancer treatment. Available statewide.

Caregivers, Inc.:603-622-4948. A program of Catholic Charities NH. Provides caring rides for medical, grocery, dialysis, and other essential needs. Serves Alton, Amherst, Auburn, Bedford, Candia, Goffstown, Hooksett, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Nashua, and Wolfeboro.

Community Caregivers of Greater Derry: (603) 432-0877, (603) 432-7041. Program for elderly and disabled individuals that provides transportation, primarily for medical purposes. Serves Chester, Danville, Derry, Hampstead, Londonderry, Sandown, and Windham.

Disabled American Veterans: 603-373-7190. Provides rides for veterans to the Manchester VA facility.

Future in Sight: 603-224-4039 or clientrides@futureinsight.org.

Rides for individuals with vision loss. Primarily medical appointments and essential errands. A statewide service.

Greater Salem Caregivers: 603898-2850. Provides transportation for homebound adults and seniors to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and friendly visiting.

Serves Salem and Pelham.

Sandown Senior Affairs Transportation Program: (603) 4794413. Provides free transportation service and support through a volunteer network to the elderly, disabled, chronically or temporarily ill residents. Serves Sandown.

The Baldwin Welcome Center 1E Commons Drive, No. 24 | Londonderry, NH 03053 603.404.6080 | TheBaldwinNH.org

Active Aging — October 2023

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Imagine if your only limits were the ones you set for yourself.

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Creative aging

By LYNNE SABEAN

Concord Community Music School

W

hile aging is inevitable, many of us are fortunate enough to have options as to how we age. “Creative aging” involves bringing arts, health, and social service organizations together to collaboratively improve quality of life for older adults and allowing them the possibility of enjoying and embracing the process of growing older.

Move it or lose it Harvard Medical School states that some of the physical changes of aging - such as maximum attainable heart rate, muscle loss, and changes to the nervous system – can start as early as the third decade of life. HMS also points to key research suggesting that many of the changes attributed to aging are caused in large part by “disuse” of the body. They cite a 1966 research study at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School where participants spent three weeks resting in bed. In just three weeks, the 20year-old participants developed many physiologic characteristics of men at least twice their age. Fortunately, an 8-week exercise program not only reversed the deterioration brought on by the bed rest, but improved the participants’ physical condition to a level higher than before

the study began.

At nearly any age, it is possible to increase strength/flexibility and regulate balance/gait.

These improvements will help people remain mobile and prevent falls and other injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agrees that regular physical activity “can prevent or delay many of the health problems that seem to come with age. It also helps your muscles grow stronger so you can keep doing your day-to-day activities without becoming dependent on others.” If chronic conditions affect your ability to meet the CDC’s current physical exercise recommendations (available at cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/older_adults/), the agency recommends being as physically active as your abilities and conditions allow.

But physical activity is only one component of a creative aging regimen: Other aspects to consider include one’s mental, emotional, social, and cognitive states.

Remember this According to the National Endowment of the Arts, research studies have managed to isolate some plausible components of creativity. These Courtesy photo include memory, divergent thinking, convergent Heather Bigelow Hearne leads a music therapy thinking, and flow. Interestingly, these are the class at Concord Community Music School. same areas of brain activity that can be subject to

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Active Aging — October 2023

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change as a person ages. Engaging in the arts – including music – can help participants stimulate neurological connections and memories, helping older adults stave off age–related effects of aging.

Come together, right now In “The Creativity and Aging Study: The Impact of Professionally Conducted Cultural Programs on Older Adults,” Gene D. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., demonstrated that when older adults come together in a group environment to participate in activities that foster creative engagement and skills mastery, there was a myriad of psychological, physical and emotional health benefits.

Also, the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community notes that humans are wired for social connection and that social connection significantly improves the health and wellbeing of all individuals.

While one-on-one creative aging options are available, many people elect to attend group classes. They find that such shared activity builds friendships, helps them learn from others’ experiences, and allows them to support each other.

Music and creative aging A 2019 World Health Organization Report analyzed more than 3,000 research studies on the intersection of health and arts. The WHO identified “a major role for the arts in the prevention of ill health, promotion of health, and management and treatment of illness across the lifespan.”

tials of your potential instructor as well as their certifying organization ■ Know the venue where your class will be taking place. If you need a wheelchair ramp, does it have one? Are there adequate handicapped parking spaces available?

■ Find out whether your insurance plan considers the class “therapy” and whether it covers the cost of the class Nearby options are available: Concord Community Music School (ccmusicschool.org) offers individual and group Movement and Song for Mobility and Memory classes, both onsite and in the community. They are led

by Heather Bigelow Hearne, R-DMT. For those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, MS, ALS, or other motor disorders, the curriculum is designed to help increase strength and flexibility, and to regulate balance and gait. For those struggling with memory or cognitive loss, the use of repetitive patterns, songs, and movement games help to stimulate neurological connections and memories.

Before you sign up CCMS also offers individual and group Music There are many distinct types of creative aging Therapy programs led by Tony Varga, DMA, MTclasses because there are many different kinds of BC, NMT for special education, early intervenpeople. But the process of finding the right class tion, mental health, Alzheimer’s and the elderly, hospice, and more. Through such musical inand instructor is similar: ■ Understand what the class involves and what volvement, clients’ abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives. Music modifications are available for any conditions Therapy also provides avenues for communicayou might have ■ Consult with your primary care physician or tion that can be helpful to those who find it diffispecialist to see whether a particular class is ap- cult to express themselves in words.

To learn more about these programs, visit 603propriate for you ■ Take the time to research both the creden228-1196.

Music in particular has been shown to help in many areas of life, including mental focus and clarity, vocal health for speaking and singing, stress reduction, and caregiving for loved ones with memory loss.

Music therapy is different than just listening to music to help you relax, however, because it involves an individual or group therapeutic relationship with a qualified music therapist. Music therapists integrate the creative and healing powers of music in a knowledgeable and personalized manner to support their clients. They use music and/or elements of music (like sound, rhythm, and harmony) to accomplish specific goals, such as improving gait or short-term memory. Music therapy is also effective for physical rehabilitation and facilitating movement, increasing people’s motivation to become engaged in their treatment, providing emotional support for clients and their families, and providing an outlet for expression of feelings.

(American Music Therapy Association, 2011).

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• Are you finding it more difficult to do little (and big) tasks around the home?

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If so, Monadnock at Home is here to help!

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Wednesday, November 8, 11 a.m.

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Active Aging — October 2023

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How ageism ages M

y husband and I are in our early 80s. We both work more than full-time. We’re surprised that people are surprised.

We’re not the least bit inclined to hide how old we are and that we have lived through experiences that are now taught in history classes. We probably wouldn’t think much about it if there weren’t constant reminders.

As an example, when meeting new people, we’re often asked what we did professionally, not what we do and rarely what we’re going to do.

Would people live longer if there weren’t constant messages reminding us that “we’re over the hill?” If celebrating a birthday didn’t imply that you’re lucky to be alive? If there weren’t black balloons starting when someone turns 40?

Then there are those statements issued from a place of surprise and often meant as a compliment: “Wow! You look great,” or “you act so young,” or “you are really sharp” when they mean “surprisingly sharp.”

“You go to the gym or hike or travel? By yourself?”

Being called a “young lady” with a wink.

“You probably don’t want to sign in on the computer.”

Speaking slowly and loudly before ascertaining

that it’s required.

Asking others accompanying the person what they might need or want. (My friends with disabilities complain about the same thing.)

And then there are the responses justified as respectful. My grandmother said that she knew she was old when people let her get away with things that they didn’t let her get away with when she was younger. She was a lovely woman so it was uncharacteristic when in her 90s, she would say something outrageous to test out her theory.

Typically, people would smile with an “Isn’t she cute” look on their faces and it would drive her nuts because it made her feel like a two-yearold. She taught me that not arguing with an older person is discriminatory.

I suppose we should be appreciative that doors are held open for us more often and everyone is just a little nicer and certainly more deferential.

However, there are times when it feels a bit creepy or silly. Recently a young man insisted on having me enter a building first even though his arms were filled with boxes. When I indicated that I would be happy to hold the door for him, he responded as though as I was suggesting he do something illegal.

I notice that there are an increasing number of theatrical musicals about the 50s. I think that they’re afraid we’ve neared the end of being able to attend and this is their last chance to get our

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money.

Oh, and have you had a physical recently? Part of Medicare protocol is a memory test. I loved that a nurse assistant forgot to do it and she was only in her late 20s. Then hitting my knee with that little hammer, she said “Wow! That’s good!”

The response was akin to my having just won an Olympic trial. I was so proud.

I never know what to do when someone makes an ageist comment about someone my age. I suppose that I should be flattered that they aren’t aware that they’re insulting me. On the other hand, would I feel similarly if someone made an antisemitic remark in my presence because they didn’t know I was Jewish? In those incidences, I respond, “I hope I’d be just as offended even if I weren’t Jewish.” And I certainly hope I would.

The author Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, who wrote a book called “Growing Old,” mentioned that people will often tell her about someone in their late 90s. I guess they think it might give her hope? She said, that when she was in her 30s, nobody told her about people in their 40s.

It’s difficult to know how to respond respectfully, but clearly. It’s hard to know how best to educate without embarrassing the speaker. What I am certain about is that ageism ages.

Gerri King, PhD is a social psychologist and organizational consultant from Concord. She is still working.

Active Aging — October 2023

Concord Monitor, Reader Advisory Board Emeritus

23

By GERRI KING

! e t a

ve a S

D e h t

17th New Hampshire Caregiver’s Conference Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Grappone Conference Center, Concord, New Hampshire

stay informed with

N EWSLETTERS NEWSLETTERS EWSLETTERS

Keynote Rebecca Rule, Storyteller

“We Cried So Hard We Laughed: Stories From New Hampshire Caregivers”

Workshops, Exhibitors, Raffles & Thanksgiving Luncheon Lead Sponsors: Bureau of Developmental Services, NBM, New Hampshire Family Caregiver Support Program, WellSense Health Plan

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Active Aging — October 2023

For more information contact: Ellen at Ellen@bianh.org or visit the Coalition of Caring’s website at www.coalitionofcaring.org Facebook: https://ww.facebook.com/CoalitionofCaring/ Registration link https://bianh.salsalabs.org/17nhcc

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Tapping into the wisdom of age

By GRACE ZACAROLI Optimal Wellbeing

F

or many of us, our early life is largely directed toward what might be considered more external growth. We are beginning careers, building them, and preparing for the future. We are marrying, raising families, or embarking on other paths that involve connection to others. Throughout this time we are not lacking in personal growth and inward knowing – many of us will carry that through our lives. But a great deal of our energy and focus, of necessity, is dedicated outward.

As we age, we enter a second wave of meaning-making – the first beginning in adolescence. Some call this “midlife crisis,” with a joke, a negative spin, or a pejorative connotation. This time of life, however, can be rich with meaning, powerfully engaging, and provide an important starting point for the next stage of life. And as we grow through that crisis, with conscious awareness, we can deepen our sense of Self and develop the gifts we wish to offer at this time of life – the

formed by what we might call spirit, soul, or our connection to something larger than ourselves.

We owe it to ourselves, to our families, and to our communities to continue to strengthen our bodies as they change with age and to access the wisdom they contain. We owe it to ourselves and others to continue to challenge our minds, to stretch our thinking and question our assumptions. We owe it to ourselves and others to grow in spirit, however, that may translate for each of us. And we owe it to ourselves and pixabay.com others to do all of this with a wise and loving heart – and a healthy There is a reason for the (pun in- dose of humor and humility. legacy we want to leave behind.

We tend to pay lip service to the tended) age-old understanding that Join me for a weekly meditation wisdom of our elders in our country, wisdom comes with age and experi- group focusing on developing our but our actions, at least collectively, ence. It is true, though not necesinner wisdom. The group will be sarily a given. We need to cultivate held on Wednesday evenings, from don’t usually match up. We have work to do, individually and as a cul- our wisdom throughout our lives 6 to 7 p.m., live or via Zoom. Cost to ture, to begin to discover a new path and challenge ourselves to continue attend is $15. forward that allows for more inteto grow. But when we do take steps For more information contact gration of all ages and stages of life. to continue to evolve, a new kind of Grace at Optimal Wellbeing, LLC. So much can be learned and given wisdom can emerge. This wisdom is Phone 603-584-7580 or you may through this sharing of generations. intrinsically holistic. It is a wisdom contact me via email at grace@ This understanding seems to have known not only in the mind but in gracelzacaroli.com or been lost in the age of technology. the body and the heart. It is often in- visit gracelzacaroli.com .

Where caring is a way of life...

Brennan & MacKay APPLIANCE SALES & SERVICE • Serving the Monadnock Region

Dealers for: Bosch • G.E. • Whirlpool • KitchenAid Blue Star • Maytag • Amana • Frigidaire Vent-a-Hood • Broan • Speed Queen • LG We Service What We Sell. Since 1978. Licensed Gas Technicians and Installers

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25 TURNPIKE ROAD • JAFFREY, NH 03452

603-532-8765 • www.tiegerrealty.com FAX: 603-532-4519 • E-mail: info@tiegerrealty.com

“Try Us”

At Scott-Farrar, we proudly carry forward our tradition of caring for local seniors of the Monadnock Region. Some of the great benefits of calling Scott-Farrar home include: • Hearty home-cooked meals and restaurant style dining • A dedicated team of caregivers on site 24/7 • A calendar 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 available • Spacious private apartments • Transportation to medical appointments Call us today to schedule your tour at Scott-Farrar.

Non-profit 501 (c) (3) Charitable Organization Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care 603-924-3691 • scott-farrar.com

Active Aging — October 2023

www.brennanandmackayappliances.com

25

276 South Street (Rt. 13) Milford • 673-1177

Navigating the Golden Years A senior real estate specialist's guide to graceful transitions

By SUSAN ROEMER

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group

L

ife’s journey takes us through various stages, and as we enter our golden years, our housing needs often undergo a significant transformation. Seniors may seek homes that offer not only comfort but also accessibility and safety. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist, I am dedicated to serving the unique real estate needs of our Capital Region senior community, and I am SUSAN committed with a ROEMER team of professionals to assisting in key aspects of this journey, including senior-friendly home modifications, the downsizing and

moving process, financial and estate planning, options for aging in place with a reverse mortgage, and the invaluable support of moving coordinators and emotional assistance.

Senior-friendly home modifications One of the fundamental considerations when helping seniors find the perfect home is ensuring it meets their unique requirements.

Senior-friendly home modifications play a crucial role in this endeavor: 1. Accessibility Enhancements: Many seniors require features like ramps and railings for safer entrances and staircases, wider doorways to accommodate mobility aids, and lever-style door handles for ease of use. These modifications foster independence and reduce the risk of accidents.

2. Bathroom Safety: The bathroom is often a high-risk area for se-

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The decision to downsize can be emotionally and logistically challenging.

Have a few hours a month to volunteer?

The focus is on quality, reliable homecare/ personal care, from caregivers who live in the same community as you! Give us a call today to learn how we can help.

Serving Jaffrey, NH and surrounding towns.

603-407-0004

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Active Aging — October 2023

Independenthomecarellc.com

My Concord

Get it monthly straight to your inbox!

Give the gift of mobility.

Give a neighbor a ride.

Become a CVTC volunteer driver and help people in your area get to medical appointments and other important destinations like the pharmacy, grocery, and bank.

With our online scheduling tool, you choose which rides to do, based upon your availability and area preference. You’ll receive staffsupported enrollment and orientation, calendar reminders via email, monthly mileage reimbursement, and loads of appreciation.

Being a part of the CVTC volunteer transportation program is a perfect way for me to give back to my community. I like to drive and it’s been a pleasure to meet and talk with the riders.

—Jim Mason, Hancock, NH

Helping our neighbors in the Monadnock Region stay healthy and independent

Don't miss an edition!

one ride at a time.

To learn more, visit cvtc-nh.org or give us a call at 603-821-0569.

COMMUNITY

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niors. Implementing modifications like grab bars, walk-in bathtubs, and non-slip flooring can significantly enhance safety and ease of use.

3. Lighting and Visibility: Adequate lighting is essential for seniors with reduced vision. Ensuring well-lit spaces with easily accessible light switches contributes to a more comfortable living environment.

I help seniors identify homes that align with their goals. Whether it’s a cozy condo or a retirement community, I offer personalized solutions that cater to individual lifestyles and budgets.

3. Practical Support: I offer resources and recommendations for reliable moving companies and estate sale professionals, streamlining the process and reducing stress. Coordinating these aspects ensures a seamless transition.

including reverse mortgages, to provide flexible financing options tailored to individual situations.

3. Options to age in place with reverse mortgages: Aging in place is a goal for many seniors, and reverse mortgages can be a viable solution to achieve this objective. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist, I provide comprehensive information on reverse mortgages: The downsizing and 4. Informed Decision-Making: I moving process offer educational resources and connect seniors with reputable The decision to downsize and lenders who can guide them move can be emotionally and logis- Financial and estate through the reverse mortgage protically challenging. As a Senior Real planning cess. This financial option can help Estate Specialist, I provide invaluNavigating the financial and esable guidance throughout this tran- tate planning aspects of senior real seniors tap into their home’s equity sition: estate transactions is crucial to pre- while still residing there.

5. Aging with Dignity: For those 1. Compassionate Consultations: serving assets and achieving peace who wish to remain in their homes of mind: I understand that the decision to 1. Trusted Professionals: I main- for as long as possible, a reverse downsize and move involves more mortgage can be a viable strategy. I than just bricks and mortar. It often tain a network of trusted legal and empower seniors to make informed means parting with cherished financial professionals who spedecisions to age in place with grace memories. I have connected with a cialize in senior estate planning.

This includes professionals who can and confidence. few professionals that specifically provide guidance on estate planassist seniors with their downsize.

The Support System: They engage and advise with com- ning, wills, and financial arrangeMoving coordinators and ments. passionate conversations to learn about their seniors’ needs and con2. Financing Assistance: Seniors emotional assistance cerns. often have unique financial needs. I The transition to a new home can 2. Tailored Solutions: Drawing work closely with lenders who spe- be emotionally challenging. I recogupon my expertise and experience, cialize in senior financial products, nize the significance of emotional

support in the process: 1. Moving Coordinators: For a seamless move, I collaborate with experienced moving coordinators who can efficiently handle packing, moving, and settling into the new home. Their expertise ensures a stress-free transition.

2. Emotional Well-Being: Beyond logistics, I offer emotional support to ease the transition. My commitment to seniors extends to providing guidance through emotional hurdles and offering a compassionate ear to listen.

3. Grace and Confidence: My mission is to ensure that every senior client moves forward with grace and confidence. I assist in creating a positive experience that embraces new opportunities and cherished memories.

In conclusion, as a Senior Real Estate Specialist, I am dedicated to assisting the Capital Region senior community with their unique real estate needs. My commitment is to help seniors transition into their golden years with dignity and comfort. Your journey should be marked by grace, and I am here to help you achieve just that.

Even Higher Payouts In Effect Now

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Payout Rate 5.4% 5.9% 6.6% 7.6% 8.7% 9.7%

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Bank CD rates are low; stock market changes are worrisome.

A charitable gift annuity is a gift made to The Salvation Army that can provide you with a secure source of fixed payments for life.

For more information, contact Amy Anderson at 1 (866) 674-4391 or amy.anderson@use.SalvationArmy.org

Active Aging — October 2023

Age

27

GIFT AMOUNT: $25,000

Improve your space with plants Not only do plants help air quality, but seeing them can simulate your brain

By CRIS BLACKSTONE

medicine, plants are integrated into every culture. There’s prehistoric ou have likely heard about evidence of the reverence for plants used as medicine on 5,000 year old research conducted by Sumerian clay slabs. Records in litNASA, which resulted in erature including Homer’s Iliad and frequently cited lists of plants known to help purify indoor the Odyssey cite plants used for medicinal purposes, grown in their air quality. Since those initial studies during the 1970s-80s by Dr. palaces and villas year around.

Where are we with plants in our B.C. Wolverton focusing on the homes, demonstrably more closed environment of Skylab, common post-COVID than before we’ve come to accept the fact that indoor plants can help improve air the pandemic? “Greenhouse Manquality – and provide us with addi- agement,” the horticulture industry’s premier professional tional benefits to our health and journal for controlled environment well-being. plant propagators, conducted surPerhaps our deep interest in living with plants indoors is rooted veys in 2015 and 2020, asking about Cris Blackstone growers’ retail successes and prein our eons-old relationship with Decorate your space with plants, even faux plants stimulate creativity and dictions in wholesale plant sales in- productivity in us. If you know where your living plants come from originally, it plants. From providing us with creasing or diminishing. The first shelter, fuel, food, drinks and can help you put them in the best place in your home.

Y

For the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

movement & song for memory & mobility classes Come join us! Each session is designed to support and enhance memory and mobility.

Each will have moments of stretching, balance and coordination, as well as moments where everyone is singing and moving together.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away!

28

Active Aging — October 2023

Experience what active aging feels like at Spring Village at Summerhill.

For those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, MS, ALS, or other motor disorders, the curriculum is designed to help increase strength and exibility, and regulate balance and gait.

The best is yet to be!

Engage in Creative Aging with Heather Bigelow Hearne, R-DMT

Call to schedule a tour today at

603-924-6238

For those struggling with memory or cognitive loss, the use of repetitive patterns, songs, and movement games help stimulate neurological connections and memories. Sign up today!

23 Wall St. Concord, NH 03301 ccmusicschool.org

603-228-1196

survey results showed 36% confidence in an increase; the 2020 results showed the number had nearly doubled. The pandemic brought people home from the office, home during evening and weekend periods, and taking fewer vacation days shared with people in public situations. Our homes became our sanctuaries and people sought greenery, bringing nature inside with them.

Living with plants – whether having potted plants in our décor, hanging artwork depicting plants, or even having faux plants in our spaces – has been shown to reduce stress, lower anxiety, alleviate fatigue, and increase creativity and productivity. Why might this be?

When we view urban environments, and manmade structures, we are truly seeing in a “concrete” way as opposed to seeing the freeflowing growth patterns many plants have. Our minds interpret plants as calm, and gentle shapes rather than rectilinear forms needed for the engineering and architecture most buildings exude.

Jumping on the increased interest consumers are showing for indoor plants, marketing has pumped up efforts to showcase living walls and

from the National Center for

Biotechnology Information, a part Living with plants – whether having potted of the National Institutes for plants in our décor, hanging artwork Health, through its National Library depicting plants, or even having faux plants in of Medicine. (see ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) We Need More Nature at our spaces – has been shown to reduce stress, “Why Work: Effects of Natural Elements lower anxiety, alleviate fatigue, and increase and Sunlight on Employee Mental Health and Work Attitudes,” edited creativity and productivity.

by Igor Branchi, for helpful re-

search and data on these aspects of living with plants as an integral part on the lower levels of thick, even even share a resurgence in of our homes and office areas. overgrown jungle-type areas of the macrame as a craft to display Plant lists available from many hanging plants in all corners of our world – climbing up tree trunks and garden centers, and from websites houses and offices. Living walls are rarely reaching the top levels of the offered by our Cooperative Extenoften taken care of by professional sunny area above the canopy,) you sion specialists will steer you reliwill have better results than trying ably to your plant choices. While tropical plant specialists, and with the exception of some types of considering plants you’d like to add to force an areca palm that wants bright light to live contentedly in a to your personal spaces, cross-refferns, not easily tackled by beginerence which are considered safe bathroom getting nominal natural ning plant enthusiasts. Neverthefor children, and pets, by doing adless, living walls provide commulight. ditional searches on the plants that nity spaces with extraordinary Viewing plants, whether real or calming effects and increased posi- faux, stimulates the basal ganglia in you find attractive. Don’t be shy or embarrassed to ask professionals at tive feelings about sharing commu- our brains. A lack of greenery and garden centers for suggestions and nity spaces. nature in our homes and offices don’t feel alone if you want to give There’s a lot to be said for mixing thwarts the basal ganglia’s effects real and faux plants for a lush, easy- on our mood and temperament and your plants individual names or talk to-care-for look, yielding many pos- memories of anger and fear (deeply to them as you water, fluff up the potting soil or decorate the clay pot itive rewards. If you try and buy rooted in the hippocampus) are with top dressing such as colored plants to live in your home or ofmore readily expressed in our befice, mimicking the places they haviors and moods overall. Reader- gravel or small statues. Share your space with a plant and reap the reoriginally come from (such as friendly information about living wards! philodendron and pothos that live with plants indoors is available

Save Big with a Martin’s Point Medicare Plan Save Over

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(603) 924-7155 Calling this number will direct you to a licensed insurance producer. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options. For more information on Generations Advantage, you can also call 1-877-553-7054 (TTY:711). We’re available 8 am–8 pm, seven days a week from October 1 to March 31; and Monday through Friday the rest of the year. You can also visit MartinsPoint.org/GAPlans. Savings vary by plan, county, and benefit usage. Martin’s Point Generations Advantage is a health plan with a Medicare contract offering HMO, HMO-POS, and Local PPO products. Enrollment in a Martin’s Point Generations Advantage plan depends on contract renewal. Martin’s Point Health Care complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Y0044_2024_205_M Accepted: 10/14/2023

Aging Well Advance Care Planning Grief & Bereavement Caregiving Healthy Lifestyles And More!

Find a program that fits your needs at www.granitevna.org/calendar.

A Home Health, Hospice & Community Wellness Agency Caring for New Hampshire Since 1899

Active Aging — October 2023

Point Generations Advantage.

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Timothy McMahon is Authorized to sell Martin’s

We offer one-onone, group, and online programs free of charge in a relaxed and fun environment.

Navigating the holidays with dementia

By MELISSA GRENIER

Give yourself permission to do only what you can reasonably manage. If you’ve always invited 15The holidays are often filled with 20 people to your home, consider sharing, laughter and memories, but inviting five for a simpler meal.

Think about having a potluck they can also bring stress, disapdinner, asking someone to order pointment or sadness. A person and bring dinner, or asking others to living with Alzheimer’s may feel a special sense of loss during the holi- host.

Familiarize others with your situdays because of the changes he or ation by writing a letter or e-mail she has experienced. Caregivers similar to the following: may feel overwhelmed by main“I’m writing to let you know how taining traditions while providing care and adhering to safety precau- things are going at our house. We’re looking forward to your visit, and tions. we thought it might be helpful for The safest option is to plan careyou to understand our current situafully for in-person holiday gathertion before you arrive. ings with people outside of your “You may notice that has changed household. Below are tips and ideas for safely enjoying time with family since you last saw him/her. Among the changes you may notice are: . and friends during the holidays.

I’ve enclosed a picture so you know Adjust expectations how looks now. Because sometimes Arrange a meeting or arrange for a has problems remembering and thinking clearly, his/her behavior is group discussion via telephone, a little unpredictable. video chat or email for family and “Please understand that may not friends to discuss holiday celebraremember who you are and may tions. Make sure that everyone understands your caregiving situation confuse you with someone else. and has realistic expectations about Please don’t feel offended by this.

He/she appreciates your being with what you can and cannot do.

Alzheimer ’s Association, MA/NH Chapter

us and so do we. Please treat them as you would any person. A warm smile will be appreciated more than you know.

“We would ask that you call you’re nearby so we can prepare for your arrival. With your help and support, we can create a holiday memory that we’ll all treasure.”

Involve the person living with Alzheimer's Involve the person in safe, manageable holiday preparation activities that he or she enjoys. Ask him or her to help you prepare food, wrap gifts, help decorate or set the table. (Avoid using candies, artificial foods, etc. as decorations because a person living with dementia might confuse them with real food.

Blinking light may also confuse the person.)

Maintain the person’s normal routine as much as possible.

clothing; or music.

Advise people not to give gifts such as tools, utensils, challenging board games, or complicated electronics.

If friends or family members ask you what you’d like for a gift, you may want to suggest a gift certificate or something that will help make things easier, like housecleaning, lawn, handyman, or laundry services.

Try to be flexible

Celebrate over lunch or brunch, rather than an evening meal, so you can work around the evening confusion (sundowning) if it sometimes affects the person living with dementia.

Consider serving non-alcoholic drinks and keeping the room bright.

Prepare for a post-holiday letdown. Arrange for in-home care so you can rest, which will reduce post-holiday stress and fatigue.

Adapt gift giving If you have questions about adapting holiday celebrations, or Provide people with suggestions for useful and enjoyable gifts for the any other concerns, call the person, such as an ID bracelet; com- Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 fortable and easy-to-remove Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.

Engage as you age.

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Active Aging — October 2023

As you age, it’s vital to have the care you need close to home.

Broken bone? Joint injury? Living with pain? You need care you can trust to address your problem and regain your strength, flexibility, and good health.

Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates is here for you.

To learn more, visit MonadnockOrtho.org or call 603-924-2144

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Not all heroes wear capes!

The feeling of helping others is like no other.

The opportunity to meet people I would otherwise never have the chance to.

not all heroes wear capes more than a meal

32

Active Aging — October 2023

Deliver a meal, start a conversation, create a connection.

Volunteer with Meals on Wheels!

“Adopt-a-route” opportunities for companies.

Open camera and scan here to visit our website and learn more (603) 424-9967 | hcmow.org Please do not hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know could benefit from the services of Meals on Wheels.