Active Aging Spring 2023

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We're in Your Corner People today can spend nearly half their lives over the age of 50. That’s a lot of living. So, it helps to have a wise friend and fierce defender like AARP in your corner and in your community so your money, health and happiness live as long as you do.

AARP offers free community events, caregiving resources, financial toolkits, speakers bureau presentations, and a vareity of volunteer opportunities to help you achieve your goals and stay connected.

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Active Aging — Spring 2023

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contents The keys to aging well........................ Page 4 Maintain strength and mobility ......... Page 7 A community on the move ................ Page 10

Your CBD Store is Redefining Excellence Through Quality & Transparency

The basics of a good estate plan .... Page 12 Act early on memory loss ................. Page 15 Concord offers array of activities .... Page 22 The learning opportunities continue Page 24 Keep up with gardening trends ....... Page 29

inside

Elaine Duclos is spending her golden years making amber maple syrup, a lesson she learned years ago when her children were in elementary school.

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Active Aging

Copyright 2023 by the Newspapers of New England. All rights reserved.

Concord Monitor Monitor Publishing, PO Box 1177 Concord, N.H. 03302-1177 Advertising: ads@cmonitor.com Editorial: features@cmonitor.com MONADNOCK LEDGER-TRANSCRIPT PO Box 36, Peterborough NH 03458 Advertising information: 924-7172, ads@ledgertranscript.com STAFF Publishers: Heather McKernan, hmckernan@ledgertranscript.com, and Steve Leone, sleone@cmonitor.com

Your CBD store and its parent company, Florida based Sun Flora, cultivate and sell only High Quality Phyto-Cannabinoid Rich, or PCR organic hemp products, specializing in tinctures, water solubles, topical creams, capsules, edibles, skin care and other high-end beauty products. Their process, through every aspect of Production, is done through guidelines “We regulate everything from soil to the oil, and use the most advanced third party lab testing available in the industry” Smith said.

The Smiths, like Blumenthal is passionate about the need to regulate CBD and the infrastructure surrounding it. With consumers being thrust into a world with plenty of options, Your CBC Stores have become a benchmark in the industry for educating consumers on potential ways to improve their quality of life through CBD. The Smiths believe consumers should know where the hemp is coming from,

how it is grown, what strand of hemp is used, what process is employed to extract it, and whether that process includes harmful chemical solvents.

There should be truth behind the plant science, and what’s health and safe for consumption, the Smiths say.

Your CBD Store took no shortcuts in setting up their operation from the very beginning, utilizing every resource at their disposal to ensure the production of only the highest quality hemp products. The hemp used to make Your CBD Store products are sourced only from a United States Department of Agriculture regulated farm in Colorado, and then extracted as its CGMP + SQF level 3 FDA registered facility. Your CBD Store extracts CBD from the plants using a special process which does not require the use of solvents or other chemicals. The Smiths and the Sun Flora company feel that this model should be regulatory standards for CBD companies of tomorrow.

Learn more about how CBD can possibly help you or a loved one by visiting N.H’s Flagship Your CBD Store located in Concord N.H.

Your CBD Store Concord 603-715-1153 211 Loudon Rd. Ste A Concord N.H. @ Courtyard SQ

Active Aging — Spring 2023

GEOFF FORESTER / MONITOR STAFF

The thought of FDA oversight might send chills rippling through some purveyors of Cannabinoids or CDB. But the people behind one nationwide CBD Company not only welcome these regulations, they believe their corporate culture of transparency and selfregulation can set the standard for the industry as it moves forward, according to Rick & Laurie Smith, owners of Your CBD store in Concord N.H.

Voted “Best CBD Store” 2 Years in a Row in Concord Monitor Cappies and Union Leaders Readers Choice 2021, 2022

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U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, a long-time proponent of Consumer Protection has called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to implement regulations for the skyrocketing Cannabinoid industry.

The keys to aging well You can maintain your health by eating well and being physically active

By LOIS FAHEY, RD, LD, CNSC and SHAUNNA MARA, Community Health Educator Granite VNA

W

ho doesn’t want to age well, maintain cognitive function, and be as active as possible, for as long as possible? What we eat and how physically active we are play a major role. We are in control of these things. Here are some general guidelines to move the needle towards better health (recognizing that individuals may have medical conditions that require a specific therapeutic diet).

Consume adequate protein (preferably LEAN protein).

Older adults need more protein per pound of body weight. This will

MONITOR FILE

Sam Bower sells radishes at the Concord Farmers Market. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, “the rainbow,” can SEE AGING WELL PAGE 6 keep you healthy as you age.

Even Higher Payouts In Effect Now GIFT AMOUNT: $25,000 Age

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Active Aging — Spring 2023

65 70 75 80 85 90 NE-415530

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

Annual Payout $1,350 $1,475 $1,650 $1,900 $2,175 $2,425

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

Nursing homes seeking to recover from the COVID19 pandemic are being held back by predatory out-of-state staffing agencies, despite bipartisan, Congressional efforts to get the Biden Administration to address agency price-gouging.

For more information, see

Paid for by the N.H. Health Care Association

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MORE HELP in Concord is needed so facilities can recruit, and retain, their own staff to serve the most vulnerable Granite Staters.

Active Aging — Spring 2023

savenhcare.com

AGING WELL FROM PAGE 4

bands, your own body, and even canned goods. Heavy resistance is The benefits of physical activity can be required to build muscle and bone.

Remember to exercise in a safe way discovered at any age and in every body. and to your own ability.

Start slowly, find a friend, seek Besides improving overall strength, your metabolism may out knowledgeable fitness instructors, burn fat more efficiently, decrease and always consult with your abdominal fat, improve heart function and lower blood sugar levels, physician and ask for the fitness Eat the Rainbow! just to name a few. Science supports prescription which is a plan of activities Increase your intake of colorful these findings and many more. fruits and vegetables. Different The benefits of physical activity designed for a specific purpose. colors provide your body with vitacan be discovered at any age and in mins, minerals and naturally occurevery body. Start slowly, find a ring “phytochemicals,” substances friend, seek out knowledgeable fitthat may have antioxidant and anti- and blood clots. Water aids in diges- Get help. ness instructors, and always consult tion and absorbing nutrients, getGet help if you are food-insecure. with your physician and ask for the inflammatory benefits. These subting rid of waste, and even cushions Resources include SNAP benefits stances may lower your risk of fitness prescription which is a plan (food stamps), congregate meals at of activities designed for a specific cancer, heart disease, and cognitive and lubricates our joints. senior centers, Meals on Wheels, decline. Aim for 2 cups of fruit and purpose. In combination with Move towards a plantand local food pantries.

2 ½ cups of vegetables a day. Try cardio, balance and stretching, rebased diet. something new! sults are endless.

Physical activity.

Eating more fruits, vegetables, Avoid or limit alcohol.

Lois Fahey, RD, LD, CNSC, is the Older adults need at least 150 whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, This means 1 drink /day for feand seeds along with eating less an- minutes a week of moderate inten- staff nutritionist at Granite VNA. She males, 2 for males. The less, the sity activity such as brisk walking or loves meeting people where they are imal and saturated fats may deat, literally, and figuratively on their better. crease the risk of heart disease, cer- 75 minutes a week of vigorous intain cancers and may slow or pretensity activity such as hiking, jog- journey to better health.

Stay hydrated.

Shaunna Mara, is a Community vent cognitive decline. This way of ging, or running.

Health Educator at Granite VNA. Our sense of thirst decreases with eating is naturally low in sodium, Strength training.

She has been educating older adults high in fiber, and low in sugar. age. Chronic dehydration, even in strength training for more than 15 Think vegetarian chili, beans and mild, increases the risk of urinary Improve your strength by using years. tract infections, falls, constipation, rice, and lentil soup! machines, free weights, resistance help prevent “sarcopenia,” or loss of muscle that increases risk of falls and fractures. We also need adequate protein for wound healing and immune function. Healthy sources of protein include legumes, beans, seeds, nuts, fish, chicken, eggs, and fish.

Stay Curious!

Join our community of active older adults who enjoy lifelong learning opportunities!

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Active Aging — Spring 2023

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Maintain strength and mobility by moving

By MEAGAN BARON Get Fit NH

What are some physiological changes our bodies go through as we age, and can any of those be addressed with exercise?

There are so many changes that our bodies go through as we mature.

Some that can be addressed through strength and conditioning are reaction time, arthritis or other joint aches and pains, depression, decrease in bone density, and lean muscle.

What aspects of life are improved with consistent exercise or strength training?

Aging with grace! I tell my clients this all the time as we practice simple life skills like getting up and down off the floor. Every exercise we do at Get Fit NH can be translated back into real life. We take a functional approach and that is truly what we should associate exercise with. Weight loss is the SEE KEEP MOVING PAGE 8 Instructor Dylan Tiede leads a class at GetFitNH on Terrel Park Drive in Concord.

GEOFF FORESTER / Monitor staff

Welcoming New Residents!

183 Old Dublin Road Peterborough, NH | 603-924-6238 www.SummerhillNH.com | @SummerhillAssistedLiving NE-415116

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Active Aging — Spring 2023

We provide personalized care in an environment that fosters individuality, community, and choice while ensuring our residents are safe, comfortable, and engaged. Your loved one will be celebrated and valued for who they are and feel at home at Summerhill Assisted Living in Peterborough, NH

KEEP MOVING FROM PAGE 7

happy side effect of longevity and independence. I joke with my clients about staying out of the nursing home as long as possible, but it is true! The stronger and more independent we can stay the longer we get to live freely. What do we need to be able to do to maintain our independence and freedom?

Get in and out of the car, up and down off the toilet, up and down off the floor. Those things require strength and repetition. Going for walks in the park won’t maintain our strength. We need resistance training to improve strength and main bone density.

I am sure most of us know someone who was in their late 60s or older and took a fall or had some sort of freak accident occur that completely ripped their independence from them. It is often times a death sentence. I hate to say it like that, but it’s true. But what if they had resistance training under their belt? Would they have been able to catch themselves before the fall or would their body have been able to withstand the fall? At Get Fit NH we train clients primarily in their 50s, 60s, and 70s and I have clients tell me all the time about how they fell and got back up or how they almost

More than one out of four Americans age 65+ fall each year.

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults.

Be able to travel in retirement and do fun excursions like hike and biking.

I think my favorite is my 74-year client who is back to water skiing in the summer with her teenage grandchildren. Could you imagine having that confidence?

If your body already feels stiff and achy, would exercise hurt, or What changes have some of help? your clients over age 55 experiIt would help tremendously.

What prevents seniors from par- enced as a result of exercise?

You’re body is designed to move.

Strength and conditioning ticipating in exercise/strength Stiff and achy joints are quite litertraining classes? training has helped clients over 55 ally your body giving you feedback.

It’s like, “HELP ME!!!” The more lose weight, lose fat, gain lean So many reasons! you ignore it, the louder the muscle, get stronger, gain confi1.) I think it is the assumption dence, improve nutrition habits, im- scream! that they are just too old to start It’s not just strength training, it’s prove stress management, improve 2.) They are in too much pain to sleep patterns, and increase energy. mobility, flexibility, and foam start rolling to keep the joints primed Those are all happy side effects of 3.) They are afraid to get hurt and youthful. strength training, but let me put 4.) They don’t know where to that into real life... start What types of exercise do you We have helped clients: 5.) Lack of knowledge regarding Feel confident in their kid’s wed- recommend for seniors? Why? the benefits Strength training/resistance ding pictures I have clients in their 80s. I have training and I absolutely recomHave the strength to get up and clients with arthritis, osteoporosis, osteopenia, cancer, diabetes, unable down off the floor with their grand- mend working with a professional at least to start. Teach your body to to get on the floor entirely, knee re- children and pick them up with withstand a fall. More than one out placements, hip replacements, rods ease of four Americans age 65+ falls each in their back and even amputees!

Have the strength to travel with year. Falls are the leading cause of confidence! Lug a bag around the We have trained thousands of fatal and nonfatal injuries among people in Concord and for the past airport and put it in the overhead older adults.

11 years I have never met one compartment by themselves fell and caught themselves. It is not a coincidence. We train our bodies to resist it and it responds.

person we could not help.

Senior Real Estate Specialist

SUSAN ROEMER

can be your starting point when your weighing your options for your living situation.

Susan’s 20 years of Selling Real Estate in the Capital Region and her Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation empowers her to be your source. Susan can guide you with grace, confidence and professionalism with difficult life choices, decisions to age in place or when to sell, where to go.

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Active Aging — Spring 2023

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RiverMead

Leading in Lifecare, Lifestyle and Community

Enjoy A REwARding REtiREmEnt in thE monAdnock REgion RiverMead is a non-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community that offers programming and recreation for almost every interest and ability level.

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“We moved to RiverMead to enjoy an independent and active lifestyle. We wanted a community of friends and neighbors, a place to be in good company and to feel safe and secure in our healthcare choices. We are living at RiverMead to enjoy retirement without the burdens of home ownership. Come join us!”

- Residents Since 2021

Active Aging — Spring 2023

Whether you love art, theatre, music, sports, literature, hiking, golf or anything else, living with renewed passion for your interests is the heartbeat of our community.

A community on the move

By JEANNE LESTER Concord Monitor

D

on Hayes, Jane Heigis, Bob Heigis, Jim MacNab, and Peachy (Pauline) Healy, gather in a room to discuss the unifying element that brought them all together - the desire to hike, bike, and remain active. Ranging in age from 62 up to age 92, they also represent different ranges of hiking and biking abilities, but unanimously agree that the Hiking/Biking club of Havenwood Heritage Heights in Concord has been a rousing success. How is success in such a club measured? According to some of its 60 members, by the benefits it brings to participants.

Some of those benefits would seem obvious, perhaps. Numerous studies show that consistent movement and exercise help the body with both strength and flexibility.

But quite often, members of this particular hiking and biking club also point to the social advantages of their activities as a primary benefit.

Residents of Havenwood Heritage Heights go for a hiking trip.

A quick read of their most recent

Courtesy

Proudly Caring for Seniors of the Monadnock Region for 113 Years!

Even kayaking is an option for some of these seniors.

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Active Aging — Spring 2023

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 homecooked meals and restaurant style dining • A dedicated team of caregivers onsite 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 • toby.cummings@scott-farrar.com

newsletter - that’s right - they publish a newsletter, (one of the responsibilities the 10 committee members shoulder) echoes that one of the most treasured benefits of the club is friendship and camaraderie.

Conversations on the trail, the anticipation of the next hike, and connections with outside groups like The Forest Society, unite members in their physical and social goals.

Don Hayes, who started the club, had been hiking for years when he decided to start the Hiking/Biking Club at Havenwood Heritage Heights. Hoping he might be able to

Courtesy

garner interest from even a few fellow hikers, he was surprised by the initial response of 30 interested parties who wanted to join in his efforts.

“I moved here four-and-a-half years ago and have done hiking all over the country, and slowed down somewhat, but still wanted to do some hiking. I talked to Peachy and Jim and we decided to have a meeting to decide if anyone wanted to go hiking with us,” Hayes said.

“We had 30 people show up, and SEE HIKING BIKING CLUB PAGE 11

from that, decided to form a hiking committee. Everyone here has a history of hiking before they came here. The committee meets every month to help plan the hikes and everybody has a say in how we’re going to do it.”

From there, the club has grown to about 60 members, and although folks with all levels of skill are welcome, for some, just a few of the smaller walks are enough. The club separates activities into varying degrees of adventure; the Saturday hikes are typically less than 2 miles long, the Wednesday “Adventure Hike” can be up to 3 miles long, and the “Adventure Plus” excursions typically include elevation. Add to those excursions biking along the rail trails, and occasional “moon walks,” which is most certainly not a Michael Jackson reference, but rather walks around the campus on the trails under the full moon, followed by a campfire and hot cocoa, on the edge of the bluffs overlooking Concord.

The hiking and biking club credits the club activities with keeping them active and socially engaged, and they continue their activities year-round, with an emphasis on the use of the proper equipment for The Hiking/Biking Club at Havenwood Heritage Heights keeps about 60 residents active. safety and wintertime treks.

Courtesy

Learn about the benefits of our Dedicated Memory Care neighborhood Care:

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Dining:

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Ledgewood Bay - Assisted Living & Avita Memory Care | 43 Ledgewood Drive in Milford, NH | LedgewoodBay.com

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To learn about Ledgewood Bay call Kathy:

Active Aging — Spring 2023

Purposeful programs designed to engage individual interests while fostering connection with the community.

The basics of a good estate plan

By STEPHANIE J. THOMSON, and JEANNE S. SAFFAN Upton & Hatfield, LLP

H

ave you made plans to deal with the possibility of your future incapacity?

For example, what would happen if illness or an accident leaves you temporarily or permanently unable to pay your bills, handle your financial affairs or business matters, or make medical decisions for yourself? No one can predict the future, so planning ahead can make unforeseen events easier to manage, for ourselves and our loved ones. Part of this planning process includes executing a Durable General Power of Attorney and an Advance Healthcare Directive. Both documents are explained in some detail below.

Durable General Power of Attorney A Durable General Power of Attorney allows you, the Principal, to name an Agent with authority to manage your money and property on your behalf. The word “Durable” means that the Power of Attorney will remain effective folPIXABAY.COM lowing your incapacitation without the need to A Durable General Power of Attorney allows you, the Principal, to name an Agent with authority to manage appoint a legal guardian. Your Agent has a fidu- your money and property on your behalf. The word “Durable” means that the Power of Attorney will ciary duty to act in your best interest and with remain effective following your incapacitation without the need to appoint a legal guardian. reasonable prudence. You may revoke or termi-

Senior Residential Care Apartments Right Here in Concord NH!

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Active Aging — Spring 2023

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nate the power of attorney at any time while you are competent.

Your Agent can be any person or entity (such as a financial institution) of your choosing. In determining who to name as Agent, consider the capacity, capability, and trustworthiness of potential candidates. Make sure your Agent is willing to serve and inform your Agent about your personal wishes, and the location of important documents and papers.

In 2018, New Hampshire adopted a version of the Uniform Power of Attorney Act including an optional statutory form with instructions.

This relatively new law makes the creation, exercise, and acceptance of powers of attorney clearer and more predictable. Among other things, you can empower your agent to exercise basic powers such as the power to pay your bills, do your banking, buy or sell property, invest money, collect debts, and file lawsuits. You also have the option to limit or expand these powers. For example, under this law you can also give your Agent so-called “hot powers” such as the power to make gifts, to change beneficiary designations, or to create or revoke a trust.

It is important that you understand the implications and consequences

Directive to your Agent(s), your you may not select your personal primary care physician, and the doctor or medical caregivers, such hospital you are most likely to visit as a nurse.

In 2021, the New Hampshire Leg- in case of emergency. islature updated and improved New Final Thought Hampshire’s Advance Healthcare Advance Healthcare It is important to remember that Directive form. The new form auDirective thorizes your Health Care Agent to your Durable General Power of AtAn Advance Healthcare Directive make a broad range of medical deci- torney and Advance Health Care (consisting of Living Will and Directive are valid only while you sions for you subject to whatever Durable Health Care Power of Atconditions you choose thereby pro- are living. As such, when you are torney) is a document that allows viding your family and friends with discussing these options with your you, the Principal, to name an much needed clarity during a diffi- estate planning attorney, you should also consider documents, Agent to make medical decisions cult time. You may include special for you, if you are unable. The use of instructions on the form or on addi- such as a Will and/or Revocable Trust, which will govern the dispothis document is most often seen in tional pages attached to the form. medical emergencies where the You are encouraged to provide sition of your property following copies of your Advance Healthcare your death.

Principal may not be conscious or have the required cognitive functioning to make medical decisions.

However, it can also be used if the Principal suffers from a disease or As a Senior Real Estate Specialist®, condition which renders the PrinPeg has the expertise cipal temporarily or permanently mentally incompetent. to meet seniors’ unique needs.

As with a Durable General Power of Attorney, it is important that you ® choose someone who knows and understands your wishes conc. 603.801.3361 cerning your medical care and end Peg.Walsh@FourSeasonsSIR.com of life decision-making, and who will make decisions based on that knowledge. You may select a family 42 Grove Street | Peterborough, NH | o. 603.924.3321 member, a friend, or another FourSeasonsSIR.com | Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. person or entity to act as Agent, but

of each power you decide to give to your Agent and it is advisable that you consult with an attorney for advice in drafting or filling out the form before signing.

Peg Walsh, Realtor

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No more worrying about gas prices, the leaky faucet, grocery shopping, or mowing the lawn.

Active Aging — Spring 2023

HEARING AID BRANDS, MAKES, AND MODELS!

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PHONES

FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES Do you or a loved one have trouble using a telephone due to a disability such as vision loss, hearing loss or challenges to speech or mobility?

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Living Well in Our Communities

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Active Aging — Spring 2023

Future In Sight is working on behalf of the Governor’s Commission on Disability to offer this program to individuals with a range of disabilities.

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.

For more info on the program, visit www.FutureInSight.org/TEAP

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

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

Act early on memory loss symptoms

By MELISSA GRENIER Alzheimer ’s Association

T

oday, there are more than 6 million people 65 and older who are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, with 26,000 in New Hampshire, according to the recent Alzheimer’s Association 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report.

An accompanying special report, “The Patient Journey In an Era of New Treatments,” offers new insights from patients and primary care physicians (PCPs) on current barriers that impede earlier discussion of cognitive concerns.

The report showed too often individuals with memory concerns and their doctors are not discussing the issue, missing a critical first step toward diagnosis and potential treatment.

According to the report, individuals hesitate because they believe their experiences are related to normal aging, rather than a potential diagnosable medical condition.

For PCPs, the report shows they are not proactively asking their patients about cognitive issues and will wait until the individual or their family members bring it to their attention.

“For the first time in nearly two decades, there are treatments for individuals with early stages of the disease that can slow down the progression and give them more time with their families and loved ones,” said Melissa Grenier, New Hampshire Regional Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association. “More than ever before, these conversations about memory or other cognitive issues an individual is facing are critical and need to start at the earliest point of the concern.”

To help individuals become more confident and prepared to discuss their cognitive concerns, the Alzheimer’s Association offers these three tips for talking to health care professionals about memory and cognitive concerns:

Find the right doctor In most cases, the first point of

contact for concerns about memory and thinking is with your primary care physician. Ask your physician how comfortable they are identifying and diagnosing cognitive problems and whether there are circumstances in which he or she would refer to a specialist. Most often, your physician will perform an initial assessment, and if cognitive decline is detected, order more advanced testing or refer you to a specialist for a more definitive diagnosis. If your doctor doesn’t take your concerns seriously, seek a second opinion.

tions honestly and to the best of your ability.

Get educated

When speaking to the doctor, be sure to ask what tests will be performed, what the tests involve, how long each test takes and when the results will be available.

“While discussing cognitive concerns with your health care provider can be challenging, it’s really important,” said Grenier.

“Having these conversations with a doctor can help facilitate early detection and diagnosis, offering individuals and families important benBe prepared efits, not only treatments, but emoCome to your visit with a list of tional and social benefits, access to any changes in your health, inclinical trials and more time to plan cluding your mood, memory and the future. It is also important to behaviors. Include a list of past and note that some forms of cognitive current medical problems, current decline are treatable.” prescriptions, over-the-counter To learn more about Alzheimer’s medications including vitamins or or other related dementia or resupplements. sources that can help individuals Most importantly, be sure to have and their families, visit alz.org or your list of questions and be precall the Alzheimer’s Association pared to answer the doctor’s ques- 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

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Septuagenarian Elaine Duclos keeps busy in the springtime by tapping a score of maple trees in her neighborhood and making maple syrup from the sap she collects

With buckets in hand, Elaine Duclos taps her front yard trees at her East Concord home. What started as tapping a few trees has become a spring time ritual.

17

Active Aging — Spring 2023

GEOFF FORESTER / Monitor staff

A one-time lesson has become a retirement hobby

By JEANNE LESTER and GEOFF FORESTER Concord Monitor

L

ike many people, Elaine Duclos was too busy raising children (six of them, in fact!) and caring for aging parents to spend much time cultivating enjoyable hobbies during her middle-aged years.

But it was during this busy season of life that she first tried tapping trees, inspired by one of her children’s school lessons.

One of her sons, Joshua, told of a teacher who was talking about tapping trees and how the practice of collecting sap to make maple syrup had been going on for centuries.

Joshua wanted to learn about that process first-hand, so Elaine got taps and whatever buckets or pails she had there in the house, and set about collecting some sap. She boiled the sap and made a little bit of syrup.

“Certainly not enough for six kids SEE MAPLE SYRUP PAGE 21

Elaine Duclos collects sap in her backyard in Concord to collect sap to boil on March 9.

GEOFF FORESTER photos / Monitor staff

18

Active Aging — Spring 2023

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Who says kids should have all the fun? At The Baldwin — an all-new Life Plan Community (CCRC) — we say this is your time. Make a splash in the pool. Dance, stretch, lift, and box in the fitness center.

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Senior Adventures in Real Estate A Breakfast Seminar with Local Experts

Saturday, May 6, 2023 McLane Center - NH Audubon 9:30am - 12:00pm 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord NH Are you ready to plan for your dream retirement but unsure about where to start? You probably have a lot of questions on your mind. Should you move or stay put and age in place? Would renting or buying be the better option for you? And what other options are available to you?

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maple-sugaring, but Elaine’s approach is decidedly minimalist.

Rather than using high-tech tools and collection containers, Elaine is content to use simple taps and paint pails for collection. Elaine’s practicality extends to the boiling methods also. She doesn’t boil on the wood stove, because when the water evaporates and the steam rises, that steam has some sugar in it from the sap. Sticky sugar is difficult to clean off the mantle near the wood stove, but much simpler to clean on the microwave door over the stove, and on the stove surface.

What prompted her to pick up and cultivate this hobby? Elaine says she has always loved being outside collecting kindling and working in her perennial and vegetable gardens. A few years ago she thought back to the fun she had tapping trees, and realized “Oh, this is a great thing I could do in the winter, besides shoveling snow.”

Like most things she does, Elaine decided to go “all in,” and as of this year, she has tapped 20 trees.

GEOFF FORESTER / Monitor staff Elaine Duclos skims the foam that collects as she boils the sap on her stove at This year, at age 77, Elaine is still her East Concord home. What started as tapping a few trees has become a producing very full buckets of sap spring time ritual. to transform into containers of golden syrup, and continues to enjoy working outdoors as often as heal, Elaine strategized about where size drill bit to use. she can. to drill, where not to drill, and what There is, of course, a science to

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and me. But it was fabulous. Joshua loved it,” Elaine explained.

Elaine’s busy life continued on, and she gave little thought to tapping trees again until a few years ago.

She started thinking about the beautiful maple trees on her property, and decided to try tapping a few. Eight or nine trees produced enough sap for her to boil, and she made syrup. Last year, Elaine progressed to tapping 14 or 15 trees, now producing enough syrup to give away to friends and family.

Elaine has also learned to adapt to the sometimes fickle patterns of nature that dictate quality and quantity of the sap she collects. For example, determining when to tap the trees based on the changing weather patterns from year to year meant realizing the sap could be running earlier this year. She decided to tap the trees the second week in February. She did find sap running, but said “there were some days where there was none because it was too cold during the day.”

Deciding where to tap the trees also became a variable. Having read that the same hole should not be used to tap the same place two years in a row because the tree needs to

21

MAPLE SYRUP FROM PAGE 18

Concord offers array of senior activities

By LAURA BRYANT City of Concord

C

oncord Parks and Recreation offers a robust Senior Citizen Program based at the City-Wide Community Center on Canterbury Road in Concord. The senior program is designed to offer free and low-cost programs for Senior Citizens, age 55 and older.

Concord/Penacook residents can obtain a free Senior Passport which gives them access to a majority of the programming offered. Non-residents can purchase a Senior Passport for $50 per year, which will give them access as well.

Programs offered under the Senior Passport include: indoor senior walking, coffee socials, book club, knitting group, adult coloring, trivia and monthly special events.

The walking program is one of the more popular activities, as many seniors find the gym’s poured rubber floor gentle on their joints when walking. The walking

group often meets outside in warmer months, to use the half mile walking trail that circles the park behind the community center.

In addition to the regularly scheduled programs, many special events such as holiday celebrations, musical performances, educational speakers, and luncheons are offered throughout the year for passport holders.

Senior programs that are offered outside of the Senior Passport program include Zumba Gold, Pickleball, Senior Fitness and a variety of yoga classes.

Concord Parks & Recreation has also partnered with the CAP Agency to offer monthly lunches to seniors. These lunches do require pre-registration, and a $2 donation for lunch is requested, but not required. Anyone interested can register by contacting the Senior Coordinator, Becky Bukowski.

The majority of these programs Courtesy take place during the senior proJordan Tirrell-Wysocki performs for seniors at the Concord City-wide gram drop-in hours, which are Community Center.

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Active Aging — Spring 2023

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A subsidiary of Independence Financial Advisors NE-415518

Community Volunteer Transportation Company CVTC provides “no-fee” transportation to nonemergency medical and support services through our Volunteer Driver Program. We serve Monadnock Region residents who lack access to transportation due to age, ability, income, or other limiting circumstances.

Serving the Monadnock Region

• Help your neighbors with transportation to non-emergency medical and support services. • Drive when you want, as often as you want. • Mileage reimbursement is available.

NE-415959

Call 1-877-428-2882 x 5 • www.cvtc-nh.org Concord-area seniors enjoy lunch at the City-wide Community Center.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The senior program is held in the designated Senior Lounge, and exact days and times of particular programs are shown on the calendar. The Senior Calendar is published monthly, and if you’d like to receive a copy, simply join the email list, visit the website, or stop by the front desk at

KATHLEEN JOHNSON

Courtesy

REALTOR, LISTING AGENT, BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE, AND PROPERTY MANAGER

the City-Wide Community Center.

The senior program is run by Senior Coordinator Becky Bukowski, who joined Concord Parks and Recreation in 2014. Since that time, Becky has added a variety of programs and events for seniors to enjoy. Becky can be reached via email rbukowski@concordnh.gov or phone 603-230-4982.

Call her for some expert advice!

Cell: (603) 562-5146 • Office: (603) 567-7155 44 Main St, #15, Peterborough, NH 03458

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Active Aging — Spring 2023

Digital Only

The learning opportunities continue

By TORI BERUBE

Over the years, OLLI has been my sher Lifelong Learning Insti- go-to organization for camaraderie, tute at the University of New Hampshire is a information, and fun. I am constantly “learning for the fun of it,” memberdriven, volunteer based educational amazed by the wide variety of classes, program for lifelong learners age 50 and older who are eager to explore events, and opportunities. I have enjoyed ideas and interests in a safe and relaxed environment, with a commu- offering classes, serving on committees, nity of peers. There are no tests, and most of all, learning about topics and grades, or college prerequisites required to join. In addition to more than 300 courses offered each year, areas I’d mused about before I left my events, trips, social activities, and formal job, but had never taken the time volunteer opportunities enhance member benefits.

Since 2004, OLLI at UNH has pro- to pursue.”

OLLI

O

vided intellectual, social, and cultural enrichment opportunities in a climate that fosters friendship and a mutual sharing of ideas and life experiences.

OLLI courses are held in and around four learning regions – Capital Region, Greater Manchester, Mount Washington Valley, and the Seacoast. Courses at OLLI at UNH differ each term, but often include

Jo Hendry, Class of 2012

courses in arts and humanities, history, personal enrichment, science and technology, and social sciences.

In-person courses meet in a classroom, at a host facility offsite, or outside enjoying New Hampshire’s beautiful scenery. A variety of courses are also offered online via

Zoom. Courses range from one class to multi-class sessions.

OLLI’s Special Interest Groups are an additional OLLI membership benefit. SIGs are designed to provide opportunity for members interested in a specific topic or who enjoy the same activity to get to-

gether on a regularly scheduled basis – whether it be in-person or online. SIGs can be organized as book and movie clubs, craft groups, or outdoor or community adventures.

An annual membership to OLLI at UNH is $40, with additional course fees beginning at $20.

OLLI at UNH is one of 125 Osher Institutes at colleges and universities nationwide, all of which are partially supported through funding from the Bernard Osher Foundation.

For additional information, please visit olli.granite.edu or call (603)513-1377.

Sample of courses Here is a sampling of just a few of the courses offered in the spring term:

Sociology, Religion, & Culture Camino de Santiago: Walk with Us on The Way – June 12 at 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Granite State College, 1750 Elm Street, Suite 104, ManchSEE OLLI PAGE 26

Retiring or Downsizing: Managing the Transition (Online Event) Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2023 Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Are you nearing retirement or considering downsizing? Join us for an informative seminar on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 5:30 PM hosted by Brenda Paradis, a Senior Real Estate Specialist of Hvizda Realty Group, David Duplessis of Team Duplessis with Luminate Home Loans, Ryan Poirier with Thrive Accounting, LLC and Candice O’Neil with Hudskins + O’Neil Estate Planning!

Active Aging — Spring 2023 24

NE-416142

We will discuss how to manage the transition and answer important questions such as:

Hosted by: Brenda Paradis Senior Real Estate Specialist with Hvizda Realty Group Ph: 603-242-2819 (O) 603-232-8282 x6675 brenda@hvizdateam.com

Co-Host: Ryan Poirier CPA with Thrive Accounting, LLC Ph: 603-420-9303 ryanpo@thriveacct.com

Co-Host: David Duplessis Branch Manager at Luminate Home Loans (Team Duplessis) Ph: 603-234- 2802 david.duplessis@goluminate.com

Co-Host: Candice O’Neil Managing Attorney with Hudkins + O’Neil Estate Planning Ph: 603 434 1770 candice@hudkinsandoneil.com

• How do I know when it’s time to make a lifestyle transition?

• What are my housing options?

• How can a Senior Real Estate Specialist help guide the process?

• What are the Financial considerations and options?

• How does a reverse mortgage work and is it right for me?

• Tax implications following the sale of my home?

• Capital gains tax?

• How will sale proceeds affect other sources of income and benefits?

• Top concerns at a certain stage of life?

• What are the basic documents everyone needs?

• How do we make things easy on our loved ones?

• What about Estate Taxes?

• What about the Nursing Home?

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and advice from industry experts. Register now and take the first step towards a successful transition to retirement or downsizing!

Registration link: https://bit.ly/retiringordownsizingseminar

Live in good company.

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.

Life in the company of friends.

Havenwood 33 Christian Avenue Concord, NH 03301 NE-414672

Heritage Heights 149 East Side Drive Concord, NH 03301

Toll Free: 1-800-457-6833 www.hhhinfo.com

25

Call 1-800-457-6833 to schedule a tour or visit hhhinfo.com to learn more!

Active Aging — Spring 2023

This continuingLife care retirement community offers in the company of friends. accommodations for assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing should the need arise.

All this in the company of friends.

OLLI FROM PAGE 24

ester The Camino de Santiago is a 500mile pilgrimage walk in Spain along old Roman roads and trade routes.

Thousands walk this path each year in search of spiritual enlightenment, physical challenge, and personal growth. Hear what it is like to be a modern-day pilgrim walking this journey.

Judaism & Healing – May 15, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. a Granite State College (Concord), 25 Hall Street, Concord, NH 03301 or online via Zoom Beginning with the Torah, we find Jewish prayers for and teachings on healing throughout Jewish history.

Some prayers and teachings appear in traditional sources, such as the Bible, Talmud, and Midrash (rabbinic interpretations of Biblical text). Others are found in folklore and stories. Regardless of the source, Judaism’s message is consistent: While we pray to God to bring healing, it is up to us to provide the love, support, and even treatments.

Learn about this rich tradition.

Histor y All Aboard the Orphan Train – May 23, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Granite

wartime and American environment which caused the author to write what has been called a “spiritual journey disguised as a children’s story” with its moral “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; the essential is invisible to the eye.” Required reading for this course includes The Little Prince by Jacki Fogarty, Class of 2017, OLLI at UNH member and presenter Antione de Saint-Exupery. SaintExupery: A Biography by Stacy Schiff State College, 25 Hall St., Concord of their stories and why the is suggested, but not required, Come hear the mournful whistle “placing-out” program finally reading. of the train as it carries abandoned stopped and make some connections to the foster care system of babies and children to be given Exploring the Community away across the country. When the today. trains stopped, the children were Black Heritage Trail of New displayed on the train platform for Literature Hampshire Walking Tour – May inspection for “placing-out.” If a 24, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Black HerChild of Exile: The Little Prince itage Trail, 222 Court Street, child was not selected, they got from the Sahara to New York – Portsmouth back on the train to wait for the Institutionalized slavery in ColoApril 17 & 24, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. next stop. Brothers and sisters nial America provided immense might be chosen at different stops, online via Zoom The beloved children’s book The wealth and material culture to many never to see each other again. In the European immigrants and their deLittle Prince, by the French writer 75-year history of the orphan scendants in the Americas, as and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exutrains, between 250,000 and Portsmouth’s house museums bear péry (1900-1944), was actually 600,000 children were relocated written in the New York City area in witness. This tour brings into focus without contact with their birth an economic system dependent 1942 while the author was in exile families. This class is dedicated to in the United States early in World upon the international slave trade the hundreds of thousands of chilwith its constant supply of kidWar II. This newly-expanded dren, then and now, living on the course explores how the book not napped unpaid African workers and streets and hoping for a better toonly reflects the life of the author, their descendants, who, against the morrow. We will explore the reaodds, created one of this country’s an air mail pilot in the 1920’s and sons for starting the trains, what oldest Black communities. happened to the children, tell some 1930’s, but also was created in a

I love knowing I’m making a contribution to a very worthwhile organization and that my particular skills have an appreciative audience in OLLI.”

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- What if after my death, my adult child divorces or dies? Will my estate transfer to their spouse? What about my grandchildren?

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- What if my adult child is battling creditors or drug addiction and inherits the estate?

Don’t miss this powerful educational session with critical guidance on grandchildren’s trusts for education; trusts for children with special needs; and how the SECURE Act affects your ability to create a multi-generational legacy.

May 2 Hooksett Public Library Hooksett May 4 Gibson Center for Senior Services North Conway May 10 Nashua Senior Center Nashua

May 16 Tracy Memorial Library New London May 22 Claremont Senior Center Claremont May 30 Grappone Conference Center Concord

Register at www.beasleyferber.com or call 1-800-370-5010 (More seminars being held throughout New Hampshire! See the website for a full listing.)

The Elder and Disability Law Firm

Attorney Edward Beasley

Concord, Bedford, Nashua, Exeter (NH) and North Andover (MA) Greg Gagne, ChFC www.beasleyferber.com

• Double reclining sofas and love seats? We have them.

• Recliners and rocker recliners? We have them.

• Medical lift chairs? A good selection in stock.

• Bedding? 60 pieces in our warehouse.

• Appliances? Many in stock with weekly arrivals.

Our sales reps last year saw the handwriting on the wall about manufacturing and delivery delays. We ordered early to be able to offer you the best selections of our inventory at this time.

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Active Aging — Spring 2023

-What if I lose my house and life savings to a nursing-home stay?

27

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

Orthopaedic Excellence is Here

Providing world-class Orthopaedic care, close to home Join Dr. Vache Hambardzumyan at the Health Fair starting at 1:30pm as he shares an overview of all the services provided by Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates with expert skill and human compassion. The Fair is free to the public.

• Spine Surgery • Hip and Knee Replacement • Shoulder Replacement • Fracture Care/ Management • Pediatric Orthopaedics • Arthroscopy • Physiatry/ Sports Medicine • Pain Management With a focus on innovative services including: • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery • Minimally invasive Carpal Tunnel Release • Limb lengthening and deformity correction

Monadnock Region Community Health Fair When: April 20, 2023 at 1:30 PM Where: Best Western Plus 401 Winchester St, Keene, NH 03431

28

Active Aging — Spring 2023

Presented by: Dr. Vache Hambardzumyan

A service of Monadnock Community Hospital

458 Old Street Road, Suite 200 | Peterborough, NH 03458 (603) 924-2144 | monadnockortho.org

We’re by your side so your loved one can stay at .

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Call (603) 668-6868 or visit HomeInstead.com/CentralNH PERSONAL CARE | MEALS & NUTRITION MEMORY CARE | HOSPICE SUPPORT Each Home Instead® office is an independently owned and operated franchise of Home Instead, Inc., an Honor Company. © 2023 Home Instead, Inc.

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Keeping up with gardening trends

By CRIS BLACKSTONE

tive gardening movement will be beneficial for you. “If it’s good for our body, it’s good for the Earth.”

Becoming an adaptive gardener y adapting our previously held ideas of what gives you a healthier approach to gardening, and allows you to take lawns and gardens care of your body, reaping all the should look like for us and our neighbors, and benefits we know time outdoors offers us. shifting to what we can do in our yards for all the insects, small Less maintenance, less mammals, birds, butterflies and moths, we are ready to slow down work for you You may be trying a No Mow and enjoy our outdoor spaces as May, to help dandelions feed early stewards of those areas. If you’ve emerging beneficial insects when been keeping up with some garprecious few flowers are blooming. dening trends, you may have alYou may have grown lazy and are ready replaced some of your lawn with some native plants to attract enjoying container gardens – and feed pollinators. These are all placing them not only near water trends in the positive direction of sources but even mixing flowers the adaptive gardening movement. and vegetables in one container.

Have you stepped up your raised Abandon the self-centered view bed affection and are now flirting and immerse yourself in the natural world you can enhance for all with raised beds on legs so you can sit comfortably or even stand living things. These new trends rather than kneel or bend over, to will be also very good for our Courtesy of Cris Blackstone tend plants in a really raised bed? bodies as we age. Whether you Remember, your garden is a place you share with many living creatures. Be These trends are science-based have already experienced a health grateful as you enhance your garden’s appeal to the birds calling it home just issue you need to care for or an inlike you do.

SEE GARDENING PAGE 30 jury you want to avoid, the adapUNH Cooperative Master Gardener

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Active Aging — Spring 2023

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29

PETERBOROUGH MARBLE AND GRANITE WORKS

GARDENING FROM PAGE 29

and data-proven. Gardening with ecologically meaningful purpose will mean less muscle strain and fewer injuries. Limit your need to weed, for instance, by planting dense ground cover, or locally sourced plants which have already proven they are well adapted to your area.

Reducing, reusing plastics With these trends in mind, how does the adaptive gardening movement utilize the additional idea of “keeping up with the times?”

Our awareness of the increasingly mounting deposit of plastic in our landfills, oceans and even farmer’s fields through the use of agricultural plastic use and microplastic dispersal everywhere (measured and monitored in our soils) can be disheartening. We can take some breaths of fresh air (even knowing micro-plastics are likely to be in that air) and realize there are experts in the horticulture industry working in creative ways to lessen the prevalence of plastic in our gardens. By finding creative ways to collect and recycle pots, for instance, we see the evolution of plastic sorting machines when pal-

lets full of the pots dutifully returned to our favorite garden centers are cleaned, sorted and recycled. But where are the newer trends for us to be aware of? How important is it we keep up with the times to help mitigate and in some small measure eradicate plastic use in the greenhouses where we love to browse, daydream and shop?

The best advice for keeping up with the times, now that you are an adaptive gardener following that philosophy and those trends, is to become familiar with QR codes. These are the small squares, in black and white tile patterns, on many items we see daily. You may be familiar with these on the merchandise you buy or have seen on museum displays even. QR codes are “Quick Response” links to internet information about a particular item. Smartphones are the way we can keep up with the times by getting comfortable scanning QR codes when we see them on plants or products in the garden centers.

Free to use, (some phones don’t even need a QR code reader app) you simply aim your phone camera at the QR code, and you are taken to the web or even YouTube linked to that item. By using QR codes, plant retailers are eliminating

plastic tags and large plastic informative sheets on each plant. You’ll get the same information from the website linked to the QR code as you would on a large plastic tab.

Think of that plastic no longer used – keep up with the times and support the movement and efforts shown by the companies omitting plastic tabs when a printed QR code can deliver even more information pertaining to the plant or product you’re considering.

Let nature be your guide Watch what’s growing. See what’s going on in your yard. This is the perfect time of year before all the plants fully leaf out, to notice all the nuances in your yard.

You will begin to see what is going on out there that you haven’t noticed before. If you see last season’s bird nests think about their location and assume the bird-identified features with great appeal. Can you enhance it by adding a bird bath or protected water source? Can you plant similar plants to the one where you spy the bird’s nest?

Imagine doing these things could attract another bird family because of that plant’s structure, color or growth habit.

Mental health benefits Phone apps to identify birds by their songs can be educational and rewarding to use. “Merlin” is a well- respected free app, and easy to use, by holding your phone the direction of the bird call or sound, and letting it listen. The names of the various birds heard and recorded through the open app will pop up along with a thumbnail picture of the bird to help you with visual identification and a sonogram of the song retained in your phone if you want to use that aspect of the app.

Be a lazy gardener, slow down, and listen while you learn.

Do you have elements of fun and whimsy in your garden so your “sit place” is entertaining with those light-hearted elements? Items that are sentimental or meaningful to you will add extra mental health benefits to your space.

The trends we follow as we adapt our lawns and gardens to our aging body’s ability to care for the property we steward will offer us multiple rewards. As the trends change, the reasons behind them will remain based in science and reinforce what adaptive gardeners need. Join the adaptive movement, be lazy, and reap the rewards.

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