CM ML Active Aging Fall 2025

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ENJOY THE

Lifestyle

Enjoy more time for the things you love, while RiverMead takes care of the rest. Stroll the on-campus trails, gardens, and riverfront. Take a course, attend a lecture, and savor a meal with new friends. Your future healthcare needs?

They’re covered.

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ASSISTED LIVING

MEMORY SUPPORT

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 helpful resources, volunteer opportunities, fun community events, educational progams, and social experiences to help you achieve your goals and stay connected.

Find us at aarp.org/nh.  /AARPNH

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ACTIVE AGING

Saturday, October 18, 2025

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Saturday, October 18, 2025

95 Wyman Road, Keene, NH 03431

ACTIVE AGING

Discover the ideal environment for staying active, engaged and living life to the fullest, with the added security of Lifecare—healthcare for life.

Call 1-877-313-2542 or visit CovLivingKeene.org to learn more.

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Fill your future with promise.

music

Staying active, inspired and connected

By LYNNE G. SABEAN CONCORD COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL

F

or more than 40 years, Concord Community Music School in Concord has provided a place where people of all ages can experience the benefits of making music together. In recent years, the school has expanded and reinvigorated music programs that align with the national movement in Creative Aging, which encourages older adults to keep learning, exploring and connecting through the arts.

These opportunities are not limited to those facing health challenges; they are designed for anyone who wishes to remain active, engaged and inspired later in life.

Executive Director Daniel Acsadi notes, “We see every day how older adults bring

curiosity, creativity and passion to their musical experiences. Our programs are about connecting with others while staying active and engaged. Whether you are a beginner, returning after years away, or pursuing music at an advanced level, music can lift us up, build our community and give voice to our humanity.”

Research consistently shows that music-making supports healthy aging by strengthening memory, focus, mood and social connections. At CCMS, older learners actively participate in group classes, private lessons, ensembles and workshops that emphasize accessibility and community. These include: ■ Songweavers Women’s Chorus, open without audition, is based on the belief

that everyone can sing.

■ New Horizons Band offers a welcoming environment for those learning an instrument for the first time, returning after a long break, or continuing to play in a concert band setting.

■ Noony Tunes Drop-In Folk Jam Sessions gather players of many instruments, from fiddles and guitars to bagpipes and dulcimers.

■ Canterbury Singers, in partnership with Canterbury Shaker Village, presents authentic Shaker songs alongside American folk and early music.

CCMS faculty member Audrey Budington describes the Noony Tunes jams as “all about the joy of sharing music together. Whether you’ve been playing for years or just picked up an instrument, there’s always a

Keep GrowinG ThrouGh Music

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ACTIVE AGING

Saturday, October 18, 2025

For more than 40 years, Concord Community Music School has been a place where older adults discover the joy of music and the friendships it brings.

From choruses and folk jams to beginner-friendly bands, there’s something for every interest and ability.

For those facing health or mobility challenges, our specialized expressive arts therapy programs use music and/or movement to build strength, confidence, and connection.

No prior experience is needed — just an openness to explore. Financial aid may be available.

Contact us today to learn how music can keep you inspired, active, and connected at every stage of life.

23 Wall St. Concord, NH 03301 ccmusicschool.org

603-228-1196

place for you in the circle.

It’s amazing how quickly strangers become friends once the tunes start flowing.”

Ruth Smith, who has sung all her life, first joined Songweavers when it debuted more than 30 years ago. She left for a while, then rejoined about 10 years ago.

When its former director retired in May 2023, Smith was encouraged to sing a solo – supported by her musical sisters. She notes that the Songweavers method of learning songs – without sheet music – is good for

her brain because she “has to really listen and focus to remember the lyrics and notes.”

Nicole Laurin, CCMS’s Director of Student Services, reports that the school’s oldest current enrollee is more than 90 years old, with many others in their 70s and 80s. Counting students in their 50s and beyond, hundreds of older adults engage in lessons, classes and ensembles at CCMS each week.

In addition to recreational options, the school offers therapeutic programs that

Active Aging Concord Monitor ads@cmonitor.com; features@cmonitor.com Monadnock Ledger-Transcript ads@ledgertranscript.com; news@ledgertranscript.com

use music and other modalities to support memory, mobility and emotional well-being: ■ Movement and Song for Memory and Mobility, designed for people with Parkinson’s, MS, ALS, or cognitive challenges.

■ Boots and Beats, a music-based support group for veterans and their families.

■ Energize Through Expression, for people with developmental disabilities and their care providers, focusing on social interaction, stress release and joyful expression.

Faculty member Tony Varga, who leads the veterans’ program, recalls one participant reflecting on the 1960s hit Leaving on a Jet Plane. Driving to the airport with his girlfriend after being drafted, the soldier remembered how the song took on new meaning overseas: “You know, we loved that song. But in Vietnam, we changed it a little. We used to sing, ‘Don’t know if

COURTESY

The New Horizons Band at the Concord Community Music School.

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Songweavers at the Concord Community Music School.

I’ll be back again.’ ” Alongside its licensed music and movement therapists, CCMS also engages Certified Music Practitioners (CMPs), who bring music into supportive, community-based settings. One example is the weekly Sunflower Singers, a sing-along group for people with developmental disabilities and their care providers. CMP

Katy Gibney describes the approach as creating “a nonjudgmental, accessible environment in which people can courageously express themselves through music,” adding that she views music and movement as essential elements in building healthy, connected communities.

CCMS delights in seeing students develop over the

years, discovering new musical paths, pushing their creative boundaries, and literally finding their voices.

For instance, Smith recently joined Northern Lights, an auditioned women’s chorus at CCMS. She says she’s “still actively employed, but figured out a way to make the daytime sessions work, because it stretches me and keeps me learning.” Smith’s

experience highlights a broader truth: when older adults are given the chance to explore, create and collaborate, the benefits ripple beyond music into every part of their lives.

Lynne G. Sabean is Director of Development and Marketing at the Concord Community Music School.

Visit the school’s site at ccmusicschool.org.

This ad sponsored by Volunteer NH.

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ACTIVE AGING

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Saturday, October 18, 2025

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cover story

Staying active and engaged for life

By JENNIFER BRECHTEL GRANITE VNA

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Saturday, October 18, 2025

ging is a natural part of life, but how we age can make all the difference. Active aging is not just about staying physically fit, it’s about nurturing our minds, maintaining social ties, and continuing to do the things we love.

Physical activity is not only good for our bodies, but also essential to our overall well-being. Regular movement helps us maintain strength, balance, and flexibility, reducing the risk of falls and chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. But the benefits go far beyond physical health.

Engaging regularly with others is linked to mental sharpness, emotional resilience, and a sense of purpose. Whether it’s learning something new, volunteering, or simply spending time with family and friends, these interactions help keep our minds alert and our spirits high.

Active aging is not just about staying physically fit, it’s about nurturing our minds, maintaining social ties, and continuing to do the things we love.” fuels your body and supports strengthen our resilience. healing. Preparing and sharing a meal with others or joining a friend Keep it social for lunch at a local café are even Loneliness and isolation negabetter! tively affect our health as much as physical inactivity and emotional Movement and Flex your brain disconnection. That’s why staying nutrition are good Keeping our brains active is just socially connected is vital to our medicine as important as moving our bodies. wellbeing. Even small interactions Gentle exercise like walking, Reading, doing crossword puzzles can make a big difference. Many stretching, and chair yoga can imand brain teasers, and learning older adults find fulfillment in volprove circulation, boost energy, and something new all stimulate and unteering or mentoring others, ease joint pain. Nutrition also plays strengthen cognitive function. which can be a meaningful way to a key role in our health, but older Mindfulness practices such as medi- stay involved and give back. Others adults, especially those who live tation or journaling can reduce find joy and connection in particialone, sometimes struggle to prestress and improve our mood, and pating in group outings through staying emotionally connected pare nutritious meals. Preparing their local senior centers, attending and eating balanced meals rich in through family, friends, faith, or community events, or simply fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins hobbies can nurture our spirit and calling a friend.

Physical wellness, mental and emotional health, and social engagement all contribute to active aging, allowing us to live life on our own terms for as long as possible.

Home health’s role in active aging

While all this may seem overwhelming, the good news is you don’t have to do it alone.

In addition to home-based health care and hospice services, Granite VNA offers a wide array of community education and wellness programs that promote balance and mobility, strengthen cognitive functioning, encourage social interaction and more.

The full calendar of programs is available on our website at granitevna.org/calendar.

We are committed to helping older adults in our community live their best lives and thrive – not just survive.

Jennifer Brechtel is the Director of Community Engagement at Granite VNA.

COURTESY

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Granite VNA Community Health Educator Kelli Anaya leads a “Healthy Steps for Older Adults” fall prevention program.

finance

Guiding parents through financial decisions

By LIANA POODIACK AND TRAVIS POODIACK

The best time to talk about the future is before a crisis forces the cont’s one of life’s quiet role rever- versation. The goal isn’t to take control — it’s to understand your parsals — the moment you realize ents’ priorities and make sure their your parents need your help managing the very things they once wishes guide the next steps. guided you through.

Organize the essentials That moment may come sooner Organize key financial and legal than you think. According to the New Hampshire State Commission details, such as account informaon Aging, more than one in four res- tion, insurance policies, property idents (26.7%) are now 60 or older; records, and estate documents. a number expected to grow dramat- Having this information clearly documented and safely stored creically over the next 25 years. As a result, supporting and guiding aging ates peace of mind for the whole family. parents as they make decisions If your parents are open to it, setabout their finances, health, and future will likely become part of many ting up online access for bill payments or account monitoring can family stories across the Granite make daily management easier, esState.

Every family’s situation is unique. pecially as tasks like writing checks However, a few proactive steps can or visiting the bank become more challenging. make the transition smoother and preserve your parents’ indepenProtect their independence.

I

Start the conversation before it’s urgent

dence and their accounts

Older adults are frequent targets

of financial scams, making vigilance essential. Consider setting up account alerts for unusual transactions or low balances. Some banks offer “read-only” access, allowing a trusted family member to monitor activity without moving funds. If cognitive or physical decline becomes a concern, discuss a durable power of attorney — a document that authorizes someone your parents trust to act on their behalf if needed. Putting legal safeguards in place before they’re required ensures decisions are made thoughtfully, not under pressure.

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Reach out for guidance

Helping parents navigate financial transitions is rarely just about numbers. It’s about preserving their dignity, easing worry, and ensuring they feel supported rather than managed. Even the most organized families can benefit from professional insight. A Certified Financial Planner or elder law attorney can Simplify and support help align finances, taxes, and estate documents so everyone underManaging too many accounts or payment schedules can be stressful stands the full picture.

When families approach these at any age. Consolidating financial accounts, automating recurring pay- conversations with patience, ments, and reviewing investment or clarity, and care, they build more than a financial plan — they build insurance coverage together can peace of mind for generations. make life simpler.

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Discover a lifestyle designed for wellness, community, y and peace of mind. y, Reach out to 603-821-1200 for more information today!

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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.”

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- — Saturday, October 18, 2025

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 blend the time-teste with innovative medical s so you can L

Call (603 to schedule a 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

integrative medicine. Specializing in chronic pain cases, specifically those that have been deemed ‘hopeless’ or ‘untreatable,’ she consistently generates unparalleled results.

What was once a missing link in senior healthcare is now easily accessible to the residents in and around Concord.

If you’ve missed too many tee times because of pain or you passed on going for a night out on the town because you are afraid of falling, it’s time to call Dr. Kristen Markwith and the staff at Trend.

It’s time you let your golden years be GOLDEN! To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call (603) 456-8294, a patient care coordinator will be happy to assist you.

To learn more about Dr. Markwith and Trend Acupuncture, please visit us at www.trendacupuncture.com

- — Saturday, October 18, 2025

3) 456-8294 a consultation! eet, Unit 2, Concord, NH cupuncture.com

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

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ed science of acupuncture solutions to treat your pain, LIVE your life.

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.

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personal finance

Hidden impacts on taxpayers, employers

By LARRY SCHWARTZ

tive to make charitable contributions.

The media told us that the Stanhere is much that American dard Deduction would be almost citizens need to know about double and that meant that most of changes in tax law that came us would have less taxable income – about as a result of two significant government bills that dramatically or would we? Some average upset what we were accustomed to working people did realize a slight reduction in taxable income, but for most of our lives. Some of the there was a huge thing that we were changes were reported in the not told. When we filed our 2017 media, but much was left in the dark only to be discovered – if you returns, we were able to deduct were lucky – when tax returns were $4,050 from our taxable income for every member of our household. filed.

So, a couple with four children The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could deduct $24,300. That was (TCJA) was advertised as being a completely taken away. This means law that would simplify taxes.

When we filed in 2019 for 2018, we that such a family actually saw a siglearned that the old two-page 1040 nificant increase in their tax liaform was now two 1040 half pages bility in 2018. And that is still applus six Schedules that would hold plies to the 2024 tax returns and all going forward. The most wellmore details. Along with that, the use of Schedule A for itemized de- hidden negative affect of that elimiductions was eliminated for the ma- nation of the personal exemption deduction is what it did to emjority of Americans. No need to ployers. All across this nation, empresent your vehicle registration anymore and there was less incen- ployers are still having trouble cal-

T

culating proper withholding for their employees. All that we knew and could remember was that when we were hired and completed a W-4 form, we claimed 0. 1, 2, 3, 4, exemptions and that was a perfect way that an employee could control their withholding. Claiming zero would ensure a refund. For the employer, all they had to do was look up your status in Publication 15 and they would see a number. All of that is gone and the new W-4 – which took the IRS two years to produce – is sadly inadequate. This and much more is covered in my book Taxes, Trouble, and Truth.

The 2025 law is called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and it primarily extends the 2017 provisions that would have expired at the end of 2025. Standard Deductions are increased significantly for seniors, but what gets overlooked is that many – those who only receive Social Security benefits and perhaps a small pension already – have zero

tax liability. So once again, those who are most in need of financial support get no help at all. What the OBBBA does do is give a CEO making $50,000,000 per year a $1,000,000 tax reduction.

There is much more to reveal about the two new bills, but that is all federal. Here in the state of New Hampshire, we have another problem. The state interest and dividends tax has been completely repealed and that is effective starting in 2025. This repeal helps wealthy folks avoid state tax on the income derived from investments. But at what cost to the rest of us? Our state will miss out on at least $150,000,000 income from the I & D, and that shortfall will either be made up by increases in other taxes – like property tax – or there will be significant cuts in services. Only time will tell and I am hoping for the best.

Larry Schwartz is a tax expert who lives in Hancock.

Stay Active, Independent and Connected

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Trusts, Estates, and Probate Administration

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Our wellness and active aging programs help older adults stay healthy, engaged, and independent through education, encouragement, and social connection.

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Explore our program offerings today: (603) 224-4093 (800) 924-8620 Offices in Concord, Laconia & Wolfeboro www.granitevna.org

FEDERAL CUTS THREATEN SENIOR CARE! In Concord, nursing home advocates were grateful that Governor Ayotte and legislators rejected Medicaid care cuts, and provided funding to better process Medicaid long-term care applications.

However, now there is fear over the long-term effects upon state budgets and health care from severe Medicaid cuts in the federal budget signed by President Trump. And because that budget will add $4.1 trillion to the federal deficit, it will also trigger automatic 4% Medicare payment cuts no later than January.

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PLEASE ask our members of Congress to spare Medicare from cuts due to the federal budget deficit.

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Saturday, October 18, 2025

For more information, see

planning ahead

REGISTER NOW! 2025 New Hampshire Caregiver’s Conference Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 • 8am-4pm The Grappone Conference Center, Concord, NH

“The Last Dance: Facing Alzheimer’s with Love and Laughter”

Keynote Presenter: Annie Kuster

Online Registration: https://p2p.onecause.com/19acc/ event/caregivers-registration

Saturday, October 18, 2025

The Last Dance is our family’s story about learning to “swim in the deep end of the lake” when the woman we all loved best, our matriarch former N.H. Senator Susan McLane was slipping away one day at a time, to Alzheimer’s disease.

By L. PHILLIPS RUNYON III

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’m going to assume you’ve fully executed all those important planning documents – you have, right? – and I’m going to talk instead about what to do with them now.

So, let’s say you’ve just executed your new will, even a revocable trust, and some durable powers of attorney and health care directives.

First, where’s the best place for the originals? Not surprisingly, my suggestion is to leave them right there where you signed them all – in your lawyer’s office where they’ll be placed in a secure vault or fireproof filing cabinet. That way, you’ll never have to worry about which drawer you put them in at home or where the key is to your safe deposit box. And while the latter is certainly safe, the contents may not be readily accessible if you’re gone and someone else is trying to get into the box. How do we know these are real problems? Because we always provide people with binders containing copies of their documents – and they frequently can’t find those. And once they’ve left us, we occasionally need to have their boxes drilled when no one can locate their keys. But let’s say you’ve overcome that hurdle and the question is who to give copies of the documents to. Let’s start with the easy one. If you’ve executed a health care directive that designates one or more agents to make health care and medical decisions for you if you can’t do it yourself, then make sure those folks have copies of the document in case they need to prove their authority in an emergency. Of course, it’s critical for

your physicians also to have copies so they’ll know who to contact (and how to do it) if that time comes.

Say also that you’re having surgery performed at another facility, you’ll want to make sure that one receives a copy, as well, when you arrive for your pre-op visit. Finally, because we travel more than ever these days, it’s a good idea to take a copy of that document with you on the road (like copies of your credit cards and passport), and I even keep a copy on my phone. Alright, but what about the other important lifetime planning document – the durable power of attorney for legal and financial affairs? It’s my humble suggestion not to turn over copies of that one until the time comes for your agent to actually use it to do your business. There are two reasons. First, it’s unusual for a financial or legal emergency to arise that would require your agent to act under the same kind of circumstances as for medical purposes; and second, a copy of that document is just as powerful as the original, so handing over even a copy is tantamount to giving someone your checkbook and hoping they’ll do the right thing. In all likelihood, they will (or you wouldn’t have named them as your agents in the first place); however, we’ve seen enough unfortunate situations over the years to know that financial stress can be a dangerous motivator. You know how it goes – agents get in a bind themselves; figure they’ll just take a temporary loan from, say, mom’s or dad’s surplus funds; then they can’t stop doing so or can’t afford to pay back what they’ve borrowed. And that’s

For more information contact: Ellen Edgerly, 603-834-9570 or Ellen@bianh.org or visit the Coalition of Caring’s website at www.coalitionofcaring.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoalitionofCaring/ Twitter https://twitter.com/coalitioncaring

ACTIVE AGING 16

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Maybe it would diffuse problems later on if you sat down with the primary beneficiaries and discussed some of the choices before you actually make them” just the most innocent scenario.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen downright abuse occur more than a few times that jeopardizes the financial security of [often] a senior family member. Just be careful, that’s all.

As for copies of the will and/or trust documents, that’s another call you’ll have to make. On the one hand, people say they want to be as transparent as possible with their family members, so there are no surprises later on and everyone knows what to expect. That’s certainly a commendable viewpoint in principle, but it can lead to awkward, even negative, results in some cases – of which I’ll mention a couple. What if the parents decide to name one of the children as their “go-to” agent for executor and trusteeship, and that creates jealousies or hurt feelings among the others? What if mom and dad aren’t treating all the children the same, perhaps because one needs more help than another, or what if one of the children isn’t financially responsible and won’t receive a share outright but will have that share held in trust for some additional period of time? These may all be perfectly valid decisions based on the family dynamics, but why cause potential damage to the family relationships before the time actually comes? A carefully written letter left with those documents could convey the parents’ thinking

and there wouldn’t be any harm done in the meantime. Also, fully laying out the plan could cause hard feelings if subsequent events mean a change in those plans needs to be made. Finally, putting all the financial resources on the table could sap the children’s incentive to do their own things if they think they’ll eventually be set for life no matter what they do for themselves. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that the family be kept completely in the dark about everything until you’re gone. I’m only urging that thoughtful decisions be made about the communications, taking into account the potential consequences of this or that disclosure and when it’s made. And here’s a novel thought if you’re still wondering what to do about all this. Maybe it would diffuse problems later on if you sat down with the primary beneficiaries and discussed some of the choices before you actually make them. Then at least you may have better information to work with, you may get a better sense of what roles are most important to all the cast members, and you may be able to head off some of the problems before they rise to a troublesome level.”

L. Phillips Runyon III has practiced estate and trust law in Peterborough for the past 50 years. He was also presiding justice of the 8th Circuit Court for 27 years.

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DOWNSIZING AS YOU AGE

By LAURA M. DUDZIAK UPTON & HATFIELD

D

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ACTIVE AGING

Saturday, October 18, 2025

ownsizing material possessions is often a natural part of transitioning to a simpler, more manageable life as people age. It can mean moving to a smaller home, selling a home and renting, moving to a retirement community or moving in with family members. It can also mean simply selling or disposing of unwanted personal possessions. There are several benefits to downsizing, including reducing home maintenance costs, providing liquid funds from the sale of a home and having fewer possessions to manage and therefore less “stuff” for loved ones to sort out when you die.

Downsizing allows you to take control of your future with a sense of calm and meaning. It also alleviates some of the burden from your loved ones. At a time when they will be grieving

Downsizing allows you to take control of your future with a sense of calm and meaning." your loss, the added pressure of sorting through decades-worth of personal possessions to determine who gets what and what goes to the dump or to charity might seem daunting.

Some estate planning considerations to keep in mind when downsizing include tax implications associated with selling a home, distribution of assets, and/or transferring or gifting assets to children during your lifetime. Reviewing your estate plan to ensure it reflects your wishes and accounts for changes made when downsizing is important. It is also important to review your goals for the future, both financial and healthcare. Will selling

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your home help you achieve your financial goals? Are you in good health and what level of care might you need in the future?

Will a smaller, more manageable home help you stay independent longer?

While downsizing provides numerous benefits, it also involves letting go and that can be hard. We become emotionally attached to items that invoke fond memories of a time gone by, but the truth is, your child likely does not want their first pair of shoes or their third-grade artwork project. There are practical and emotional decisions involved, and it can be difficult to sort through these personal be-

longings collected over many years and decide what to donate or otherwise dispose of. Family heirlooms might be passed on to family members and other useful items not needed in the future might be donated to local charities. It can be empowering to take control and make these decisions yourself while you are able to do so.

It is important to consult with your estate planning attorney to ensure that your legal documents reflect any changes made during the process of downsizing.

Laura M. Dudziak is an attorney at Upton & Hatfield LLP. Learn more at uptonhatfield.com.

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10 healthy habits for your brain

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By BY MELISSA GRENIER / ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION

P

ositive, everyday actions can make a difference in brain health, even lowering the risk of cognitive decline and possibly Alzheimer’s and dementia. Incorporate some or all of these habits into your life to help maintain a healthy brain.

A Service of Monadnock Community Hospital

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

Some tips for success: ■ Think about the support you need to make changes or overcome any obstacles. For example, find a friend who would like to join you in making changes.

■ Build on things you like or are already doing — it can make it easier to stick with a change.

SEE HABITS PAGE 21

HABITS FROM PAGE 20

Stay in school Education reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Encourage youth to stay in school and pursue the highest level of training possible. Continue your own education by taking a class at a local library or college, or online.

Get moving Engage in regular exercise. This includes activities that raise your heart rate and increase blood flow to the brain and body. Find ways to build more movement into your day — walking, dancing, gardening — whatever works for you!

Protect your head Help prevent an injury to your head. Wear a helmet for activities like biking, and wear a seatbelt.

Protect yourself while playing sports. Do what you can to prevent falls, especially for older adults.

Be smoke-free Quitting smoking can lower the risk of cognitive decline back to levels similar to those who have not smoked. It’s never too late to stop.

Manage diabetes Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or controlled by eating healthier, increasing physical activity and taking medication, if necessary.

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Eat right Eating healthier foods can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline. This includes more vegetables and leaner meats/proteins, along with foods that are less processed and lower in fat. Choose healthier meals and snacks that you enjoy and are available to you.

Maintain a healthy weight Talk to your health care provider about the weight that is healthy for you. Other healthy habits on this list — eating right, exercising and sleeping well — can help with maintaining a healthy weight.

Sleep well Good quality sleep is important for brain health. Stay off screens before bed and make your sleep space as comfortable as possible.

Do all you can to minimize disruptions. If you have any sleep-related problems, such as sleep apnea, talk to a health care provider.

Melissa Grenier, LCSW, is Regional Manager, NH, for the Alzheimer’s Association. Learn more at www.alz.org.

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Be curious! Put your brain to work and do something that is new for you. Learn a new skill. Try something artistic. Challenging your mind may have short- and long-term benefits for your brain.

Medications can help lower high blood pressure. And healthy habits like eating right and physical activity can help, too. Work with a health care provider to control your blood pressure.

ACTIVE AGING

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■ Know that you don’t have to make big changes overnight. Start small and be kind to yourself, and your healthy habits will start to add up.

■ Keep in mind that it’s never too early or too late to build healthy habits.

exercise

Variety is the spice of exercise

By HAL CARTER The benefits of exercise as we age are well-documented. The benefits of Active Aging include physical health benefits (maintaining muscle mass and bone density), mental health benefits (cognitive function, mood enhancement and social interaction), functional benefits (balance and coordination, flexibility and endurance) and overall quality of life (independence, better sleep, and longevity). But too often we overlook how participation in a wide variety of exercises can maximize this benefit and how variety can make the benefits available even as our bodies inevitably age.

Over the years, I have been able to participate in a wide variety of exercises through avenues such as membership at the YMCA, participation in clubs (running, orienteering, etc.) and hiking with friends. But more recently, I have been able to easily enjoy a wider variety of exercise options when I moved into the

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■ Hiking: Group hiking is a wonderful outdoor activity for older adults who want to enhance their physical well-being and combat loneliness. The HHH Hiking Club has a monthly newsletter mailing list of about 100 people and about 30 regular hikers. At least four planned hikes every month year-round, ranging from 1 to 2-mile walks on essentially flat ground to 4 to 6-mile hikes up and down hills and mountains, give the hikers a variety of opportunities to experience the level of exercise they are comfortable with. Recently, a subgroup of hikers made up of people who need mobility assistance– a cane, walker, wheelchair or scooter – have been meeting to traverse paved trails and benefit from being outdoors and soHavenwood residents enjoy ways to stay active. cially engaged. All of these activities combine gentle exercise, social Havenwood Heritage Heights cess to this variety. It just makes the bonding and immersive nature experiences into one package. (“HHH”) retirement community – whole process easier.

■ Strength Training: Strength Some of the various types of exera type of “one-stop shopping.” Of course, you don’t need to reside in a cise that seniors should consider in- training is beneficial for seniors as it retirement community to have acclude: helps maintain muscle mass, im-

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Havenwood residents enjoy ways to stay active.

■ Pickleball: The sport of Pickleball has become extremely popular recently, including for senior citizens. It helps with agility, hand-eye coordination, and stamina, and is just plain fun. There are a number of pickleball courts in Concord that can be located through an online search. We at HHH are lucky to have our own pickleball court.

Engaging in a variety of activities as we age helps us avoid settling into a tiresome routine. There are types of exercise for just about everyone, even someone whose physical abilities are reduced due to the aging process. So let’s all get out there and do things that keep us moving.

Hal Carter lives at Havenwood Heritage Heights in Concord.

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ACTIVE AGING

HHH residents have classes available to them on a weekly basis.

■ Dance: Dancing promotes balance and coordination as well as cognition and social interaction.

There are many opportunities for all types of dancing in and near Concord. At HHH there is a “barn dance” once a month with live music and an experienced dance caller.

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prove bone density, and enhance overall mobility and quality of life.

As we age, this can even be done sitting down. There are many exercise facilities in Concord that provide strength training equipment. We are fortunate at HHH since there are two gyms with this equipment available for our use. But this can be done using household items or even just your own body weight.

■ Silver Sneakers: Silver Sneakers is a program offering aerobic and strength training exercises and wellness resources geared to senior citizens. The program is offered in many health clubs and online. We are fortunate at HHH to have a resident who is trained as a Silver Sneakers exercise leader and leads exercise classes two days a week for residents.

■ Qigong and Tai Chi: These Chinese systems of coordinated posture and movement, breathing, and meditation are especially helpful to actively aging individuals since they help with coordination, balance and flexibility. These types of exercise can even be adapted to be done sitting down or while holding onto a chair. There are a number of organizations that have qigong and tai chi classes in the Concord area. Again,

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ACTIVE AGING Saturday, October 18, 2025