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.
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.
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@AARPNH
By LYNNE G. SABEAN CONCORDCOMMUNITY MUSICSCHOOL
Formorethan40years, ConcordCommunity MusicSchoolinConcordhasprovidedaplace wherepeopleofallagescan experiencethebenefitsof makingmusictogether.In recentyears,theschoolhas expandedandreinvigorated musicprogramsthatalign withthenationalmovement inCreativeAging,whichencouragesolderadultsto keeplearning,exploringand connectingthroughthearts. Theseopportunitiesarenot limitedtothosefacing healthchallenges;theyare designedforanyonewho wishestoremainactive,engagedandinspiredlaterin life.
ExecutiveDirectorDaniel Acsadinotes,“Weseeevery dayhowolderadultsbring
curiosity,creativityandpassiontotheirmusicalexperiences.Ourprogramsare aboutconnectingwith otherswhilestayingactive andengaged.Whetheryou areabeginner,returning afteryearsaway,orpursuingmusicatanadvanced level,musiccanliftusup, buildourcommunityand givevoicetoourhumanity.”
Researchconsistently showsthatmusic-making supportshealthyagingby strengtheningmemory, focus,moodandsocialconnections.AtCCMS,older learnersactivelyparticipate ingroupclasses,private lessons,ensemblesand workshopsthatemphasize accessibilityandcommunity.Theseinclude:
■ SongweaversWomen’s Chorus,openwithoutaudition,isbasedonthebelief
thateveryonecansing.
■ NewHorizonsBandoffersawelcomingenvironmentforthoselearningan instrumentforthefirst time,returningafteralong break,orcontinuingtoplay inaconcertbandsetting.
■ NoonyTunesDrop-In FolkJamSessionsgather playersofmanyinstruments,fromfiddlesandguitarstobagpipesanddulcimers.
■ CanterburySingers,in partnershipwithCanterburyShakerVillage,presentsauthenticShaker songsalongsideAmerican folkandearlymusic.
CCMSfacultymember AudreyBudingtondescribes theNoonyTunesjamsas “allaboutthejoyofsharing musictogether.Whether you’vebeenplayingfor yearsorjustpickedupan instrument,there’salwaysa
placeforyouinthecircle. It’samazinghowquickly strangersbecomefriends oncethetunesstart flowing.”
RuthSmith,whohassung allherlife,firstjoinedSongweaverswhenitdebuted morethan30yearsago.She leftforawhile,thenrejoinedabout10yearsago. Whenitsformerdirector retiredinMay2023,Smith wasencouragedtosinga solo–supportedbyhermusicalsisters.Shenotesthat theSongweaversmethodof learningsongs–without sheetmusic –isgoodfor
herbrainbecauseshe“has toreallylistenandfocusto rememberthelyricsand notes.”
NicoleLaurin,CCMS’sDirectorofStudentServices, reportsthattheschool’s oldestcurrentenrolleeis morethan90yearsold,with manyothersintheir70s and80s.Countingstudents intheir50sandbeyond, hundredsofolderadultsengageinlessons,classesand ensemblesatCCMSeach week.
Inadditiontorecreational options,theschooloffers therapeuticprogramsthat
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usemusicandothermodalitiestosupportmemory, mobilityandemotional well-being:
■ MovementandSongfor MemoryandMobility,designedforpeoplewith Parkinson’s,MS,ALS,or cognitivechallenges.
■ BootsandBeats,a music-basedsupportgroup forveteransandtheirfamilies.
■ EnergizeThroughExpression,forpeoplewith developmentaldisabilities andtheircareproviders,focusingonsocialinteraction, stressreleaseandjoyfulexpression.
FacultymemberTony Varga,wholeadstheveterans’program,recallsone participantreflectingonthe 1960shitLeavingonaJet Plane.Drivingtotheairport withhisgirlfriendafter beingdrafted,thesoldierrememberedhowthesong tookonnewmeaningoverseas:“Youknow,weloved thatsong.ButinVietnam, wechangeditalittle.We usedtosing,‘Don’tknowif
I’llbebackagain.’”
Alongsideitslicensed musicandmovementtherapists,CCMSalsoengages CertifiedMusicPractitioners(CMPs),whobring musicintosupportive,community-basedsettings.One exampleistheweeklySunflowerSingers,asing-along groupforpeoplewithdevelopmentaldisabilitiesand theircareproviders.CMP
KatyGibneydescribesthe approachascreating“anonjudgmental,accessibleenvironmentinwhichpeople cancourageouslyexpress themselvesthroughmusic,” addingthatsheviewsmusic andmovementasessential elementsinbuilding healthy,connectedcommunities.
CCMSdelightsinseeing studentsdevelopoverthe
years,discoveringnewmusicalpaths, pushingtheir creativeboundaries,andliterallyfindingtheirvoices. Forinstance,Smithrecently joinedNorthernLights,an auditionedwomen’schorus atCCMS.Shesaysshe’s “stillactivelyemployed,but figuredoutawaytomake thedaytimesessionswork, becauseitstretchesmeand keepsmelearning.”Smith’s
experiencehighlightsa broadertruth:whenolder adultsaregiventhechance toexplore,createandcollaborate,thebenefitsripple beyondmusicintoevery partoftheirlives.
LynneG.SabeanisDirectorofDevelopmentand MarketingattheConcord CommunityMusicSchool. Visittheschool’ssiteatccmusicschool.org.
Havenwood Heritage Heights is a vibrant, friendly and unpretentious community on two campuses filled with resort-style amenities. Here, you’ll find an appealing selection of maintenance–free homes, including nine new cottages. The community offers an outdoor sports complex, fitness centers, indoor and outdoor pools, movie theater, Main Street and a variety of dining options.
This continuing care retirement community offers accommodations for assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing should the need arise. All this in the company of friends.
By JENNIFER BRECHTEL GRANITEVNA
Agingisanaturalpartoflife, buthowweagecanmakeall thedifference.Activeagingis notjustaboutstayingphysicallyfit, it’saboutnurturingourminds, maintainingsocialties,andcontinuingtodothethingswelove.
Physicalactivityisnotonlygood forourbodies,butalsoessentialto ouroverallwell-being.Regular movementhelpsusmaintain strength,balance,andflexibility,reducingtheriskoffallsandchronic conditionslikeheartdiseaseanddiabetes.Butthebenefitsgofarbeyondphysicalhealth.
Engagingregularlywithothersis linkedtomentalsharpness,emotionalresilience,andasenseofpurpose.Whetherit’slearningsomethingnew,volunteering,orsimply spendingtimewithfamilyand friends,theseinteractionshelp keepourmindsalertandourspirits 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.”
Physicalwellness,mentaland emotionalhealth,andsocialengagementallcontributetoactive aging,allowingustolivelifeonour owntermsforaslongaspossible.
Gentleexerciselikewalking, stretching,andchairyogacanimprovecirculation,boostenergy,and easejointpain.Nutritionalsoplays akeyroleinourhealth,butolder adults,especiallythosewholive alone,sometimesstruggletopreparenutritiousmeals.Preparing andeatingbalancedmealsrichin fruits,vegetables,andleanproteins
fuelsyourbodyandsupports healing.Preparingandsharinga mealwithothersorjoiningafriend forlunchatalocalcaféareeven better!
Keepingourbrainsactiveisjust asimportantasmovingourbodies. Reading,doingcrosswordpuzzles andbrainteasers,andlearning somethingnewallstimulateand strengthencognitivefunction. Mindfulnesspracticessuchasmeditationorjournalingcanreduce stressandimproveourmood,and stayingemotionallyconnected throughfamily,friends,faith,or hobbiescannurtureourspiritand
strengthenourresilience.
Lonelinessandisolationnegativelyaffectourhealthasmuchas physicalinactivityandemotional disconnection.That’swhystaying sociallyconnectedisvitaltoour wellbeing.Evensmallinteractions canmakeabigdifference.Many olderadultsfindfulfillmentinvolunteeringormentoringothers, whichcanbeameaningfulwayto stayinvolvedandgiveback.Others findjoyandconnectioninparticipatingingroupoutingsthrough theirlocalseniorcenters,attending communityevents,orsimply callingafriend.
Whileallthismayseem overwhelming,thegood newsisyoudon’thavetodoit alone.
Inadditiontohome-based healthcareandhospiceservices,GraniteVNAoffersa widearrayofcommunityeducationandwellnessprogramsthatpromotebalance andmobility,strengthencognitivefunctioning,encourage socialinteractionandmore. Thefullcalendarofprograms isavailableonourwebsiteat granitevna.org/calendar.
Wearecommittedto helpingolderadultsinour communitylivetheirbest livesandthrive–notjustsurvive.
JenniferBrechtelistheDirectorofCommunityEngagementatGraniteVNA.
COURTESY Granite VNACommunity Health EducatorKelli Anaya leadsa“HealthyStepsforOlder Adults” fall prevention program.
By LIANA POODIACK AND TRAVIS POODIACK
It’soneoflife’squietrolereversals themomentyourealize yourparentsneedyourhelp managingtheverythingstheyonce guidedyouthrough.
Thatmomentmaycomesooner thanyouthink.Accordingtothe NewHampshireStateCommission onAging,morethanoneinfourresidents(26.7%)arenow60orolder; anumberexpectedtogrowdramaticallyoverthenext25years.Asa result,supportingandguidingaging parentsastheymakedecisions abouttheirfinances,health,andfuturewilllikelybecomepartofmany familystoriesacrosstheGranite State.
Everyfamily’ssituationisunique. However,afewproactivestepscan makethetransitionsmootherand preserveyourparents’independence.
Start the conversation before it’s urgent
Thebesttimetotalkaboutthefutureisbeforeacrisisforcestheconversation.Thegoalisn’ttotakecontrol it’stounderstandyourparents’prioritiesandmakesuretheir wishesguidethenextsteps.
Organizekeyfinancialandlegal details,suchasaccountinformation,insurancepolicies,property records,andestatedocuments. Havingthisinformationclearly documentedandsafelystoredcreatespeaceofmindforthewhole family.
Ifyourparentsareopentoit,settinguponlineaccessforbillpaymentsoraccountmonitoringcan makedailymanagementeasier,especiallyastaskslikewritingchecks orvisitingthebankbecomemore challenging.
Olderadultsarefrequenttargets
offinancialscams,makingvigilance essential.Considersettingupaccountalertsforunusualtransactionsorlowbalances.Somebanks offer“read-only”access,allowinga trustedfamilymembertomonitor activitywithoutmovingfunds.If cognitiveorphysicaldeclinebecomesaconcern,discussadurable powerofattorney adocument thatauthorizessomeoneyourparentstrusttoactontheirbehalfif needed.Puttinglegalsafeguardsin placebeforethey’rerequiredensuresdecisionsaremadethoughtfully,notunderpressure.
Managingtoomanyaccountsor paymentschedulescanbestressful atanyage.Consolidatingfinancial accounts,automatingrecurringpayments,andreviewinginvestmentor insurancecoveragetogethercan makelifesimpler.
Thisisalsothetimetodiscuss long-termcare.Thatmaymeanunderstandingcoverageoptions,ex-
ploringassistedlivingpossibilities, orsimplyclarifyingpreferencesfor futurecare.Planningearlygives familiesthefreedomtomakeinformedchoiceswhilehonoringindependence.
Helpingparentsnavigatefinancialtransitionsisrarelyjustabout numbers.It’saboutpreservingtheir dignity,easingworry,andensuring theyfeelsupportedratherthan managed.Eventhemostorganized familiescanbenefitfromprofessionalinsight.ACertifiedFinancial Plannerorelderlawattorneycan helpalignfinances,taxes,andestate documentssoeveryoneunderstandsthefullpicture.
Whenfamiliesapproachthese conversationswithpatience, clarity,andcare,theybuildmore thanafinancialplan theybuild peaceofmindforgenerations.
LianaPoodiackandTravisPoodiackareco-foundersofBirchFinancialGroupinKeene.
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Discover a lifestyle designed for wellness, community, and peace of mind. Reach out to 603-821-1200 for more information today!
“It started out as a normal outing. My wife and I had to run to the grocery store. We were driving down the road casually going over our shopping list when the car ahead of me started to slow down anticipating the yellow light. I started to move my foot from the gas to the brake as any normal person would do when they see brake lights in front of them, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t feel my foot. The car kept moving forward and I just couldn’t get my foot on the brake and CRUNCH! I nally came to a stop when I hit the Car in front of me.”
This tragic story was shared with us by Mike S , a New Hampshire resident who has Peripheral Neuropathy While no one was hurt in this accident, Mike S had suffered almost every day of his life with tingling and burning in his feet until numbness set in, and he could no longer feel even the brake pedal beneath his foot.
“The rst stage is pain.” Shares Dr. Kristen Markwith of Trend Acupuncture & Integrative
That’s where Dr. Markwith and her staff at Trend come in. “About 80% of our current patients come to us suffering from the same condition as Mike,” tells Dr. Markwith.
“They’re in constant pain from neuropathy and it prevents them from not only living their lives but more importantly, it prevents them from enjoying it. Depending on the severity of their nerve damage, we typically see tremendous progress in 3-4 months of treatment. I like to say we’re in the business of making your golden years golden ”
“I can’t lie,” con des Mike. “I was skeptical at rst. So many specialists told me there was nothing that could be done and then there’s a doctor right here in Concord tells me she can help. Turns out she was right! About three months after treatment I was able to con dently drive myself to my appointments! My wife and I celebrated by buying ourselves a new car. It’s hard to put into words how incredible this is, quite frankly [Dr. Kristen] gave me my life back.”
Local clinic has a modern, medical solution to treat your Peripheral Neuropathy And is seeing incredible
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.
We blend the time-teste with innovative medical so you can
While Trend Acupuncture & Integrative
Medicine specializes in acupuncture and it’s de nitely part of their protocols in treating neuropathy, the real secret is in a more modern medical solution called ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ “This technology was originally developed by NASA to expedite healing and recovery,” shares Mikayla, Director of Patient Care at the clinic “It’s like watering a plant ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ stimulates the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerve and provide them the proper nutrients to heal and repair.”
If you’re ready to schedule a complimentary consultation, call (603) 456-8294 and a care coordinator will be happy to assist you.
You can learn more about Dr. Markwith and Trend by visiting www.trendacupuncture.com.
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 ve years and was wearing shoes two sizes too big so that nothing would ‘touch’ her feet
Unfortunately, Dawn’s story is all too familiar for the over 3 million people in the U.S. suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy.
Medicine in Concord, NH , is using the time tested science of Acupuncture and a technology originally developed by NASA that assists in increasing blood ow and expediting recovery and healing to treat the debilitating disease.
“Now when I go to bed at night I don’t have those shooting pains. I don’t have that burning sensation. I don’t have pain coming up my legs,” Dawn enthusiastically describes life after receiving Dr. Kristen’s treatments. “I can wear socks and shoes!”
Dawn and her sister now operate a successful dog walking business, sometimes covering up to 5 miles a day
“It’s life altering. As far as I’m concerned Dr. Kristen saved my life!”
Dr. Kristen Markwith has been helping the senior community for over 10 years using the most cutting edge innovative
“My feet and legs were extremely painful and my doctor told me there was nothing they could do. That I would have to take Gabapentin for the rest of my life.”
If you’re unfortunate enough to be facing the same disheartening prognosis, you’re not sleeping at night because of the burning in your feet. You have di culty walking, shopping or doing any activity for more than 30 minutes because of the pain You’re struggling with balance and living in fear that you might fall Your doctor told you to, ‘just live with the pain’ and you’re taking medications that aren’t working or have uncomfortable side effects.
Fortunately, four months ago Dawn read an article about Dr. Kristen Markwith, Licensed Acupuncturist, and the work she was doing to treat those suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy, without invasive surgeries or medications.
Dr Kristen Markwith, founder of Trend Acupuncture and Integrative
integrative medicine. Specializing in chronic pain cases, speci cally those that have been deemed ‘hopeless’ or ‘untreatable,’ she consistently generates unparalleled results.
What was once a missing link in senior healthcare is now easily accessible to the residents in and around Concord
If you’ve missed too many tee times because of pain or you passed on going for a night out on the town because you are afraid of falling, it’s time to call Dr Kristen Markwith and the staff at Trend.
It’s time you let your golden years be GOLDEN!
To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call (603) 456-8294, a patient care coordinator will be happy to assist you.
To learn more about Dr. Markwith and Trend Acupuncture, please visit us at www trendacupuncture com
By LARRY SCHWARTZ
ThereismuchthatAmerican citizensneedtoknowabout changesintaxlawthatcame aboutasaresultoftwosignificant governmentbillsthatdramatically upsetwhatwewereaccustomedto formostofourlives.Someofthe changeswerereportedinthe media,butmuchwasleftinthe darkonlytobediscovered–ifyou werelucky–whentaxreturnswere filed.
The2017TaxCutsandJobsAct (TCJA)wasadvertisedasbeinga lawthatwouldsimplifytaxes. Whenwefiledin2019for2018,we learnedthattheoldtwo-page1040 formwasnowtwo1040halfpages plussixSchedulesthatwouldhold moredetails.Alongwiththat,the useofScheduleAforitemizeddeductionswaseliminatedforthemajorityofAmericans.Noneedto presentyourvehicleregistration anymoreandtherewaslessincen-
tivetomakecharitablecontributions.
ThemediatoldusthattheStandardDeductionwouldbealmost doubleandthatmeantthatmostof uswouldhavelesstaxableincome–orwouldwe?Someaverage workingpeopledidrealizeaslight reductionintaxableincome,but therewasahugethingthatwewere nottold.Whenwefiledour2017 returns,wewereabletodeduct $4,050fromourtaxableincomefor everymemberofourhousehold. So,acouplewithfourchildren coulddeduct$24,300.Thatwas completelytakenaway.Thismeans thatsuchafamilyactuallysawasignificantincreaseintheirtaxliabilityin2018.Andthatisstillappliestothe2024taxreturnsandall goingforward.Themostwellhiddennegativeaffectofthateliminationofthepersonalexemption deductioniswhatitdidtoemployers.Allacrossthisnation,employersarestillhavingtroublecal-
culatingproperwithholdingfor theiremployees.Allthatweknew andcouldrememberwasthatwhen wewerehiredandcompletedaW-4 form,weclaimed0.1,2,3,4,exemptionsandthatwasaperfect waythatanemployeecouldcontrol theirwithholding.Claimingzero wouldensurearefund.Fortheemployer,alltheyhadtodowaslook upyourstatusinPublication15and theywouldseeanumber.Allofthat isgoneandthenewW-4–which tooktheIRStwoyearstoproduce–issadlyinadequate.Thisandmuch moreiscoveredinmybookTaxes, Trouble,andTruth.
The2025lawiscalledtheOne BigBeautifulBillActanditprimarilyextendsthe2017provisions thatwouldhaveexpiredattheend of2025.StandardDeductionsare increasedsignificantlyforseniors, butwhatgetsoverlookedisthat many–thosewhoonlyreceiveSocialSecuritybenefitsandperhapsa smallpensionalready–havezero
taxliability.Soonceagain,those whoaremostinneedoffinancial supportgetnohelpatall.Whatthe OBBBAdoesdoisgiveaCEO making$50,000,000peryeara $1,000,000taxreduction.
Thereismuchmoretoreveal aboutthetwonewbills,butthatis allfederal.HereinthestateofNew Hampshire,wehaveanother problem.Thestateinterestanddividendstaxhasbeencompletelyrepealedandthatiseffectivestarting in2025.Thisrepealhelpswealthy folksavoidstatetaxontheincome derivedfrominvestments.Butat whatcosttotherestofus?Ourstate willmissoutonatleast $150,000,000incomefromtheI& D,andthatshortfallwilleitherbe madeupbyincreasesinothertaxes –likepropertytax–ortherewill besignificantcutsinservices.Only timewilltellandIamhopingfor thebest.
LarrySchwartzisataxexpertwho livesinHancock.
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.
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
https://p2p.onecause.com/19acc/ event/caregivers-registration
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.
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
By L. PHILLIPS RUNYON III
I’mgoingtoassumeyou’vefully executedallthoseimportant planningdocuments–youhave, right?–andI’mgoingtotalkinstead aboutwhattodowiththemnow.
So,let’ssayyou’vejustexecuted yournewwill,evenarevocable trust,andsomedurablepowersof attorneyandhealthcaredirectives. First,where’sthebestplaceforthe originals? Notsurprisingly,mysuggestionistoleavethemrightthere whereyousignedthemall–inyour lawyer’sofficewherethey’llbe placedinasecurevaultorfireproof filingcabinet. Thatway,you’ll neverhavetoworryaboutwhich draweryouputtheminathomeor wherethekeyistoyoursafedepositbox. Andwhilethelatteris certainlysafe,thecontentsmaynot bereadilyaccessibleifyou’regone andsomeoneelseistryingtoget intothebox. Howdoweknow thesearerealproblems? Because wealwaysprovidepeoplewith binderscontainingcopiesoftheir documents–andtheyfrequently can’tfindthose. Andoncethey’ve leftus,weoccasionallyneedtohave theirboxesdrilledwhennoonecan locatetheirkeys.Butlet’ssay you’veovercomethathurdleand thequestioniswhotogivecopiesof thedocumentsto. Let’sstartwith theeasyone. Ifyou’veexecuteda healthcaredirectivethatdesignates oneormoreagentstomakehealth careandmedicaldecisionsforyou ifyoucan’tdoityourself,then makesurethosefolkshavecopiesof thedocumentincasetheyneedto provetheirauthorityinanemergency. Ofcourse,it’scriticalfor
yourphysiciansalsotohavecopies sothey’llknowwhotocontact(and howtodoit)ifthattimecomes. Sayalsothatyou’rehavingsurgery performedatanotherfacility,you’ll wanttomakesurethatonereceives acopy,aswell,whenyouarrivefor yourpre-opvisit. Finally,because wetravelmorethaneverthese days,it’sagoodideatotakeacopy ofthatdocumentwithyouonthe road(likecopiesofyourcredit cardsandpassport),andIeven keepacopyonmyphone.Alright, butwhatabouttheotherimportant lifetimeplanningdocument–the durablepowerofattorneyforlegal andfinancialaffairs? It’smy humblesuggestionnottoturnover copiesofthatoneuntilthetime comesforyouragenttoactuallyuse ittodoyourbusiness. Thereare tworeasons. First,it’sunusualfora financialorlegalemergencytoarise thatwouldrequireyouragenttoact underthesamekindofcircumstancesasformedicalpurposes; andsecond,acopyofthatdocumentisjustaspowerfulastheoriginal,sohandingoverevenacopyis tantamounttogivingsomeoneyour checkbookandhopingthey’lldo therightthing. Inalllikelihood, theywill(oryouwouldn’thave namedthemasyouragentsinthe firstplace);however,we’veseen enoughunfortunatesituationsover theyearstoknowthatfinancial stresscanbeadangerousmotivator. Youknowhowitgoes–agentsgetinabindthemselves; figurethey’lljusttakeatemporary loanfrom,say,mom’sordad’ssurplusfunds;thentheycan’tstop doingsoorcan’taffordtopayback whatthey’veborrowed. Andthat’s
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”
justthemostinnocentscenario. Unfortunately,we’veseendownrightabuseoccurmorethanafew timesthatjeopardizesthefinancial securityof[often]aseniorfamily member. Justbecareful,that’sall. Asforcopiesofthewilland/or trustdocuments,that’sanothercall you’llhavetomake. Ontheone hand,peoplesaytheywanttobeas transparentaspossiblewiththeir familymembers,sothereareno surpriseslateronandeveryone knowswhattoexpect. That’scertainlyacommendableviewpointin principle,butitcanleadtoawkward,evennegative,resultsinsome cases–ofwhichI’llmentiona couple. Whatiftheparentsdecide tonameoneofthechildrenastheir “go-to”agentforexecutorand trusteeship,andthatcreatesjealousiesorhurtfeelingsamongthe others? Whatifmomanddad aren’ttreatingallthechildrenthe same,perhapsbecauseoneneeds morehelpthananother,orwhatif oneofthechildrenisn’tfinancially responsibleandwon’treceivea shareoutrightbutwillhavethat shareheldintrustforsomeadditionalperiodoftime? Thesemay allbeperfectlyvaliddecisions basedonthefamilydynamics,but whycausepotentialdamagetothe familyrelationshipsbeforethetime actuallycomes? Acarefullywritten letterleftwiththosedocuments couldconveytheparents’thinking
andtherewouldn’tbeanyharm doneinthemeantime. Also,fully layingouttheplancouldcausehard feelingsifsubsequenteventsmean achangeinthoseplansneedstobe made. Finally,puttingallthefinancialresourcesonthetablecouldsap thechildren’sincentivetodotheir ownthingsiftheythinkthey’ll eventuallybesetforlifenomatter whattheydoforthemselves. Don’t getmewrong,I’mnotsuggesting thatthefamilybekeptcompletely inthedarkabouteverythinguntil you’regone. I’monlyurgingthat thoughtfuldecisionsbemadeabout thecommunications,takingintoaccountthepotentialconsequencesof thisorthatdisclosureandwhenit’s made.Andhere’sanovelthoughtif you’restillwonderingwhattodo aboutallthis. Maybeitwoulddiffuseproblemslateronifyousat downwiththeprimarybeneficiariesanddiscussedsomeofthe choicesbeforeyouactuallymake them. Thenatleastyoumayhave betterinformationtoworkwith, youmaygetabettersenseofwhat rolesaremostimportanttoallthe castmembers,andyoumaybeable toheadoffsomeoftheproblems beforetheyrisetoatroublesome level.”
L.PhillipsRunyonIIIhaspracticed estateandtrustlawinPeterborough forthepast50years.Hewasalsopresidingjusticeofthe8thCircuitCourt for27years.
options?
John H. Whitaker Place is an affordable 55+ assisted living community that provides an unparalleled combination of private apartment living and personal care services that facilitate independence.
Learn more ... Visit us online at whitakerplace.org or call 603-753-9100 to arrange a tour.
Aging in Place at Home, with Extra
• Are you tired of dealing with a broken appliance or computer and not knowing who to call?
• Are you finding everyday tasks, big and small, more challenging than before?
• Would your life be easier if your groceries were delivered to you, or you got a ride to an appointment?
• Curious about how to set yourself up for success as you age at home?
If so, Monadnock at Home is here to help!
Join us for a free informational session for older adults (age 62+) who live independently at home but could use assistance around the home or are seeking stronger community connections.
Thursday, November 13, 1:00 - 2:30 PM Peterborough Public Library
Space is limited – registration required monadnockathome.org/info2510 or call 603-371-0809
By LAURA M. DUDZIAK UPTON&HATFIELD
Downsizingmaterialpossessionsisoftenanatural partoftransitioningtoa simpler,moremanageablelifeas peopleage.Itcanmeanmoving toasmallerhome,sellingahome andrenting,movingtoaretirementcommunityormovingin withfamilymembers.Itcanalso meansimplysellingordisposing ofunwantedpersonalpossessions.Thereareseveralbenefits todownsizing,includingreducinghomemaintenancecosts, providingliquidfundsfromthe saleofahomeandhavingfewer possessionstomanageandthereforeless“stuff”forlovedonesto sortoutwhenyoudie.
Downsizingallowsyoutotake controlofyourfuturewitha senseofcalmandmeaning.It alsoalleviatessomeofthe burdenfromyourlovedones. At atimewhentheywillbegrieving
Downsizing allows you to take control of your future with a sense of calm and meaning."
yourloss,theaddedpressureof sortingthroughdecades-worth ofpersonalpossessionstodeterminewhogetswhatandwhat goestothedumportocharity mightseemdaunting.
Someestateplanningconsiderationstokeepinmindwhen downsizingincludetaximplicationsassociatedwithsellinga home,distributionofassets, and/ortransferringorgiftingassetstochildrenduringyourlifetime.Reviewingyourestateplan toensureitreflectsyourwishes andaccountsforchangesmade whendownsizingisimportant.It isalsoimportanttoreviewyour goalsforthefuture,bothfinancialandhealthcare.Willselling
yourhomehelpyouachieveyour financialgoals?Areyouingood healthandwhatlevelofcare mightyouneedinthefuture? Willasmaller,moremanageable homehelpyoustayindependent longer?
Whiledownsizingprovides numerousbenefits,italsoinvolveslettinggoandthatcanbe hard.Webecomeemotionallyattachedtoitemsthatinvokefond memoriesofatimegoneby,but thetruthis,yourchildlikely doesnotwanttheirfirstpairof shoesortheirthird-gradeartworkproject.Therearepractical andemotionaldecisionsinvolved,anditcanbedifficultto sortthroughthesepersonalbe-
longingscollectedovermany yearsanddecidewhattodonate orotherwisedisposeof.Family heirloomsmightbepassedonto familymembersandotheruseful itemsnotneededinthefuture mightbedonatedtolocalcharities.Itcanbeempoweringto takecontrolandmakethesedecisionsyourselfwhileyouareable todoso.
Itisimportanttoconsultwith yourestateplanningattorneyto ensurethatyourlegaldocuments reflectanychangesmadeduring theprocessofdownsizing.
LauraM.DudziakisanattorneyatUpton&HatfieldLLP. Learnmoreatuptonhatfield.com
45 Main Street
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Peterborough, NH 03458 (603) 924-3050 www.runyonlawoffice.com
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Innovative, small-home Assisted Living and Memory Support at Orchard Inn empowers residents to maintain as much autonomy as they choose. Dedicated staff members partner with each resident to design a detailed plan of care based on their unique needs and preferences, and continually adjust as their needs change to ensure a truly personalized living experience. At Orchard Inn, the security of knowing a caring, helping hand is always nearby imparts a renewed sense of freedom — and peace of mind for the entire family.
The care you need, close to home. Arthritis? Joint injury? Living with pain? You need care you can trust to address your orthopedic concerns and regain your strength, independence, and good health. Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates is here to help you engage as you age.
By BY MELISSA GRENIER / ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION
Positive,everydayactionscanmakeadifferenceinbrain health,evenloweringtheriskofcognitivedeclineandpossiblyAlzheimer’sanddementia.Incorporatesomeorallof thesehabitsintoyourlifetohelpmaintainahealthybrain.
■ Thinkaboutthesupportyouneedtomakechangesorovercomeanyobstacles.Forexample,findafriendwhowouldliketo joinyouinmakingchanges.
■ Buildonthingsyoulikeorarealreadydoing itcanmakeit easiertostickwithachange.
■ Knowthatyoudon’thaveto makebigchangesovernight.Start smallandbekindtoyourself,and yourhealthyhabitswillstartto addup.
■ Keepinmindthatit’snever tooearlyortoolatetobuild healthyhabits.
Becurious!Putyourbrainto workanddosomethingthatis newforyou.Learnanewskill.Try somethingartistic.Challenging yourmindmayhaveshort-and long-termbenefitsforyourbrain.
Educationreducestheriskof cognitivedeclineanddementia. Encourageyouthtostayinschool andpursuethehighestlevelof trainingpossible.Continueyour owneducationbytakingaclassat alocallibraryorcollege,oronline.
Engageinregularexercise.This includesactivitiesthatraiseyour heartrateandincreasebloodflow tothebrainandbody.Findways tobuildmoremovementintoyour day walking,dancing,gardening whateverworksforyou!
Helppreventaninjurytoyour head.Wearahelmetforactivities likebiking,andwearaseatbelt. Protectyourselfwhileplaying sports.Dowhatyoucantoprevent falls,especiallyforolderadults. Be smoke-free
Quittingsmokingcanlowerthe riskofcognitivedeclinebackto levelssimilartothosewhohave notsmoked.It’snevertoolateto stop.
Medicationscanhelplowerhigh bloodpressure.Andhealthyhabits likeeatingrightandphysicalactivitycanhelp,too.Workwitha healthcareprovidertocontrol yourbloodpressure.
Type2diabetescanbepreventedorcontrolledbyeating healthier,increasingphysicalactivityandtakingmedication,if necessary.
Eatinghealthierfoodscanhelp reduceyourriskofcognitivedecline.Thisincludesmorevegetablesandleanermeats/proteins, alongwithfoodsthatarelessprocessedandlowerinfat.Choose healthiermealsandsnacksthat youenjoyandareavailableto you.
Talktoyourhealthcareprovider abouttheweightthatishealthyfor you.Otherhealthyhabitsonthis list eatingright,exercisingand sleepingwell canhelpwith maintainingahealthyweight.
Goodqualitysleepisimportant forbrainhealth.Stayoffscreens beforebedandmakeyoursleep spaceascomfortableaspossible. Doallyoucantominimizedisruptions.Ifyouhaveanysleep-related problems,suchassleepapnea,talk toahealthcareprovider.
MelissaGrenier,LCSW,isRegionalManager,NH,forthe Alzheimer’sAssociation.Learn moreatwww.alz.org.
We are more than just a place to hang your hat! We are a place to call home in your retirement years. Whether it’s independent living, assisted living, long term care or respite, we offer quality, compassion and excellence in nursing!
At Presidential Oaks, you are part of the family. Call Lezanne at 603-724-6100 admissions@presidentialoaks.org
By HAL CARTER
Thebenefitsofexerciseasweage arewell-documented. Thebenefits ofActiveAgingincludephysical healthbenefits(maintainingmuscle massandbonedensity),mental healthbenefits(cognitivefunction, moodenhancementandsocialinteraction),functionalbenefits(balanceandcoordination,flexibility andendurance)andoverallquality oflife(independence,bettersleep, andlongevity). Buttoooftenwe overlookhowparticipationina widevarietyofexercisescanmaximizethisbenefitandhowvariety canmakethebenefitsavailableeven asourbodiesinevitablyage.
Overtheyears,Ihavebeenableto participateinawidevarietyofexercisesthroughavenuessuchasmembershipattheYMCA,participation inclubs(running,orienteering, etc.)andhikingwithfriends. But morerecently,Ihavebeenableto easilyenjoyawidervarietyofexerciseoptionswhenImovedintothe
HavenwoodHeritageHeights (“HHH”)retirementcommunity–atypeof“one-stopshopping.” Of course,youdon’tneedtoresideina retirementcommunitytohaveac-
cesstothisvariety. Itjustmakesthe wholeprocesseasier.
Someofthevarioustypesofexercisethatseniorsshouldconsiderinclude:
■ Hiking:Grouphikingisawonderfuloutdooractivityforolder adultswhowanttoenhancetheir physicalwell-beingandcombat loneliness. TheHHHHikingClub hasamonthlynewslettermailing listofabout100peopleandabout30 regularhikers. Atleastfourplanned hikeseverymonthyear-round, rangingfrom1to2-milewalkson essentiallyflatgroundto4to6-mile hikesupanddownhillsandmountains,givethehikersavarietyofopportunitiestoexperiencethelevel ofexercisetheyarecomfortable with. Recently,asubgroupofhikers madeupofpeoplewhoneedmobilityassistance–acane,walker, wheelchairorscooter–havebeen meetingtotraversepavedtrailsand benefitfrombeingoutdoorsandsociallyengaged. Alloftheseactivitiescombinegentleexercise,social bondingandimmersivenatureexperiencesintoonepackage.
■ StrengthTraining:Strength trainingisbeneficialforseniorsasit helpsmaintainmusclemass,im-
provebonedensity,andenhance overallmobilityandqualityoflife. Asweage,thiscanevenbedonesittingdown. Therearemanyexercise facilitiesinConcordthatprovide strengthtrainingequipment.Weare fortunateatHHHsincethereare twogymswiththisequipmentavailableforouruse. Butthiscanbe doneusinghouseholditemsoreven justyourownbodyweight.
■ SilverSneakers:SilverSneakers isaprogramofferingaerobicand strengthtrainingexercisesandwellnessresourcesgearedtoseniorcitizens. Theprogramisofferedin manyhealthclubsandonline. We arefortunateatHHHtohavearesidentwhoistrainedasaSilver Sneakersexerciseleaderandleads exerciseclassestwodaysaweekfor residents.
■ QigongandTaiChi:TheseChinesesystemsofcoordinatedposture andmovement,breathing,andmeditationareespeciallyhelpfultoactivelyagingindividualssincethey helpwithcoordination,balanceand flexibility. Thesetypesofexercise canevenbeadaptedtobedonesittingdownorwhileholdingontoa chair. Thereareanumberoforganizationsthathaveqigongandtaichi classesintheConcordarea. Again,
HHHresidentshaveclassesavailabletothemonaweeklybasis.
■ Dance:Dancingpromotesbalanceandcoordinationaswellas cognitionandsocialinteraction. Therearemanyopportunitiesforall typesofdancinginandnearConcord. AtHHHthereisa“barn dance”onceamonthwithlivemusic andanexperienceddancecaller.
■ Pickleball:ThesportofPickleballhasbecomeextremelypopular recently,includingforseniorcitizens. Ithelpswithagility,hand-eye coordination,andstamina,andis justplainfun. Thereareanumber ofpickleballcourtsinConcordthat canbelocatedthroughanonline search. WeatHHHareluckyto haveourownpickleballcourt.
Engaginginavarietyofactivities asweagehelpsusavoidsettlinginto atiresomeroutine.Therearetypes ofexerciseforjustabouteveryone, evensomeonewhosephysicalabilitiesarereducedduetotheaging process. Solet’sallgetoutthereand dothingsthatkeepusmoving. HalCarterlivesatHavenwood HeritageHeightsinConcord.
