free | published monthly central edition | march … · free | published monthly central edition |...

‘Social’ Skills

fi ftyplusadvocate

FREE | Published monthly Central Edition | March 2016 | Vol. 42 | No. 3 | 24 pp.

Tech-savvy seniors make connections through social media

page 14

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Not only can technology make your life easier and more fun but it

also may allow you – or your loved one – to retain an inde-pendent, healthy lifestyle. Here are just eight of the many inno-vations now popular:

SMARTPHONES – Al-though it might take a bit of time to learn how to use one, most stores where you purchase it will give you a free lesson. Smart-phone apps can also help you keep track of your medical his-tory, medication schedules and other health-related concerns.

SMART TVS – Televisions nowadays aren’t just used for watching network TV shows. They can be used for watching Internet TV, online interactive media and on-demand stream-ing media, and the ever popular Netfl ix.

TABLETS AND iPADS – Use these handy portable devic-es to watch movies, read books, check Facebook – virtually any-thing you do on a laptop you can do on a tablet or iPad.

AUTOMOBILE GPS – How did we ever travel without a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) navigation system? No more trying to read a map or list of directions when you are trav-eling, especially to areas you are

not familiar with. Some systems are so sophisticated now they will actually have real time photos showing you where to turn.

PERSONAL GPS – These devices can be attached to the wrist or clothing allowing the person’s movement to be tracked, allowing for caregiver’s peace of mind.

PERSONAL EMERGEN-CY RESPONSE SYSTEM (PERS) - A PERS device al-lows the wearer to call for help with the simple push of a but-ton. Both seniors and their families can have peace of mind knowing the PERS can facili-tate a call for help in any emer-gency situation.

HOME ASSISTIVE DE-VICES - Devices such as LED lighting, medication dispens-ing appliances, photo-enhanced phone dialers, and stove shut-off systems can help seniors stay safe in their homes.

FITNESS BANDS – As we all know, keeping active is criti-cal for good health. Depending on the model, a fi tness band worn on your wrist synced to a program on your computer, can measure how many steps you take in a day, how many calories you consume, and your heart-beat, among other things. .

Eight great technological advances for the baby boomer generation


Index of Services

DepartmentsIf you use any services listed above, please mention you saw their ad in the Fifty Plus Advocate.

Money Matters .............19

Viewpoint .................... 20

Adult Day CareAdult Day Club at Dodge Park...12

Affordable Senior HousingNorthbrook Village ..................8Sherwood Village, Natick .......22Sitkowski Apartments ............7

Attorneys, Elder LawDurbin & Veglia, Attorneys ......21

Automotive ServicesHaddad Auto Detail .................11

Banking ServicesAvidia Bank ............................13

Cemetery/ MausoleumSt. John’s Cemetery& Mausoleum ........................10

Funeral HomesShaw Majercik Funeral Home...2

GiftsColonial Candies .......................1Craftworks .............................21

Home Care ServicesCentury Home Care ................24Old Colony Elder Services .........9

Hospice & Primary CareHope Health Hospice...............17

Medical Research StudiesFoot/Leg Pain Study .................18

Mortgage FinancingDirect Finance .........................3

Real EstateSellMomsHouse.com ............23

RehabilitationReservoir Center for Health ......2

St. Mary Heath Care Center ......16

RecreationFuller RV ...............................11

Rest HomesOasis at Dodge Park ...............14

Subsidized HousingBinnall House ..........................9Bixby/Brockton Centre ...........15Colony Retirement Homes ......15Congregational Retirement Homes, Melrose ....................15Emanuel Village .......................6Green Hill Towers ...................11Hawthorne Hill ........................ 8Illyrian Gardens ........................9Lamplighter Village, Canton ....15Mt. Pleasant Apartments,Somerville .............................15

Vein ServicesAmericas Vein Centers ............2

Walk-in Medical Doctors Doctors Express, North Andover, Burlington, Saugus, Malden, Waltham, Natick, Watertown, Dedham, Braintree, Marlborough, New Bedford, Worcester ...............13

mar. Inside this issueTech-savvy

students use their skills to

help senior citizens

Page 6

Helpful tips for preventing falls in the home

Page 18

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Fifty Plus Advocate is published monthly, 12 times annually by Bagdon Advertising, 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581.Fifty Plus Advocate accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or materials and does not return them to sender. Retractions for any inaccuracies will be printed when necessary. Unsolicited letters to the editor become the property of this newspaper and can be reprinted in part or in whole unless otherwise stated. Fifty Plus Advocate columnists writing under a byline are expressing their personal opinions and not necessarily those of the newspaper.

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www.fi ftyplusadvocate.com

Feeling Healthy ..............10

Travel ............................12


Acton resident Niela Mill-er, 81, is a multi-talented artist, musician, author,

life coach and therapist. As if that wasn’t enough for one life, Miller has embarked upon a new adventure, taking her myriad skills online. In “Second Life,” a virtual 3D program on the Internet, Miller has created a whole new world with her alter-ego or “avatar,” Marly Mirena. She uses all as-pects of her creativity - photo-graphs, paintings, music, theater improv and movement - as tools for awareness, problem-solving, community building, spiritual development and building cul-tural bridges. But when she fi rst heard of “Second Life” in 2007, Miller, like many seniors, was reluctant to ap-proach the new technology. “I was a serious technophobe,” she explained in a 2010 article in Online Therapy Institute’s TILT Magazine, “afraid of things going wrong on my computer, trouble with remembering how to use electronic devices like recorders, and, in general, intimidated by anything structural or mechanical with moving parts.” Fortunately, creative curiosity overtook her fear. “As soon as I heard about Sec-ond Life, I got excited and curi-ous since I saw its potential for creative projects of all kinds, for doing teaching and therapy in new ways, for meeting people from all over the world, for fi nding just about any interest group I could think of, and for having a lot of fun,” Miller noted. Miller began her creative en-deavors as a child when her par-ents enrolled her in the neighbor-hood music school in New York City. She attended an arts-focused high school and studied voice, gui-tar and piano. She became interested in social

Artist and educator creates ‘second life’ online

work in high school while teach-ing music at the Lighthouse for the Blind. At Antioch College, she majored in creative arts and the-ater. She joined the Association for Humanistic Psychology at the end of the 1960s. “I was hooked by diff erent forms of working with people,” she said, adding that her focus was humanistic psychology rather than psychoanalysis. “We viewed people as not bro-ken and in need of fi xing, but looked at their strengths and how to help them develop their poten-tial,” she explained. Miller and her then-husband moved to Lexington in 1969 and joined the Associates for Human Resources. She developed aware-ness workshops and graduate-lev-el courses which she facilitated for years, as well as training to corpo-rations, nonprofi ts and individu-als. There and elsewhere, Miller studied with top therapists, in-cluding Fritz Perls, founder of Ge-stalt therapy and other pioneers of the human potential movement. She designed and implement-ed over a thousand workshops in areas of personal and profes-sional development and pre-sented them in learning centers, at conferences, in hospitals and

mental health centers. Among her many accomplish-ments is her 1995 book, “Counsel-ing in Genderland,” in which she attempts to help counselors who work with the transgender com-munity, two manuals, a self-pub-lished book of short stories and poems, and CDs of piano music, choral music and original songs. She has lived in Acton since 1984 in a house that is equal parts home, art gallery and music studio. Now, she has combined her ar-tistic and coaching skills into one all-encompassing medium. “I always wanted to combine arts processes with therapy and coaching,” she said, “and I have developed some original ways of using arts processes for organiza-tional and personal growth.” In her virtual location, Inspi-ration Island, Miller has created various spaces for diff erent cre-ative outlets, including the Oc-tagon Studio where visitors can create and hang their digital work. During her therapeutic sessions, she gathers a group of fi ve to 20 visitors and leads them in a discus-sion via voice and chat bar. She also hosts classes such as sculpting and storytelling. “I always wanted to create my own arts process institute,” she

BY VALERIE FRANCHICONTRIBUTING WRITER

said, “and Second Life has allowed me to do it.” Miller sees great potential in this type of self-exploration. “I foresee a great use of vir-tual worlds, particularly Second Life, the most developed of these worlds so far, for healing, therapy, teaching, etc.,” she said. “I am collaborating on programs for whole brain health and for lifelong learning and we are ac-tively recruiting elders for life-long learning opportunities.” For seniors, she explained, Sec-ond Life allows them to “live fully without any limitations. They can fl y, swim underwater, dance – the options are unlimited.” This applies particularly to those who are disabled, have phobias, can’t aff ord to travel, can’t drive, or are otherwise limited in their daily activities. For healthy elders like herself, they can fi nd amazing opportu-nities for teaching, learning, per-forming, exhibiting, attending performances, and being in touch with people from many cultures. In addition to simply providing a new pastime, Second Life can stimulate the imagination, help memory and keep the mind sharp. “It’s a fun way to keep the brain healthy,” Miller said. First, however, seniors need to overcome their fear of technology, just as Miller did. “Second Life can be a bridge to technology,” she said. “They just have to get over their technopho-bia. Once they do, they will be hooked.” Joining Second Life is free, as are most groups within it, and Miller said it is easy to create an avatar and start exploring. She is off ering to fi nd volunteer mentors to help elders with an orientation for anyone who decides to join Second Life. For more informa-tion, visit www.secondlife.com. To learn more about Niela Miller, visit http://peoplesystemspoten-tial.com or email [email protected].

Niela Miller and her avatar “Marly Mirena”

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technology


Come see us first…Emanuel Village apartments offer affordable senior living to persons who are 62 and older or mobility impaired.

We offer studio, one-bedroom and mobility impaired accessible apartments.

Applications are being accepted for income eligible seniors and/or mobility impaired adults.

• HUD subsidized units available

• Includes all utilities and free parking

• Near bus line and shopping

59 Evelyn Street, Worcester, MA 01607

Formerly Lutheran Social Services of New England

NORTHBOROUGH - Senior citizens who have questions about their iPhones, iPads, Macs and PCs can fi nd answers at Technology Afternoons, held from 2:15 to 4 p.m., two Thurs-days a month at the North-borough Senior Center. Eileen Parker, Algonquin Regional High School math teacher, leads the school’s Community Action Program (CAP), which provides student volunteers for a variety of activities, including Technology Afternoons. According to Palmer, “[CAP] consists of 35 [Algonquin] teens who are dedicated to giving back in the community. These students currently support the Northborough and Southbor-ough senior centers, the South-borough Youth & Family Ser-vices, the Coleman House (in

BY JANE KELLER GORDONCONTRIBUTING WRITER

Northborough), and other com-munity organizations.” Palmer said that she recruits students, and advises them how to behave respectfully when vol-unteering. In her classroom, she

that they often help seniors set up email accounts on cell-phones, and download music into iTunes. Palmer added that the stu-dents deal with cellphone ring tones, cellphone pictures, tex-ting, iPad usage, Kindle usage, and a lot of Word and Excel documents. “One senior citizen had an [Algonquin] student help pre-pare all their labels for their Christmas cards this Decem-ber,” she said. “Anything goes in this program!” Kelly Burke, director of the Northborough Senior Center said, “It’s been phenomenal to work with all these students who are great experts, having grown up using technology. Our seniors sometimes need help, and we knew that we were going to the right place to fi nd knowl-edgeable, willing helpers.” Palmer echoed Burke’s senti-ment, “The Algonquin students have a lot of energy, and good hearts. They embrace these CAP service projects.” For more information and the schedule for Technology After-noons, contact Kelly Burke at 508-393-5035 or [email protected]. Palmer can be reached at [email protected].

keeps a large calendar listing up-coming service opportunities. Currently there are 10 stu-dents who participate in Tech-nology Afternoons. About their qualifi cations, Palmer said, “… Let’s face it. Teenagers are su-per savvy when it comes to technology. They have been us-ing computers since elementary school and cell phones are re-ally important to them!” On a recent Thursday, Algon-quin senior Danielle DellaPen-na, 18, counseled Lisa, who was struggling to decide whether to replace her “Windows” cell-phone with an iPhone, given to her by her son’s girlfriend. “Windows allows me to do very safe text to speech while I am driving. With the iPhone, I’ll have to deal with Siri, and look at the phone while I’m driving,” Lisa said. “I’m going to tell my son that I’m not too old to learn about it, but I’m not changing phones.” DellaPenna tried to sell Lisa on the benefi t of apps with the iPhone, to no avail. She said, “I’ve been doing [Technology Afternoons] since last year because community service is important to me.” That sentiment was shared by Algonquin freshman Bradi Mullens. Both students said

(l to r) Technology Afternoons participant Lisa with Algonquin Regional High School freshman Bradi Mullens, Kelly Burke, director of Northborough Senior Center, and Algonquin senior Danielle DellaPenna

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Tech-savvy students use their skills to help senior citizens


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Check off all the facilities that you would like to receive free, no obligation information from. Check off as many as you like. Your name will not be used for any other purpose. Fill out this coupon and mail it back to us at the address below.

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Lamplighter Village - Canton

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- In Central Massachusetts

Colony Retirement - Worcester

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Subsidized Apartments

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Sitkowski School Apartments - Webster

Illyrian Gardens - Worcester

Affordable Apartments

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Assisted Living Facilities

Dodge Park - Worcester

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Framingham runner does not let age stop himBY JANICE BERTE

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Bob Tomassini, a life-long resident of Framingham, is 78 years old. A U.S. Army

veteran, he stands 5’7” and is 135 lbs. He also runs faster in road races than many of those who are in their 20s, 30s, 40s or even 50s. Born and raised in Framing-ham, Tomassini’s passion for run-ning started 39 years ago when at 190 lbs., his doctor told him he needed to lose weight or he was going to run into major health problems. Tomassini took immediate ac-tion and started to run. It wasn’t easy at fi rst especially with all that additional weight on his body. But eventually the weight came off and he started competing in road races. He trains six times per week, two times per day, once at 11 a.m. and then again at 4 p.m. log-ging in around 40 miles every week. One of his mantras that he swears by is: “It’s better to be undertrained than over-trained.” He feels most athletes nowadays are over-trained and that can lead to injuries. He is also an advocate of rest-ing and stretching before his long runs and eating a balanced diet. Some of his best racing times include a fi ve-mile run completed in 28:40, and the Newport Mara-thon, which he completed in 2:55 at the age of 45. At 77 years old, he

Bob Tomassini

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completed a race in Framingham, coming in ninth overall out of 168 runners. He attributes his terrifi c run-ning times in part to his earlier days playing hockey as a young child on Framingham’s Gleason’s Pond which helped to strengthen his legs. He also loves the varied weather and that includes the snowy and cold winter tempera-tures that we New Englanders endure every year. Tomassini retired in 1993 as an engineering electrician and loves to write poetry, sing German songs, and is an ardent reader. He has met and raced with many running icons from Massa-chusetts, but one of his favorites is former Olympian and world-class runner and coach, Alberto Salazar, who originally hails from Wayland. As he turns 78 this year, Tomas-sini hopes to continue running, inspiring others as he has done so many times before.


To obtain applications, please call Brenda at 508-886-6920 • TDD 1-800-439-2370

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NORTHBROOK VILLAGE135 Pleasant Street, Berlin, MA 01503

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Non-pharmacological therapies can be ef-fective in treating the

symptoms of dementia. They can help with both behavioral

s y m p to m s and mem-ory prob-lems. They include aro-matherapy, s e n s o r y stimulation, light ther-apy, herbal m e d i c i n e , dietary sup-

plements, acupuncture, home-opathy, osteopathy, chiropractic and refl exology. These types of therapies can be an alternative or a supple-ment to other treatments. But it is important to follow advice from your doctor about the way

BY MICHA SHALEV MHA CDP CDCM

Non-drug treatments for dementia

Dementia page 9

Caregiving Tips

in which a treatment should be used. Doctors should always be kept informed about the use of any complementary therapies. Prescribed medication should never be discontinued without medical supervision. It’s also important to remember that no treatment is risk-free. Some herbal remedies can interact with other medications and, although it is rare, some thera-pies can cause bad reactions.

What are behavioral symptoms?

More than half of people with dementia have behavior-al symptoms that aff ect their

moods and behavior (see side-bar). These symptoms are more common in the middle or later stages of dementia and will not necessarily be a problem for the person with dementia. The be-havior often improves by itself, and may stop without treatment over a few months. However, the behavior may continue, and can sometimes cause problems and stress for the person with dementia as well as their care-givers, friends and family. Often the best approach is to fi rst keep an eye on the per-son with dementia, and then see a general practitioners if the symptoms get worse. It is also

worth checking to see whether there might be a physical cause for their symptoms. If someone with dementia starts to behave diff erently, the fi rst thing to consider should be whether an illness or infection could be the cause. These can include colds and urinary infections, which can make a person with demen-tia more confused, restless or ir-ritable. Physical discomfort and pain can also lead to changes in mood and behavior. Physical contact, which is often a rou-tine part of caring for someone with dementia, can increase a person’s discomfort if they are already feeling unwell or is in pain. This may lead to agitation, irritability or aggression.

Cognitive Skills Cognitive skills can be de-scribed as thinking skills; cogni-tion is a word used to describe

The benefi ts of cognitive stimulation for people with dementia could include improvement in memory, thinking skills and quality of life.


144 Main StreetBrockton, MA 02301

508- 584-1561TTY: 508- 587-0280 • Fax: 508-897-0031

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Are you an elderly or disabled person who: cherishes independence?

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Illyrian Garden Apts. ~ 545 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA

Non-drug treatments for dementiaDementiaContinued from page 8

Micha Shalev MHA CDP CDCM CADDCT is the owner of Dodge Park Rest Home and The Adult Day Club at Dodge Park, 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, as well as the new state-of-the-art Oasis at Dodge Park. He is a graduate of the National Council of Certifi ed Dementia Practitioners program, and well-known speaker covering Alzheimer’s and Dementia training topics. The programs at Dodge Park Rest Home specialize in providing care for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The facility holds a FREE monthly support group meeting on the second Tuesday of each month for spouses and children of individuals with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. Shalev can be reached at 508-853-8180 or by e-mail at [email protected]. For more information, visit www.dodgepark.com. Archives of articles from previous issues can be read at www.fi ftyplusadvocate.com.

thought processes. Cognitive stimulation activi-ties are designed to stimulate thinking skills and engage peo-ple who have dementia. They are often group-based and in-clude games, with an emphasis on enjoyment. Cognitive stimu-lation can be provided by health or social care staff who has had appropriate training. The benefi ts of cognitive stimulation for people with de-mentia could include improve-ment in memory, thinking skills and quality of life. Cognitive rehabilitation is also being tested to fi nd out if it can help people with dementia. This technique aims to improve how people manage everyday tasks by setting personal goals and fi nding ways to achieve them. The focus is on develop-ing the person’s strengths and

helping them to overcome their individual challenges. It is best to be wary of “herb-al,” “alternative” or “comple-mentary” products that claim to benefi t people with dementia, or improve memory. There has been very little high quality re-search into these products, and some may not be safe for people with dementia. For example, despite common belief, there is no convincing evidence that the herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba can benefi t people with dementia. The most important thing when considering taking a com-plementary therapy for demen-tia is to consult a doctor. Some alternative or complementary products interact with conven-tional medication, so a doctor needs to know about anything being taken. These products should never be taken as a sub-stitute for prescribed medicines.

Behavioral symptoms in people with dementia may include:

• Restlessness or over-activity• Depression• Irritability, anxiety or suspicion• Aggression (verbal or physical)• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)• Delusions (being disturbed by thoughts, and believing things that aren’t true)• Tendency to shout repeatedly or become noisy• Loss of normal inhibitions - for example, touching their private parts.


St. John’s Cemetery and Mausoleum260 Cambridge Street, Worcester, MA 01603 • 508-757-7415 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm; Saturday 8:00am - Noon

The loss of a loved one, young, old, expected,

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plans and burial options.

Pre-planning guarantees your wishes are met.

A message from the director…

I have worked with many families during the difficult time of the loss of a loved one and know the importance of pre-planning. You will reduce your family’s anxiety and make sure your own wishes are carried out by scheduling a no-obligation, information meeting with my office.

— Robert Ackerman, Director

The benefits of pre-planning are significant. Our office will be happy to assist you in your family pre-planning process.

Pre-planning is practical and economical.

• Spares loved ones the agony of making hasty decisions while under great emotional stress

• Avoids inflation by purchasing at today’s prices• Avoids the tendency for emotional “overspending”• Selections are less limited than in the future• Affords the piece of mind that comes with the knowledge that

everything will be handled according to your wishes

Staying physically fi t at 62 despite multiple sclerosisBY ED KARVOSKI JR.CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Anna Connors of Shrews-bury has always been physically active. She

studied dance from age 5 through her 20s. Then she be-came a competitive runner and completed marathons. Now 62, she continues a disciplined ex-ercise routine after a 2006 di-agnosis of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). “I vowed to take care of myself and not let this get me down,” said Connors, a regional ambas-sador for the MS Foundation. March is National MS Aware-ness Month, but year-round she shares her experience and hope with others in similar situa-tions.

“They can keep their mind and body going,” she advised. “Get out there and fi nd a pas-sion.” Several years ago, Connors noticed her right knee ached while doing step aerobics. A sports medicine doctor did MRIs and referred her to a neu-rologist. More testing followed for over a year before she was fi nally diagnosed. Her condi-tion didn’t improve after three chemotherapy treatments. “I felt terrible,” she said. “I decided to just keep exercising.” Soon after moving 14 years ago from California to Massachusetts, Connors joined the Boroughs Family Branch YMCA in Westborough. In addition to swimming and

Anna Connors page 16

Silver Moon Gypsies: (front, l to r) Anna Connors, 62, Shrewsbury; Norma Guimentaro, 83, Shrewsbury; Kathy Hebert, 64, Worcester; Alida Kruman, 77, Southborough; (back, l to r) Gypsy Phillips, 77, Northborough; and Elaine Savoy, 72, Millbury.

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Part two of a two-part series

Last month, we visited the majestic city of Prague, one of the most magnifi -

cent and history-rich in all of Europe. Yet despite its many ap-peals, visitors to the Czech Re-public who don’t venture outside the capital return home without experiencing all of that country’s many charms. In a compact area about three-fourths the size of Virginia, the Czech Republic has a surprisingly varied landscape. Rolling farm fi elds and orchards lead to forest-ed highlands that are overlooked by mountain ranges which virtu-ally surround the small nation. The elevated basin of the interior is ringed by lower peaks. Interspersed among these examples of Mother Nature’s handiwork are the country’s greatest assets, which are man-made. Hilltop castles, ornate cathedrals and imperial palaces dot the landscape and decorate cities and towns. Charming villages scattered about the countryside echo the beauty of Prague but in smaller packages. Many of them sur-round an ancient central square and are set off by church stee-ples pointing toward the sky. In addition to similarities, each has its own unique charms.

Exploring the Czech Republic’s villages BY VICTOR BLOCK

The central square of tiny Telc could have been lifted from the pages of a Hans Christian Ander-sen story. The fairytale setting is lined by the decorative facades of arcade-fronted Renaissance townhouses painted a variety of pastel hues and set off by ornate gables and intricate designs and decorations. It’s primarily what lies beneath the ground that makes Jihlava worth a visit. The story began in the 13th century when cellars

were built under most houses in the town center for the storage of food, beer, wine and other items. Over several centuries, the storage areas were connect-ed by tunnels, which stretched over 15 miles. People today may take a tour through sections of the catacombs, past exhib-its that tell the story of the tun-nels and how they were created. Visitors to the Czech Republic seeking to explore its Jewish heri-tage often head for Trebic, about

travel and entertainment

100 miles from Prague. Among many vestiges of the Jewish as-pect of the country’s history, that small city stands out. The presence of Jewish people in present-day Trebic was fi rst documented in 1338, but it wasn’t until the early 18th century that a ghetto was established. Today, it’s one of the best preserved ghettos in Europe and the only Jewish monument outside Israel that is included on the UNES-CO World Heritage List. The neighborhood encom-passes 123 historic buildings, including two synagogues, a rabbi’s house, hospital and two schools. The Jewish cemetery nearby contains about 11,000 graves and almost 3,000 tomb-stones, some from the 1730s. The scene is very diff erent in the third largest city in the Czech Republic. Ostrava is home to about 300,000 residents, but is overlooked by sightseers, in part because of its reputation as a faded industrial and mining cen-ter. The upside is that it intro-duces visitors to a “real” city free of trappings of tourism, yet has attractions which are interesting and varied. Not surprisingly, a castle tops the list. The Silesian Ostrava Castle was built in the 13th century as a border fortress, then rebuilt in 1534 as a Renaissance chateau. Along with its fortifi cations and

Travel page 13

A view of the Czech Republic countryside PHOTOS/SUBMITTED

Rolling farm fi elds and orchards lead to forested highlands that are overlooked by mountain ranges which virtually surround the small nation.


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Exploring the Czech Republic’s villages

lookout tower, the castle cellars contain a museum of witches and rather gruesome exhibits of torture instruments. The Wallachian Open Air Museum just outside of Ostrava recreates traditional rural life by means of old buildings that have been moved to the site and newer replicas. Costumed inter-preters and programs of music, dance and long-forgotten crafts add to the appeal. Complet-ing the living history feel are farm animals and plots planted in crops that were grown in the area centuries ago. Two other places, among several that made me glad I in-cluded Ostrava on my itinerary, also stand out. The Miniuni is a collection of close to three doz-en miniscule models of famous European structures, built in perfect detail. My favorites were London’s Big Ben, the Lean-

ing Tower of Pisa and the Eiff el Tower. Strolling along Stodolni Street, it soon became clear why it’s called “the street that never sleeps.” More than 60 clubs, bars and restaurants are packed with mostly locals who eat, drink and make merry until the wee hours of the morning. Among names

TravelContinued from page 12

Stodolni Street, Ostrava

of pubs I checked out were the Wounded Goose and Blue Moose. I chose to skip the one called Hell. “Taking the waters” at mineral spring spas has been an inher-ent part of life over centuries for people living in the present-day Czech Republic. Today, close to two dozen spa towns attract visi-

tors in search of healing various ailments, or simply a relaxing experience. Among the most fa-mous spas are Marianske Lazne, which is surrounded by nearly 100 natural springs, and Luhaco-vice Spa, which has been provid-ing healing and hedonism for nearly 350 years. It’s hard to beat the excite-ment and enjoyment of taking in the major attractions of Prague, as well as strolling through its hidden back streets and off -the-beaten-path neighborhoods. Yet visiting other history-rich towns throughout the Czech Republic that share similarities, yet which also have their own unique sto-ries to tell, adds much to a visit to that enticing nation. For more information about visiting the Czech Republic, log onto czechtourism.com. Visit www.fi ftyplusadvocate.com/archives/10593 to read the fi rst part of this series.


Welcome tothe Oasis at Dodge Park

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RESERVATIONS BEING ACCEPTED - OPENING FALL 2015RESERVATIONS BEING ACCEPTED - OPENING SPRING 2016

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A television ad that has run frequently in past months features “Bea-

trice,” an older woman who doesn’t quite get the concept of how Facebook works. Beatrice tells her two friends that she “posted” her vacation pictures on her “wall,” the term used when putting items on your per-sonal Facebook page. In reality, she put physical copies of her photos on a wall in her home. “I saved a ton of time, and it was so quick, much like my car insurance,” she tells her friends. After one of the women tells her she got a better deal on in-surance in half the time, Bea-trice tells her she is going to “unfriend” her. “That’s not how it works, that’s not how any of this works!” her friend exclaims, clearly exasperated. Although this ad is meant to

You’ve got a ‘Facebook’ friend…

be humorous, in actuality, more and more people over the age of 50 are joining Facebook each year. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, 72 percent of men who go online and 76 percent of women who do so join Facebook. Younger peo-ple, 18-29, are still the biggest users, followed by 82 percent of those aged 30-42; 65 percent of

those aged 50-64; and 49 per-cent of those aged 65 and over. For the older generation, Facebook has become a way to keep connected with family and friends, especially if they do not live nearby. It’s also an easy way to reconnect with those friends, colleagues and classmates that you may have lost touch with. And for those that worry that

they will lose their privacy, there’s a simple way to retain it – just ignore a friend request of someone you don’t want to stay in touch with. (And for those friends or acquaintances whose requests you wish you didn’t ac-cept, just “unfriend,” them, as Beatrice attempted to do.) Not as many people over age 50 use Twitter – just 12 percent of those between 50 and 64 and 10 percent of those 65 and over. Eleven percent of people ages 50-64 use Instagram while only 6 percent of those age 65 and over do so. Thirty percent of ages 50-64 use LinkedIn, which is more of a business network-ing site than Facebook, while 21 percent over 65 use it, accord-ing to Pew. The most popular search tool after Google? That would be YouTube, which many fi nd a valuable asset to fi nd out how to do things, listen to music, watch old television clips or just enjoy humorous videos.

Facebook has become a way to keep connected with family and friends, especially if they do not live nearby. It’s also an easy way to reconnect with those friends.


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Hula hoops were used to dem-onstrate what they and other attendees could do. “One of the guys happens to have MS and lost an arm in a motorcycle accident,” Connors said. “He hula-hooped on his arm that’s cut off at the elbow

I remember one moment when the world, at least my world, rested in perfect har-mony. This wasn’t my only

such moment, but it was the ear-liest I remember of experiencing

that sweet contentment that occurs when every-thing is in its place. When my

sister and I were little, our parents played

piano. They had a tiny band, play-ing for weekly square dances at the village dance hall on the lake. Usually they were joined by a saxophone player and a drummer, sometimes a fi ddler, sometimes a banjo player. But the piano was the musical anchor, necessary for every set of three square dances followed by three ballroom danc-es. The work was too demanding

Inklings

Moment of harmonyBY JANICE LINDSAYCONTRIBUTING WRITER

physically for one pianist; our par-ents took turns. They practiced piano at home. Cheryl and I heard each of them play. But the true delight came when they played together. On this day of my memory, we were all in the “sunporch,” a front porch that had been converted to a long narrow year-round room with the addition of windowed walls. Cheryl and I played a qui-et game at one end of the sunny room, as my parents seated them-selves before the upright piano at the other. They were about to practice a duet, our petite mother on the high notes, our tall, angular father at the low notes. There was a moment of hesi-tation, of preparation. Then the fi rst lively notes of “Nola” burst forth. Even now, Cheryl and I can still hear the tune. At that moment, all became well and right. We were all four together. Cheryl and I were at peace which each other, which we were usually but not always. Our

parents sat close together on the piano bench, four hands dancing in perfect rhythm. All was harmo-nious and good, all the pieces of our universe in their proper plac-es. The music bound us together in a loving family circle. Such moments of rightness shine bright in memory, perhaps because they don’t happen very often. I was reminded of this mo-ment the other day as I sat at my computer. The house was quiet. Suddenly I heard a rich deep note being played repeatedly on my own little upright piano. But I knew that the cover was down over the keyboard. Much to my shame, I had not played my piano in months, and not regularly in years. At that time, it was just an-other piece of furniture, display-ing books and Christmas cards. Our energetic cat Peanut, en-gaged in some inventive moment of her own, had apparently leaped up to reach for something below the keyboard. She had caught one paw in the one-inch gap between

the back of the bottom of the keybed and the top of the lower front board. In attempting to ex-tricate herself, she was plucking one of the strings and “playing” my piano. While I freed Peanut, I pon-dered the loveliness of that round, sweet tone. I remembered how rich with piano music our early years were, while our father was still well enough to play. Even after he was gone, and my mother remarried, and we ultimately had four little brothers and a sister, wherever we lived, the house was full of music. I contributed, prac-ticing through 10 years of piano lessons. But the music never held quite the same contentment as that one rich moment of my remem-brance. Peanut’s one-note misadven-ture connected me again with that long-ago day. It reminded me that I really must get that old piano tuned, learn to play again, and hold tight to that connection.Contact [email protected]

Staying physically fi t at 62 despite multiple sclerosisAnna ConnorsContinued from page 10

working out on machines three times weekly, she serves on that branch’s Board of Governors. Joining her there for hydrobics in the pool is Maggie Harling, 62, of Northborough, who also has MS. They also participate

– and was amazed that he could do it.” A few years ago, Connors had a chance meeting with belly-dance performer and instruc-tor Gypsy Phillips, now 77, of Northborough. They casually discussed a weekly dance class at the Shrewsbury Senior Cen-ter. Connors acknowledged doubt because it would require balance, but she gave it a try. “I never turn down a chal-lenge,” she said. “Hearing the music got me wondering if I could dance again – and I can. It’s a new spark in my life.” Phillips invited Connors to join her Gypsy Moon Dance Company as well its off spring Silver Moon Gypsies, currently consisting of six dancers age 62 to 83

Anna Connors

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in a therapy horseback-riding program twice monthly, year-round in Brimfi eld. Connors and Harling attend a support group at the MS Center at the UMass Memorial Medi-cal Center, University Campus, in Worcester. In 2014, they led a meeting titled “Yes, You Can!”

Anna Connors page 17


HopeHealth is here with compassion and a full complement of medical, care management and support services, including home-based physician care, counseling, caregiver support, hospice care, and dementia and Alzheimer’s services. All dedicated to helping those facing serious illness or loss find Hope.

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from Millbury, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Southborough and Worcester. They perform at many senior centers, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities in eastern and central Massachusetts. When the dancers each in-troduce themselves to audienc-es, Connors shares her mantra: “Let’s not dwell on things we can no longer do; let’s broaden our horizons and fi nd some-thing new.” She has observed how pa-tients and residents react to music and dance including in Alzheimer’s units. “The power of music and dance evokes a lot of emotions in them,” she said. “You think they’re ‘not there’ and then all of a sudden they perk up.” Another chance meeting in-troduced Connors to musician Marty Ayotte, 62, of Worces-ter, who uses a wheelchair and has sit-skied and hand-cycled in half marathons. He reads stories about athletes with disabilities on the program “Audio Journal Sports Page,” Fridays from 5 to

Staying physically fi t at 62 despite multiple sclerosis6 p.m. Audio Journal is a non-profi t radio, cable and online broadcast service for people throughout central Massachu-setts who are blind, visually im-paired or otherwise unable to read print. Now, Connors also reads for the weekly program. “I read stories about disabled people doing anything athletic,

Anna ConnorsContinued from page 16

Contact informationMS support groupMS Center at the UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Cam-pus, in WorcesterContact: Carolyn Griffi n, RN MSCNPhone: 508-856-5006

Silver Moon Gypsieswebsite: silvermoongypsies.wee-bly.comContact for info & rates:Gypsy Phillips –Phone: 508-393-9371Email: [email protected] Connors –Email: [email protected]

Audio JournalWebsite: audiojournal.netPhone: 508-797-1117Email: [email protected]

adventurous or out of the ordi-nary – even wheelchair dancing,” she explained. “I can relate with people not wanting to give up.” Last July, Connors performed with the Silver Moon Gypsies at the 25th anniversary celebra-tion of the American Disabili-ties Act (ADA) at Union Station in Worcester. The occasion of-

fered exposure for a good cause, Connor noted. “It was an eye-opening ex-perience about what the ADA does,” she said. “It’s bringing to the forefront what people with disabilities go through daily and helping us live productive lives. We are human beings and want to live our lives to the fullest.”


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Helpful tips for preventing falls in the home

According to the Cen-ter for Disease Control (CDC), each year 2.5

million people aged 65 and old-er end up in emergency rooms due to injuries caused by falls. The good news is there are sev-eral things you can do to avoid falling at home. At this time of the year, while you’re making sure your steps and driveway are well-lit, smooth and free from ice, consider making the inside of your home just as safe. Sara Oliveira, a community health worker for Marlbor-ough’s Board of Health and Lanie Silva, a community health worker for the Hudson Health Department, have been busy helping residents aged 65 and older do just that. In addition to giving presentations and of-fering free home safety assess-ments, the women off er tips on preventing falls. Here are some tips from Oliveira, Silva and the CDC.

1. Maximize your walking space: “While falls can happen any-where, they most often occur at home,” said Oliveira. “Arrange or remove furniture, so there is plenty of room for walking.”

2. Identify and remove/improve tripping hazards and poor light-ing: “Before you fall, it is impor-tant to identify, in your home,

some fall risks,” advised Silva. “Be aware of tripping hazards, such as clutter on the fl oor, scatter rugs and poor lighting.”

3. Install railings, grab bars and brighter light bulbs: On its website, www.cdc.gov/homean-drecreationalsafety, the CDC advises seniors to replace any dull light bulbs with brighter ones and to add lights to dimly lit or dark areas. Additionally, it suggests that people install railings on both sides of stairs and grab bars inside and outside your tub or shower and next to the toilet.

4. Further improve stair and bathtub safety: “Use non-slip adhesive strips on stairs,”

Oliveira suggested. She added that adhesives are equally help-ful in the bathroom: “Use non-skid mats or appliques in the bath and shower.”

5. Exercise: “Don’t limit your activity for fear of falling,” said Silva. “Many seniors think that if they’re sitting on the sofa all day long, they are safe from fall-ing. But it’s not true. That makes your muscles weak. Most peo-ple think that elders can’t build muscles, but this is not true! Strength and balance exercises help increase leg strength and improve balance. While we do lose muscle as we age, exercise can partially restore strength and fl exibility.” 6. Get your eyes checked: While improved fi tness can reduce your risk of falling, eye health is also important. The CDC sug-gests seniors have their eyes ex-amined at least once a year and update eyeglasses accordingly. On its website, it also states “If you have bifocal or progressive lenses, you may want to get a pair of glasses with only your dis-tance prescription for outdoor activities, such as walking. Some-times these types of lenses can make things seem closer or far-ther away than they really are.”

7. Keep fl oors dry: Even if you can see well, you won’t al-ways be looking at your fl oors. Oliveira cautioned people against procrastinating, when it comes to fall risks. She said “Wipe up spills immediately.”

8. Use nightlights: Sometimes, you may not realize a spill has happened or an object has been moved. “Place nightlights in kitchen, bath and hallways,” Oliveira suggested.

9. Talk to your doctor: “Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medications with you,” advised Silva. “Prescrip-tion and over-the-counter med-icines may cause side eff ects or interact with other meds, caus-ing dizziness or drowsiness.”

10. Make frequently used items more accessible: Oliveira sug-gested storing medications, food, clothing and all frequent-ly used items within reach, so you “won’t be tempted to use a stool or ladder to get to them.”

11. Have a free evaluation of your home’s safety: “To sup-port you identifying your home fall risks, contact the commu-nity health workers from your local health department for a home visit at no cost to you,” said Silva.

Falls can be devastating for seniors and their loved ones. But trying these safety tips can greatly decrease the chances of falling. Consequently, they can greatly increase your chances of remaining healthy, happy and independent.

For those at risk of falling due to hoarding, there’s a local pro-gram that can help. For infor-mation about the Marlborough Community Development Corporation’s ClearPath pro-gram, visit www.strongcommu-nity.org/clearpath-hoarding or call 508-658-0880.

BY CHRISTINE GALEONECONTRIBUTING WRITER

Lanie Silva, a community health worker for the Hudson Health Department

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SU P E R C R O SSWO R D P UZZL E “Family Expansion”

Alain Valles, CRMP and president of Direct Finance Corp., was the fi rst designated Certifi ed Reverse Mortgage Professional in New England. He can be reached at 781-724-6221 or by email at [email protected]. Archives of articles from previous issues can be read at www.fi ftyplusadvocate.com.

(answers on page 20)

money matters

If you are like many Ameri-cans, some or all of your re-tirement income is tied up

in the stock market. Per-haps you own stock directly, or participate in a mu-tual fund, or an annu-ity, or have invested in a 401(k) or c o m p a n y

pension plan. So you probably pay attention to how the mar-ket is doing, hoping that your savings will be protected and – hopefully – continue to grow. But trying to follow the ups and downs of the stock market in recent months is enough to

BY ALAIN VALLES, CRMPPRESIDENT, DIRECT FINANCE CORP.

make you dizzy! First it goes up. Then it drops like a rock. Then it wavers. Who can tell which way your savings will go next? It can be disquieting, stomach churning, and even frightening, to see your fi nancial future bat-ted around, with no guarantee your money is safe. If you are seeking a more se-cure and stable source of cash fl ow, you may be sitting in it right now – your home. The eq-uity you have built up by mak-ing mortgage payments over the years has real value. That equity could be a reliable source of tax-free immediate cash, or can give you the peace of mind of being able to access funds in the future if needed. Reverse cash is never considered “income” (its debt). Most homes have appreciated in value from when they were fi rst purchased, meaning your equity has grown as well. For example, according to the Lin-

coln Institute of Land Policy, in 1975 home values in Massachu-setts averaged $32,985. In the fi rst quarter of 2015 the average home value in the Bay State was $347,356 – more than a tenfold increase. So there may be plenty of money locked up in your home. The problem has always been accessing the value in a form that you could use. Taking out a conventional mortgage or home equity loan means having yet another monthly payment, at a time when that might be a fi nan-cial burden. Enter the Home Equity Con-version Mortgage (HECM). Also known as a reverse mortgage, a HECM is a federally insured loan program that allows quali-fying seniors 62 years or older to access the equity in their homes

The market rollercoaster stops herein the form of cash, a monthly check or a line of credit that is available for as long as you live in your home, with the signifi cant advantage of not being required to make a monthly mortgage payment. Reverse mortgages have been the solution to needing addi-tional monthly cash fl ow, paying off debt, funding home repairs, allowing people to stop working, aff ording healthcare, and giving peace of mind that money is available if ever needed. Most importantly, reverse mortgages have been a solution to get off the stock market rollercoaster. If you’d like more information about the pros and cons of a re-verse mortgage and scenarios for your specifi c situation, please give me a call or email me. I’d be glad to provide details.

Reverse Mortgage


viewpoint

For the past decade, I have reviewed the text of the an-nual State of the Common-

wealth (SOTC) speeches by three governors. I look carefully for use of the word “elderly” or “seniors” to see if there are any signifi cant policy statements about our

growing elder-ly population. Between 2010 and 2020, the Massachu-setts popula-tion 60+ is projected to grow from 1.27 million to 1.63 million,

a 31-percent increase of 359,845 elders. One-quarter of all of the households in Massachusetts in-cludes at least one person aged 65

and over. The population of peo-ple aged 65 and over in Massachu-setts, as a percentage of total state population, will jump 50 percent between 2010 and 2030, from 14 percent of the population, to 21 percent of the population. The last time a sitting gover-nor actually mentioned the el-derly was in January of 2006. Then-Governor Mitt Romney said the following in his SOTC speech: “And, there’s more on my agenda for the coming year. I’ll work for a program that gives seniors a better choice to age in their homes.” Several months later, Romney signed into law the “Equal Choice” bill, which prom-ised that enrollees in MassHealth would be cared for in “the least re-strictive setting” of their choice. Since 2006, elders have not made an appearance in any State

The real state of the (elder) commonwealthBY AL NORMAN of the Commonwealth speech. It

is striking that the fastest grow-ing demographic in the state does not warrant even a mention. Here are some challenges worth a line or two in a major policy speech: * Massachusetts has a high-er proportion of its popula-tion enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid than the national average. Across the U.S., the Medicare and Medicaid popu-lations have greater health care needs and spending levels than those in commercial insurance. * Five percent of patients ac-count for nearly half of all spending among the Medicare and Medicaid populations in Massachusetts. Signifi cant sav-ings can be captured by focus-ing on high-cost patients, and high-cost patients generally have more clinical conditions

Push Back

than the rest of the population. * Despite the fact that the com-monwealth has shifted spending from nursing facilities to a “com-munity fi rst” approach, Massachu-setts still has many opportunities to improve long-term supports outcomes and reduce costs. * Unprecedented growth in the elder population will create a marked increase in the demand for quality long-term services and supports (LTSS) in the common-wealth. Nearly 70 percent of peo-ple turning age 65 will need some level of LTSS in their lifetime, with 40 percent of people needing services for more than two years and 16 percent of people need-ing over $100,000 in services. * For low-income elders, the cost of these services will be borne primarily by MassHealth. Policy makers need to plan for the expanded ser-vice needs of this population. * The rate of residents in nursing facilities in Massachusetts is 46 percent greater than the U.S. av-erage. If we could reduce our bed rate in nursing facilities to the na-tional average, we could save $774 million over the next fi ve years, and $6.3 billion by the year 2030. * Massachusetts spends 63 percent more on Medicare per capita spending for nursing facility care, and 29 percent more for Medicaid per capita

Answers to Super Crossword(puzzle on page 19)

BY SHERI AND KAITLYN FULLER

The latest fad with the 50-plus generation is taking a recreational vehicle for

vacation instead of getting hotels. It is a way of getting away from all the hustle and bustle of the cit-ies and getting back to the small town scenic view. With more time available, you can take longer trips to see more of the country instead of fl ying over it and being rushed. You get to explore places you have only seen in magazines and on television. Being able to control your destination has be-come the ultimate trip. This is a way of testing the waters to see if you want to sell your house and be on the road full time. This gives you the ability to visit friends and relatives without intruding or having to fi nd a hotel and a rental car. With an on-board bathroom and kitchen, there is nothing you cannot do while you

are on the road. Now you do not have to worry about shoveling snow or getting another oil de-livery because you can take your RV and head south right after the holidays. Then when it starts get-ting hot where you are you can head back north and fi nd a nice campground to set up in for the summer. While you are camp-ing at the campgrounds you will be meeting other people in your

Elder page 21

Hitting the road for vacation? Think RVs!

same age group and making new friends who you can travel with. Come on by to see us, whether buying or renting, to check out all of our diff erent units. No special license is required. Fuller Motorhome Rentals, Inc., 150 Shrewsbury St., Boylston, MA 01505. For more information call 508-869-2905 or visit www.full-errv.com.

The latest fad with the 50-plus generation is taking a recreational vehicle for vacation instead of getting hotels.


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Al Norman is the executive director of Mass Home Care. He can be reached at [email protected], or at 978-502-3794. Archives of articles from previous issues can be read at www.fi ftyplusadvocate.com.

I think often of what it means to age gracefully. Of the hundreds of elders

I have met, I am most awed by those who make aging well

seem so easy. One of my role models is Janice. Jan-ice puts herself to-gether ev-ery day. Her outfit is m a t c h e d and her hair is

coiffed. She is the quintes-sential lady. She doesn’t have

BY MARIANNE DELOREY, PH.D.

Marianne Delorey, Ph.D. is the executive director of Colony Retirement Homes. She can be reached at 508-755-0444 or [email protected] and www.colonyretirementhomes.com. Archives of articles from previous issues can be read at www.fi ftyplusadvocate.com.

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If not grace…an unkind word for any-one. She is upbeat and for-ward-thinking. She is sharp as a tack and attentive and en-gaging in conversation. This month she turns 105 years old. I am certain that every-one who has met Janice is impressed by how well she has aged. Someday, I will count myself blessed if I have a fraction as much grace as she does. That is unlikely, however, given that I am just not a naturally graceful person. I am too coarse, too clumsy, too flawed to even pretend I can live up to this example, and I don’t see this getting better with age. So, if I can’t be graceful, I think about what other char-

acteristics I admire. I like to think I could be the next Mag-gie Kuhn, the founder of the Gray Panthers, who fought against an unfair mandatory retirement system. I would feel so proud to empower my fellow elders. But, it seemsso disingenuous and even self-interested to fight against the eldercare system that I have perpetrated during my career. Further, I may be a leader, but I am not a fight-er. And so, I cannot truly en-vision myself an aging warrior. Maybe I will be a Grandma Moses, who became a prolific painter in her late 70s and who used her creativity to stay pro-ductive and relevant. But, un-less I am suddenly given talents heretofore unseen, I do not see this future for me either. So, I am left to imagine what

I will be like when I am older. I will never be the quiet, wise woman who people turn to for guidance. I am neither quiet nor wise. It would be great if I could be the class clown that brings levity to aging, but I am just not funny. I pray I will not be so self- absorbed that I let my aches and pains rule my interactions. I will consider myself lucky if I can remain useful to the world and help-ful to those around me on their own journey through old age. But, inevitably, there is as much variation in how we age as there are humans on this planet. We will all even-tually fi nd our way. We defi -nitely need more good role models for aging so that the next generation will have its share of graceful, wise and wonderful elders to emulate.

spending on nursing homes than the national average in 2009. * Massachusetts has a higher rate of discharge from hospitals to nursing facilities relative to the national average, suggest-ing an opportunity to manage post-acute care more effi cient-ly. Hospitals in Massachusetts discharge patients into nurs-ing facilities at a rate 8 percent higher than the U.S. average.

* Our state does not allow spouses to be paid caregivers, and doesn’t allow people with demen-tia to get personal care attendants. * Massachusetts should guaran-tee that any senior who enrolls in a managed care plan has access to an independent agent to assess what home-based services they need to end provider confl icts of interest. An entire speech could be written about the state of the elderly commonwealth. I am still waiting for it to be written.

The real state of the (elder) commonwealthElderContinued from page 20


WESTBOROUGH – “Gray” di-vorce rates are defi nitely increas-ing. From 1990 to 2012, the rate has doubled for those ages 55 to 64, and tripled for those 65 and older, according to researchers at Bowling Green State University. Many have attributed this pat-tern to longer life spans, more fi -nancial independence, lessening stigma of divorce, and the higher likelihood that second or third marriages will end in divorce. Second Saturdays, a nonprof-it monthly divorce workshop, founded by Candace Bahr and Ginita Wall in 1989, is an excel-lent source for empowering older women who are divorcing or con-templating divorce. Since then, these workshops have spread across the country, and helped thousands of woman avoid costly fi nancial mistakes, and ease the

BY JANE KELLER GORDON.CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Second Saturday Central Mass panel: Pedro Silva, fi nancial planner; Polly Tatum, divorce attorney/mediator; and Jacqueline McLean Zekos, divorce counselor

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emotional transition for them and their families. These workshops have been held in Arlington since July 2015, and in Needham Heights since

September 2015. Second Satur-days Central Mass. started off er-ing workshops in Westborough in February 2016. Westborough workshop panel

members Pedro Silva, fi nancial planner; Polly Tatum, divorce at-torney/mediator; and Jacqueline McLean Zekos, divorce coun-selor, believe that it is important for women to understand the fi -nancial, legal and emotional chal-lenges of divorce, especially since the rate in Massachusetts is close to 50 percent. Each speak with a depth of knowledge, and personal experi-ence; Silva, Tatum, and McLean Zekos have all been divorced. Tatum and McLean Zekos were recruited by Silva to participate in the workshop. “I knew that they would be will-ing to go outside their comfort zone and contribute to the com-munity,” he said. All three participants are volun-teering their time. Silva calls himself a “fi nancial educator and life transitions specialist.” Silva has worked

Workshop page 23


Divorce workshop offers support for ‘gray divorces’

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as a fi nancial analyst at Provo Financial in Shrewsbury for the past seven years. He is a certifi ed divorce fi nancial analyst (CDFA). “I fi nd a lot of professional enjoyment in this work because I have been in (their) shoes,” he said. “The senior divorcing pop-ulation has some specifi c chal-lenges and concerns as it pertains to retirement… The underlying issue with the senior divorcing population is time. They are clos-er to retirement so the decisions that are made with regard to re-tirement assets will be felt sooner and could have substantial long-term impact to someone’s fi nan-cial wellbeing,” said Silva. “We want (women) to be con-fi dant and empowered when they are feeling most vulnerable,” he added. McLean Zekos brings years of experience counseling woman

through divorce. She taught di-vorce education for 12 years for the probate court in Worcester, and was the clinical coordinator for the pediatric and adolescent program at the Fallon Clinic. By sharing evidence-based in-formation and advice, McLean Zekos noted, “a lot of tears and heartache can be avoided... We know what will help children and families get their life going for-ward.” McLean Zekos covers a wide range of topics, including dif-fi culties faced by adult children dealing with divorce; how to co-habitate when separated; and ad-vice for those over 65, the fastest grouping group of divorcees. Tatum, whose fi rm, Mediation Advantage, is based in Worcester, commented, “As a legal expert, I will be pro-vide information about how the divorce process works in Massa-chusetts, the diff erence between

hiring two separate attorneys ver-sus using a mediator, and explain the divorce mediation process.” She said, “Couples who are over 50 face major fi nancial concerns when they are contemplating a di-vorce. They are concerned about preserving their assets, dealing with their debt and possibly col-lege funding.” Tatum will also discuss prop-erty division, alimony, division of assets and allocation of liability, health insurance, life insurance, taxes and legal issues. “(This) is going to be a resource… in a more informal setting where women can gather some back-ground information about the divorce process and also obtain support as they are going through the emotional process,” she said. Workshop participants can reg-ister at the door or ahead of time. Upcoming dates are March 12, April 9, May 14 and June 11. It is recommended that you contact

the local workshop to confi rm the meeting.

ARLINGTONContact: Wyckoff Nissenbaum 617-544-7140 or Wyckoff @somer-villelawoffi ce.comRobbins Library700 Massachusetts Ave.Arlington, MA 02476

NEEDHAM HEIGHTSContact: Gail Nickse 617-678-5388 or [email protected] Offi ce of Marc CannerConference room200 Highland Ave., 3rd FloorNeedham Heights, MA 02494

WESTBOROUGHContact: Pedro Silva 508-842-0539 or pedro@provofi nancial.comCorridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce30 Lyman St. #6Westborough, MA 01581

WorkshopContinued from page 22


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