FPA Eastern Jun22 by Community Advocate

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Eastern Edition

Vol. 49 | No. 6 | June 2022

The fairy tale continues with Boston’s famed swan boats

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Sports fan thrives in his dream job By Peg Lopata Contributing Writer BOSTON - Richard Johnson, curator at the Boston Sports Museum, must’ve been born under a lucky star. Of course, it hasn’t all been luck. Through many years of hard work, Johnson, age 66, has become a foremost authority on sports. He’s got a tiny office that’s nothing to boast about, but no matter. He’s certainly in his happy place and has been since he was hired as the museum’s first employee in 1982. “I couldn’t have sat down and conjured a better job,” said Johnson. “I’m very grateful.” Johnson not only works as curator. He’s written books and essays ― too numerous to mention them all. His book, “Ted Williams, a Portrait in Words and Pictures” (Walker and Company, 1991) written with co-author, Glenn Stout, was a New York Times Sunday Book Review Notable Book. Sports fan | 4

‘Best Job Evah!’ “I couldn’t have sat down and conjured a better job,” says Richard Johnson (right), of his role curating the collections and exhibits at the Boston Sports Museum.

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AARP Massachusetts Shines a light on 50+ Bay Staters who Give Back By Mike Festa, State Director AARP Massachusetts

We're in Your Corner People today can spend nearly half their lives over the age of 50. That's a lot of living. So, it helps to have a wise friend and fierce defender like AARP in your corner and in your community so your money, health and happiness live as long as you do. AARP offers information and support for caregiving, financial planning, volunteering and events to help you achieve your goals and stay connected. Find us at aarp.org/ma.

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AARP is excited to shine a light on 50+ Massachusetts residents who are using what they’ve learned in life to make a difference in their community.

s the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families. As such, AARP is excited to shine a light on 50+ Massachusetts residents who are using what they’ve learned in life to make a difference in their community. We are now accepting nominations for our 2022 AARP Massachusetts Andrus Award for Community Service. Named after our founder: Ethel Percy Andrus, the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service honors 50+ Bay Staters who are sharing their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their community members. In addition, the award recipient will be granted $2,500 to donate to a non-profit of their choosing. Please note, the person does NOT have to be an AARP member or volunteer, but they do have to live in Massachusetts. Nominations will be evaluated by the AARP MasMike Festa sachusetts State Office based on how the volunteer’s work has improved the community, reflected AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers. AARP Massachusetts Andrus Award for Community Service nominees must meet the following eligibility requirements: • Nominee must be 50 years or older. • The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must have been performed on a volunteer basis, without pay. Volunteers receiving small stipends to cover the costs associated with the volunteer activity are eligible. • The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must reflect AARP’s vision and purpose. • The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must be replicable and provide inspiration for others to volunteer. • Partisan political achievements, accomplishments or service may not be considered. • Couples or partners who perform service together are also eligible; however, teams are not eligible. • Previous Andrus Award recipients are not eligible. • This is not a posthumous award. The application deadline is July 15, 2022 and the award recipient will be announced in early fall and then honored at our 2022 Annual Andrus Awards Ceremony. The AARP Andrus Award Ceremony is an annual awards program developed to honor individuals whose service is a unique and valuable contribution to society. Please contact the AARP Massachusetts State Office at (866) 448-3621 or go to www.aarp.org/ma for further information and a nomination form.

Mike Festa is the State Director for AARP Massachusetts. For more articles visit www.fiftyplusadvocate.com.

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Work camping and camp host jobs offer adventure and perks Energetic and outgoing RV owners can enjoy a variety of benefits in seasonal work camper or camp host jobs.

By Barbara Hazelden Contributing Writer REGION - Visiting RV parks and campgrounds is an ideal way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Massachusetts and a host of outdoor activities. To keep these facilities running smoothly, the owners often rely on a workforce that combines paid employees with work campers and/or camp hosts. Although each position is structured a bit differently, work campers and camp hosts typically enjoy desirable perks while helping to enhance park visitors’ experiences. What is a work camper? The aptly named term “work camper” refers to an adventurous seasonal worker who lives in their recreational vehicle (or RV) at a campground or resort. The term “Workamper,” trademarked by the Workamper News, is another iteration of this word. A typical work camper might find themselves assigned to a variety of campground jobs. They could serve as a gate attendant, activities assistant, general information associate, housekeeping worker, or gift shop/concession associate. During a given week,

they could actually perform multiple tasks. In exchange for the work camper’s services, they generally receive a free RV campsite (including utility fees) for the typically spring-to-fall camping season. Certain campgrounds provide some level of compensation along with the free campsite. Full-time work camping positions are somewhat uncommon.

Job qualifications Few work camper jobs have specific prerequisites. A friendly nature, good people skills, and a stellar work ethic are most important. Most campgrounds are happy to train candidates that meet these three criteria. Unless the campground states that the position includes onsite housing, work campers are expected to live in their own RV. They must also have

their own reliable transportation. Many retirees view work camping as a great way to experience interesting campgrounds while living a frugal lifestyle. This season, David and Elaine Armstrong are busily work camping at Massachusetts’ Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough. This RV resort, set between Boston and Cape Cod, kicked off its camping season on Work camping | 5

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Sports fan thrives in his dream job Sports fan | from page 1

Sports, history and art in the heart Johnson has a love for the combination of history, arts, and sports. As a child growing up in Worcester he was steeped in this combination by his family. Johnson admitted he has this unusual blend of interests. But an accidental trip aboard a Bruins charter plane also steered him toward becoming curator of the Boston Sports Museum. “That trip may well be why I do what I do. I’ve been a baseball devotee for as long as I can remember,” he explained. “Also, I grew up during another golden age of sports — the era of the Impossible Dream for the Red Sox, the Celtics eight straight years championship dynasty, and the Bruins and Bobby Orr. It was quite a time to be a sports fan and a young athlete.” Not only has Johnson been a lucky guy in his career, but he’s also worked with and met such greats as former Red Sox player Ted Williams and Dick Cowans, a former Celtic.

Richard Johnson, curator at the Boston Sports Museum, was its first employee and recently celebrated his 40th work anniversary.

“Behind the scenes, Williams made appeals for support that made all the difference for our museum,” explained Johnson. “And there’d not be a sports museum without Cowans.” Museum’s scope goes beyond memorabilia The scope of the Boston Sports Museum is wide — not only are there displays of memorabilia, but there’s also an archive, a research center and many community programs. Though a good deal of the museum is beautifully displayed objects of the Bruins and Celtics, there are also displays devoted to other sports and their players. Fan of baseball greats will enjoy the displays dedicated to such legends as Ted Williams — there’s even his Fenway Park locker. But it’s not all just about the players. There’s a display chronicling Title Nine, legislation which greatly impacted collegiate sports. It’s fitting. After all, intercollegiate sports began in this country with the 1852 crew race between Harvard and Yale. In addition, Johnson aims to not neglect the sometimes-overlooked sports. Sports fan | 5

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Work camping and camp host jobs offer adventure and perks Work camping | from page 3

April 1. As work campers for 18 years, the Armstrongs have gained great satisfaction from their work. Elaine especially enjoys helping new campers ease into the experience. She also thrives on meeting people from different cultures. “We have made so many friends and met nice people that we were able to keep in touch with for years,” she said. “We can return back to our own RV and feel like we might have been able to make someone understand what camping life is all about. We are two very happy work camp- Normandy Farms employee Cindy Fuller and ers,” she added. work camper Elaine Armstrong welcome a canine guest.

Camp host volunteers In contrast to a work camper, most camp host (or park host) positions are volunteer based. National and state parks, along with city and county campgrounds, frequently utilize camp hosts’ services. A typical camp host job requires 20 to 25 hours a week (or more) of work time. Job tasks are similar to work camper duties. The park will generally provide a free campsite with most (if not all) utilities included. Camp host job qualifications typically match those for work camper jobs. In addition, a camp host is also expected to own an RV that serves as their onsite residence. Massachusetts work camper and camp host jobs Searching the web for Massachu-

setts work camping jobs is a good way to find available positions. Aspiring work campers can also browse a campground directory in appealing parts of the Bay State. Finding volunteer camp host jobs requires a different process. U.S. Government-run facilities, such as the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management, post openings at volunteer.gov. The portal features search parameters such as agency, activity type, time duration, and city and state. A work camper or camp host job requires a sense of adventure, a love of meeting new people, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. These positions can open up a whole new world for RV owners with these traits.

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Sports fan thrives in his dream job Sports fan | from page 4

“We just installed a display on the Renegades, a women’s football team,” says Johnson. “And we’re about to install a display on the Boston Pride, a professional women’s hockey team.” Going back in time For history buffs, there’s one of Johnson’s most special items: the first 24-second clock from 1954. It was stored in coach Red Auberbach’s car during the many road trips the Celtics took. Kids will especially like the fullsize, life-like wooden sculptures of several sports legends by Armand LaMontagne. You’ll feel like you’ve

come face-to-face with the men themselves. Then there’s the display case featuring the twelve championship rings won by the area’s four major pro franchises over the past twenty-one seasons. “It’s a true show stopper and distills the glory of the era into one elegant display,” said Johnson with pride. If you love sports, this is a place you shouldn’t miss. To purchase tickets, you can visit the Sports Museum’s information desk located outside the Pro Shop in North Station. For more information visit: https:// sportsmuseum.org/ or www.facebook. com/TheSportsMuseum/.

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Berkshire Botanical Garden showcases regional plants, serves as educational resource Admission includes access to the gardens and art galleries, a self-guided audio tour, and a daily guided group tour.

By Colin McCandless Contributing Writer STOCKBRIDGE - When the weather warms and you’re eager for an outdoor excursion, it’s prime time to trek west into the Berkshires and experience the aesthetic beauty of Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge. This nonprofit, membership-supported educational organization, encompassing 24 acres, highlights plants native to the Northeast region, according to Felix Carroll, Berkshire Botanical Garden’s director of marketing and communications. A variety of different display gardens are exhibited throughout the grounds. They feature lilies, primroses, an herb garden, vegetable gardens, a pond garden and a children’s discovery garden that is used for a kids’ camp. Art galleries are located on site within the grounds as well in this area full of big cultural attractions. Stockbridge is also home to the Norman Rockwell Museum, and Tanglewood — the summer home and training academy of the Boston

The Berkshire Botanical Garden goal is to plant for pollinators and supply habitat for insects such as bumblebees and butterflies. Estate planning may seem overwhelming and daunting, but it’s really a matter of getting your affairs in order. Of course, no two estate plans are alike. Some individuals may only require a will-based plan, while others may benefit from establishing trusts. The best way to plan for your future, protect your interests, and provide for your loved ones is to consult a qualified elder law & estate planning attorney.

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Berkshire Botanical Garden shares its gardening philosophy and call to action with visitors, encouraging others to incorporate the same practices in their home gardens and focus on planting native species that attract pollinators. Carroll described the organization as the “brain trust of gardening in the region.” What to see when you visit Its display gardens and art galleries are open daily to visitors through Oct. 31 and timed, ticketed admission is required for all guests. Admission includes access to the gardens and art galleries and a self-guided audio tour. A guided group tour (free with admission) is offered daily at 11 a.m. from June 1-Sept. 1. “Everything is labelled,” noted Carroll of the display gardens, “But if you take the tour, you can see it through the eyes of a horticulturalist.” Another visual gem is Lucy’s Garden, which features a collection of

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art and more, said Carroll. “Educators can guide you on what is best to plant in your backyard.” Or conversely, what not to plant. “There’s a lot of talk about getting rid of invasive species which have taken over the landscape,” he added. They even have a master gardener hotline listed on their website that can answer specific gardening questions. In addition to hosting field trip groups onsite, the garden’s educators visit students in area schools. “Berkshire Botanical Garden has programs within the schools to help teach them about how to build a garden on school property and cultivate it,” remarked Carroll. The nonprofit also launched a new project this season called “Garden in your Arms” that is specifically tailored to guide people on how to develop pollinator plants on their property. “We’re joining a national movement to rethink the American lawn,” explained Carroll. He elaborated that the lawn as it currently exists is often high maintenance and has been referred to as “an ecological desert.” “So maybe reconsider replacing it with pollinator gardens and native species, he said. “We see the effects of what’s planted here and the biodiversity that develops because of it.” Visitors typically spend approximately two hours exploring the gardens and the grounds. For more information, visit berkshirebotanical.org.

custom-designed topiaries including an elephant and other expertly sculpted creatures that were donated by a couple in Greenwich, Conn., and are stewarded by local topiarist Matt Larkin of Black Barn Farm in Richmond. It is considered one of the finest topiary collections in North America. “This is a really cool place,” asserted Carroll. Trails meander through the gar-

dens, and there are benches, picnic areas and a café serving lunch. The garden holds concerts in the summer on Monday nights. Educational opportunities To help fulfill its mission as an educational and environmental organization, Berkshire Botanical Garden provides ample learning opportuni-

ties. These include an array of online and in-person classes, lectures, workshops, exhibits and special events that inform people on the art and science of gardening and the preservation of our environment. Classes offered this year entail wide-ranging topics such as designing your backyard garden, soil science, chainsaw lessons, a spring wildflower primer, photography, cooking,

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Cohousing another option for some people as they age By David Wilkening Contributing Writer REGION - When Julie Wittes Schlack and her husband Mark Schlack were in their 50s they didn’t consider themselves old. Not yet anyway. But around that time they began thinking seriously about when they would “really be old.” What to do when their ages were catching up to her parents, facing the limited choices in assisted living facilities? They had what they called a “brilliant idea.” What if they could get a group of like-minded people together to pool their resources to buy a building in a non-institutional setting? Six years later, Julie, 68, and Mark, 69, sold their larger home in Cambridge to buy a much smaller unit in the six-acre Village Hill Cohousing development in Northampton, which is near downtown. What they didn’t know when they actually tried out the concept of cohousing with different age groups living together is that it had already been practiced first in Denmark. It was becoming popular in the United States and particularly in areas such as Massachusetts.

A cohousing development involves a group of individually owned homes, like a condominium, but also includes a common area building where shared meals, meetings, and other events take place.

An early introduction to the concept So what did they find were the pros and cons of this newer choice of cohousing? Wittes Schlack had an early introduction to a version of it. Her parents, whom she described as “vibrant, adventurous and sociable” were semi-pi-

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oneers of a type of cohousing. “When I was a kid and still lived in Montreal, my parents and aunt and uncle jointly bought a summer house that our two families lived in together,” she said. Wittes Schlack is a writer whose books include the memoir “This is All-at-Onceness” and the novel “Burning and Dodging.” “Not only did this mean that my brother and I had the benefits of growing up with three cousins who were like siblings to us, but we had a second set of parents,” she said. Their idea of cohousing aroused interest among Boston-area friends. But actually doing it created problems. Friends couldn’t agree on where to live, for example. And there were conflicts over priorities such as public transportation and distances from individual families. In investigating cohousing, Wittes Schlack found the idea started in 1966 in Denmark when Jan-Gudmand-Hoyer and five friends purchased a building site on the outskirts of Copenhagen. The United States is now home to 165 cohousing developments with 142 underway, according to the not-for-profit Cohousing Association of the United States. They define it as a “Housing development that involves people living around a common building with shared open space and neighbors collaboratively managing common areas.” There are no “cookie-cutter” rigid rules for an exact structure of cohousing. Some units have age requirements or breakdowns of eligible residents in other ways. Cohousing has similarities to condo life Many compare the communities generally to condo complexes. Wittes Schlack found in a Boston Herald article a good comprehensive description: “involves anywhere from 15 to 40 individ-

ually owned homes clustered around a common house ― the gathering place for shared meals, meetings and celebrations. But unlike people living in traditional condos, residents work five to ten hours a month at tasks such as landscaping, preparing group meals and babysitting.” The work requirement lowers costs and condo fees. “But more importantly, it fuels emotional investment in the community, strengthening mutual-aid muscles and ensuring frequent, easy opportunities to interact with others,” she noted. With its emphasis on sociability and a helpful tendency to lessen older individuals’ isolation, it’s no wonder the concept has been gaining popularity. It offers a lot of advantages such as often lower prices (partly because of the work requirement), cleaner developments with lower carbon emissions, and a more democratic structure. And more congenial surroundings. And perhaps more stimulating. So suggests Craig Ragland, executive director of the Co-Housing Association. “Massachusetts has become one of the hotbeds of cohousing,” he said, ranking fourth among states with almost a dozen new developments underway. Why here? Ragland points to the state’s highly-educated, progressive-minded populace. And to having architects and developers around who are familiar with the model, which often takes far longer to complete than usual housing projects. Resident diversity is a major positive Wittes Schlack said if there was one word to define a major advantage of projects such as her Northampton home, it could be “diverse.” “Residents range from a man who is 86 years old to a child of nine,” she explained. The diversity offers advantages for all age groups, with younger members able to help older ones with physical chores such as climbing ladders to change light bulbs. Older members, in turn, offer such services as babysitting. The development offers a mix of married, single, straight and gay people and some ethnic diversity as well. Member professions include everything from teachers to writers, to lawyers and dog groomers. Easy socializing has been a major attraction. Residents walk dogs, trade books, listen to music together, even bring food to ailing neighbors. “We’ve been in more neighbors’ homes and had more of them to our own home than we did in 38 years on our old block in the city,” she said. Cohousing | 13

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Plant-based ‘superfoods’ touted to prevent disease and prolong life Superfoods include not only fruits and vegetables, but also nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains and beans.

The official reverse mortgage consumer booklet approved by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development

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Reverse Mortgages – Children’s Concerns Alain Valles, MBA, MS 781-724-6221

By David Wilkening Contributing Writer REGION - What are your eating habits? You are probably like most of us: a “meat and potatoes” person. You may like vegetables but are not likely to be a strict vegetarian. Or even a semi-vegetarian who eats more than eggs and dairy foods but also occasionally meat, poultry, fish and seafood. But whatever your preference, your taste in food probably has a growing interest in healthy eating, especially as you get older. And that interest extends to “superfoods”― as illustrated by the market growing in 2020 to a value of $733 billion. It’s expected to be $1 trillion in just a few years. Not just fruits and vegetables Superfoods are broadly defined as foods in a diet that help promote good health and also have a positive impact on various diseases that are often associated with older age. And a key area of that diet is based primarily on plantbased food. But that might not be exactly what you think. “That includes not only fruits and vegetables, but also nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains and beans. It doesn’t mean that you are a vegetarian or vegan and never eat meat or dairy. Rather, you are proportionately choosing more of your foods from plant sources,” said Katherine D. McManus, a well-known nutritionist whose titles include Director of Nutrition Services at the Boston-based Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. There is evidence that the plantbased diet is not only healthy but disease-preventing. “Much nutrition research has examined plant-based eating patterns such as the Mediterranean diet and a vegetarian diet. The Mediterranean diet has a foundation of plant-based foods; it also includes fish, poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt a few times a week, with meats and sweets less often,” said McManus.

Healthier diets These diets in population studies and clinical trials have reduced the risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers (particularly colon, breast and prostate), even depression. And in older adults, the studies showed a decreased rate of fragility, as well as better mental and physical functions. Superfood is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “food (such as salmon, broccoli or blueberries) that is rich in compounds (such as antioxidants, fiber or fatty acids) considered beneficial to a person’s health.” Early attention to superfoods did not originate though nutrition scientists or dietitians. It all started with a banana near the time of the First World War in the early 20th century. The United Fruit Company began touting the nutritional value of bananas. Their suggestion was to include them in morning cereals and midday lunch, salads, or snacks. Medical studies followed as a multi-billion-dollar industry evolved with plant-based products becoming known for their positive health qualities and disease-resistance qualities. Critics of superfoods often concede many have positive values but caution that not all such claims have been positively proven. Some studies are still based on early outlooks, for example. Critics urge consumers not to blindly embrace every new superfood or fad, but instead to cultivate a variety of proven nutritious options. Food is hardly the first thing you consider, either, when reducing chances of dementia or Alzheimer’s but there is evidence it has an enormous impact on that, suggests Alvaro Pascual-Leone, professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School. He advocates the Mediterranean-based MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet in conjunction with exercise and other lifestyle chances that he says reduces chances of getting dementia by at least 40 percent. Superfoods | 19

Are you at least 62 years old and own a home with some equity? Do you wish to have access to cash, pay off a current mortgage, or be better financially prepared? Then you should learn about the pros and cons of a government insured reverse mortgage. A great place to get free information is the “How to Use Your Home to Stay at Home” 36-page book. This is the official reverse mortgage consumer booklet approved by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and published by the National Council on Aging. To receive your free copy, please call me at (781) 724-6221 or email me at av@powhse.com.

But what about the children? You may decide that a reverse mortgage is the optimum solution to ensuring financial stability and freedom but find that your children have the following concerns: You’re giving your home to the government – False • Just like a regular mortgage, the deed is in your name You’ll lose control or ownership of your home – False • Just like a regular mortgage, you must pay your real estate taxes and homeowner’s insurance on time and abide by the loan terms They’ll have to pay for something – False • You have the option of never making a mortgage payment • The loan can be paid off when the home is sold • Your children have no financial responsibility as this is a non-recourse loan They must give permission for you to obtain a reverse mortgage – False • I always encourage the children to be part of the conversation but there is no requirement to do so • You may get a reverse mortgage without your children’s approval I am available to evaluate your specific situation, answer everyone’s questions, and calculate how much money is available. Call today to receive your free “How to Use Your Home to Stay at Home” 36-page book.

Alain Valles was the first designated Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional in New England. He obtained a Master of Science from the M.I.T. Center for Real Estate, an MBA from the Wharton School, and graduated summa cum laude from UMass Amherst. He is the senior reverse mortgage loan officer MLO#7946 at Powerhouse Funding Corp. NMLS #1740551. He can arrange but does not make loans. Alain can be reached directly at (781) 724-6221 or by email at av@powhse.com

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Should you buy long-term care insurance? By David Wilkening Contributing Writer REGION - If you want the protection of buying long-term care insurance, it helps if you have a lot of money. Say more than a million dollars in assets. Otherwise, it might be out of your price range. The bad news here: There’s a chance that you will someday need what it provides. The good news is that there are alternatives. Whatever the cost, long-term care insurance is “definitely not for everybody,” admitted Tobe Gerard, known for her expertise in the topic. Her Natick-based insurance agency includes the specialty of providing for long-term care. “Financial planners and attorney advisors often recommend it for people who have one million and a half in assets and own their own home or condo. Some advisors put the figure at $5 million in assets,” she added. Yet at the same time, 70 percent of people over the age of 65 will require some form of care and support later in life. Initially marketed to Boomers Long-term care insurance came on the scene in the mid-1970s. It

The Center of Retirement Research at Boston College found that one strong indicator of whether long-term care was needed is whether a person is in good health during his or her 60s.

was heavily marketed to aging baby boomers heading towards retirement. It provided policy holders a guarantee of care without having to sell their homes or other assets to pay for it. It generally covers nursing home and at-home care costs. It is similar to life insurance in that premiums are based on age and health. Major selling points are giving in-

dividuals options over their health care, and alleviating stress and cost for other family members. But with rising medical costs, it’s generally agreed that insurance companies suffered huge losses largely because of pricing decisions that were inaccurate. Insurers underestimated how long policyholders were living to need nursing home care, for example.

That led to steadily escalating prices. One Boston couple, for example, found their comprehensive longterm care insurance plan this year escalated to four times what they paid for it in 2004 ― leading to annual premiums of almost $19,000. Will you need long-term care? But what about if you can function in everyday life and don’t require a nursing home or care at home? And what if your needs are only shortterm? One of the biggest unknowns for retirees is whether they’ll eventually need long-term care and how long it may be needed. Many people may end up requiring little or no longstanding care, according to research from the Center of Retirement Research at Boston College. About 20 percent of 65-yearolds did not need any long-term care during the rest of their lives, the study found. Another one in five needed only minimal support (which in many cases is often provided by relatives). At the same time, though, the study found about 25 percent needed significant care for more than three years. Another 38 percent fell somewhere in the middle, needing moderate care,

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www.fiftyplusadvocate.com + JUNE 2022 + fiftyplus advocate the study found. It also found that one strong indicator of whether longterm care was needed is whether a person is in good health during his or her 60s. The study defined “minimal needs” as those going on for less than a year; moderate needs lasted one to three years while “high intensity” were needs that were not resolved within three years. Research economist Angie Chen in a Forbes Magazine interview pointed out that there’s not a “huge market” these days for longterm care insurance; there aren’t a lot of insurance companies selling it, and a lot of people don’t qualify. “For people who are at 65 and in poor health, they might expect to have to use more resources from their savings or their 401(k) or their home equity to pay for eventual future care needs,” she said. “Some get help from family members; the combo from the two is how people get their care needs met. It’s not actually through insurance (alone).” When to start thinking about a plan Financial planners and researchers such as Chen advise the wisest course for anyone older than 50 is to start thinking about a plan. “If you are over 60, you should do something

Long-term care insurance is “definitely not for everybody,” says Tobe Gerard, whose Natickbased insurance agency includes the specialty of providing for long-term care.

about it,” he said. “If you are going to use insurance coverage as part of the solution, you have to remember that the older you get, the greater the probability of not qualifying, and the greater the cost.” But there is a positive side. “Having a plan can be quite liberating,” Chen affirmed. “It relieves the anxiety of trying to figure out what will

happen. It gives us confidence that we are going to be able to address our other priorities, such as traveling, spoiling the grandchildren or planning a legacy.” For people over 65, health insurance rarely pays for the cost of longterm care. Medicare doesn’t generally cover it. Medicaid is the program for anyone over 65 that pays for the medical and long-term care for the less affluent. So people in that situation don’t need insurance because their needs are met by the government. “The challenge with government coverage (Mass Health) is that it is paid for by taxpayers, and that is a budget line that taxpayers may want to squeeze in the future,” Chen said. “In fact, Congress regularly attacks this and other entitlements. Is funding safe for now? It appears so. But will it be safe 10 years or 30 years down the line?” She and others often recommend a “layered” approach” in planning, which would include self-savings and the use of using accumulated assets to pay for medical care. Home equity is one typical example of using that money for future medical expenses. “The layered plan approach addresses the fact that we have an idea of what long-term care insurance

• 11

costs on average, but we don’t know what it will cost us individually. The layered approach as part of a retirement plan helps limit the effect of uncertainty and makes sure that there is money for other goals such as travel or a legacy for the children or grandchildren,” Chen noted. Long-term care insurance policies that might be less comprehensive in their coverage and more limiting in possible need areas at lower prices might also be part of a plan. Financial planners also suggest considering deferred annuities as another option. Putting money into a deferred annuity near retirement age can be an efficient way to fund longterm care. This strategy involves investing money in annuities that are paid out as monthly income at a future date when it can be used to fund medical care or other purposes. “Each person comes with different resources, goals, and attitudes towards the long-term care insurance issue,” concluded Chen. “I address it as part of a retirement or retirement income plan. Eventually it is up to all of us to decide how to best address the issue. There are many scary things to learn about long-term care insurance, but I prefer the focus to be on the positive of having a wellplanned financial life.”

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Energy-saving tips don’t have to be complicated or expensive By David Wilkening Contributing Writer

amount of cooling in the summer and heating in the winter due to the lack of insulation.” The result for Downie was a 30 percent savings in home energy costs. He was a satisfied customer of Mass Save. So much so that he became one of their case studies of statewide individuals who benefited from a program that offers free advice and other perks to cut down energy costs. The Mass Save program underwent a major overhaul earlier this year. Residents can connect with an “energy specialist” remotely by live streaming on a smartphone while walking around the house, or by having a specialist come to the home. The service is free. Advocates point out that specialists offer tailor-made suggestions based on individual needs. Anyone who uses the program is under no obligation; they can choose to implement the ideas or ignore any or all of the suggestions. Mass Save is a program sponsored by the state’s utility companies and funded with surcharges on utility bills. It’s the state’s leading efficiency program to reduce fossil fuel use and also lower costs. The revised plan is full of rebates and other incentives to make home energy costs more efficient. And it

REGION - Typical of many seniors, George Downie has an aging home. Heating and cooling bills ― which typically make up the greatest share of energy costs for most households ― were particularly disturbing. He asked for a home energy assessment. “We have an older home, and I knew it needed help,” he said. His major goal was a familiar one: save money. “I’m semi-retired and money is always an issue,” Downie explained. Free energy usage assessment A Mass Save energy specialist had various recommendations. They included some simple do-it-yourself types such as light fixture changes, lowflow showerheads and new thermostats. Another suggestion: adding insulation in drafty areas in his longtime West Springfield home. “We’ve found through the years that many of our customers live in older homes that do not have insulation in the walls,” said Bill Stack, Eversource Energy efficiency spokesman. “Customers can see insulation in their attic and perhaps in their basement, but they don’t realize that they lose a significant

Upgrading to a modern, programmable thermostat can help reduce heating costs. Energy Star-certified appliances like air conditioners and clothes dryers will have lower operating costs than older models.

Energy-saving tips | 13

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also has provisions for renters. The state says an average New England household spends more than $1,500 on energy bills. Half of that amount goes to heating and cooling. Energy-saving tips during milder weather Even with winter in the rearview mirror, some of the general energy-saving tips for milder weather have some surprises. For example, contrary to the often popular belief, microwaves cook faster than and use less energy than an oven. So that is among the recommendations. Other simple recommendations during hotter weather include hanging laundry outside to dry and if that’s not an option, use an Energy Star-certified clothes dryer. Another easy-to-use suggestion: On warm days, using an outdoor grill to cook instead of a stove or oven. Still another simple modification is to make sure all home devices are set to save power. “Check your computer, monitor, TV and other electronics to make sure they are set to conserve energy and use an advanced power strip to eliminate phantom load,” the agency suggested. Other warm weather recommendations: Eliminate air leaks and drafts by weather stripping and air sealing. “This will also keep allergens, dust and pollen at bay,” according to the Mass Save website. Also, use an Energy Star-certified room air conditioner. Their models use 10 percent less energy and on average cost less than $75 a year to run. “Better yet, consider a heat pump. They concentrate and move warm air into and out of your home,” according to Mass Save.

State covers costs for qualified residents The Mass Save program designates $4 billion in incentives for efficiency upgrades. That includes money for insulation and weatherization projects to help keep temperatures regulated. Energy officials say regulating air temperatures can lead to major savings from using too much electricity or heat. Residents in affected areas who make less than 60 percent of the state median income can have the state cover 100% of the cost of efficiency-boosting home measures and appliances. Users receiving low-income rates or food stamps qualify for that program. “Pretty much everything under the low-income program is free, because the concept is, we don’t want anyone who is struggling to pay their bills to be held back from having lower bills because they can’t afford the costs of upgrades,” said Amy Boyd, a member of the Massachusetts Energy Efficient Advisory Council. Renters can also find assistance in the programs. Those who convince their landlords to allow improvements can qualify the property for up to 100 percent coverage of the costs of such things as air-sealing and weatherization. Stack said it’s a good time to consider using the free services offered. “We help thousands of customers every year with energy efficiency upgrades during the colder winter months. Now is a great time for making upgrades as we head into the summer months. Air sealing and insulation can help keep users more comfortable using less energy during the summer months.”

Cohousing another option Cohousing | from page 8

The disadvantages Disadvantages she has found include meetings or the number of them to get things done. “There are meetings and more meetings. If you don’t like meetings, you won’t like it here,” she cautioned. Other disadvantages include price, which can be too high for younger members in part because many cohousing developments are often in pricier suburban areas. One other disadvantage cited by Wittes Schlack is “missing the big city. But we still visit friends there when we can,” she said. Her own parents late in life lived on their own in a rental apartment in Florida and eventually moved to assisted living. Wittes Schlack and her husband plan eventually to move into a semi co-housing setting in Somerville. She concluded: “My mother would have been very happy to see where and how we landed out here in Northampton.”

• 13

Finding my voice By Marianne Delorey, Ph.D. Executive Director, Colony Retirement Homes

other Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” And so, I have found one way to make my world better. I write. I did not always fancy myself a writer. My true love is elder care, and it is here that I have made my living. But several years ago, the Fifty Plus Advocate asked me to write a piece about affordable housing. I did. Then I wrote another. At first, it was the painstaking work harking back to English class in high school. It took me hours to come up with a topic. Once I had a topic, I had to actually write. This was like pulling teeth. I wrote about the elderly and affordable housing. I wrote about facts and how the elder housing world worked. Most of what I wrote was an effort to prove myself an expert — I quoted sources and piled facts on top of one another. Over time, I developed my voice. I started speaking about the people more so than the programs. I talked about the elders I met and surprisingly, I talked about myself. I explained why I love working with the elderly. I talked about people who had impacted me on a personal level. I started seeing my writing as a way to make an impact. I write about the need to help those who are less fortunate. I write about the need for affordable housing and other social

justice needs. I write about the elderly, especially MY elders. I write about their value to me and to our world. I write so people can see their beautiful souls through my eyes. I write so THEY understand their beauty, too. I did not think that people cared about what I had to say, but I did start getting comments, mainly from the elders I served, but occasionally from complete strangers. The phone calls, the emails, and the actual letters showed that what I wrote actually struck a chord. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and I started seeing myself as a writer. People enjoyed reading what I wrote, and every once in a while, they found understanding in my words. Another transition is happening now, and one I did not expect. Now, I am writing for myself. I am documenting more than the stories of the elders; I am documenting my life and the impact they have on me. I have pages of love and grief, heartbreak and gratitude that have become a memoir. I used to wonder (and still sometimes do) what people want me to write about, how to connect with my audience. Over the years, I have started to write to document the road I travel and invite people to share my journey rather than try to pull them along. But yet, the audience is still a significant part of why I write. I wasn’t clear on how this worked until I recently read a quote by Maya Angelou that perfectly sums it up: “I do my best because I am counting on you counting on me.” Thank you for sharing my journey. Thank you for being part of why I write. Thank you for reading.

Marianne Delorey, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of Colony Retirement Homes. She can be reached at 508-755-0444 or mdelorey@colonyretirement.com and www.colonyretirementhomes.com.

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Spring cleaning and the dusty mind By Janice Lindsay Contributing Writer

ith good intentions and delusions about the extent of my ambition, I compile a list of household chores to complete before summer: wash mudroom floor; polish woodwork; clean refrigerator; sweep garage; paint bedroom doors. Et cetera. Then I promptly accomplish the one task that seems most appropriate for such a demanding list: I lose it. I do not intend this outcome but I do not regret it. The list does not say: listen to the birds; smell the sweet spring air; admire neighbors’ gardens; watch for butterflies; find that spot in the woods where jack-in-the-pulpit grows. The to-do list’s basic message is, “Be productive. Accomplish something. Achieve.” Listening to nature, smelling deeply, observing attentively — the

practical world doesn’t view these as achievements. The world of the spirit, on the other hand, has a different definition of achievement. The spirit, being somewhat critical, says, “At the end of your life, will you really regret that you did not spend more time sweeping dead bugs off the attic floor?” However, because the spirit inhabits a human body, it must sometimes turn its attention to the practical matters of household dust and dead bugs. I accidentally find my spring chores list. I sincerely plan to attend to it. The practical problem with spring cleaning is that in sunny warm weather, I long to be outside. On gray rainy days, there’s no point in trying to clean because it’s too dark to see the dust. Or some of those chores should be done with open windows. Outside window-washing is the only household chore fit for sunny days: enjoy the warmth and accomplish something, too. But two spring cleaning challenges don’t even make the list. These are even more difficult to accomplish than scrubbing the porch floor. One of these challenges occurs

at that startling, occasional moment when I look around my house and observe it as a stranger might. I think, “Look at all this stuff! Do I really need all this stuff? Let’s get rid of it.” Easier thought than done. Consider these books. Can I be absolutely sure I will never again want to refer to that 30-year-old copy of “The Birds of Great Britain”? Or that cookbook from the 1980s that has one recipe I use? Consider these knick-knacks. Could I part with the tiny clay toucan from Peru, the one with the broken tail? Or the candy-cane-stripe scented candle I never burn because it’s so pretty? The stuff can probably feel comfortable that it will still be here at this time next year. But the biggest challenge of all is to clear the dusty clutter out of my brain. Jettison old self-defeating ideas. Don’t obsess about past mistakes but concentrate on what I’ve learned from them. Stop fearing future catastrophes that might not happen and know I’ll be able to handle whatever does. Do what I can to make the world a little brighter place and stop worrying about the rest that I can’t do anything about. Enjoy what

there is to enjoy and stop regretting what I don’t have. These tough, brain-sweeping challenges bring me closer to the world of the spirit and farther from the world of dust and dead bugs. These challenges are best tackled while reposing on the back porch, enjoying bird-song and the sweet spring air. Contact jlindsay@tidewater.net

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• 15

Fabulous Fourth of July celebrations in Massachusetts Memorial Bridge

By Sandi Barrett Contributing Writer REGION - As the birthplace of our nation, Massachusetts is steeped in patriotic pride. The Independence Day celebrations across the Commonwealth remind us how much we love and cherish our freedoms. Listed below are a few of the many fireworks displays and celebrations where you can enjoy some patriotic festivities. It’s time to grab your American flag and celebrate July Fourth. Boston Harborfest and the Boston Pops Concert Boston Harborfest is a weekend-long celebration with a diverse selection of activities beginning Friday, July 1 and culminating on Monday, July 4 with the Boston Pops concert and a spectacular fireworks show. If you love celebrating our capital city, you will love the energy in Boston during Harborfest. The downtown area comes alive with costumed historians, band concerts, assorted celebrations, and magnificent fireworks. Below are the highlights, but for a detailed schedule visit BostonHarborfest.com. Friday, July 1 • 215th Army Band Concert, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Steps on Franklin Street above the MBTA’s Downtown Crossing Station • Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes and Drums, 1 to 4 p.m., throughout Downtown Crossing Saturday, July 2 • Classic Car Showcase, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Summer Street, Downtown Crossing • Chowderfest, noon to 2 p.m., Downtown Crossing • Pre-fireworks Concert, 6 to 9 p.m., Christopher Columbus Park • Parade of Lights, 8 to 9:30 p.m., Boston Inner Harbor, Long Wharf • Harborfest Fireworks, 9 to 9:45 p.m., launched from a barge - Bos-

The Boston Pops concert on the Esplanade is one of the city’s most popular Independence Day traditions.

ton Inner Harbor, Long Wharf Sunday, July 3 • Roaming performers, historical re-enactors, and musicians, noon to 8 p.m., Downtown Crossing • Opera Guy & Friends, 4 to 6 p.m., The Steps on Franklin Street above the MBTA’s Downtown Crossing Station Monday, July 4 • Parade, 9 to 10 a.m., the short parade marches from City Hall Plaza to the Granary Burial Ground and the Old Statehouse for a reading of the Declaration of Independence. • Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks, 7 to 11 p.m., the Esplanade Star Spangled Springfield What goes great with fireworks? A jet-fueled flyover. For the 2022 celebration, the 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard will make the ground shake with their flyover spectacle. Fun, family-friendly activities to amp up the festive mood lead up to

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the fireworks display. Springfield has been producing its Fourth of July celebration since 1991. Monday, July 4 • Festivities, 6 to 10 p.m., Riverfront Park • Fireworks, 9:30 p.m., display from

Nantucket Independence Day Celebration If you want to experience an island-style Independence Day, sail over to Nantucket for a seaside Fourth of July extravaganza. In addition to the events below, there is lots of extra fun and frivolity. Morning beach activities for the kids are a great way to have fun and soak up some sunshine. When you are wandering around town, explore the farmers’ market on Cambridge Street, food trucks on Federal Street, and the entrepreneurs showcase at the Athenaeum Garden on India Street. Monday, July 4 • Reading of the Declaration of Independence, 10 a.m., Unitarian Church (Orange Street) • “Water Contest” between the Nantucket Fire Department and the Boynton Lane Reserves, noon, Main Street • Fireworks, 9 to 9:25 p.m., display from a barge off Jetties Beach Salem Celebrates July 4 on July 2 Historic Salem is perfect for a Fourth of July weekend getaway since

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Proper hydration is important for your health By Sharon Longo Contributing Writer REGION - Many statistics show that about 75% of Americans are dehydrated. While this exact number may not be backed by medical research, it is clear that water is an important necessity of life, and getting enough water is essential for good health. Why drink water? Water is important for the body, making up about 60% of it, but according to Medical News Today, this differs according to age and sex. Men age 51 and up have about 47 to 67% water in their bodies, while women in this same age category have less, at 39 to 57%. While some organs are made up of a higher percent of water, such as the kidneys and brain at 75%, others body parts like the bones possess a smaller amount (20 to 25%), with the teeth having the least at about 8 to 10%. Water has many functions, like keeping body temperature regulated, keeping the heartbeat and blood pressure stable, protecting joints by providing a cushion, as well as removing

Drinking two liters of water, about eight glasses containing eight ounces each, the so-called eight-times-eight rule, is a good daily target.

bacteria from the body through the bladder. In addition, the eyes, nose and mouth need moisture, and water brings oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body. If your cells are not healthy, this can hinder the ability to fight infections or heal once you are ill. Recovering from an injury will

also be more difficult. While drinking water is important for everyone, it is especially important for seniors. As we get older, thirst decreases, and many people don’t realize they need water. Some warning signs for too little water and dehydration include feeling dizzy,

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weak, or confused; having extreme thirst, dry or cracked lips, dry skin, infrequent urination, dark urine or low blood pressure. If someone has Alzheimer’s or dementia, they can forget that they need to drink. Dehydration can exacerbate dementia symptoms, so it can become a vicious cycle. Some experience incontinence and drink less water for this reason, and this can lead to urinary tract infections. Hydration also helps with digestion, but without water, many experience constipation and other digestive issues. Since many elderly people take medications, it is important to know that some of these can also cause dehydration. Dehydration can lead to an electrolyte imbalance which can cause a higher concentration of potassium in the blood, as well as other issues like a heart arrhythmia. Staying hydrated helps blood volume remain at a normal level. If blood volume decreases, blood pressure can decrease as well. Since dehydration also can cause mobility issues, an elderly person can run the risk of a fall and injury. How much water is enough? According to the Mayo Clinic,

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www.fiftyplusadvocate.com + JUNE 2022 + fiftyplus advocate healthy women should have a total fluid intake of about 11.5 cups per day, while for a healthy male, it’s about 15.5 cups. Keep in mind this can be from a combination of water, other beverages, and food. For water alone, two liters, about eight glasses containing eight ounces each — the socalled eight-times-eight rule — is a good daily target. When exercising or doing work that causes more perspiration, or when experiencing bouts of diarrhea, it is important to replenish the water that was lost. Drinking water with a fever is also helpful since it assists in lowering your body temperature. It is important to check with a doctor, however. According to a Harvard Medical School Special Health Report called “6-Week Plan for Health Eating,” certain health conditions such as thyroid disease; issues with the liver, kidney or heart; or even medications that cause water retention could all be reasons to watch water intake. So be careful not to drink too much. Your doctor can tell you the right amount for your size and health history. Is your water healthy? Since 2010, analyses of nearly 20 million drinking water tests showed hundreds of pollutants in tap water throughout the U.S. Some water also

is safe, research also shows that there could be a link between BPA and possible health effects.

sits in plastic bottles, with some of these bottles containing polycarbonate plastics. Bisphenol A (BPA), an industrial chemical, can be found in many of these plastics. Research has shown that this chemical can get into the foods or drinks that are stored in containers made with polycarbonate plastics that have BPAs. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has done much research and has determined that low levels of BPA

Fabulous Fourth of July celebrations Fourth of July

| from page 15

its fireworks display is Saturday night. You can visit all the interesting spots around town, like the Salem Witch Museum, The House of Seven Gables, and other sorcerer remembrances and then enjoy an Independence Day fireworks display. Saturday, July 2 • Hillyer Festival Orchestra, 4 to 10 p.m., Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Derby Wharf • Fireworks display launched over Salem Harbor July 4 Plymouth It doesn’t get more historic than Plymouth. You can enjoy the festivities, visit The Rock, wander the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, or explore the Mayflower II. Monday, July 4 • 7th Annual 4th of July 5K, 8:15 a.m., Stephens Field, online registration coming soon

How can your water be healthier? Find out what is in your water with a water testing kit, or check with your water company for its annual quality report. Utilize the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Drinking Water Watch Program, which has a database you can search to find information about any contaminants, health hazards and quality of water. Finally, check the Environment Working Group (EWG) water report for your town. Different types of filters produce different results. Once you know what you want to eliminate from your drinking water, determine which filters will handle this. Pitcher filters are a quick fix. Some filtration systems include countertop, under the sink and even whole house. When you know what you want to remove from the water, you will have a better idea of what reduction method will work best. Some filter types include carbon, activated carbon, and reverse osmosis. Shop around for the best filter to rid your water of unnecessary and potentially harmful contaminants, and ask a professional for help with the best options.

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How to make sure you hydrate daily It is recommended that you consume water gradually throughout the day, drinking it with each meal or when taking medication. Keep a water bottle with you when on the go, or have a cup of water on hand at home. A water app or even an hourly alarm is helpful as a reminder to stay hydrated. Having a reusable bottle that you know the capacity of, whether it’s a quart or a liter, simplifies things. Eating foods rich in water also helps. Some of these include cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, watercress, celery, apples, lettuce, zucchini, and peaches, and many of these contain healthy nutrients, as well. Limiting alcohol, which acts as a diuretic, can help your body keep the water it needs. Smoothies can help with hydration, and while juice or sports drinks may have sugar in them, diluting them with water helps reduce that. Some people also enjoy flavoring their water with some fruit slices such as berries or lemons. All of these are great ways to hydrate, but for most people, water is still the best. Be sure to check with your doctor to see if you are taking in enough water and to find out the best way to do this.

Life after stroke begins here First step. First word. First hug. First dance. Every first matters, and each milestone is worth celebrating, which is why we are proud to Go Red for Women. Find your first with us for a better stroke recovery.

• 4th of July Parade, 9 a.m., parade route will be announced closer to the event • Concert, 7 p.m., DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park • Fireworks, 9 p.m. (dusk), DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park The annual celebration of our hard-fought independence reminds us how fortunate we are to have the freedom of choice. This Independence Day, when you encounter an armed forces service member or veteran, greet them with a smile and a hearty thank you. They are the keepers of our freedom.

Learn more at ehc.rehab/fwn21

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The fairy tale continues with Boston’s famed swan boats The Boston Public Garden’s famous swan boats have been run by the same family since their inception nearly a century and a half ago.

By David Wilkening Contributing Writer BOSTON - The Boston Public Garden’s famous swan boats are back to normal. The Paget family, which owns the venerable attraction, spent its usual four days or so reassembling them after the winter hiatus. The boats began their fairy tale voyages on April 16. Plans are to continue the traditional season through September 5 with their usual lazy, two-mile-an-hour path around the garden’s pond. Covid pandemic affected last two seasons “We look forward to having our first full season since 2019. We were unable to open in 2020 and in 2021, our season was shorter than usual,” said owner Lynn Paget. If fairy tales at their simplest are escapes from reality, the single-person, paddle-powered boats have a longstanding history of more than a century and a half as a quiet refuge from a busy, bustling city. “You can’t beat a ride on the swan boats to take you back to a simpler time in Boston ― slow, relaxing, delightful, historical. Riding them brought me back to my childhood,”

said one older rider. The swan boat’s 13- to 15-minute journeys have a somewhat pedestrian setting for a fairy tale: an approximately four-acre, shallow, artificial lagoon only three to four feet deep. It’s drained every winter when the boats are retired for the year, and the water is refilled in the spring. But how it started in 1877 to become one of the area’s most popular attractions — and as common a local icon as Boston cream pie and baked beans — is a sort of an improbable story in itself. Robert Paget launched the

adventurous

first swan boat in 1877. At that time, rowing boats across the Public Garden pond was a favorite activity of residents. The first boats were unadorned, twin-pontooned paddle boats. But the fairy-tale quality of the added swans enclosing the operator came several years later. They were inspired by Paget’s exposure to an opera composed by Richard Wagner often described as a fairy tale story: “The Lohengrin,” where a knight of the Holy Grail and son of King Percival crosses a river in a boat to res-

cue his heroine, Princess Elsa. The boat is drawn by…what else?...a swan? Fifth generation of Pagets still run the boats The fairy tale reality of the boat operation is that it has continued to be run as a family business for almost a century and a half. Lynn Paget’s grandfather launched the first boat at the age of 44. “After his death one year later, his wife Julia took over the operation and I think we owe much Swan boats | 19

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www.fiftyplusadvocate.com + JUNE 2022 + fiftyplus advocate Swan boats | from page 18

to her for the longevity of this business,” according to Lynn. The boats have fifth generation Pagets working there. The Boston Public Garden alone is an attraction in itself for boat riders. It’s an “incredible oasis in the middle of the city,” said Lynn. It was the first public botanical garden in the U.S., decorated with statues and flower beds. It’s often described as the most beautiful site in the city. But visitors have made it a top attraction for other reasons, too. Memories, for example. “My sense of what people find to be special about this experience is often based in a memory they have as a child. Many people will share with us a story that stems back to a time when they first experienced a swan boat ride with someone special in their lives. That may be a parent, grandparent or other person, and now they may be bringing their own grandchildren and reliving the exact same experience,” Paget said. Famous passengers of the past have included Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The strongman actor and former California governor was impressed by swan boat operators single-handedly pedaling the three-ton boats.

Crew members explained to him that the power was designed so that it required a similar effort to riding a bicycle uphill. Highlights of the trip include the “Make Way for Ducklings” bronze statues near Charles and Beacon Streets, named after the famous Charles McCluskey children’s book (some say the statues are the most famous in the city). The ducklings story is fiction (Ma Duckling brought her eight offspring here after hatching them along the bank of the nearby Charles River). But real mallards nest along the route, sometimes swimming along with the boats, and there are swans as well. If you go The boats run seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except rainy, windy, or extremely hot days) and you can get tickets at the swan boat dock. No reservations are necessary and no masks are required, either, though they are also available. Ticket prices are $4 for seniors, $4.50 for adults and $3 for children two to 15 years old. Children under two ride free. The wait for a ride is usually short, less than 15 minutes, according to the site at Swanboats. com.

Plant-based ‘superfoods’ Superfoods | from page 9

DASH is the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet. It is a diet of green leafy and other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, and whole grains. Fish is ruled to be acceptable about “once-aweek.” And poultry is part of it “at least for two meals a week.” And those who prefer an alcoholic drink are not left out, either. The MIND diet suggests one glass of wine daily. The MIND diet also warns against unhealthy foods. These include red meats, with a suggestion of limiting them to three meals a week, butter and margarine, limiting to one teaspoon a day, cheese, limiting to one serving a week and, pastries and sweets, limiting to four servings a week. Mental health benefits Diet can also not only contribute to physical but mental health, and aid in alleviating depression and anxiety, according to Dr. Una Naidoo, who is both a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and professional chef with culinary school training. The author of the book “This Is Your Brain On Food,” she also founded and directs the first hospital-based nutritional psychiatry service in the United States as the Director of Nutritional and Lifestyle Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. “Incorporating more plants into your diet can start with simply tacking

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on two to three sides of vegetables to every meal, like broccoli, cauliflower or spinach. They can be either fresh or frozen,” she said. “Instead of superfood, I’d rather call it the seafood diet or some sort of protein diet. Seniors need more protein, with food such as eggs, fish, milk and yogurt,” said Nancy Clark, a Boston-based nutritionist for 40 years, a book author, and food consultant to professional sports teams such as the Boston Celtics. Changing perspective and habits The real issue is not just protein, however. Clark said the real trick to healthy food is to balance vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and proteins. No single food is nutritionally complete. McManus also has various suggestions for maintaining a healthy diet. One of her tips is to eat vegetables as a snack, and to eat a lot of them for lunch and dinner. “Fill half your plate,” she said. She also suggests changing how you view meat. User smaller amounts. Use them as garnishes instead of centerpieces. Tofu might not appeal to everyone but there’s always dessert. Eat fruit, she said. A ripe and juicy peach, a slice of watermelon or a crisp apple. All “will satisfy your craving for a sweet bite after a meal.”

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