Active Aging CM ML 2026 Spring

UNDERSTANDING CBD

By RICK SMITH

Cannabidiol,orCBD,hasbecome anincreasinglydiscussedtopicin recentyears,especiallyamong olderadultsexploringwaystosupportoverallwellness.Asinterest grows,sodoestheneedforaccurate,balancedinformationtohelp individualsunderstandwhatCBD is,howitworks,andwhattoconsiderbeforeaddingittotheirroutine.

CBDisanaturallyoccurringcompoundfoundinthehempplant.UnlikeTHC,thecompoundresponsibleformarijuana’spsychoactive effects,CBDisnon-intoxicatingand doesnotproduceahigh.Itinteracts withthebody’sendocannabinoid system,anetworkthathelpsregulatefunctionssuchassleep,mood, appetite,andpainperception. Whileresearchisstillongoing, somestudiesandanecdotalreports

suggestthatCBDmayhelpsupport comfort,relaxation,andoverall well-being.

Forolderadults,challengessuch asdiscomfort,sleepdifficulties,or stresscanbecomemorepronouncedwithage.CBDissometimesexploredaspartofabroader wellnessplan,butitisimportantto approachitsusethoughtfullyand withreliableinformation.

Onekeyfactortoconsideris productquality.CBDproductsvary widelyinpurity,potency,andconsistency.Third-partylabtestingis animportantstandardfortransparency,asitconfirmscannabinoid contentandscreensforcontaminantssuchaspesticides,heavy metals,orresidualsolvents.Access tothesetestresults,oftenprovided throughQRcodesonpackaging,allowsconsumerstomakeinformed choicesandensuretheyarepurchasingproductsthatmeetsafety standards.

ThemethodusedtoextractCBD isalsoimportant.CO2extraction, forexample,isawidelyusedprocessthatisolatescannabinoids withouttheuseofharshchemical solvents,producingacleaner,more stableproduct.Understandingthe

extractionprocessandmanufacturingpracticescanhelpindividualsfeelmoreconfidentinthe productstheyselect.

Educationisanothervitalcomponent.ManypeoplenewtoCBDhave questionsabouthowitworks,how longittakestofeeleffects,and whichform,suchastinctures,capsules,edibles,ortopicals,might bestsuittheirneeds.Learningthe basicsoftheendocannabinoid systemandthedifferentproduct optionscanhelpsetrealisticexpectationsandsupportasafe,informed experience.

Itisalsoimportanttorecognize thatindividualresponsestoCBD vary.Factorssuchasmetabolism, bodychemistry,andpersonal healthgoalscaninfluencehowthe bodyreacts.Acommonapproachis tostartwithaloweramountand graduallyadjustwhileobserving howthebodyresponds.Keepinga simplejournaltotrackusageandeffectscanbeahelpfulwaytoidentifywhatworksbest.

ConsultingwithahealthcareprofessionalbeforeusingCBDis stronglyrecommended,particularly forthosewhoaretakingprescrip-

tionmedicationsormanaging chronicconditions.AlthoughCBD isgenerallywell-tolerated,itcaninteractwithcertainmedications,and guidancefromahealthcare providercanhelpensuresafeuse. BeyondthespecificsofCBD,the broadertakeawayforolderadultsis theimportanceofinformed,intentionalwellnesschoices.Asking questions,seekingcrediblesources, andevaluatingproductscarefully areallkeystepsinmaintaining healthandqualityoflife.CBDmay beoneoptionamongmany,butthe decisiontouseitshouldalwaysprioritizesafety,understanding,and personalwell-being.

Byfocusingoneducation,transparency,andthoughtfuldecisionmaking,olderadultscannavigate thegrowinginterestinCBDwith confidence.Asresearchcontinues toevolve,stayinginformedensures thatwellnesschoices,whetherCBD orotheroptions,remaingrounded inreliableinformationandsupport long-termhealth.

RickandLaurieSmitharethe ownersofYourCBDStoreConcord, locatedat211LoudonRdSTEA, Concord,NH03301.Theycanbe reachedat(603)7151153oronline atgetsunmed.com.

Navigating bias and trust

By JON MORTON

Thestoryofthetwowolvesoffers timelesswisdomaboutinnerchoices.

Agrandfatheristeachinghis grandsonaboutlife.Hesays:“A fightisgoingoninsideme.Itisa terriblefight,anditisbetweentwo wolves.

“Oneisevil heisanger,envy, jealousy,sorrow,regret,greed,arrogance,self-pity,guilt, resentment, inferiority,lies,falsepride,superiorityandego.

“Theotherisgood heisjoy, peace,love,hope,serenity,humility,kindness,benevolence, empathy,generosity,truth,compassionandfaith.

Thesamefightisgoingoninside you andinsideeveryother person,too.”

Thegrandsonthinksaboutitfora minuteandthenaskshisgrandfather:

“Whichwolfwins?”

Thegrandfathersimply replies:“Theoneyoufeed.”

Manyseniorsshareacommon

concernwhenapproachingMedicaredecisions:Willanagentrecommendwhat’sbestforthem,or what’smostprofitableforthe agent?OneNewHampshireresident(let’scallhimGary)hesitated toworkwithalicensedinsurance agentforhisMedicareSupplement plan.Worriedaboutinherentbias, hespenthoursresearchingongovernmentwebsites,attendingfree workshopsthroughServiceLinkResourceCenter(NewHampshire’s StateHealthInsuranceAssistance Program),andaskingquestionsonline.Hewantedtoensureany choicewastrulysuitable,notinfluencedbysalesincentives.

Thiscautionisunderstandable shortcutsexistinanyfield.However,licensedhealthinsurance agentsinNewHampshireand acrosstheU.S.facesignificantsafeguards:Theymustpassachallengingstatelicensingexam,carry errorsandomissionsinsurance, completeongoingcontinuingeducation,andfollowstrictcompliance rulesfromstateregulatorsandthe

Centersfor Medicare&Medicaid Services(CMS).

Agentsrelyheavilyonword-ofmouthreferralsandreputationto buildlong-termbusinesses.Unsuitablerecommendationscanspread quickly,damagingtrustandfuture opportunities.Thiscreatesstrong incentivesforappropriateadvice andexcellentservice.Thethreatof reputationlossdeterspoorbehavior,whiledoingrightbyclients supportssustainablesuccess.

Acommonindustrysayingapplies here:“Followingthepathofleastresistanceiswhatmakesmenandrivers crooked.”Statisticsindicatethat around90–92%ofnewinsurance agents(acrosslife,health,Medicare, andotherlines)donotlastthreeyears inthebusiness oftenduetogoing independenttoosoonwithoutsufficientguidanceorexperience.

Consumersbenefitfromworking withagentswhohaveseveralyears ofexperience.Manysuccessfulprofessionalsstartbypartneringwith seasonedmentors,sharingcommissionstogainpracticalknowledge

andethicalinsights.Thoselongtermmentorssucceedbybuilding trustthroughsolid,client-focused recommendations.

Self-research,likeGary’s,can provideasolideducation butit requiressignificanttimeandeffort. Considerthisanalogy:Grocery storesofferself-checkout(withno discount)andstaffedcashierswith noextracharge.Thetaskisstraightforward,theinteractionbrief,and it’stypicallyjustweeklygroceries.

Medicarechoices whether MedicareAdvantage,Medigap (MedicareSupplement),PartD prescriptiondrugplans,orrelated coverage aredifferent.Theyoften commitsomeoneforayearor longer,directlyaffectinghealthcare accessandcosts.Whenfacingsuch importantdecisions,seniorsshould weighthebenefitsofconsultinga knowledgeable,licensedprofessionaltonavigateoptionsandavoid commonpitfalls.

JonMortonisthefounderandlead agentatNewEnglandPlanNavigator.

Trusts, Estates, and Probate Administration

Our experienced attorneys help individuals, families and business owners achieve their wealth management goals and the preservation and transfer of assets to future generations. Through comprehensive estate planning and active interaction with our clients’ financial advisors, our attorneys identify needs and implement flexible strategies designed to fulfill our clients’ objectives. We regularly accept clients by referral.

Havenwood Heritage Heights is a vibrant, friendly and unpretentious community on two campuses filled with resort-style amenities. Here, you’ll find an appealing selection of maintenance–free homes, including nine new cottages. The community offers an outdoor sports complex, fitness centers, indoor and outdoor pools, movie theater, Main Street and a variety of dining options.

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

Creative minds at work

By STEVE LEONE Concord Monitor

ArtKlubwasconceivedinMay 2023whenresidentswereinvited todisplaytheirartattheHavenwoodcampus. Afterthatevent,the artistsdecidedtoformagroupthat wouldmeetmonthly. Theystructuredtheirmeetingstochoosea themetopainteachmonth. Topics includeawiderangeofideassuch aspets,bridges,windows,abstracts andboats.

Thegoalwastochallengethe artiststomoveoutoftheircomfort zonesandtrysomethingnew. The artiststhensharetheirpaintings withthegroupwhereconstructive criticismandencouragementare offered. ThepaintingsarethendisplayedatboththeHavenwoodand HeritageHeightscampusesuntil thefollowingmonthwhennewart replacesit.

Imagine a life filled with purpose, connection, and the freedom to live on your terms At Silverstone Living communities, your next chapter begins with vibrant possibilities in the setting that suits you best

Whether you're drawn to the city energy of Downtown Nashua at Hunt Community, the refined comfort of suburban living at The Huntington at Nashua, the compassionate care at Webster at Rye, or the innovative freedom of At Home By Hunt our innovative Continuing Care at Home model there’s a path perfectly tailored to you.

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

Local Man Finds Relief from Peripheral Neuropathy

Our Goal Is To Provide You With Pain Relieving Treatments So You Can Get Back To Living Your Best Life!

John J., a beloved grandfather and avid golfer, has faced significant challenges due to peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by burning, numbness, and tingling sensations in the feet and legs. For John, these symptoms have become a barrier to enjoying life’s simple pleasures—playing with his grandkids, hitting the golf course with friends, and taking evening walks with his wife.

“I never thought I’d be able to play with my grandkids again or enjoy a round of golf without pain. Thanks to the team at Trend Acupuncture, I’m getting my life back.”

Peripheral neuropathy can be a debilitating condition that, if left untreated, worsens over time. John’s discomfort had severely limited his ability to engage in activities he cherished, leaving him frustrated and longing for relief. However, his life took a positive turn when he discovered Trend Acupuncture, a local clinic specializing in innovative treatments for neuropathy.

At Trend Acupuncture, our dedicated team focuses on addressing the root causes of neuropathy through a comprehensive, personalized approach. Using a combination of traditional acupuncture techniques and modern integrative medicine, they aim to promote healing and alleviate pain.

After starting his treatment plan, John began to notice a remarkable improvement. The burning sensations that once plagued him began to subside, allowing him to reclaim his active lifestyle. With renewed energy, he was soon back on the golf course and able to enjoy leisurely strolls with his wife, much to the delight of his family.

Dr. Kristen Markwith, founder of Trend, says that cases like John’s are incredibly common. “Almost all of my neuropathy patients have been told at one point or another that there is no hope. I like to think I specialize in offering hope.”

Acupuncture is usually the last resort with the best results!

Call Trend Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine to set up your consultation or visit the website for more information.

www.TrendAcupuncture.com

456-8294

www.TrendAcupuncture.com

From Pain To Possibility

Trend Acupuncture Is Helping People Reclaim Their Lives

For millions of people, back pain isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s life-altering. It interrupts work, limits movement, and quietly steals joy from everyday moments. At Trend Acupuncture, patients are discovering that relief is not only possible, but measurable, long-lasting, and often life-changing.

Led by Dr. Kristen Markwith, Trend Acupuncture specializes in helping people with chronic and complex back pain find real solutions—without medications or side effects. The clinic’s approach focuses on restoring function in the body.

At Trend Acupuncture we help regulate the nervous system, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation—one of the primary drivers of back pain. By calming overactive pain signals and encouraging blood flow to injured or tight tissues, acupuncture helps the body feel better, move better, and heal more efficiently. Many patients notice reduced pain, improved mobility, and better sleep as their systems come back into balance.

What sets Trend Acupuncture apart is its integration of innovative medical solutions alongside acupuncture—most notably frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM). This gentle, targeted therapy works at the cellular level to support tissue repair and reduce pain patterns that can persist long after an injury. FSM is vital in helping results last, reinforcing the progress made through acupuncture and preventing the cycle of recurring pain.

The outcome is more than pain management—it’s restored hope. For some, success means walking to the mailbox comfortably. For others, it’s finally waking in the morning with no pain. Every win matters.

At Trend Acupuncture, the goal is clear: help people feel better so they can do the things they love, with the people they love—safely, naturally, and sustainably.

Please visit our website TrendAcupuncture.com for more information or call us at (603) 456-8294 to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Markwith.

Theartistsworkinmanymedia,including acrylic,watercolor,oil,ink,stainedglass,zentangleandmixedmedia. ArtKlubalsoprovidesatimeforsocialization,wherenew friendshipsareformed.

Recently,ArtKlubputtogetheracoffee tablephotobookthatisnowavailableoneach campus. Ithasacollectionofworkfromeach ofthe14artistswhoparticipated.

TheKlubiscurrentlyplanninganartshow forthissummer. Itwillbeopentoallresi-

dents,currentandfuture. TheKlubhasan activemembershipof18-20artistsandit’s growingallthetime. Themembersarealwayshappytoseethejoythemonthlydisplays andnowthebook bringtotheresidentsofHavenwoodHeritageHeights.

The benefits of a group tour

By KELLY COOKE

Activeagingmeanscontinuingto explore,learnandenjoytheworld innewways.Travelcanbeoneof life’sgreatpleasures,especiallylater inlife,whenmanypeoplehavemore timetoexplore,learnandenjoynew experiences.Travelinglaterinlifeis aboutmorethangettingaway–itis aboutmakingthemostoftheyears ahead! Itcanliftyourspirits,give yousomethingtolookforwardto andcreatememoriesthatlastlong afteryoureturnhome. Theonly downside?Thestressofplanningor notwantingtotravelalone. That’s whyjoiningagrouptourcanbesuch awelcomingoption.Ittakesaway manyofthehasslesthatcanmake planningfeeloverwhelming.

The benefits

First,thereisaneaseoftravel whenjoiningagrouptour–you makeyourreservation,packyour bagsandarereadytogo!Beinga passengeronatourmeansno driving,noplanning,notoughdeci-

Traveling can be overwhelming — but there are options to make it easy, fun

Kelly Cooke of Terrapin Tours on a trip to Greenland.

sions…justrelaxandenjoythedestinationsandthecompanyofyour fellowtravelers.

Struggling with Medicare Decisions?

somethingnewtotakeinandhelps breakuptheroutinesofeveryday life.Justasimportant,itcanbringa senseoffunbackintothecalendar. Adayspentenjoyingabeautiful placeoraspecialeventcanleave youfeelingrefreshedand recharged.

Grouptravelalsoofferssomethingmanyolderadultsappreciate: companionship.Whetheritis sharingameal,chattingonthebus ordiscoveringanewplacewith others,travelcanopenthedoorto newfriendshipsandeasyconversation.

Where to start

Travelcansupporthealthyaging inquietbutmeaningfulways.It keepsyoumoving,givesyourmind

Notsurewheretostartorwhich companytochoose? Here’sthekey –rememberthatnotalltoursare createdequal.Themoderngroup travelerismoreactive,moreadventurousandsavvierwhenitcomesto travel.Therearealotofdifferences betweentourcompaniesanditis importanttochoosetheonethatis

Several Hundred New Hampshire Nursing Home

Cuts

Severe Medicaid Cuts

Despite bipartisan efforts by Gov. Ayotte and legislators to shore up Medicaid funding, care in many nursing homes, including Holy Cross Health Care Center in Manchester, took severe cuts January 1.

Sister Jacqueline, a former school principal, is among Holy Cross residents affected, as her care funding was cut 11.74%, or $31.14 per day. Holy Cross was among 19 hard-hit nursing homes where daily care cuts were no less than $10.47 per resident and as much as $45.89 for another small nonprofit.

Despite bipartisan efforts by Gov. Ayotte and legislators to shore up Medicaid funding, care in many nursing homes, including Holy Cross Health Care Center in Manchester, took severe cuts January 1.

Despite bipartisan efforts by Gov. Ayotte and legislators to shore up Medicaid funding, care in many nursing homes, including Holy Cross Health Care Center in Manchester, took severe cuts January 1.

Sister Jacqueline, a former school principal, is among Holy Cross residents affected, as her care funding was cut 11.74%, or $31.14 per day. Holy Cross was among 19 hard-hit nursing homes where daily care cuts were no less than $10.47 per resident and as much as $45.89 for another small nonprofit.

Sister Jacqueline, a former school principal, is among Holy Cross residents affected, as her care funding was cut 11.74%, or $31.14 per day. Holy Cross was among 19 hard-hit nursing homes where daily care cuts were no less than $10.47 per resident and as much as $45.89 for another small nonprofit.

The state budget cannot be balanced through such cuts.

through such cuts.

cuts.

The state budget cannot be balanced through such cuts.

rightforyou.

Pace:Whenchoosingatrip, comfortmatters.Sodoespacing. Awell-plannedoutingshould feelenjoyable,notrushed.It shouldleaveenoughtimetotake inthescenery,enjoythecompany,andappreciatethemoment.Thatkindofthoughtful travelcanbeespeciallyrewardingaswegetolder.

Thetruecost:Lookingatthe priceisn’talwaysaclearpicture ofthecostofatrip–makesure youunderstandthedifference betweenpriceandoverallcost. Takeacloselookatwhatisincludedinthepriceofthetour a lowerpriceonthebrochure doesn’talwaysmeanalowercost toyou. Thereisalsoadifference

adventure–theoptionsareendless.Ifgrouptravelisnewtoyou, itmaybeagoodideatotestthe waterswithadaytriptoanearby destination. Itisagreatwayto learnmoreaboutalocaltour company,meetothertravelers andgetasenseofwhatitisliketo travelonagrouptourwithout committingtoalongertour. A finalnote:Attheendoftheday, travelingisaverypersonalexperience.Travelingwithagroup hasalwaysbeenagreatoptionfor me.Ilovethecamaraderiethat comeswithtravelingwitha groupofstrangersthatbecome friends;Ilovesharingtheexperiencesalongthewaywithfellow travelers;andIlovesittingdown attheendofthedayandsharing storiesofouradventures. A

I couldn’t lie down. I couldn’t sit up. Now I walk up to 14,000 steps a day. Life is good.

—Louise DelPapa, New Ipswich, NH

When osteoporosis caused pain that limited Louise’s life, she turned to Dr. Vache Hambardzumyan and Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates (MOA). She found a team that listened, explained, and delivered expert care that combined medication and physical therapy. She now says, “I can do nearly everything I used to! I refer everyone to MOA and MCH—they have the solutions. I’m so glad they are right

Scan the QR code to read Louise’s story

Spine Care at MCH

When you experience issues with your spine, our team is here to help. Treatments available include surgical and nonsurgical spinal care options and minimally invasive spine surgeries.

Keeping the art alive

Walter Hautanen, 87, continues his 60-year career in hand-lettered signs

By JESSECA TIMMONS Ledger-Transcript

After60yearsofhand-lettering signs,WalterHautanen,ofJaffrey, canspothisownworkamileaway.

“Onetime,wewereinCalifornia, andIsawasign,andIsaidtomy wife:IknowIdidthatsign,”Hautanensaid.“I’mnotsurehowitgot there,butIknowitwasmine.”

Hautanencanalsoidentifythe workoffellowMonadnockregion signpainters,includingMark JohnsoninSwanzey,ataglance.

“Everyonehastheirownstyle. Therearenotmanyofusleft,and weallhelpeachotherout,”hesaid.

“Waltdoesbeautifulwork.There arenotmanylikehimanymore,” saidJedBrummerofRindge,who hasknownHautanensincethey werebothteenagers.“Nobodyelse ismore‘Jaffrey.’He’sanative,and he’sbeenherehiswholelife.“

At87,Hautanenisstillgoing strong.Hestillworksathisbusiness,Walt’sSigns,onRoute202 justbeforetheRindgetownline,almosteveryday.Recently,Hautanen re-paintedthesignattheRindge

FireStationandtouchedupthedepartment’soriginalfirehelmetshapedsignsdonatedbythe Brummerfamilyinthelate1950s.

Where caring is a way of life

At Scott-Farrar, we proudly carry forward our 117 year tradition of caring for local seniors of the Monadnock Region. Some of the great benefits of calling Scott-Farrar home include:

45 Main Street

45 Main Street

45 Main Street

45 Main Street

Peterborough, NH 03458 (603) 924-3050 www.runyonlawoffice.com

Peterborough, NH 03458 (603) 924-3050 www.runyonlawoffice.com

Peterborough, NH 03458 (603) 924-3050 www.runyonlawoffice.com

Peterborough, NH 03458 (603) 924-3050 www.runyonlawoffice.com

L. Phillips Runyon III Jaran R. Blessing Jac

queline M. Blessing

L. Phillips Runyon III Jaran R. Blessing

Concentrating on Estate Planning

Concentrating on Estate Planning

Probate and Trust Administration

Hearty home-cooked meals and restaurant style dining

A dedicated team of caregivers 24/7

A full calendar of activities including yoga, gardening, happy hour, and much more Fitness Center, Auditorium, Café and other onsite amenities

Onsite Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy

Concentrating on Estate Planning

Jacqueline M. Blessing

Probate and Trust Administration

Probate and Trust Administration

Real Estate and Business Law

Real Estate and Business Law

Real Estate and Business Law

Over 50 years of experience in Estate and Trust Planning, Probate and Trust Administration, and Real Estate and Business Transactions

Spacious, private apartments

Free local transportation

Pet Friendly

Hautanen’shandiworkcanbe seenaroundtheregionandaround thecountry.Inthepeakyearsofhis career,hetraveledtheNortheast forjobs,spendingtimeinthe Bostonarea,Pittsburg,Penn.,and sendingmanysignstoNewYork City.

HautanengrewupinJaffreyand playedonthe1956championship baseballteamatConantHigh School.Hefondlyremembers skiingtheropetowattheWoodboundInn,“showingoffforthe girls.”Whenhewasateenager, therewasalsoaropetowbehind ConantHighSchool.

“Therewerealotofthingsyou coulddothenthatyoucan’tdo now,”hesaid.“It’sadifferent world.”

Aftergraduating,Hautanenwent intothemilitary.Whenhereturned in1960,heenrolledatNewHampshireTechnicalCollegeinManchesterforthreeyears,wherehe learnedcommercialsignpainting. Sixtyyearslater,hecanstillquote hisinstructors.

“IlearnedfromaFrenchsign painter,andman,thatguywasfast,” Hautanensaid.“RightbeforeIgraduated,hesaid,‘Youhavetoremember,somebody’sgoingto comealongonedaywithletters thatyoujuststickon,you’llhaveall thefontsyouwant,everything.’ Andnow,everythingisvinyl.But it’sagoodthing.It’sprogress.I’m justanoldfuddy-duddynow;Ijust dospecialtythingsnow.”

Hautanensaidlearninghistrade wasachallenge.

“WhenIstarted,Ithought,‘This willbeapieceofcake,’butI thoughtwrong.There’salottoit,” hesaid.“Ididn’ttouchabrushfor twoyears.Allwedidwaspencil andworkonplates.Wedidthealphabetwithblockletters,andwe measuredallthesquaresoutbyeye. Itgotyouusedtolettersizes.NowI don’tevenhavetomeasure,Ijust makeapencilmarkandgobackand paintit.”

Despitetheonsetofstick-on vinylletters,Hautanen’sservices arestillindemand.Healsospecializesinpaintingstripes,logos,and lettersontrucks,includingfire trucksanddumptrucks.Hautanen paintedalltheJaffreyfiretrucks.

“I’vepaintedtrucksforover100 firedepartments,”Hautanensaid.

HautanenwasalsoaJaffreyfirefighterfor30years.

“Heightsneverusedtobother me.Thenoneday,IgotsoIcouldn’t waittograbthatladderagainwhen

It’s a good business, it really is. I’d love to see some young people start doing this stuff, by hand, because it’s a lost art. ... It’s been a good life.”

Walter Hautanen

Iwasupontheroof,andIthought, it’stime,”hesaid.

Hautanenalsocreatedcustom woodenplaquesforlongtimeguests oftheWoodboundInn,which Brummer’sfamilyowned.

“Walterdidallthepaintingon those.Icanrememberhimcoming intotheInnandhimsaying,don’t touchit,it’sstillwet,”Brummer said.

Hautaneniscurrentlyworkingon acustomsignforanantiquepickup truckownedbyRed’sinJaffrey, whichwillhavelettersfilledingold leaf.

“Paintingwithgoldleaf.It’saprocess;youhavetopaintit,thenlayer theleaf,thenyouclearcoatit,then youputontheblackoutline,then youclearcoatitagain.Thetoplayer dries,buttheinsidedoesn’tdryfor months,”Hautanensaid.

Hautanenwastrainedtopaint withhispaintinghandbracedover hisotherhand,tokeepitsteady.

“I’m87,andIcan’tkeepgoing forever,butIcankeeppaintingas longastherearenoshakes,”hesaid. “Somepeopleuseonehand,ora

maulstick,butIlearnedthisway.I gotawickedcallusonmyhand frompaintingthatway.”

Justrecently,Hautanenrestoreda signusinggoldleafpaintforabusinessinFitzwilliamthathesaysmay havebeenthelargestoneheever workedon.

“Theguythatboughttheplace broughtthisoldsigndown,andit was16-feetlong,15-incheswide, anditwasoneboard,severalinches thick.Therewerenoknotsoranything,andithassquarenails.Itwas old,”hesaid.

Hautanenwasabletosourcegold leafpainttomatchtheoriginal sign.

“IgetitfromNewburyport,Mass. It’stheonlyplaceyoucanstillget it,”Hautanensaid.

HautanenalsopaintedallthedecorativeroadsignsintheOldJaffrey Centerhistoricdistrict.Eachsign hasaprofilehorse,whichwasthe symbolofJaffrey,fromLordJaffrey.

“That’showpeopleusedtofind theirway.Thehorsewasthe symbolofJaffrey,becauseofLord

Jaffreyandit’sfacingacertainway, ”hesaid.“Everytownhadadifferentsymbolontheirsigns,soyou knewwhattownyouwerein.”

Hautanensaidpeoplesometimes underestimatetheimportanceof signage.

“Thefirstthingpeopleshould thinkaboutwhentheyopenabusinessisthesign.There’sanewbusinessdowntheroad,they’vebeen openforayear,nooneknows they’rethere,”hesaid.

Whenaskedhowhehasstayedso fit,Hautanenlaughedandsaidsign paintingandpaintingtrucksishard work.

“Iwasneversittingaround,”he said.“Alwaysmovingandonthe go.”

Hautanensayswhileheknows mostsignsarenowcreatedbymachine,hewishesmoreyoung peoplewouldgetintothesign paintingbusiness

“It’sagoodbusiness,itreallyis. I’dlovetoseesomeyoungpeople startdoingthisstuff,byhand,becauseit’salostart,”hesaid.“It’s beenagoodlife.”

Preventing elder abuse scams in NH

By LAURA DUDZIAK

Financialscamsinvolvingseniors areagrowingconcernwithmillions fallingvictimtofinancialfraud schemeseachyear. Often,older adultsaretargetedduetotheiraccumulationofassets,loneliness, andsometimescognitivedecline. Preventioniskeyandrequiresa proactiveapproach,includinglegal planning,financialoversight,educationandknowledgeofstateresources.

Commontypesofelderabuse scamsincludethefollowing:

■ RomanceScamswherescammersposeasaromanticpartnerto gaintrustandseekmoneyunder falsepretenses;

■ LotteryScamswherescammers informthevictimtheyhavewona lotterybutrequirepaymentoftaxes orfeesbeforetheyclaimtheirwinnings;

■ GrandparentScamswhere scammersimpersonateagrandchild indistress,requestingmoneyfora fabricatedemergency;

■ TechnicalSupportScamswhere

scammersconvincevictimstopay forunnecessaryservicesorsoftwareandsometimesgainaccessto thevictim’scomputer;and

■ GovernmentImpersonation Scamswherescammersposeas governmentofficialsthreateningarrestanddemandingpaymentof fines.

Themosteffectivewaytoprevent exploitationisthroughearlyestate planning. Aproperlydrafted durablepowerofattorneywillallow atrustedpersontomanagefinancial affairswhenaseniorbecomesincapacitated. Revocabletrustsprovide alayerofprotectionasassetsinthe trustareunderthemanagementofa trusteewhohasafiduciaryobligationtoactinthesenior’sbestinterest. AdvanceDirectivesand HIPAAauthorizationsallowa trustedindividualtomonitorany cognitivechangesthatmightmake seniorssusceptibletoscams. Financialmonitoringisanother importantsafeguard. Familymembersandcaregiverscanprovidean essentiallineofdefensebyhaving regularcommunicationwitholder

relativesthatcanhelpidentifysuspiciousfinancialactivity. Early warningsignsmayincludesudden changesinfinancialbehavior, changesinspending,secrecyabout financesornew“friends.” A commonthemeinRomanceScams isforthevictimtosendlargequantitiesofgiftcardstothe scammer. Encouragingseniorsto consultatrustedfamilymember beforemakinglargefinancialtransactionscanreducevulnerability. Settingupjointmonitoringonaccountsoralertsforunusualtransactionsprovidesadditionalprotection.

Educationisalsoimportant. Understandinghowthesescamswork willhelpseniorsidentifyredflags, suchasurgentrequestsformoney orrequestsforpersonalinformation.InNewHampshire,thereare alsofreepubliceducationcampaignsbytheNewHampshireAttorneyGeneral’sOfficeandvarious financialinstitutionsthatprovide trainingdesignedtoassistolder adultswithrecognizing,avoiding, andrespondingtoscams. Often-

times,financialinstitutionsarethe firsttonoticeunusualaccountactivityandstaffareoftentrainedto identifythewarningsignsoffinancialexploitation.

Anysuspectedscamsshouldbe reportedpromptlytominimizeand preventfurtherfinancialharm. TheNewHampshireBureauofElderlyandAdultServicesistasked withinvestigatingreportsoffinancialexploitationofvulnerable adults. TheNewHampshireAttorneyGeneral’sOfficeassistsin casesofconsumerfraud,andlocal lawenforcementagenciesshouldbe contactedincasesofsuspected fraud.

Preventingelderabusescamsrequiresaproactiveapproachthatrequirescarefulestateplanning. Itis importanttocontactyourestate planningattorneywithanyquestionsorconcernsyoumayhaveregardingsafeguardingyourfinances fromscammers.

LauraDudziak,anattorneywith Upton&Hatfield,LLP,focusesher practiceonfamilylaw,estateplanningandprobateandguardianship.

Why ‘unretired’ seniors are picking up gig work

Paying the bills doesn’t come easy

By CATHY BUSSEWITZ Associated Press

BeforeStuGoldbergbeginshis nightshiftdrivingforUber,hepulls outanotebooktoreadahandwrittenlistofreminders.“No tickets.Fullstops,”he’dscrawledin thebook.“Carefulbackingup. Watchforpedestriansandbikes.”

WithaPh.Dinneuropsychology anddecadesofexperiencerunning hisownbusiness,Goldberg,74, didn’tpicturechauffeuring strangersaroundwhenheretired. Butfinancially,thingsdidn’tgoas planned.Sohemakesthebestofhis situationshuttlingpassengers throughNewYorkCityatnight.

“Ilikethefreedom.Iliketheflexibility.Ilikemeetingpeople,”Goldbergsaid.“Ilikethatmostofthe timeIcanget,onceortwiceaday,a goodconversationwithsomebody.”

Goldbergisoneofagrowing numberofAmericanswhohave

“unretired”inrecentyears.After concludingdecades-longcareersat hospitals,universitiesandcorporations,theyreturnedtotheworkforceduetoinsufficientretirement savings,risinglivingcostsandadesiretostayactive.

Somearefindinggigwork,or contractjobs,throughappsordigitalplatforms.Deliveringpeople andparcels,takingcareofpetsor foldingotherpeople’slaundrysuits thembecausetheycansettheir ownhoursandwork,ornot,when theychoose.

“We’relivinglonger,sopeople areworkinglongerbecausethey havetofundthoseextrayears,”said CarlyRoszkowski,vicepresidentof financialresilienceatthenonprofit organizationAARP.“Andthisconceptofretirementformostpeople aslikeaclifforadaythey’re workingtowardsreallyisn’tarealityformost.”

Goldbergwantedtoteachafter windingdownhissoftwareand telemarketingcompany.Buthe neededtoearnmoremoneythan whattheoccasionaladjunctpro-

fessorjobteachingstatisticswould pay.

“Ubercameup,anditwasnota badchoiceformebecauseIwas comfortabledrivingpeople,”he said.“Ifeltitcouldbeagoodwayto makemoneyandkeepmostofit.”

About1in5Americansoverage 50whoaren’tretiredsaytheyhave noretirementsavings,accordingto asurveytheAARPconductedin January2025.

Retireesandemploymentexperts saygigworkhasadvantagesand downsides,includinglimitedjob protectionsandwagesthatmaybe insufficienttocoveron-the-jobexpenses.Herearesomefactorsto consider.

Stay active, but know your limits

BarbaraBaratta,72,retiredasa pediatricnursein2018.Butshegot restlessafterafewyearsandsigned upwiththepetcareappRover, whichconnectedhertojobs walkingdogsandusinghernursing skillstoadministermedicationsto cats.

Theworkkeepsheractive.“Iget mystepsinanddohillclimbing,” shesaid.

InaleafyNewJerseysuburb, BarattasetouttocoaxBarley,amix ofpitbull,beagleandshepherd, intotheafternoonairwithawind chillpushingthetemperaturedown intothe20s.

“Barley,ifyouturnthisway,the windwillbeblowingbehindyou,” shesaidgently,leadingthedog downawidestreet.

Barattalikesthephysicalnature ofdogwalking.Sherantwohalfmarathonsinthepastyearbutnoticesthat“beingolderandnot havingkneesthataretotallygreat” makessteeporuneventerraina challengeevenforher.Sheadvises peopleinheragegrouptobecareful aboutwhichpetstheyagreeto walk.

“Somedogsarebigandstrong, whichcanbeanissue,alessonI learnedveryearlyon,”Barattasaid. “An80-pounddog,...they’regoing topull,they’regoingtorunaway.”

Drivingcanbehardonthebackandlegs,and thechallengeoffindingrestroomstouseonthe gobecomesdifficulttodealwithasyouage, Goldbergcautioned.

A social buzz

Dayscanfeellongandlonelyafteroneretires. Workingpart-timecanprovidesocialinteraction.

BaruchSchwartz,78,wasaweddingphotographerfordecadesuntiltheworkbecametoo physicallydemandingtodofull-time.Hestarted drivingforUberandLyftandderivessatisfactionfromfeelingneeded.“IfeellikeI’mona mission,”hesaidaftertakingapassengerhome fromakidneydialysisappointment.

DrivingforUbergivesGoldbergachanceto meetavarietyofpeople.Onenighthespoke withaScottishhistorianaboutthemovie“Braveheart.”Anothernightapassengeraskedhimhow toknowwhetheritwastherighttimetopropose tohisgirlfriend.

“I’mamazedatwhatpeoplewilltellmeabout theirrelationships,”Goldbergsaid.

Flexibility — for a price

Oneofthedrawsofworkingforgigplatforms istheabilitytosetyourownhours.Baratta’s scheduleallowedhertobabysithergrandchildren.

Goldbergappreciatedtheflexibilityofsetting hisownhourswhentherewasarecentdeathin hisfamily.Butbetweenthatunplannedtripand arootcanal,andnovacationorsickdaysoffered

byhisjob,hewentseveraldayswithoutincome.

“Whenthathappens,eventhoughyouhave theflexibility,whichyoulike,andyoudon’thave tocallanybodyandsay‘I’mnotdrivingtoday,’ youstilldon’tmakethemoneythatday.And you’restillpayinginsurance,”Goldbergsaid.

Make sure the work is worth it

Beforeinvestingtimeintogigwork,research whatpercentagethecompanytakesfrom workers’earnings.

“Thehousealwayswins,sotheamountof moneyyouaregoingtogetasadriverordelivery workerisverymuchcontrolledbytheplatform,” saidAlexandreaRavenelle,asociologistandgig economyresearcheratTheUniversityofNorth CarolinaatChapelHill.“Therearenoworkplace protections,soifyougetinjuredonthejob,if youhaveanytypesofproblems,ifyouhaveacar accident,forinstance,youareentirelyoutof luck.”

Ubermaintainscommercialautoinsurance

coverageonbehalfofitsdrivers,althoughNew YorkCityrequiresdriverstoholdthatinsurance themselves,saidUberspokesmanRyan Thornton.

Goldberghitthreenastypotholesinthree weeks,paying$144eachtimetoreplacethe tires.Helostmoneythoseweeks,despite working,hesaid.

“I’dsaymostdriversarenothappywiththe moneythatthey’remaking,unlessthey’re workingmorehoursthanI’mwillingtodo,”

Goldbergsaid.

LisaKay“LK”Foyle,64,ofOrange,Texas, foundawaytomaximizeherearningsonPoplin, anappwhichconnectsherwithclientswho needhelpwithlaundry.Shehasseniorityamong workersontheappsochoosestoacceptexpress orders,whichpaythehighestrate,anddeclines lower-payingjobs.

Foylemarvelsatthestateofsomefamilies’ dirtylaundry:“allthesocksareinside-out,all theunderwearisinthepants,andyou’vegotto checkeverysinglepocket,oryou’rewashing marblesorfrogsorthesnackstheyhadthat day.”

Baratta’sdog-walkingincomesupplements severalsmallpensionsandSocialSecuritybenefits.Shecharges$20forahalf-hourwalk,notincludingherdrivingtimetoandfromthelocation.Roverkeepsabout20%,shesaid.The $1,000to$2,000shemakespermonthhelpspay thebills,shesaid.

“Thedogsandcatsaredelights,”Barattasaid. “I’mnotbecomingrichdoingthis,...butI’vemet alotofgreatfamiliesdoingit.