Senior Active Living Winter 2023

The North Shore's 

longest-running 

Senior Resource 

Guide 

WINTER 

2023 

HEALTH CARE 

COMMUNITY 

SENIOR 

ORGANIZATIONS 

ELDER LAW 

AND FINANCIAL 

SPECIALISTS 

IN-HOME-CARE 

ASSISTANCE 

NURSING AND 

REHABILITATIVE CARE 

AFFORDABLE 

SENIOR HOUSING 

OPPORTUNITIES 

ASSISTED LIVING 

AND 

MUCH MORE 

SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING

2 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING WINTER 2023 

StatePoint 

Resolving to Feel Better in 2024? 

Consider Adding an Iron Supplement 

Choose Wisely 

New Year’s is upon us once again, a 

time when nearly everyone vows to do 

better, be better and feel better. Anyone 

looking to dramatically and easily 

improve their overall health and wellness 

would be wise to consider adding an iron 

supplement to their diet. 

A Common Problem 

Although few people ever think about 

their iron intake, assuming eating enough 

leafy greens or taking a multivitamin 

will suffice, iron deficiency is the most 

common nutritional shortfall globally, 

including in the United States, where it 

is estimated that 1 in 5 people need more 

iron to function properly. This holds 

true across all age ranges and physical 

conditions, from senior citizens to infants 

to performance athletes, but most notably 

this is the case for women of childbearing 

age. 

Why Your Iron Levels Matter 

Without sufficient iron, the body 

cannot produce enough hemoglobin 

– the substance in red blood cells that 

enables them to carry oxygen to tissues 

and organs, which can impact nearly 

every system in the body, even leading 

to death in the cases of extreme anemia. 

Iron deficiency can also exacerbate many 

health conditions, especially cardiac, 

pulmonary and circulatory problems, and 

it plays a critical role in conditions like 

restless leg syndrome, ADD/ADHD, celiac 

disease, and Crohn's disease. 

That said, the symptoms of less severe 

iron deficiency can be harder to pinpoint. 

They include: 

• Tiredness or lethargy 

• Weakness 

• Irregular heartbeat or shortness of breath 

• Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness 

• Unusual food cravings and appetite changes 

• Appearance issues like thinning hair, 

pallor, dark circles, or brittle nails 

• Behavioral issues like excitability, 

inability to focus, or irritability, especially 

in children 

Adding an iron supplement is an 

easy way to address a host of pressing 

issues, but buyer beware – not all iron 

supplements are created equal. Even 

those who know they need iron may 

not take supplements because they are 

notoriously bad-tasting and can cause 

significant gastrointestinal distress, 

essentially trading one problem for 

another. The supplement market is also 

largely unregulated, resulting in many 

companies producing inferior products or 

making unsubstantiated claims about the 

effectiveness of their products. 

So how can you find the best 

supplement for you and your family? The 

short answer is to ignore the marketing 

hype and trust medicine. Follow your 

doctors’ advice and look for an iron 

supplement that has been clinically proven 

to be safe, effective and well-tolerated in 

all age groups. 

One such product is NovaFerrum, 

which offers a range of iron supplements 

for all age groups. Founded by a father 

whose preemie daughter refused to take 

the supplement she needed, NovaFerrum 

features a distinct chemical composition 

formulated to nearly eliminate the 

gastrointestinal side effects common in 

other iron supplements, a patented tastemasking 

technology and great-tasting 

flavors made from natural ingredients, like 

raspberries and monk fruit. Available in 

pharmacies and on Amazon, NovaFerrum 

is widely recommended by pediatricians, 

hematologists, gynecologists and general 

practitioners and has earned more than 

10,000 five-star reviews. For more 

information, visit novaferrum.com. 

From enhancing your appearance and 

providing an immune system boost to 

giving you the stamina and focus you need 

to complete tasks with confidence, adding 

an iron supplement is one of the best 

ways to improve your overall health and 

wellbeing. It might also just be the silver 

bullet to helping you keep all those other 

resolutions you’ve made. 

The Ruggiero Family 

Memorial Home is here to help 

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SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING WINTER 2023 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 3 

StatePoint 

RSV can impact adults too. Here’s what to know 

Each year, it’s estimated that more than 

160,000 U.S. adults are hospitalized and 

10,000 of them die due to Respiratory 

Syncytial Virus, or RSV, a common 

respiratory virus. While most people only 

develop mild symptoms similar to that of 

a common cold, RSV can be dangerous for 

certain people at high risk, including some 

adults. 

The American Lung Association’s 

campaign to educate people living in 

the United States about RSV in adults is 

supported in part by a grant from GSK. 

As part of the campaign, they are sharing 

patient insights, along with information 

about the risk of severe complications 

from RSV, and steps people can take to 

help protect themselves. 

Risk Factors 

Adults 65 years and older are at higher 

risk of RSV that can be severe and even 

life threatening. Also at high risk are 

adults with chronic heart or lung disease, 

and adults with weakened immune 

systems. RSV in some cases may worsen 

asthma or COPD symptoms, lead to 

pneumonia or bronchiolitis, or even result 

in congestive heart failure. Adults at high 

risk need to be especially vigilant during 

RSV season, which is occurring in the 

United States right now. 

Michele D.’s childhood memories 

of medical visits and treatments for her 

asthma helped shape her path in life, 

inspiring her to become a Registered 

Respiratory Therapist so that she could 

care for and educate others also living 

with asthma or other lung diseases. Even 

with Michele’s extensive knowledge 

of respiratory diseases and her lived 

experience of growing up with asthma, 

her severe bout of RSV in December 

2022, which hospitalized her and lead to 

pneumonia, took her by surprise. 

“I’m a respiratory therapist, and I 

know RSV can be serious, but I wasn’t 

expecting it to impact me the way that 

it did and for as long as it did,” says 

Michele. “I don’t think most people living 

with chronic lung disease realize how an 

RSV infection can impact their lives. I 

didn’t.” 

PHOTO | STATEPOINT


Make these 10 doctor-recommended 

health resolutions in the new year 

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StatePoint 

The New Year is the perfect time to 

hit the reset button on your health and 

wellness. Not sure where to start? Doctors 

say you can make the biggest impact with 

small, incremental tweaks to your routine. 

“It is quite common after the holidays 

to think about all you’ve eaten or 

your reduced physical activity and get 

discouraged,” says Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, 

M.D., MPH, president of the American 

Medical Association (AMA). “But the 

good news is you don’t have to make 

major health changes in one fell swoop. 

You can make small, positive health 

choices right now that can have longlasting 

effects.” 

Want to get started today? Here are the 

10 resolutions the AMA recommends top 

your list this year: 

1. Get moving. Exercise is essential 

for your physical and mental health. The 

American Heart Association recommends 

that adults get at least 150 minutes a 

week of moderate-intensity activity, or 

75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity 

activity. Just can’t get to the gym? No 

problem: start off by going for a family 

walk, taking the stairs at work or parking 

a little farther away from the mall entrance 

when you’re making those post-holiday 

gift returns. 

2. Tweak your diet to include more 

water and less sugar-sweetened beverages. 

Replace processed foods — especially 

those with added sodium and sugar — 

with nutritious, whole foods. Stock your 

fridge and pantry with fruits, vegetables, 

whole grains, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy 

products, and lean meats and poultry. 

3. A number of respiratory viruses 

circulating this winter can be serious and 

even life-threatening. Get up to date on 

your vaccines to protect yourself and your 

family. These include the annual flu shot 

and the updated COVID-19 vaccine for 

everyone 6 months and older. Vaccines 

are also available to protect older adults 

from severe RSV. New tools to protect 

infants during RSV season include 

maternal vaccination and monoclonal 

antibody immunization. If you have 

questions, speak with your physician 

and review trusted resources, including 

getvaccineanswers.org. 

4. Get screened. Estimates based on 

statistical models show that since April 

2020, millions of screenings for breast, 

colorectal and prostate cancer may have 

been missed due to pandemic-related care 

disruptions. Check in with your physician. 

If you’re due for preventive care, tests 

or screenings, make an appointment. 

These measures are designed to keep you 

healthy and help your doctor spot certain 

conditions before they become more 

serious. 

5. High blood pressure, often referred 

to as hypertension, can increase your 

risk of heart attack or stroke, and it 

affects millions of Americans. Visit 

ManageYourBP.org to understand what 

your blood pressure numbers mean 

and what you can do to get your blood 

pressure under control. 

6. One in 3 American adults has 

prediabetes, a condition that can lead 

to type 2 diabetes if left unmanaged. 

However, healthy eating and exercise can 

help delay or even prevent the onset of 

type 2 diabetes. Learn your risk by taking 

a simple 2-minute self-screening test at 

DoIHavePrediabetes.org. This resource 

also features helpful lifestyle tips that can 

help you reverse prediabetes. 

7. If consuming alcohol, drink only in 

moderation. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines 

for Americans defines that as up to one 

drink per day for women and two drinks 

per day for men, and only by adults of 

legal drinking age. 

8. Your health care provider can 

offer resources and guidance for quitting 

tobacco and nicotine. Declare your 

home and car smoke-free to eliminate 

secondhand smoke exposure. 

9. Follow your doctor’s instructions 

when taking prescription drugs – 

especially opioids. Always store and 

dispose of medications safely to prevent 

misuse. Whenever prescribed antibiotics, 

take them exactly as directed. Not taking 

the full course can lead to antibiotic 

resistance, a serious public health 

problem, and will not make you feel better 

if you have a virus, such as a cold or flu. 

10. Good mental health is part of good 

overall health. Manage your stress, get 

sufficient sleep, exercise and seek help 

from a mental health professional when 

you need it.

SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING WINTER 2023 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 5


4 Quality-of-life amenities to look for when house hunting 

StatePoint 

Curb appeal is important, but it’s not 

the be-all and end-all of house hunting. 

By factoring in other priorities, such as 

great schools, a community feel, along 

with nearby amenities that improve your 

quality of life, you can feel right at home 

in your new neighborhood from the 

moment you arrive. 

“Many families want it all — the 

connection that comes with a small 

town feel, and the bustle and energy of 

shopping, dining and culture,” says Blake 

Gable, CEO Barron Collier Companies, 

the real estate development firm behind 

Ave Maria, a 5,000-acre community in 

Southwest Florida. 

With the understanding that many 

families desire to work, live, learn and 

recreate all in one place, master-planned 

communities such as Ave Maria have 

grown in popularity in Florida, and 

often include residential neighborhoods, 

schools, town centers with shopping and 

dining, office space, business parks and 

recreational amenities. 

Keyed into what neighborhood features 

foster community and enhance quality of 

life, Gable is sharing five quality-of-life 

amenities to look for while house hunting: 

1. A community feel: If you’d like 

your neighbors to be more than just 

strangers who happen to live close by, a 

master-planned community may be the 

right style of living for you. In many such 

communities, there are more golf carts 

and bikes than there are cars, creating a 

friendly atmosphere where it’s easy to 

stop, chat and catch up with neighborsturned-friends. 

Such self-sustained 

communities often have their own sports 

fields, dog parks, nature paths, active 

events calendars and even social clubs. 

Whether it’s photography, bird watching 

or pickleball, you can nurture your 

interests while meeting new people. 

2. Healthy living: The right 

neighborhood for your family is one 

that’s built for a healthy lifestyle. Find 

out whether your prospective new 

neighborhood has achieved Blue Zones 

Project certification. This pioneering 

health initiative is helping communities 

commit to improving the well-being of 

residents by offering them opportunities to 

move naturally, eat better, develop social 

circles, and live with purpose. As one of 

the first places to earn the designation in 

Florida and the Southeast United States, 

Ave Maria is a good example of a town 

designed to help residents live their 

healthiest, happiest life. 

3. A town center: A neighborhood 

with its own town center blends big town 

convenience with small town connection. 

JOHN KOZLAUSKA, D.M.D. 

Dental Care North, INC. 

Merchants are not just businesses, they 

are neighbors, too, so that you don’t have 

to leave the neighborhood to find all the 

shopping and services you need, from 

supermarkets, restaurants and boutiques to 

spas, salons and doctors. 

4. Great value: The lifestyle you 

want should come at the right price. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to overspend 

to find a new home in one of the country’s 

most desirable locations, Southwest 

Florida. Named the fastest growing 

new home community in Southwest 

Florida since 2015 by MetroStudy, 

and Community of the Year by Collier 

Building Industry Association since 2015, 

Ave Maria offers the same type of lifestyle 

amenities, albeit at a much greater value, 

than similar options in nearby, more 

expensive Naples. 

All phases of General Dentistry 

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Wondering how to protect your assets? 

The Law Office of Julie Low can help 

The Law Office of Julie Low practices 

exclusively in elder law, estate planning, 

probate and estate administration, and 

special-needs planning. 

The firm designs customized, 

comprehensive will-based and trust-based 

estate plans to meet each client’s unique 

needs. Whether your goal is to protect 

assets from future long-term care costs, 

minimize estate taxes and administration 

fees, ensure a legacy for your descendants, 

provide for your needs in the event of 

incapacity or protect and provide for a 

family member with special needs, the 

Law Office of Julie Low can design an 

estate plan that meets your objectives. 

Attorney Low opened her Beverlybased 

firm because she had a vision for the way 

law should be practiced — with a focus on 

the client instead of billable hours. 

She believes in creating an inviting, 

personable atmosphere where clients feel 

comfortable discussing very personal 

subjects. Attorney Low fully engages 

her clients in the design process, 

educating and guiding them to make 

informed decisions. The end result is a 

comprehensive plan clients understand, 

rather than a set of documents that have 

little personal meaning. 

The firm charges fixed prices instead of 

traditional hourly rates for estate planning. 

Attorney Low believes clients appreciate 

knowing the cost of services up front and 

the open communication such an approach 

fosters. 

Client meetings are centered 

around important issues — not the 

clock — and are handled with a touch 

of lightheartedness, when appropriate, 

"because contemplating disability, 

incapacity or death is not a delightful or 

pleasant experience for most." 

Clients are invited to contact Julie, or 

a team member, with questions, without 

worrying about being billed for extra time. 

One of the firm’s specialties is the 

creation of Long-Term Care Plans to 

help clients navigate the complicated 

regulations of Medicaid, Veterans Benefits 

and other government programs. 

Because Julie is knowledgeable in 

planning for both types of Medicaid 

(traditional nursing home and the lesser 

known, but unbelievably beneficial, 

community programs), she reviews 

her clients’ options with an eye to all 

programs to ensure each plan provides 

later flexibility. 

Julie is a member of WealthCounsel, 

ElderCounsel, The National Academy 

of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), 

and The Academy of Special Needs 

Planners. 

She graduated cum laude from Western 

New England University School of Law 

in 2007. 

In her free time, Julie volunteers 

with North Shore Elder Services’ Money 

Management Program, assisting local 

seniors with paying bills and budgeting, 

and on Northeast ARC’s Human Rights 

Committee. 

The Law Office of Julie Low provides 

complimentary workshops on the basics of 

estate planning and long term care. 

Call the Law Office of Julie Low 

today to sign up for the next workshop or 

register on their website. 

For peace of mind, for those you love, estate planning! 

Special Needs Planning 

Law Office of 

Estate Planning 

& Elder Law 

Specializing in 

Medicaid Applications 

& Long Term 

Care Planning 

Receive a half-price, one-hour consultation after attending one of our free, virtual estate planning workshops. 

Tuesday 

December 19 

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Estate Planning Workshop schedule 

Saturday 

January 13 

10 a.m. to noon 

Tuesday 

January 23 

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Medicaid Workshop schedule 

Thursday 

Decenter 14 

noon to 1 p.m. 

Saturday 

February 

10 a.m. to noon 

266 Cabot St., Suite 1, Beverly • www.lawofficeofjulielow.com


Moving Forward with Confidence: 

The Benefits of Trusted Advisors 

Selling any home can be stressful and 

selling one that you have spent many 

years in can be an especially challenging 

process. Having a compassionate and 

experienced real estate advocate to assist 

you will be incredibly beneficial. 

Janice Sullivan has been a local 

professional Realtor for 38 years and 

is a designated Senior Real Estate 

Specialist(SRES). She is an expert at 

helping clients navigate the real estate 

process, and smoothly transition from one 

home to the next. 

“The process of downsizing and 

relocating is more time-consuming than 

most people realize. Sorting through years 

of memories, personal belongings and 

valuable processions is a time-consuming 

task that some find overwhelming.” says 

Sullivan. 

Janice has assembled a team of 

trained professionals to help in every 

area including professional organizers, 

professional packers, transition 

experts,donation experts, estate sale 

companies, real estate attorneys, and 

disposal vendors. Having access to this 

network of trusted professionals will 

ensure that no detail is overlooked. You'll 

benefit from the collective expertise and 

support, ultimately leading to a successful 

and less stressful transaction. 

If you or a loved one are considering 

a move now or in the near future, it is 

advisable to plan ahead. 

Janice Sullivan offers a complimentary 

confidential consultation to discuss your 

specific needs and provides step by step 

guidance tailored to your situation. Contact 

Janice today at (978) 857-5473 so you can 

benefit from her decades of experience. 

THINKING OF SELLING AND 

NOT SURE WHERE TO BEGIN? 

I am a Senior Residential Specialist with over 38 

years of experience. I can help guide you through 

this sometimes complex and emotional process. 

My resources and experience can help you 

maximize your largest asset. 

K N O W L E D G E , I N T E G R I T Y , E X P E R I E N C E . 

“When we decided to sell our home of over 30 years, 

we asked around to find out who is the best Realtor. 

The answer was consistently Janice Sullivan.” 

- Alyssa S. 

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THE SULLIVAN REATLY GROUP 

LAER REALTY PARTNERS 

162 Park Street, 3rd Floor 

North Reading, MA 01864


Getting healthier in 2024 starts with your feet 


StatePoint 

Good foot and ankle health is 

critical for good overall health, 

so no matter what your wellness 

goals are for 2024, be sure to 

start from the ground up. 

“Feet and ankle issues can 

be signs of overarching health 

problems like diabetes, arthritis 

and cardiovascular disease, 

so paying attention to them is 

vital for early diagnosis and 

treatment says Michael Coyer, 

DPM, FACFAS, a foot and ankle 

surgeon and Fellow Member of 

the American College of Foot 

and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). 

“Additionally, many common 

New Year’s resolutions related 

to fitness and weight loss are 

difficult to tackle if you’re 

experiencing foot and heel pain, 

making it important to fix these 

issues first.” 

Get a jumpstart on your 2024 

health resolutions with these foot 

health facts from ACFAS: 

“I want to lose weight”: 

Obesity aggravates foot 

problems, like heel pain and flat 

feet, making it hard to exercise. 

And, without exercise, obesity 

worsens, potentially increasing 

the progression of serious health 

threats. Break the cycle by 

seeking evaluation and treatment 

for chronic, activity-limiting 

foot and ankle problems. Once 

cleared to begin exercise, don’t 

do too much too soon. Follow 

a gradual routine of low-impact 

exercise until your body adjusts 

to the stress of regular physical 

activity. 

“I want to build strong 

bones”: Osteoporosis is a bonethinning 

disease affecting more 

than 28 million Americans, 

and your feet can present clues 

that there’s a problem. Early 

symptoms can include increased 

pain with walking accompanied 

by redness and swelling on 

the top of the foot, as well as 

unexplained foot fractures. Don’t 

ignore foot pain. Visit your foot 

and ankle surgeon who can detect 

osteoporosis through a bone 

densitometry test. Once you have 

a diagnosis you can take steps 

to prevent stress fractures, such 

as wearing shoes that provide 

support and cushioning, and 

using custom orthotics. 

“I want to age gracefully”: 

Taking good care of feet and 

ankles can improve balance, 

coordination and stability to 

reduce a senior’s risk of a lifealtering 

fall. Examine your feet 

regularly. At the sign of bumps, 

lumps or other changes, or if 

you’re experiencing pain, make 

an appointment with your foot 

and ankle surgeon. Maintain 

foot strength and mobility with 

simple stretching exercises. 

Your foot and ankle surgeon 

can recommend appropriate 

exercises and discuss options for 

insoles and special footwear for 

additional protection. 

“I want to feel my best”: 

Having persistently cold feet is 

not just uncomfortable, it could 

be a sign of a medical condition 

that causes poor blood flow in the 

legs or feet, such as peripheral 

vascular disease, Raynaud’s 

phenomenon and heart disease. 

It could also be an indication 

of hypothyroidism, adrenal 

insufficiency or an autoimmune 

disorder, such as lupus. If your 

feet are persistently cold, follow 

up on it with your foot and ankle 

surgeon to determine if there’s a 

greater issue to be addressed. 

“I want to manage my 

diabetes better”: Foot care 

is fundamental to diabetes 

management. Visit your foot and 

ankle surgeon for guidelines on 

diabetic foot care to help prevent 

problems like ulcers, cracked 

heels and bone infection that can 

lead to serious complications, 

including amputation. 

For more information on 

foot care or to find a foot 

and ankle surgeon near you, 

visit FootHealthFacts.org, the 

patient education website of the 

American College of Foot and 

Ankle Surgeons.


We believe your best years are ahead 

(of course, your past years were good too!) 

Imagine a world where getting 

older meant independence to do all 

the things you love without having 

to make sacrifices. Where you could 

enjoy time with friends and family, 

attend events in your community, and 

remain active and mobile – all while 

easily staying on top of your health. 

Well, at Element Care PACE we 

believe this is possible... and more. 

Life is a balancing act between the 

things you want to do and the things 

you have to do - like managing your 

health. Element Care PACE manages 

the balancing act for you by providing 

personalized, reliable healthcare to fit 

your needs and lifestyle. Our Program 

of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly 

(PACE, for short) operates in more 

than 40 towns across the North Shore 

and Merrimack Valley, giving adults 

55+ the healthcare they need while 

still being able to live independently 

in their homes. 

Finding a doctor for your specific 

needs and managing appointment 

scheduling can be difficult, but at 

Element Care PACE we handle it all 

for you. The doctors and specialists 

at the Element Care PACE centers 

provide medical, dental, vision, and 

hearing care, as well as behavioral 

health, nutrition, and physical and 

occupational therapy. Our team makes 

it a priority that you feel comfortable 

and safe during your visits. 

All-inclusive care also means 

personalized care. Whether in the 

comfort of your living room or the 

bustle and excitement of one of 

our six PACE centers, the Element 

Care PACE team is here for you. 

With locations in Lynn, Gloucester, 

Beverly, Lowell and Methuen, 

our centers make your medical 

appointments into a fun day out. 

Enjoy lunch, socialize with friends 

and even enjoy a group exercise 

class or a game of Bingo. A schedule 

of activities is available and safe 

transportation is provided to and from 

your home. For those who prefer 

the familiarity of their own space, 

Element Care PACE can provide inhome 

support, and personal care. 

At Element Care PACE, we want you 

to live your life to the fullest without 

fear your health needs might get in the 

way. Our PACE program can provide the 

support to make that happen. We believe 

independence and all-inclusive care 

are not mutually exclusive, and health 

and happiness go hand-in-hand. And at 

Element Care PACE, we believe youth 

doesn’t go away with age. So, cheers to 

your future years. 

If you or a loved one could benefit 

from PACE at Element Care, call today 

to talk to our knowledgeable staff and 

find out if you qualify at (877) 803-5564 

(TTY 711). Or, learn more online at 

elementcare.org. 

Personalized Healthcare 

for Older Adults 

Element Care PACE is coordinated care for quality of 

life. This unique care model provides complete 

medical, social and home care services to adults 

55+ across the North Shore and Merrimack Valley. 

Call today to see how we could help you stay 

independent, in your community. 

Medical 

Dental 

Vision 

and more! 

No cost for MassHealth and Medicare eligible. Contact us for 

Medicare only and private pay options. Participants must receive 

all health care, primary and specialist physician services-other 

than emergency services-as authorized by PACE or be fully and 

personally liable for costs of unauthorized services. 

1-877-803-5564 (TTY 711) elementcare.org


Are these common COPD myths 

preventing you from living your best life? 


StatePoint 

(StatePoint) Chronic 

obstructive pulmonary disease 

(COPD) is a lifelong chronic lung 

disease that makes it difficult to 

breathe, and is a leading cause of 

death and disability in the United 

States. According to experts, the 

more knowledge a patient with 

COPD has about the disease, the 

better off they will be. 

A recent literature review from 

the American Lung Association 

found that patient education 

can help improve COPD selfmanagement, 

provide skills for 

coping with related mental health 

challenges, improve overall 

health and quality of life, and may 

reduce hospital admissions. This is 

especially important for those who 

have been living with the disease 

for a long time who may not be 

aware of recent treatment options 

and updated treatment guidelines, 

or who may not be inclined to 

recognize new or worsening 

symptoms and report them back to 

their healthcare provider. 

To help people who have been 

living with the disease for 10 or 

more years live better, more active 

and enjoyable lives, the American 

Lung Association, with support 

from Sanofi and Regeneron, 

launched the new “COPD for 

Life” campaign. As part of the 

campaign, they are busting some 

common myths about the disease: 

Myth: COPD is a man’s 

disease. 

Truth: More women are living 

with COPD compared to men and 

deaths from COPD are higher in 

women than in men. Everyone 

with risk factors and those 

experiencing early warning signs, 

no matter their age or gender, 

should talk to their healthcare 

provider. 

Myth: There is no treatment for 

COPD. 

Truth: There is no cure 

for COPD, but treatment and 

management can help slow the 

progression of COPD and control 

symptoms, so a patient feels better 

and is able to spend more time 

doing what they enjoy. 

Myth: You cannot exercise if 

you have COPD. 

Truth: The right amount and 

type of exercise has many benefits 

and tips on how to get started 

should be discussed with your 

healthcare provider 

Myth: COPD only affects the 

lungs so what you eat does not 

matter. 

Truth: Most people are 

surprised to learn that the food 

they eat may affect their breathing. 

Talking to your healthcare 

provider about the right types 

of foods for you may help you 

breathe easier. 

Myth: If you already have 

COPD, quitting smoking won’t 

help. 

Truth: Quitting smoking is 

an important part of any COPD 

treatment plan. The chemicals in 

cigarettes, e-cigarettes and cigars 

can further damage lungs and may 

prevent medications from working 

as well as they could. 

Myth: A patient should manage 

COPD on their own. 

Truth: People who work 

closely with their healthcare 

providers to have a good treatment 

plan have better health outcomes. 

It’s especially important to see a 

healthcare provider if symptoms 

change or worsen. Likewise, 

supportive services, such as 

in-person or virtual support 

groups, can have a positive 

impact on health outcomes. Some 

studies indicate that positive 

social support is associated with 

reduced hospitalizations, fewer 

exacerbations, better health status 

and improved disease management 

behaviors. 

To learn more, call the Lung 

HelpLine at 1-866-252-2959 and 

be connected to a Lung Health 

navigator, or visit Lung.org/ 

COPD or Lung.org/Helpline for 

additional resources and to chat 

live with a licensed registered 

nurse or respiratory therapist.


5 Things we learned about alzheimer’s disease in 2023 


StatePoint 

2023 was a landmark year for 

Alzheimer’s disease research, 

including advancements in 

treatment, risk factors and 

diagnosis. Here are five 

significant discoveries made this 

year: 

There are three new approved 

treatments for Alzheimer’s, with 

a fourth on the way. 

In July, the U.S. Food and 

Drug Administration (FDA) 

granted traditional approval 

for Leqembi for mild cognitive 

impairment due to Alzheimer’s 

and mild Alzheimer’s dementia. 

This treatment slows cognitive 

decline and can help people with 

early Alzheimer’s maintain their 

independence. 

In June 2021, the FDA 

granted accelerated approval to 

Aduhelm for the same purpose. 

At the Alzheimer’s Association 

International Conference (AAIC) 

in July 2023, Lilly reported 

positive results for a third similar 

treatment: donanemab. The 

company expects FDA action in 

early 2024. 

In May, the FDA approved 

the first treatment for agitation 

in people with Alzheimer’s — 

brexpiprazole. 

Hearing aids could slow 

cognitive decline for at-risk older 

adults. 

In the largest clinical trial to 

investigate whether a hearing 

loss treatment can reduce risk 

of cognitive decline, researchers 

found that older adults with 

hearing loss cut their cognitive 

decline in half by using hearing 

aids for three years. 

The intervention included 

hearing aids, a hearing “toolkit,” 

and ongoing instruction and 

counseling. Though the positive 

results were in a subgroup of the 

total study population, they are 

encouraging and merit further 

investigation. 

Blood tests for Alzheimer’s 

are coming soon. 

Blood tests show promise 

for improving how Alzheimer’s 

is diagnosed. Advancements 

reported for the first time at 

AAIC 2023 demonstrate the 

simplicity and value to doctors 

of blood-based markers for 

Alzheimer’s. 

Blood tests are already being 

implemented in Alzheimer’s drug 

trials. And they are incorporated 

into proposed new diagnostic 

criteria for the disease. Blood 

tests — once verified and 

approved by the FDA — would 

offer a noninvasive and costeffective 

option for identifying 

the disease. 

First-ever U.S. countylevel 

Alzheimer’s prevalence 

estimates. 

The first-ever county-level 

estimates of the prevalence of 

Alzheimer’s dementia — in all 

3,142 U.S. counties — were 

reported at AAIC 2023. For 

counties with a population 

of more than 10,000 people 

age 65 and older, the highest 

Alzheimer’s prevalence rates 

are in: 

• Miami-Dade County, Fla. 

(16.6%) 

• Baltimore City, Md. (16.6%) 

• Bronx County, N.Y. (16.6%) 

• Prince George’s County, 

Md. (16.1%) 

• Hinds County, Miss. 

(15.5%) 

Certain characteristics of 

these counties may explain the 

higher prevalence, including 

older age and a higher percentage 

of Black and Hispanic residents, 

which are communities 

disproportionately impacted by 

Alzheimer’s disease. According 

to the Alzheimer’s Association, 

these statistics can help officials 

determine the burden on the 

health care system, and pinpoint 

areas for culturally-sensitive 

caregiver training. 

Chronic constipation is 

associated with poor cognitive 

function. 

Approximately 16% of the 

world’s population struggles 

with constipation. This year, 

researchers reported that less 

frequent bowel movements were 

associated with significantly 

worse cognitive function.


Helping secure the financial futures of older LGBTQ+ Americans 


StatePoint 

While many Americans 

have financial concerns about 

the future, these anxieties are 

far more prominent among the 

LGBTQ+ community. 

LGBTQ+ adults 60 and 

older earn less money and have 

more trouble paying their rent, 

mortgage, and other expenses 

than their non-LGBTQ+ peers, 

according to research from the 

Leading Age LTSS Center @ 

UMass Boston and the National 

Council on Aging. SAGE, 

the world’s largest and oldest 

organization dedicated to 

improving the lives of LGBTQ+ 

elders, reports that 51% of 

LGBTQ+ elders are very or 

extremely concerned about 

simply having enough money to 

live on, compared to 36% of their 

non-LGBTQ+ peers. 

Economic experts say that this 

financial security gap is a direct 

legacy of past governmental 

policies that put LGBTQ+ adults 

at a financial disadvantage, as 

well as ongoing discrimination 

that makes it harder for 

members of this community to 

secure employment, inclusive 

healthcare, family support and 

other fundamentals many take 

for granted throughout their lives 

and as they age. 

Recent efforts are helping 

improve outcomes for the 

most vulnerable members of 

the community. For example, 

SAGECents is a digital financial 

wellness tool created specifically 

for the estimated 3 million 

LGBTQ+ Americans currently 

over 50, to help increase 

financial stability and reduce 

economic stress. Launched 

in 2020, SAGECents is a 

collaboration between SAGE and 

LifeCents, a financial wellness 

technology and consulting firm, 

with the tool fully funded by the 

Wells Fargo Foundation. 

This groundbreaking program 

is putting financial wellness 

into the palm of people’s hands. 

By creating a free account, 

SAGECents assesses each 

participant’s financial health, 

giving them much needed 

insights into their financial 

lives and a starting point to help 

them make financial decisions 

that improve their financial 

wellbeing. This includes 

information such as what benefits 

are available through Medicare, 

how to create a health proxy 

and a living will, and tips for 

increasing credit scores. The app 

can also pair users with certified, 

LGBTQ-proficient financial 

counselors. Nearly 50% of 

SAGECents participants report 

saving an average of $571, more 

than 38% have reduced their debt 

an average of $591, and 39% 

have raised their credit score an 

average of 26 points. To learn 

more, visit sageusa.org. 

“This is the generation 

that fought at Stonewall, and 

beyond, for the rights that so 

many of us enjoy. But sadly, 

this also is a generation that 

faced years of discrimination 

and underemployment and 

they are struggling financially 

in their later years,” says 

Christina DaCosta, SAGE chief 

experience officer. “Through the 

comprehensive resources and 

tools offered by SAGECents, 

we aim to empower and support 

these elders to achieve financial 

prosperity.” 

In addition to widening access 

to financial tools for individuals, 

the Wells Fargo Foundation also 

supports SAGE’s efforts to break 

down the barriers responsible for 

this financial security gap, such 

as advocating against housing 

discrimination. 

“At the root of the financial 

security gap is systemic 

discrimination. Tackling those 

issues is at the heart of our 

company’s efforts to create 

a stable financial future for 

members of the LGBTQ+ 

community,” says Ben-James 

Brown, Financial Health 

Philanthropy, Wells Fargo 

Foundation.


Think life insurance is not for you? Consider these insights 


StatePoint 

Life insurance can provide 

protection to loved ones. But 

experts say that common 

misconceptions lead many to 

assume this important aspect of 

financial planning is not right for 

them. 

“If you think you can’t afford 

life insurance or are not eligible, 

keep in mind that there are many 

different types of life insurance. 

Everyone has unique needs, so 

finding a policy that addresses 

your circumstances is key,” says 

Kate Long, consumer financial 

wellness advocate at Assurance 

IQ. 

To help you navigate the 

complexities of finding and 

choosing life insurance, the team 

at Assurance IQ is debunking 

some of the most common 

misconceptions: 

Myth: It’s impossible to 

secure life insurance with preexisting 

conditions. 

Reality: While it’s more 

difficult to acquire certain kinds 

of life insurance with preexisting 

health conditions, you 

have options. If you are denied 

a policy, consider enrolling in 

group life insurance through 

your employer, as pre-existing 

conditions may not be considered 

when signing up. Another 

option could be guaranteed 

issue life insurance, which can 

offer lifetime coverage without 

a medical exam or any health 

questions. 

Myth: Retired people don’t 

need life insurance. 

Reality: Life insurance 

is often viewed as a source 

of income replacement, but 

depending on your situation, you 

may still benefit from coverage 

even after you retire. For 

example, if you have debt, like 

a mortgage or medical bills, life 

insurance could help your family 

settle it in the event of your 

passing. It can also help fund 

final arrangements, relieving 

financial stress during a difficult 

time. The average cost of a 

funeral with a viewing and burial 

was $7,848 in 2021, making 

final expense insurance worth 

considering. 

Myth: Buying life insurance 

is too complicated. 

Reality: Approximately 106 

million adults in the United 

States are underinsured or have 

no life insurance coverage. In a 

recent survey by Assurance IQ, 

15% of those who are uninsured 

cited lack of knowledge about 

what kind of policy to get and 

12% cited lack of knowledge 

around how much coverage to 

get as the reason they’ve elected 

to forgo coverage. 

“Unfortunately, a large 

portion of today’s population 

remains uninsured because life 

insurance sales models weren’t 

designed to serve everyone,” 

says Long. 

Speaking to a licensed 

insurance agent who sells 

life insurance from multiple 

carriers can help simplify the 

process. An agent can ask 

questions to understand your 

needs and deliver personalized 

recommendations for relevant 

insurance products. 

Myth: Life insurance is too 

expensive. 

Reality: Life insurance may 

be more affordable than you 

think. Term life insurance could 

be a great option for budgetconscious 

consumers who need 

to protect their income or pay off 

a debt. 

For example, if you have a 

mortgage, you might purchase a 

term life insurance policy for the 

life of the mortgage so that your 

spouse could stay in your home 

in the event of your untimely 

death. You can get an estimate 

of what your term life insurance 

rates might be with Assurance 

IQ’s calculator at assurance. 

com/life-insurance/term-lifeinsurance-calculator. 

Life insurance can be an 

important part of financial 

planning. Before you buy a 

policy, do your research and 

understand which type of life 

insurance is right for you.


Pneumococcal pneumonia can be 

life-threatening. Here’s what to know 

Pneumococcal pneumonia can disrupt 

your life for weeks and, in some cases, 

be serious or even life-threatening. To 

help adults understand how they can help 

protect themselves against pneumococcal 

pneumonia, the American Lung 

Association and Pfizer are partnering to 

share important information and patient 

insights about the disease. 

The Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC) estimates that this 

lung disease causes an estimated 150,000 

hospitalizations annually nationwide. 

Symptoms include high fever, excessive 

sweating, shaking chills, coughing, 

difficulty breathing, shortness of breath 

and chest pain. Some symptoms can 

appear quickly and without warning. 

Risk Factors 

The immune system naturally weakens 

with age, so even if you’re healthy 

and active, being 65 or older puts you 

at increased risk for pneumococcal 

pneumonia. In fact, adults 65 and 

older are over 10 times more likely 

to be hospitalized with pneumococcal 

pneumonia than those aged 18-49. 

In adults 19 and older, certain factors 

increase pneumococcal pneumonia risk 

compared with healthy adults of the same 

age. These include smoking cigarettes, 

chronic lung diseases like asthma and 

COPD, chronic heart disease and diabetes. 

Prevention 

Pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination 

can help protect against the disease 

and is recommended for at-risk groups. 

For adults living with certain chronic 

health conditions and those 65 or older, 

vaccination helps protect against a 

potentially life-threatening illness. 

“Having asthma can sometimes restrict 

me from doing things I love, so I really 

try to take proactive steps to help keep 

myself healthy, like avoiding my known 

asthma triggers and following my doctors’ 

advice,” says Catherine, a patient who was 

diagnosed with asthma in adulthood. “I 

didn’t even think I was old enough to get 

vaccinated for pneumococcal pneumonia, 

but when my doctor recommended it, I got 

it because I trust him. I like the comfort of 

knowing it’s helping to protect me against 

this potentially serious lung disease.” 

In addition to being up to date on 

your vaccinations, washing your hands, 

and not smoking are all habits that can 

help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia. 

Those with chronic illnesses should also 

follow the care recommendations for their 

condition. 

More than a resolution. A lifestyle. 

There’s no better time than the new year to 

redefine what wellness means to you. At The 

Linden at Danvers, it’s a social calendar to 

excite the mind and soul. Dining that’s curated 

for each resident by healthcare professionals. 

And of course, balance and strength-builing 

fitness classes. 

Discover what whole-person wellness can be with 

PrimeFit Wellness. 

220 Conant Street • Danvers 

978.291.5788 • TheLindenAtDanvers.com

are not alone! The thought 

You 

moving can be extremely 

of 

especially when 

overwhelming, 

have been in your home for 

you 

people start thinking about 

Most 

long before they actually do 

moving 

because they don’t know where to 

it, 

Downsizing, or Rightsizing as 

begin. 

sometimes called, is a “process”, 

it’s 

it’s really never too early to start. 

and 

have a proven step by step system 

We 

ensure your home gets the best 

to 

and the most exposure 

marketing 

to bring in more potential 

possible, 

and view 

Come 

new 55 & over 

a 

developement 

our North Shore 

in 

team consists of 4 full time 

Our 

and 3 support staff. Having 

agents, 

support, allows our agents to 

this 

more time with you, our clients. 

spend 

agents are trained to work with 

Our 

& downsizers in a thoughtful 

seniors 

informed manner. We know that 

and 

communication and 

education, 

realistic expectations are key 

setting 

a successful move. Our hands on 

to 

combined with our 

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compassion 

have been focusing on senior 

We 

and hosting Downsizing 

moves, 

work with an extended team of 

We 

partners, such as movers, 

trusted 

organizers, attorneys and 

stagers, 

and will provide this list to 

inspectors, 

to assure you receive the best 

you, 

in all areas. 

representation 

upcoming seminar will be 

Our 

by Toll Brothers at their 

hosted 

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in 

see what they have to offer 

Come 

learn from the experts about 

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great tips & suggestions to 

providing 

January 9 | 5 pm–7 pm 

Tuesday, 

Willows at Boxford | Boxford, MA 

The 

attendees will be given our 

All 

packet which includes 

downsizing 

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over 20 years experience, 

With 

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know 

781-580-9357 

Call 

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are your team! 

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HAVE YOU BEEN THINKING ABOUT MOVING 

BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START? 

many years. 

through a real estate transaction. 

us the perfect partner. 

how to simplify your next move. 

buyers and generate multiple offers. 

Seminars for OVER TEN YEARS! 

help things go smoothly for you. 

JOIN THE MARJORIE YOUNGREN TEAM & TOLL BROTHERS 

FOR AN EXCLUSIVE “DOWNSIZING” EVENT 

community. 

Refreshments 

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Raffles 

RSVP to MarjorieY@kw.com 

Carla Comenos, Maureen Preczewski 

Michelle Chiulli, Marjorie Youngren 

Jes Doherty, Jill Stelman 

Senior Real Estate 

Specialist Designation 

781.580.9357

Senior Active Living Winter 2023

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