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Senior Living Summer 2025

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The North Shore's

longest-running

Senior

Resource Guide

SUMMER

2025

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 SUMMER 2025

Statepoint

Recent, out-of-control wildfires in

Canada are bringing hazy, dangerous air

to American communities, prompting air

quality alerts and advisories in multiple

states nationwide. With the size and

number of wildfires increasing, and fire

seasons lengthening, experts advise taking

action so you can protect your household.

“One of the single most effective

strategies for improving your indoor air

quality and breathing better every day,

but particularly during events such as

wildfires, is investing in the right air

purifier,” says Ed Vlacich, CEO of Lasko

Products, parent company of Guardian

Technologies.

When it comes to something as

important as your family’s health and

safety, you should shop for products made

by experienced manufacturers that make

When wildfires strike, use these

tips to breathe better at home

it their business to over perform. In 2005,

GermGuardian set a goal to change the

air purifier industry using rigorous and

respected testing methods, performed

by labs in the United States that exceed

industry standards. Today, all its devices

are designed and engineered domestically

and are ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED,

CARB (California Air Resource Board)

Certified, ETL Certified and Zero Ozone

Verified. While some competitors remove

less than 90% of particles, independent

testing shows that GermGuardian’s air

purifiers remove more than 99.97%.

That’s thanks to the devices’ advanced

HEPA filtration system, which are

designed to efficiently capture smoke

particles, allergens and various pollutants.

One model that is particularly wellequipped

to help ensure clean, healthy

indoor air during wildfires is the

GermGuardian 22” 4-in-1 Air Purifier

PEACE OF MIND DURING LIFE’S

TOUGHEST TRANSITIONS

Compassionate Probate Real

Estate Guidance

Handling a loved one’s estate can

feel overwhelming—but you

don’t have to do it alone.

I help families in Essex &

Middlesex Counties navigate

probate with care, clarity, and

respect.

Mariam Beurekjian

Probate Real Estate Specialist

(AC4825E). For added protection, users

can pair it with a Smoke Clear HEPA

Genuine Replacement Filter, which

has over 125 pleats and 8.0 square

feet of filter media surface area, and

is designed to specifically remove the

particles, principal toxins, and some of

the leading cancer-causing gases found

in wildfire smoke, such as formaldehyde,

acetaldehyde and acrolein. Also equipped

with UV-C light technology, the AC4825E

helps reduce airborne viruses, and its

pre-filter traps dust, pet hair, and other

large particles, while ensuring long-lasting

performance of the HEPA filter. If you’re

looking for a quick solution for recent

wildfires, both products are available on

Amazon for fast delivery and will start

working immediately to help ensure clean

air in your home.

In addition to investing in a highperformance

air purifier, you can also

How I Can Help You

• Protect Your Privacy

Your family's matters remain discreet and

secure throughout the process.

• Avoid Delays & Extra Costs

I streamline the sale of the property to save

time, reduce expenses, and ease stress.

• Minimize Family Tension

I serve as a calm, neutral presence to guide

your family with compassion and clarity.

Let’s Have a Conversation—No Pressure, Just Support.

(978) 660-2773

make a few lifestyle adjustments and

home improvements for better indoor air.

Weather strip and caulk windows and

doors. It’s not only an effective strategy

for reducing energy bills, it will go a long

way toward improving indoor air quality,

especially when the air outside is hazy and

smoky. During times when wildfires are

impacting local air quality, you may also

want to limit or avoid activities that create

smoke or fine particles indoors, including

burning candles, smoking, vaping, or

using a gas-burning stove. The EPA also

recommends during these times to set

your HVAC system to recirculate mode

and to use portable AC units with one

hose sparingly. According to Guardian

Technologies, your HVAC system should

also always be equipped with a highquality

filter.

mariam.beurekjian@gmail.com


SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 3

Help protect your sensitive data with these tips

Statepoint

Identity theft is on the rise

nationwide. In fact, consumers

reported losing more than $12.5

billion to fraud in 2024, representing

a 25% increase over the prior year,

according to recent data from the

Federal Trade Commission.

This trend underscores the

importance of taking proactive

steps to protect yourself – including

properly handling your sensitive

documents. The UPS Store network,

with its variety of services that

help keep your private information

private, is offering these tips to help

you guard against identity theft:

Shred Documents: Keeping

printouts of sensitive documents you

no longer need increases your risk of

becoming a victim of fraud. When it

comes time to destroy confidential

information, you need to turn to a

retailer you can trust. The shredding

services available at any of the

5,400+ The UPS Store locations

nationwide is a far more convenient,

secure and time-saving choice

compared to home shredding.

When you visit The UPS Store

locations, they make the process

simple. A store associate will weigh

your documents, then you place

them into the locked shredding bin.

The UPS Store network uses one of

the leading document destruction

vendors, Iron Mountain, which

is AAA-certified by the National

Association for Information

Destruction. While this is an

important service year-round, it’s

an especially good time to declutter

documents, as The UPS Store is

offering a 25% off discount for

shredding services for a limited time.

Protect Mail: Theft from

mailboxes has significantly increased

in recent years. Porch pirates stole

$12 billion in packages in the

past year, with up to 58 million

Americans affected, according to

Security.org. Beyond packages

containing valuable goods, many

thieves specifically target mail

containing sensitive information,

putting you at risk any time you

receive mail from your bank, the

IRS, insurance companies or other

similar entities.

Gain safety, convenience and

peace of mind with a personal or

business mailbox at your local The

UPS Store location. Route your mail

and packages to your local The UPS

Store location, which will even sign

for packages and send you delivery

text alerts. The UPS Store mailbox

services accept deliveries from all

carriers, ensuring your mail and

packages reach you, every time.

As identity theft becomes more

prevalent, taking proactive measures

to protect you and your personal

information is critical. Don’t leave

your privacy to chance – leverage

resources that exist to help you stay

protected.

Free Medicaid

Planning Seminar

INFORMATION ABOUT:

• Who is a candidate for Medicaid?

• What info is needed to apply?

• What are allowable spend down items?

• Who can help you through the Medicaid application process?

Session 11: Session 12:

Learn the ins and outs of the Medicaid process,

and important application information

And here is the link to sign up:

https://form.jotform.com/232083762171150

Thursday, September 25 at noon

@Silver Lining Solutions Office

Thursday, October 23 at noon

@Silver Lining Solutions Office

Darcia Tremblay

461 Boston Street, Unit B1

Topsfield, MA 01983

Office: 978-887-1100

silverliningsolutions.com

For more information

please go to our QR code:


4 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025

An opportunity to improve health nationwide

Statepoint

Walking into a grocery store can feel

overwhelming — especially for those

trying to buy healthier food. There are so

many choices, eye-catching marketing and

health claims, and confusing ingredients,

making it hard to know what’s healthy and

what isn’t. Grocery store aisles can actually

be a place to fight preventable diet-related

disease and illness — as long as nutrition

information is readily available and easy to

understand.

Other countries successfully use

simple and clear nutrition labels on the

front of food packaging to draw attention

to foods that are high in sugar, saturated

fat or salt — three nutrients most people

eat too much of. These labels are helping

consumers make healthier choices.

After years of consumer engagement

and research, the Food and Drug

Administration (FDA) has proposed

easy-to-read labels on the front of most

packaged foods here in the United States.

The proposed label would appear on

foods intended for people aged 4 years

and older and focus on three nutrients

to limit: saturated fat, sodium (salt) and

added sugars. Each would be rated as high,

medium or low, and include the percentage

of the recommended daily amount. The

label would be placed on the front of

the package in bold, easy-to-see text so

shoppers could quickly understand what is

in their food and compare products.

Even though similar labels have

worked well in other countries, some food

companies oppose implementing them here

in the United States. While these labels

certainly could impact the sales of less

healthy foods, advocates say that these

companies should recognize that their

customers want to make healthier choices

and purchase healthier products. Clearer

labels will help them do just that.

“Eating healthy should be less

complicated and consumers should be

able to walk down grocery store aisles and

be able to easily compare how nutritious

different foods are,” says Nancy Brown,

CEO of the American Heart Association.

“This will give everyone more control over

their food choices and health.”


SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 5

Statepoint

Two in five U.S. adults identify as

family caregivers, but there is a lack of

support for them nationwide, according

to new research from Edward Jones in

partnership with Morning Consult and

Age Wave. With 46% of Americans

expected to become caregivers in

the future, this research sought to

better understand their concerns and

challenges, and uncover ways to support

them.

How caregivers are navigating their

fi n a n c e s , e m o t i o n s a n d c a r e e r s

Top financial concerns caregivers

face include rising costs and inflation

(56%) and inadequate retirement

savings (42%). In fact, 95% of

caregivers have some level of

financial concern for their retirement,

and 51% must cut back on personal

Caregivers face financial, emotional

and career impacts, study finds

spending because of their caregiving

responsibilities, according to the study.

In addition to financial challenges,

many caregivers cited caregiving as

a significant emotional responsibility,

leaving them stressed, burned out, and

unable to prioritize their own health.

Most caregivers (72%) are willing

to sacrifice their own financial security

to ensure proper care for their loved

ones. This sometimes includes such

measures as stepping away from their

jobs entirely, reducing work hours,

taking on debt and dipping into their

own retirement savings.

Despite these challenges, 80%

of caregivers say their role has

strengthened their relationships with

loved ones, with the large majority

reporting feelings of personal fulfillment

and gratitude from those in their care.

“Caregivers often bear great financial

burdens and sacrifice their own wellbeing

to care for children and elder

family members,” says Ken Dychtwald,

founder and CEO of Age Wave. “The

vital role of family caregivers in our

care systems and society demands

greater recognition, resources and relief,

especially as America’s population

continues to live longer with more

chronic conditions and the need for

caregiving grows.”

Support, education and resources for

caregivers is crucial. Fifty-seven percent

have not sought professional advice for

caregiving-related financial guidance,

yet 93% of those who work with a

fi n a n c i a l a d v i s o r r e p o r t f e e l i n g m o r e

confident about their financial future.

“Financial advisors are an important

element of a caregiver’s support

system,” says Ken Cella, principal and

head of external affairs at Edward Jones.

“They can give caregivers a complete

picture of their finances, enabling them

to navigate the complex realities of care

while planning for multiple long-term

fi n a n c i a l a n d l i f e g o a l s . ”

Policies that help caregivers have

bipartisan support

Currently, 68% of Americans,

regardless of political affiliation, say

the public sector is not doing enough

to support caregivers, a sentiment felt

more strongly among those caring for

elderly adults and special-needs adults.

The research found that the majority

of Americans support enacting federal

legislation that would aid caregivers,

such as expanded retirement account

contributions for caregivers, and

additional “catch-up” contributions for

caregivers.

JOHN KOZLAUSKA, D.M.D.

DENTAL CARE NORTH, Inc.

Affordable and Comprehensive

Treatment Options

Complimentary Consultations

Senior discounts

Delta Dental & Blue Cross

Provider and accept most

insurances

700 Summer St. Lynnfield Call Now: 781-334-2520


6 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025

Statepoint

Ancient civilizations had

hieroglyphics, we have QR codes: the

patterned graphic boxes prompting you to

access restaurant menus, pay for parking,

find out information about a package and

more.

Generally, quick response (QR) codes

are safe, but they can be used to redirect

you to malicious websites, so caution is

important. Here’s how it works.

• You get prompted to use your

device’s camera.

• You scan the code and a link pops up.

• You click the link, exposing you to

threat actors.

• You’re directed to apps, websites,

locations using your maps and much

more.

Bad actors understand people are in

a rush, so this is an appealing form of

GLSS

Serving Greater Lynn and beyond...

Help at

Home

Health &

Well-Being

Beware the double click! Evaluate

QR codes to protect against fraud.

Greater Lynn Senior Services

8 Silsbee Street Lynn, MA 01901 www.glss.net

GLSS nurses, case managers, social workers, and counselors are here

to help older adults and people of all ages living with disabilities

access the resources they need to live independently.

Meals &

Nutrition

Counseling &

Advocacy

attack. It’s a cost-efficient scam because

these codes are easy to generate and

distribute. And they are creative in finding

new ways to make them appear legitimate.

In public places, criminals can cover an

official code with a sticker or printout

showing a fraudulent code. Some of the

more prevalent and convincing scams

include:

• Parking Ticket Scams. Criminals

place fake parking tickets with QR codes

on windshields, causing unsuspecting

victims to scan the code and click the link

to learn of their offense and digitally pay

the alleged fine.

• Brushing Scams. A criminal will ship

goods you never ordered, then require you

to scan the QR code and click the link to

see who sent you the gift.

• Payment Scams. Criminals cover a

legitimate QR code with a sticker that

has a fraudulent code that directs to a

Caregiver

Support

Clinical &

Protective Services

Call us today at (781) 599-0110

or email info@glss.net.

malicious site. This can happen at gas

pumps, bank windows, parking lots, etc.

• Crypto Scams. Crypto transactions

are often made through QR codes

associated with crypto accounts, making

this an appealing target for fraudsters,

especially since once crypto payments

are made, it’s unlikely those funds will be

recovered.

To stay safe when using QR codes:

• Check the URL: Once you scan and

the link pops up, stop! Examine it for

unusual domain names or shortened URLs

before clicking.

• Verify the source: Only scan QR

codes from trusted sources, like official

websites or apps. Codes from unfamiliar

sources are more likely to be malicious.

• Check for tampering: Look for signs

of tampering, like altered graphics, design

flaws or stickers placed atop original

codes.

Greater Lynn Senior

Services is here to help!

We can help if you or a family

member is experiencing challenges

to aging-in-place at home. Our varied

programs and services help older

adults, and people of all ages living

with disabilities, remain independent –

safely, and with dignity.

Navigating the elder care network to

find resources, support, and answers to

all your questions can be complicated,

but GLSS is here to help.

Please call us!

You will speak with our Information

and Referral Department – a friendly,

knowledgeable staff who will answer

your questions, discuss benefits, and

other ways we can support you and your

loved one.

Our staff can help you:

• Connect to services or other

community resources

• Understand your medical and health

benefits

• Tap into a wide variety of

• Be suspicious: Treat sites asking for

a password or login information as a red

flag.

• Be wary of promotions: Be cautious

of offers that seem too good to be true.

• Use a secure connection: Look for a

secure connection (HTTPS) or padlock.

• Confirm validity of request: Before

taking action, like making a payment or

entering personal information, confirm a

request to scan with the company. If you

receive a QR code from someone you

know, reach out to them through a known

number or email to verify they sent it.

• Protect your device: Use antivirus

and antimalware software.

• Report. If you identify a suspicious

QR code or fall victim to a QR code

scam, notify your bank and report it to

law enforcement and the Federal Trade

Commission.

supportive resources

• Find appropriate solutions for a

range of issues

“Our experienced staff take pride in

finding solutions to challenges facing

people who wish to age in place,” said

GLSS’ CEO Kathryn C. Burns. “This

has been a hallmark of our agency for

close to 50 years.”

Information and Referral is a free

program available to all residents of

Massachusetts. “We understand that

everyone’s aging experience is unique,”

Burns notes. “In response, GLSS offers

a wide range of programs and services

to meet almost every need.”

GLSS is the Aging Services Access

Point, and Area Agency on Aging –

serving older adults age 60+ and people

of all ages living with disabilities in

Lynn, Lynnfield, Nahant, Saugus,

Swampscott.

Call us today at 781-599-0110 or

visit www.glss.net.


SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 7

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 trustbased

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

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.

Monday

July 29

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Estate Planning Workshop schedule

Saturday

August 9

10 a.m. - noon

Tuesday

August 26

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Medicaid Workshop schedule

Wednesday Thursday

August 7 October 9

6 - 7 p.m. 6 - 7 p.m.

Saturday

September 13

10 a.m. - noon

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


8 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025

Statepoint

Stroke continues to remain a

leading cause of death and disability

worldwide. With over 12.2 million new

strokes occurring each year, experts at

the National Institute of Neurological

Disorders and Stroke say that every

minute counts, as fast treatment may

lessen the brain damage that a stroke

can cause.

Stroke can affect anyone at any

age, at any time, making it critical that

everyone, especially those with known

risk factors, understand and recognize

the signs and symptoms of stroke, as

well as their options as patients.

The signs of stroke can be subtle

and hard to recognize, so educating

yourself and others is key to noticing

Who We Are

At Anchor Home Medical & Pharmacy, we’re more than just a business—we’re a family-oriented team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about

your health and well-being. With over 30 years of experience in healthcare, our team brings expertise, compassion, and a commitment to treating every

customer like family. We live locally, work locally, and care deeply about serving our community.

What We Offer

At Anchor, we aim to make healthcare simple, convenient, and personalized:

Recognizing stroke signs and

symptoms could save a life

and responding quickly. One easy way

to remember the signs of stroke is with

the acronym FAST from the American

Stroke Association. This stands for:

• F - Face Drooping

• A - Arm Weakness

• S - Speech Difficulty

• T - Time to call 911

The sudden onset of any of these

signs, as well as confusion, severe

headaches and vision problems, could

mean that someone is having a stroke,

which is why it’s important to call 911

immediately when a stroke is suspected.

Disability is common post-stroke,

and recovery periods can be lengthy.

This highlights the importance of

speedy emergency care, which can help

prevent disability and death, and may

lead to a better quality of life poststroke.

It’s also important to understand

that 25% (1 in 4) of stroke patients will

experience a second stroke within the

first five years. However, with lifestyle

changes and proper care, patients can

reduce their risk

“Everyone should be familiar with

the signs and symptoms of stroke to

ensure that they or a loved one receive

appropriate and timely care. Going to

the emergency room at the onset of

symptoms can impact the care a patient

receives, including their eligibility to

enroll in a clinical trial, so it’s vital to

seek immediate medical attention at the

first sign of stroke,” says Clay Johnston,

PhD, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer

and Co-Founder, Harbor Health.

One particular clinical trial, Librexia

STROKE, is currently recruiting

We are excited to announce that Anchor Home Medical & Pharmacy has moved to

100 Cummings Center, Suite 125Q

to better serve the North Shore community.

Additional Space, Expanded Services, Same great Staff!

Big news—Anchor Home Medical & Pharmacy is on the move! We’re excited to announce that,

starting Monday, March 10th, we’ll be welcoming customers at our new location:

We’re thrilled for this next chapter and can’t wait to continue providing medical equipment, pharmacy services, and personalized care in our new space.

• White-Glove Delivery: Experience professional, reliable delivery of medications and medical equipment right to your door.

• Synchronized Medication Fills: Simplify your routine by having all your prescriptions filled on the same day each month.

• Pill Package Compliance: Stay on track with your medication using our easy-to-use compliance packaging designed for your convenience and safety.

What Sets Us Apart

Since 1997, we’ve been proud to deliver friendly, individualized care at affordable prices. Our licensed pharmacists, experienced technicians, and delivery

professionals work together to provide safe, effective, and timely service, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

patients to evaluate an investigational

medication for recurrent stroke

prevention, but eligibility is timesensitive

and participants must enroll

within 48 hours after the onset of their

stroke symptoms. Delays in seeking

care following the initial symptoms of a

stroke can limit access to these types of

innovative treatment options.

Learn life-saving facts about stroke

prevention and treatment by visiting

https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/

stroke-symptoms.

“The opportunity to receive the best

possible treatment and care begins with

widespread awareness of the signs and

symptoms of stroke and the urgency of

seeking immediate emergency medical

attention when a stroke is suspected,”

says Dr. Johnston.

Anchor Home Medical & Pharmacy 100 Cummings Center, Suite 125Q, Beverly, MA 978-720-8170 AnchorHomeMedical.com

Come visit us at our new location and experience Anchor Difference! We look forward to continuing to serve you and the North Shore community for years to come.


B A B Y T A Y L O R F I N N

SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 9

50 Or older? The pneumococcal pneumonia

vaccine is recommended for you.

Statepoint

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a

potentially serious bacterial lung disease

that can disrupt your life for weeks and

even land you in the hospital. Medical

experts want you to know that there are

steps you can take to reduce your risk of

serious illness.

An important step is getting

pneumococcal vaccination if it’s

recommended for you. This vaccine

helps protect against pneumococcal

disease, including, pneumococcal

pneumonia, bloodstream infection

(bacteremia), and infection of the

lining of the brain and spinal cord

(meningitis). In October 2024,

the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention updated its adult

immunization schedules, and now

recommends pneumococcal vaccination

for all adults 50 or older, even if

you are healthy, and maintains its

recommendation of vaccination for

adults 19-49 with certain underlying

medical conditions like asthma, COPD,

chronic heart disease and diabetes.

“The immune system naturally

weakens with age, so even if you’re

healthy and active, being older puts

you at greater risk of severe illness

from pneumococcal pneumonia. The

CDC’s updated guidelines are intended

to keep more people healthy and

safe,” says Albert A. Rizzo, MD, chief

medical officer for the American Lung

Association.

The American Lung Association

maintains an ongoing educational

program about pneumococcal

pneumonia with Pfizer. As part of the

program, they are sharing these fast

facts:

• Anyone can get pneumococcal

pneumonia and unfortunately, it is a

disease you can have more than one

time. Certain populations are at higher

risk for severe illness, hospitalization

and death. You can use American Lung

Association resources to help you

determine your risk.

• The symptoms of pneumococcal

pneumonia include fever, chills, cough,

chest pain, difficulty breathing or rapid

breathing, and these symptoms can

appear suddenly and without warning.

• Having the flu increases the

likelihood of developing pneumonia,

including pneumococcal pneumonia.

You can reduce this risk by getting

a flu shot every year to help prevent

seasonal influenza. In addition, those

at risk for pneumococcal disease can

get vaccinated against pneumococcal

pneumonia. Ask your healthcare

provider about pneumococcal

vaccination today.

For more information about

pneumococcal pneumonia risk factors,

symptoms and prevention, visit Lung.

org/pneumococcal.

Thanks to the CDC’s

recommendations, more Americans

can take the step of vaccinating against

pneumococcal pneumonia and reducing

their risk of severe illness.

Danielle Ventre

dventre427@gmail.com

978-987-9535

Licensed in MA & NH

Offices in Lynnfield & Saugus

WWW.LITTLEFIELDRE.COM

Overwhelmed with the thought of downsizing and don’t know

where to start? Let an expert of 14+ years of experience assisting

clients and my own family members guide you. I can help take away

the anxiety and stress and walk you through the entire process.

Contact me today and we can discuss your wants and needs.


10 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025

Statepoint

4,000 reasons to love bees

While most people picture the beloved

honey bee when they think about bees,

North America actually has 4,000 species of

native bees, many of which are busy right

now.

“Throughout spring and summer,

these insects dutifully pollinate crops

and wildflowers, playing a vital role in

fostering healthy ecosystems,” says Clay

Bolt, manager of Pollinator Conservation

and Great Plains communications, World

Wildlife Fund.

According to Bolt, native bee species

are beautifully varied in their appearance,

behaviors, feeding habits and habitats.

They can be striped, metallic, fuzzy, thin

and rotund, in a spectrum of colors. The

world’s smallest species — the Euphorb

mini-fairy bee — is only found in southern

deserts. At 2 millimeters, it is about as long

as a U.S. nickel is thick.

Different bee species fly at different

times — early morning, daytime or

night. Many emerge seasonally in

spring or summer, while others remain

As your trusted real

estate agent,

let my passion,

expertise, and

integrity be your

guide in 2025.

Individual Agent for 2024

CALL ME TODAY!

EVELYN LIMBERAKIS ROCKAS

International President’s Elite

Global Luxury Specialist

W: EvelynRockasRealEstate.com

E: Evelyn.Rockas@NEMoves.com

C: 617.256.8500

TOP

2%

OF COLDWELL BANKER

AGENTS WORLDWIDE

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not

warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. ©2025 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is

comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are in- dependently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and

the Equal Opportunity Act.

hidden underground for years awaiting

summer monsoons. Bees inhabit diverse

environments, from cold mountain peaks

to beaches. Generalist species visit many

flower types, while specialists pollinate only

specific flowers. And unlike bumble bees

and other hive-dwelling bee species, such as

honey bees and stingless bees, over 70% of

the world’s bee species are in fact solitary,

hardworking moms who quietly nest in

overlooked places like decomposing logs

and alongside garden paths.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “what

is a bee?” you might be surprised to learn

that they are vegetarian wasps. However,

unlike their wasp relatives, which often feed

their young protein in the form of paralyzed

insects and the hamburger they might steal

from your picnic table, most bees provide

their offspring with protein made from

pollen mixed with nectar. The mother bee

compacts these materials into a pellet and

places it within her nest cavity, lays a single

egg atop the mixture, then seals the chamber

where the young bee will develop entirely

without maternal assistance.

How can you help bees?

Sadly, bees face threats to their survival,

but there are steps you can take to help

protect them.

Bees need healthy, pesticide-free foods

throughout their lives. This is one of the

greatest gifts you can offer these pollinators,

especially because parks and gardens often

grow flowers that only bloom during peak

summer. By planting a variety of plants

that flower from early spring through

autumn, the number of native bees and other

pollinators visiting your garden will increase

exponentially.

“Through small acts of kindness, you

can transform the lives of these remarkable

creatures, while filling your heart with

profound hope and wonder as you witness

their delicate yet ongoing care of our shared

world,” says Bolt.

The recently celebrated World Bee Day

also kicked off World Wildlife Fund’s new

“Stories of Hope and Wonder,” an ongoing

series that connects people to the wonder

of nature and offers hope for a future

benefiting both people and wildlife. Each

month, “Stories of Hope and Wonder” will

feature a different species overcoming some

of nature’s toughest obstacles to ensure its

survival. To access these stories, visit www.

worldwildlife.org/hopeandwonder.

Bees are industrious creatures that

are essential to vital food systems and

healthy ecosystems. While bees are at risk,

individuals can make all the difference in

their own backyards.


SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 11

Get more from your retirement

More amenities. More value. More priceless peace of mind.

At Brooksby Village®, the North

Shore’s premier senior living community,

getting more from retirement is a way

of life for our residents. Enjoy active,

maintenance-free living with everything

you need just steps from your door.

Don’t just take our word for it.

Community residents Eli and Carol B. say,

“We looked at other places, but they didn’t

compare. Brooksby offers everything we

wanted, from security to convenience.”

Here are just a few reasons why seniors

are making the move to Brooksby Village.

More Resort-Style Amenities

From multiple on-site dining venues

to a fitness center and swimming pool—

you’ll never run out of things to do at

Brooksby Village. “There’s so much to do

here!” says resident Beth M. “It’s such a

wonderful place to live.” Whether your

passion is art, reading, fitness, or more,

you’ll find what you need to maintain an

active and independent lifestyle.

More From a Great Location

Enjoy a dynamic lifestyle in the perfect

place with the comfort and convenience

of a small town close to shopping, dining,

and entertainment. You’ll have access

to an array of amenities and services all

while remaining close to friends, family,

and the community you love.

“It was getting to be too much for me,

taking care of a big, seven-room cottage

all alone,” explains resident Patricia K.

“When I visited Brooksby, I quickly

realized that this is the place for me. I’m

very happy here.”

More Freedom From Everyday

Maintenance and Surprise Costs

and unexpected bills. Here, you don’t

just gain a stylish residence with

contemporary layouts and finishes. You

gain a maintenance-free home with the

predictable spending of a Monthly Service

Package that includes day-to-day expenses

like maintenance, utilities, Wi-Fi, and so

much more.

“Moving to Brooksby positively

impacted our expenses,” Brooksby Village

resident Stan S. agrees. “Why drive

somewhere when you can walk, indoors,

to a fitness center? So many of these

amenities offer tremendous value.”

“There’s so many benefits to living in a

vibrant community where you don’t have

to worry about handling repairs,” adds

Sally P. “Things get done for you, so you

have more time for all the activities.

More Peace of Mind

Say goodbye to costly home repairs Residents of Brooksby enjoy

We Offer MORE Than Other

Senior Living Communities.

convenient access to an on-site medical

center staffed by full-time providers who

understand the unique needs of seniors

like you. The community also includes

multiple levels of continuing care for

additional peace of mind.

Constance P. says, “I find that it’s very

easy and convenient to go to the medical

center, then to walk across the hall and

get my prescription filled at the pharmacy.

Everything is right here.”

Plus, Brooksby Village is managed by

Erickson Senior Living, ® a nationally

recognized leader among continuing care

retirement communities.

Don’t Wait for Your

Worry-Free Retirement

Learn even more reasons to choose

Brooksby Village. Call 1-888-246-3596 or

visit BrooksbyVillage.com for your FREE

brochure.

MORE For Your Money • MORE Peace of Mind

MORE Amenities and Services

Learn MORE reasons to choose retirement

living at Brooksby Village.® Call 1-888-246-3596

or visit BrooksbyVillage.com for your

FREE brochure.

North Shore

BrooksbyVillage.com

1580200


12 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025

Where Compassion Meets Care, Every Step of the Way

Short Term Rehab • Long Term Care • Respite Care

24/7 Nursing Care

24/7 Skilled nursing

care personalized

to meet each

resident’s needs.

On-Site Wound

Care Specialist

Wound Care Nurses

to provide

comprehensive

wound management.

Long Term Care

Unit providing

Custodial Care,

Respite Stays and

Hospice Care.

Rehabilitation

Physical,

occupational, and

speech therapies

available in-house.

22 Johnson Street, Peabody, MA 01960 (978) 535-8700

www.alliancehhs.org/rosewood

Short term rehab provides patients with focused

therapy and medical support to recover from surgeries,

illnesses, or injuries, helping them regain independence

quickly.

Long term care offers continuous assistance for

individuals with chronic conditions or disabilties,

ensuring a high quality of life through personalized

care plans.

Respite Stays give caregivers temporary reliefed by offering a

safe environment for their loved ones, so they have time to

rest and recharge while their family members receive

professional care.

Your loved one’s comfort, care, and

well-being are our top priorities!

Schedule a Tour! 978-535-8700

Your pharmacist is an

essential health ally

Statepoint

When you think about your health

care team, you likely think first about

your doctors. Others, however, play a

critical role in helping you be healthy,

including your pharmacist.

This is especially true for older

adults, according to Dr. Grant Tarbox,

national medical executive with Cigna

Healthcare Medicare, because they

tend to have more chronic conditions

than younger people and often rely

upon multiple medications to keep

them well. In fact, more than half of

adults 65 and older report taking four

or more prescriptions, according to the

Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), an

independent source for health policy

research, polling and news.

Pharmacies and pharmacists have

been expanding their roles over the

years. Tarbox says the following are

among the services you can expect from

your pharmacist.

Improving adherence. Not taking

your medication as prescribed can

result in negative health consequences.

Only about 50% of people take their

medications as directed due to such

reasons as fear and forgetfulness. A

pharmacist can help you understand

the purpose of each prescription and

discuss strategies for taking it correctly.

For example, they may simplify

your regimen to once- or twice-daily

dosages to pair at the same time as a

daily activity or recommend digital

reminders.

Ensuring safety. More than 1.5

million people visit emergency rooms

annually because of adverse drug

events, according to the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention. Older

adults are especially susceptible. They

may take medications prescribed by

several different doctors. This can

cause confusion, especially during

transitions in care, such as returning

home from the hospital. Pharmacists

can help reconcile medications during

these times, while reducing the risk of

errors. Remember to discuss any overthe-counter

(OTC) drugs you’re taking,

which can have negative side effects,

interact poorly with other medications

and food, or even become addictive.

Always read and follow instructions for

OTC drugs. And ask your pharmacist to

run an interactions check of all of your

medications.

Providing access to care. Older adults

in rural areas or lacking transportation

may have difficulty accessing their

prescriptions. By utilizing a mail-order

pharmacy, you may be able to have

a three-month supply of medication

delivered, while saving money, too. Ask

your insurer for details.

Addressing affordability. According

to the KFF, 21% of older adults did not

take their medicines as prescribed in the

past year because of cost. Pharmacists

can help. Working in concert with your

physician, they may be able to suggest

a lower cost or generic alternative

that is just as effective. Additionally,

they can point you toward patient

assistance programs, such as those run

by pharmaceutical manufacturers, which

help eligible patients access medications

at little or no cost. Finally, they may

be aware of government agencies or

other programs that can help with costs.

Unfortunately, many people who qualify

for these programs don’t even know

they exist.

Offering immunizations. Several

vaccinations are important for older

adults, such as COVID-19, flu, RSV,

pneumonia and shingles. But older

adults may not get them because of

distrust, needle phobia or cost. Your

pharmacist can address your concerns

and may even be able to offer them

on-site. The cost may be covered by a

Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part

D plan.

For more information about

Medicare and pharmaceutical coverage,

visit cigna.com/medicare.

As the population ages and the

prevalence of chronic diseases grow,

you can expect pharmacists to deliver

more services as key members of your

health care team, Tarbox said.


SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 13

Statepoint

School is out, the days are long

and the temperature is rising. For

a safer, healthier summer, follow

these American Medical Association

recommendations:

1. Wear sunscreen. Look for

a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at

least SPF 30. Also, no sunscreen is

waterproof. If you’re splashing in a pool

or sweating in the summer sun, you’ll

need to reapply every couple of hours or

immediately after swimming.

2. Get up to date. With measles

cases increasing, make sure your

family members are up-to-date on their

vaccines before travel and camp season.

Double check everyone’s vaccine status.

If you have questions, speak with your

physician.

3. Be water safe. Make sure

everyone in your family achieves water

competency skills. Teach children to

ask permission before going near water,

have inexperienced swimmers or boaters

of all ages wear U.S. Coast Guardapproved

life jackets, and always swim

in lifeguarded areas at the beach.

4. Watch your diet. Reduce intake

of processed foods, paying particular

attention to added sodium and sugar.

Add fresh fruits and vegetables, whole

grains, nuts and seeds to your diet.

This doesn’t mean you have to give up

summer barbecuing. Simply replace

NORTH SHORE CHAPEL

FAMILY OWNED

AND OPERATED

10 Chestnut St, Peabody, MA 01960

978-595-3949

www.ruggieromhpeabody.com

Summer health and safety

tips doctors want you to know

red meat and processed meats with lean

meats, like poultry, and plant-based

proteins. Also, reduce your consumption

of sugar-sweetened beverages and drink

more water instead.

5. Be physically active. Take

advantage of warmer weather to get

outdoors and get active. For optimal

physical and mental health, adults

should get at least 150 minutes of

moderate-intensity activity or 75

minutes of vigorous-intensity activity

each week. While exercise is important,

avoid working out outside in the early

afternoon (noon to 3 p.m.) when it’s

hottest. Drink water before, during and

after physical activity, and wear lightcolored,

lightweight, moisture-wicking

clothing.

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion,

including cool, moist, pale skin, and

heavy sweating, headache, nausea and

dizziness. Be advised that extreme

heat can be especially dangerous

for certain people, including those

taking certain medications, those with

chronic diseases, older adults and

children. Additional precautions may

be necessary to keep these groups

safe in hot weather. CDC’s Heat Risk

Dashboard informs on how best to

protect yourself when temperatures can

impact your health.

6. Use caution. If you’ll be

consuming alcohol, do so in moderation

EAST BOSTON CHAPEL

971 Saratoga St, East Boston, MA02128

617-569-0990

www.ruggieromheastboston.com

as defined by the U.S. Dietary

Guidelines for Americans — up to one

drink per day for women and two drinks

per day for men, and only by adults of

legal drinking age.

7. Know your blood pressure

numbers. Extreme temperatures

can impact blood pressure, so it’s

especially important right now to visit

ManageYourBP.org to better understand

your numbers and take necessary steps

to get high blood pressure, also known

as hypertension, under control. Doing so

will reduce your risk of heart attack and

stroke.

8. Check first. Before heading

outdoors, check your community’s

outdoor air quality using the Air Quality

Index. Smoke from wildfires and

degraded air quality that gets worse with

warmer temperatures can irritate your

eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Children,

pregnant people and those with certain

chronic conditions must be especially

careful.

“Behind every summertime joy —

warmth, barbecues, watersports — is a

not-so-secret health or safety hazard like

sunburn, heat exhaustion, drowning,

unhealthy foods and drinks” says

Bruce A. Scott, M.D, president of the

American Medical Association. “Simple

steps can ensure your family safely

enjoys the summer season.”


14 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025

Rid your lawn of bare spots with these tips

Statepoint

Even if you have lush, green grass,

your lawn may still have bare spots.

Bare spots occur for a variety of

reasons, and when they do, seldom fix

themselves.

To repair these areas and earn the

title of best lawn on the block, consider

these insights and tips from lawn care

equipment manufacturer, Exmark.

Clear Your Lawn: The first thing

you’ll need to do is clear your lawn of

invasive weeds, dead grass and thatch.

To give your new grass a fighting

chance, the soil underneath needs to live

its best life, first and foremost.

Prepare and Reseed: Soil that’s

become hard and compacted won’t be

ideal for the seed germination needed to

replace barren spots with fresh growth.

So, use a good, heavy garden rake to

loosen the soil two to three inches deep.

If your soil’s dry, add fresh topsoil

for a hearty mix of nutrients and grassgrowing

energy to the depleted ground.

Work the new soil in with the old and

you’re on your way.

Now that your soil has what it needs,

you’re ready to repair bare spots by

applying new seed. Rake a seed type

that matches your grass type into the

soil. Always follow the directions on

the bag closely, as applying too much

seed in too small an area can cause the

grass to grow to the point of choking

itself out. This will land you right back

to square one with a new bare spot to

repair, so make sure you don’t put down

too much seed.

Feed After You Seed: All plants

require six essential nutrients: oxygen,

carbon and hydrogen, which are

received above-ground through air and

water, and nitrogen, phosphorus and

potassium, which come from the soil.

Every bag of plant food will contain

three numbers separated by dashes.

Understanding lawn and plant fertilizer

numbers can help you grow your

greenest lawn ever.

Post-Bare Spot Repair: You’ll want

to keep your re-seeded area moist for

at least a few weeks before new growth

appears. Sprigs of new grass will start

appearing before you know it, but it’s

important to wait a few more weeks

before mowing to allow new grass to

become established

For more insights, watch “How

to Repair Bare Spots in Your Lawn,”

an episode of “Backyard Smart,”

an original series from mower

manufacturer, Exmark. To watch the

video, visit Backyard Life, which is part

of a unique multimedia destination with

a focus on helping homeowners improve

their outdoor living spaces. There you

can also download additional tips and

view other Exmark Original Series

videos.

By following these steps, you can

make lawn bare spots a thing of the past

— and your dream lawn a reality of the

near future!

PLANNING YOUR NEXT STEP AND

DON'T KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN?

I can help. With a senior residential specialist (SRES) designation, and over

3 decades of experience, I can help lead you through this sometimes

complex and emotional process. My resources and experience can help

you maximize your largest asset.

KNOWLEDGE, INTEGRITY, EXPERIENCE .

“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.

CALL JANICE SULLIVAN TODAY

978-857-5473

janicesullivanrealtor@gmail.com

THE SULLIVAN REATLY GROUP

LAER REALTY PARTNERS

162 Park Street

North Reading, MA 01864


SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 15

Take on new hobbies

in retirement

Statepoint

Retirement should be relaxing, not

boring. In fact, taking on new hobbies can

keep your mind sharp and body vital as you

age. Here are five ways to stay active in

your golden years:

1. Join a gym: Joining a gym is one of

the easiest ways to ensure you perform a

mix of strength training and cardiovascular

exercise. Doing both will help keep your

bones and muscles strong and your heart

and lungs fully functional. Don’t forget

to add in yoga and stretching to promote

balance and agility. If a gym is out of reach,

see what other nearby opportunities are

available for working up a sweat. Many

towns and cities offer free and budgetfriendly,

community-based exercise

programming.

2. Play music: There are numerous

cognitive and emotional benefits associated

with playing music. Whether you’re a

beginner just looking to pick up the basics

or a seasoned musician with the hopes of

performing in public, you can equip yourself

to sound amazing with a high-quality

instrument like the CT-S1-76 keyboard from

Casio. Its 76 full-size keys and upgraded

13-watt bass-reflex stereo speaker system

with surround effect lend it incredible sound

quality and a dynamic playing experience,

while its sleek, portable design makes it a

joy to play anytime, anywhere. In addition

to remotely controlling the CT-S1-76, you

can also use the Casio Music Space app

to learn to play your favorite songs with

downloadable MIDI files, interact with PDF

scores, and much more.

3. Start a book club: It’s always more

fun to read books when you can discuss

them with friends. From tackling the

classics, to diving into non-fiction works

that will challenge your perspective, to

enjoying some easy, breezy beach reads,

it’s important that the other members of the

group have the same reading goals as you.

So do a little leg work in advance to ensure

everyone is on the same page.

JOYCE CUCCHIARA

DESIGNATED SENIOR REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

Number 1 agent in

Peabody selling over

550 Peabody homes

in the past 25 years.

Selling a home can be an

overwhelming experience.

Let me help guide you

through the process.

Representing Top 2% of CBR

agents worldwide in 2024.

YOU SHOULD EXPECT THE BEST!

(978) 808-1597

joyce.cucchiara@nemoves.com

JCsellsrealestate.com

*Based on closed sales volume and total number of units closed information from Pinergy for Peabody, MA in all price ranges as reported on 3/12/25 for the period of 1/1/00-12/31/24.

Sales volume calculated by multiplying the number of buyer and/or seller sides by sales price. One unit equals one side of a transaction (buyer or seller). Source data is deemed reliable

but not guaranteed. Not intended as a solicitation if your property is already listed by another broker. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not

employees. ©2025 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System

is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated.

The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

990 Paradise Rd, Suite 3A

Swampscott, MA 01907

781-581-1500

25 Centennial Drive

Peabody, MA 01960

978-717-5370

What should you pay

attention to when selecting

a hearing aid provider?

As a consumer it can be

difficult to navigate through

the flood of hearing aid

advertisements to choose the

correct device and the correct

supplier of the device. When

evaluating the options there

are two essential questions that

need to be addressed: How are

the hearing aids programmed?

What is the long-term care

associated with the hearing

aids?

Atlantic Hearing Care

provides best practices for

hearing aid programming

including customized

treatment plans and Real Ear

Measurements (REMS) to

address your specific listening

needs. We believe in supporting

our patients through their

entire hearing journey, not

just the sale of a hearing aid.

Our office provides a 5-year

comprehensive care plan which

supports our patients through

every aspect of hearing aid use.


16 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025

Helping You Buy and Sell

Real Estate on the North Shore

Call to find out

how we can get

you top dollar.

JustSold!

Off Market, North Reading

Client Experience with Downsizing

D.C, North Reading

Senior Real Estate

Specialist Designation


2 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025

Statepoint

Recent, out-of-control wildfires in

Canada are bringing hazy, dangerous air

to American communities, prompting air

quality alerts and advisories in multiple

states nationwide. With the size and

number of wildfires increasing, and fire

seasons lengthening, experts advise taking

action so you can protect your household.

“One of the single most effective

strategies for improving your indoor air

quality and breathing better every day,

but particularly during events such as

wildfires, is investing in the right air

purifier,” says Ed Vlacich, CEO of Lasko

Products, parent company of Guardian

Technologies.

When it comes to something as

important as your family’s health and

safety, you should shop for products made

by experienced manufacturers that make

When wildfires strike, use these

tips to breathe better at home

it their business to over perform. In 2005,

GermGuardian set a goal to change the

air purifier industry using rigorous and

respected testing methods, performed

by labs in the United States that exceed

industry standards. Today, all its devices

are designed and engineered domestically

and are ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED,

CARB (California Air Resource Board)

Certified, ETL Certified and Zero Ozone

Verified. While some competitors remove

less than 90% of particles, independent

testing shows that GermGuardian’s air

purifiers remove more than 99.97%.

That’s thanks to the devices’ advanced

HEPA filtration system, which are

designed to efficiently capture smoke

particles, allergens and various pollutants.

One model that is particularly wellequipped

to help ensure clean, healthy

indoor air during wildfires is the

GermGuardian 22” 4-in-1 Air Purifier

PEACE OF MIND DURING LIFE’S

TOUGHEST TRANSITIONS

Compassionate Probate Real

Estate Guidance

Handling a loved one’s estate can

feel overwhelming—but you

don’t have to do it alone.

I help families in Essex &

Middlesex Counties navigate

probate with care, clarity, and

respect.

Mariam Beurekjian

Probate Real Estate Specialist

(AC4825E). For added protection, users

can pair it with a Smoke Clear HEPA

Genuine Replacement Filter, which

has over 125 pleats and 8.0 square

feet of filter media surface area, and

is designed to specifically remove the

particles, principal toxins, and some of

the leading cancer-causing gases found

in wildfire smoke, such as formaldehyde,

acetaldehyde and acrolein. Also equipped

with UV-C light technology, the AC4825E

helps reduce airborne viruses, and its

pre-filter traps dust, pet hair, and other

large particles, while ensuring long-lasting

performance of the HEPA filter. If you’re

looking for a quick solution for recent

wildfires, both products are available on

Amazon for fast delivery and will start

working immediately to help ensure clean

air in your home.

In addition to investing in a highperformance

air purifier, you can also

How I Can Help You

• Protect Your Privacy

Your family's matters remain discreet and

secure throughout the process.

• Avoid Delays & Extra Costs

I streamline the sale of the property to save

time, reduce expenses, and ease stress.

• Minimize Family Tension

I serve as a calm, neutral presence to guide

your family with compassion and clarity.

Let’s Have a Conversation—No Pressure, Just Support.

(978) 660-2773

make a few lifestyle adjustments and

home improvements for better indoor air.

Weather strip and caulk windows and

doors. It’s not only an effective strategy

for reducing energy bills, it will go a long

way toward improving indoor air quality,

especially when the air outside is hazy and

smoky. During times when wildfires are

impacting local air quality, you may also

want to limit or avoid activities that create

smoke or fine particles indoors, including

burning candles, smoking, vaping, or

using a gas-burning stove. The EPA also

recommends during these times to set

your HVAC system to recirculate mode

and to use portable AC units with one

hose sparingly. According to Guardian

Technologies, your HVAC system should

also always be equipped with a highquality

filter.

mariam.beurekjian@gmail.com


SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 3

Help protect your sensitive data with these tips

Statepoint

Identity theft is on the rise

nationwide. In fact, consumers

reported losing more than $12.5

billion to fraud in 2024, representing

a 25% increase over the prior year,

according to recent data from the

Federal Trade Commission.

This trend underscores the

importance of taking proactive

steps to protect yourself – including

properly handling your sensitive

documents. The UPS Store network,

with its variety of services that

help keep your private information

private, is offering these tips to help

you guard against identity theft:

Shred Documents: Keeping

printouts of sensitive documents you

no longer need increases your risk of

becoming a victim of fraud. When it

comes time to destroy confidential

information, you need to turn to a

retailer you can trust. The shredding

services available at any of the

5,400+ The UPS Store locations

nationwide is a far more convenient,

secure and time-saving choice

compared to home shredding.

When you visit The UPS Store

locations, they make the process

simple. A store associate will weigh

your documents, then you place

them into the locked shredding bin.

The UPS Store network uses one of

the leading document destruction

vendors, Iron Mountain, which

is AAA-certified by the National

Association for Information

Destruction. While this is an

important service year-round, it’s

an especially good time to declutter

documents, as The UPS Store is

offering a 25% off discount for

shredding services for a limited time.

Protect Mail: Theft from

mailboxes has significantly increased

in recent years. Porch pirates stole

$12 billion in packages in the

past year, with up to 58 million

Americans affected, according to

Security.org. Beyond packages

containing valuable goods, many

thieves specifically target mail

containing sensitive information,

putting you at risk any time you

receive mail from your bank, the

IRS, insurance companies or other

similar entities.

Gain safety, convenience and

peace of mind with a personal or

business mailbox at your local The

UPS Store location. Route your mail

and packages to your local The UPS

Store location, which will even sign

for packages and send you delivery

text alerts. The UPS Store mailbox

services accept deliveries from all

carriers, ensuring your mail and

packages reach you, every time.

As identity theft becomes more

prevalent, taking proactive measures

to protect you and your personal

information is critical. Don’t leave

your privacy to chance – leverage

resources that exist to help you stay

protected.

Free Medicaid

Planning Seminar

INFORMATION ABOUT:

• Who is a candidate for Medicaid?

• What info is needed to apply?

• What are allowable spend down items?

• Who can help you through the Medicaid application process?

Session 11: Session 12:

Learn the ins and outs of the Medicaid process,

and important application information

And here is the link to sign up:

https://form.jotform.com/232083762171150

Thursday, September 25 at noon

@Silver Lining Solutions Office

Thursday, October 23 at noon

@Silver Lining Solutions Office

Darcia Tremblay

461 Boston Street, Unit B1

Topsfield, MA 01983

Office: 978-887-1100

silverliningsolutions.com

For more information

please go to our QR code:


4 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025

An opportunity to improve health nationwide

Statepoint

Walking into a grocery store can feel

overwhelming — especially for those

trying to buy healthier food. There are so

many choices, eye-catching marketing and

health claims, and confusing ingredients,

making it hard to know what’s healthy and

what isn’t. Grocery store aisles can actually

be a place to fight preventable diet-related

disease and illness — as long as nutrition

information is readily available and easy to

understand.

Other countries successfully use

simple and clear nutrition labels on the

front of food packaging to draw attention

to foods that are high in sugar, saturated

fat or salt — three nutrients most people

eat too much of. These labels are helping

consumers make healthier choices.

After years of consumer engagement

and research, the Food and Drug

Administration (FDA) has proposed

easy-to-read labels on the front of most

packaged foods here in the United States.

The proposed label would appear on

foods intended for people aged 4 years

and older and focus on three nutrients

to limit: saturated fat, sodium (salt) and

added sugars. Each would be rated as high,

medium or low, and include the percentage

of the recommended daily amount. The

label would be placed on the front of

the package in bold, easy-to-see text so

shoppers could quickly understand what is

in their food and compare products.

Even though similar labels have

worked well in other countries, some food

companies oppose implementing them here

in the United States. While these labels

certainly could impact the sales of less

healthy foods, advocates say that these

companies should recognize that their

customers want to make healthier choices

and purchase healthier products. Clearer

labels will help them do just that.

“Eating healthy should be less

complicated and consumers should be

able to walk down grocery store aisles and

be able to easily compare how nutritious

different foods are,” says Nancy Brown,

CEO of the American Heart Association.

“This will give everyone more control over

their food choices and health.”


SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 5

Statepoint

Two in five U.S. adults identify as

family caregivers, but there is a lack of

support for them nationwide, according

to new research from Edward Jones in

partnership with Morning Consult and

Age Wave. With 46% of Americans

expected to become caregivers in

the future, this research sought to

better understand their concerns and

challenges, and uncover ways to support

them.

How caregivers are navigating their

fi n a n c e s , e m o t i o n s a n d c a r e e r s

Top financial concerns caregivers

face include rising costs and inflation

(56%) and inadequate retirement

savings (42%). In fact, 95% of

caregivers have some level of

financial concern for their retirement,

and 51% must cut back on personal

Caregivers face financial, emotional

and career impacts, study finds

spending because of their caregiving

responsibilities, according to the study.

In addition to financial challenges,

many caregivers cited caregiving as

a significant emotional responsibility,

leaving them stressed, burned out, and

unable to prioritize their own health.

Most caregivers (72%) are willing

to sacrifice their own financial security

to ensure proper care for their loved

ones. This sometimes includes such

measures as stepping away from their

jobs entirely, reducing work hours,

taking on debt and dipping into their

own retirement savings.

Despite these challenges, 80%

of caregivers say their role has

strengthened their relationships with

loved ones, with the large majority

reporting feelings of personal fulfillment

and gratitude from those in their care.

“Caregivers often bear great financial

burdens and sacrifice their own wellbeing

to care for children and elder

family members,” says Ken Dychtwald,

founder and CEO of Age Wave. “The

vital role of family caregivers in our

care systems and society demands

greater recognition, resources and relief,

especially as America’s population

continues to live longer with more

chronic conditions and the need for

caregiving grows.”

Support, education and resources for

caregivers is crucial. Fifty-seven percent

have not sought professional advice for

caregiving-related financial guidance,

yet 93% of those who work with a

fi n a n c i a l a d v i s o r r e p o r t f e e l i n g m o r e

confident about their financial future.

“Financial advisors are an important

element of a caregiver’s support

system,” says Ken Cella, principal and

head of external affairs at Edward Jones.

“They can give caregivers a complete

picture of their finances, enabling them

to navigate the complex realities of care

while planning for multiple long-term

fi n a n c i a l a n d l i f e g o a l s . ”

Policies that help caregivers have

bipartisan support

Currently, 68% of Americans,

regardless of political affiliation, say

the public sector is not doing enough

to support caregivers, a sentiment felt

more strongly among those caring for

elderly adults and special-needs adults.

The research found that the majority

of Americans support enacting federal

legislation that would aid caregivers,

such as expanded retirement account

contributions for caregivers, and

additional “catch-up” contributions for

caregivers.

JOHN KOZLAUSKA, D.M.D.

DENTAL CARE NORTH, Inc.

Affordable and Comprehensive

Treatment Options

Complimentary Consultations

Senior discounts

Delta Dental & Blue Cross

Provider and accept most

insurances

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6 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025

Statepoint

Ancient civilizations had

hieroglyphics, we have QR codes: the

patterned graphic boxes prompting you to

access restaurant menus, pay for parking,

find out information about a package and

more.

Generally, quick response (QR) codes

are safe, but they can be used to redirect

you to malicious websites, so caution is

important. Here’s how it works.

• You get prompted to use your

device’s camera.

• You scan the code and a link pops up.

• You click the link, exposing you to

threat actors.

• You’re directed to apps, websites,

locations using your maps and much

more.

Bad actors understand people are in

a rush, so this is an appealing form of

GLSS

Serving Greater Lynn and beyond...

Help at

Home

Health &

Well-Being

Beware the double click! Evaluate

QR codes to protect against fraud.

Greater Lynn Senior Services

8 Silsbee Street Lynn, MA 01901 www.glss.net

GLSS nurses, case managers, social workers, and counselors are here

to help older adults and people of all ages living with disabilities

access the resources they need to live independently.

Meals &

Nutrition

Counseling &

Advocacy

attack. It’s a cost-efficient scam because

these codes are easy to generate and

distribute. And they are creative in finding

new ways to make them appear legitimate.

In public places, criminals can cover an

official code with a sticker or printout

showing a fraudulent code. Some of the

more prevalent and convincing scams

include:

• Parking Ticket Scams. Criminals

place fake parking tickets with QR codes

on windshields, causing unsuspecting

victims to scan the code and click the link

to learn of their offense and digitally pay

the alleged fine.

• Brushing Scams. A criminal will ship

goods you never ordered, then require you

to scan the QR code and click the link to

see who sent you the gift.

• Payment Scams. Criminals cover a

legitimate QR code with a sticker that

has a fraudulent code that directs to a

Caregiver

Support

Clinical &

Protective Services

Call us today at (781) 599-0110

or email info@glss.net.

malicious site. This can happen at gas

pumps, bank windows, parking lots, etc.

• Crypto Scams. Crypto transactions

are often made through QR codes

associated with crypto accounts, making

this an appealing target for fraudsters,

especially since once crypto payments

are made, it’s unlikely those funds will be

recovered.

To stay safe when using QR codes:

• Check the URL: Once you scan and

the link pops up, stop! Examine it for

unusual domain names or shortened URLs

before clicking.

• Verify the source: Only scan QR

codes from trusted sources, like official

websites or apps. Codes from unfamiliar

sources are more likely to be malicious.

• Check for tampering: Look for signs

of tampering, like altered graphics, design

flaws or stickers placed atop original

codes.

Greater Lynn Senior

Services is here to help!

We can help if you or a family

member is experiencing challenges

to aging-in-place at home. Our varied

programs and services help older

adults, and people of all ages living

with disabilities, remain independent –

safely, and with dignity.

Navigating the elder care network to

find resources, support, and answers to

all your questions can be complicated,

but GLSS is here to help.

Please call us!

You will speak with our Information

and Referral Department – a friendly,

knowledgeable staff who will answer

your questions, discuss benefits, and

other ways we can support you and your

loved one.

Our staff can help you:

• Connect to services or other

community resources

• Understand your medical and health

benefits

• Tap into a wide variety of

• Be suspicious: Treat sites asking for

a password or login information as a red

flag.

• Be wary of promotions: Be cautious

of offers that seem too good to be true.

• Use a secure connection: Look for a

secure connection (HTTPS) or padlock.

• Confirm validity of request: Before

taking action, like making a payment or

entering personal information, confirm a

request to scan with the company. If you

receive a QR code from someone you

know, reach out to them through a known

number or email to verify they sent it.

• Protect your device: Use antivirus

and antimalware software.

• Report. If you identify a suspicious

QR code or fall victim to a QR code

scam, notify your bank and report it to

law enforcement and the Federal Trade

Commission.

supportive resources

• Find appropriate solutions for a

range of issues

“Our experienced staff take pride in

finding solutions to challenges facing

people who wish to age in place,” said

GLSS’ CEO Kathryn C. Burns. “This

has been a hallmark of our agency for

close to 50 years.”

Information and Referral is a free

program available to all residents of

Massachusetts. “We understand that

everyone’s aging experience is unique,”

Burns notes. “In response, GLSS offers

a wide range of programs and services

to meet almost every need.”

GLSS is the Aging Services Access

Point, and Area Agency on Aging –

serving older adults age 60+ and people

of all ages living with disabilities in

Lynn, Lynnfield, Nahant, Saugus,

Swampscott.

Call us today at 781-599-0110 or

visit www.glss.net.


SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 7

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 trustbased

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

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.

Monday

July 29

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Estate Planning Workshop schedule

Saturday

August 9

10 a.m. - noon

Tuesday

August 26

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Medicaid Workshop schedule

Wednesday Thursday

August 7 October 9

6 - 7 p.m. 6 - 7 p.m.

Saturday

September 13

10 a.m. - noon

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


8 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025

Statepoint

Stroke continues to remain a

leading cause of death and disability

worldwide. With over 12.2 million new

strokes occurring each year, experts at

the National Institute of Neurological

Disorders and Stroke say that every

minute counts, as fast treatment may

lessen the brain damage that a stroke

can cause.

Stroke can affect anyone at any

age, at any time, making it critical that

everyone, especially those with known

risk factors, understand and recognize

the signs and symptoms of stroke, as

well as their options as patients.

The signs of stroke can be subtle

and hard to recognize, so educating

yourself and others is key to noticing

Who We Are

At Anchor Home Medical & Pharmacy, we’re more than just a business—we’re a family-oriented team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about

your health and well-being. With over 30 years of experience in healthcare, our team brings expertise, compassion, and a commitment to treating every

customer like family. We live locally, work locally, and care deeply about serving our community.

What We Offer

At Anchor, we aim to make healthcare simple, convenient, and personalized:

Recognizing stroke signs and

symptoms could save a life

and responding quickly. One easy way

to remember the signs of stroke is with

the acronym FAST from the American

Stroke Association. This stands for:

• F - Face Drooping

• A - Arm Weakness

• S - Speech Difficulty

• T - Time to call 911

The sudden onset of any of these

signs, as well as confusion, severe

headaches and vision problems, could

mean that someone is having a stroke,

which is why it’s important to call 911

immediately when a stroke is suspected.

Disability is common post-stroke,

and recovery periods can be lengthy.

This highlights the importance of

speedy emergency care, which can help

prevent disability and death, and may

lead to a better quality of life poststroke.

It’s also important to understand

that 25% (1 in 4) of stroke patients will

experience a second stroke within the

first five years. However, with lifestyle

changes and proper care, patients can

reduce their risk

“Everyone should be familiar with

the signs and symptoms of stroke to

ensure that they or a loved one receive

appropriate and timely care. Going to

the emergency room at the onset of

symptoms can impact the care a patient

receives, including their eligibility to

enroll in a clinical trial, so it’s vital to

seek immediate medical attention at the

first sign of stroke,” says Clay Johnston,

PhD, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer

and Co-Founder, Harbor Health.

One particular clinical trial, Librexia

STROKE, is currently recruiting

We are excited to announce that Anchor Home Medical & Pharmacy has moved to

100 Cummings Center, Suite 125Q

to better serve the North Shore community.

Additional Space, Expanded Services, Same great Staff!

Big news—Anchor Home Medical & Pharmacy is on the move! We’re excited to announce that,

starting Monday, March 10th, we’ll be welcoming customers at our new location:

We’re thrilled for this next chapter and can’t wait to continue providing medical equipment, pharmacy services, and personalized care in our new space.

• White-Glove Delivery: Experience professional, reliable delivery of medications and medical equipment right to your door.

• Synchronized Medication Fills: Simplify your routine by having all your prescriptions filled on the same day each month.

• Pill Package Compliance: Stay on track with your medication using our easy-to-use compliance packaging designed for your convenience and safety.

What Sets Us Apart

Since 1997, we’ve been proud to deliver friendly, individualized care at affordable prices. Our licensed pharmacists, experienced technicians, and delivery

professionals work together to provide safe, effective, and timely service, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

patients to evaluate an investigational

medication for recurrent stroke

prevention, but eligibility is timesensitive

and participants must enroll

within 48 hours after the onset of their

stroke symptoms. Delays in seeking

care following the initial symptoms of a

stroke can limit access to these types of

innovative treatment options.

Learn life-saving facts about stroke

prevention and treatment by visiting

https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/

stroke-symptoms.

“The opportunity to receive the best

possible treatment and care begins with

widespread awareness of the signs and

symptoms of stroke and the urgency of

seeking immediate emergency medical

attention when a stroke is suspected,”

says Dr. Johnston.

Anchor Home Medical & Pharmacy 100 Cummings Center, Suite 125Q, Beverly, MA 978-720-8170 AnchorHomeMedical.com

Come visit us at our new location and experience Anchor Difference! We look forward to continuing to serve you and the North Shore community for years to come.


B A B Y T A Y L O R F I N N

SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 9

50 Or older? The pneumococcal pneumonia

vaccine is recommended for you.

Statepoint

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a

potentially serious bacterial lung disease

that can disrupt your life for weeks and

even land you in the hospital. Medical

experts want you to know that there are

steps you can take to reduce your risk of

serious illness.

An important step is getting

pneumococcal vaccination if it’s

recommended for you. This vaccine

helps protect against pneumococcal

disease, including, pneumococcal

pneumonia, bloodstream infection

(bacteremia), and infection of the

lining of the brain and spinal cord

(meningitis). In October 2024,

the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention updated its adult

immunization schedules, and now

recommends pneumococcal vaccination

for all adults 50 or older, even if

you are healthy, and maintains its

recommendation of vaccination for

adults 19-49 with certain underlying

medical conditions like asthma, COPD,

chronic heart disease and diabetes.

“The immune system naturally

weakens with age, so even if you’re

healthy and active, being older puts

you at greater risk of severe illness

from pneumococcal pneumonia. The

CDC’s updated guidelines are intended

to keep more people healthy and

safe,” says Albert A. Rizzo, MD, chief

medical officer for the American Lung

Association.

The American Lung Association

maintains an ongoing educational

program about pneumococcal

pneumonia with Pfizer. As part of the

program, they are sharing these fast

facts:

• Anyone can get pneumococcal

pneumonia and unfortunately, it is a

disease you can have more than one

time. Certain populations are at higher

risk for severe illness, hospitalization

and death. You can use American Lung

Association resources to help you

determine your risk.

• The symptoms of pneumococcal

pneumonia include fever, chills, cough,

chest pain, difficulty breathing or rapid

breathing, and these symptoms can

appear suddenly and without warning.

• Having the flu increases the

likelihood of developing pneumonia,

including pneumococcal pneumonia.

You can reduce this risk by getting

a flu shot every year to help prevent

seasonal influenza. In addition, those

at risk for pneumococcal disease can

get vaccinated against pneumococcal

pneumonia. Ask your healthcare

provider about pneumococcal

vaccination today.

For more information about

pneumococcal pneumonia risk factors,

symptoms and prevention, visit Lung.

org/pneumococcal.

Thanks to the CDC’s

recommendations, more Americans

can take the step of vaccinating against

pneumococcal pneumonia and reducing

their risk of severe illness.

Danielle Ventre

dventre427@gmail.com

978-987-9535

Licensed in MA & NH

Offices in Lynnfield & Saugus

WWW.LITTLEFIELDRE.COM

Overwhelmed with the thought of downsizing and don’t know

where to start? Let an expert of 14+ years of experience assisting

clients and my own family members guide you. I can help take away

the anxiety and stress and walk you through the entire process.

Contact me today and we can discuss your wants and needs.


10 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025

Statepoint

4,000 reasons to love bees

While most people picture the beloved

honey bee when they think about bees,

North America actually has 4,000 species of

native bees, many of which are busy right

now.

“Throughout spring and summer,

these insects dutifully pollinate crops

and wildflowers, playing a vital role in

fostering healthy ecosystems,” says Clay

Bolt, manager of Pollinator Conservation

and Great Plains communications, World

Wildlife Fund.

According to Bolt, native bee species

are beautifully varied in their appearance,

behaviors, feeding habits and habitats.

They can be striped, metallic, fuzzy, thin

and rotund, in a spectrum of colors. The

world’s smallest species — the Euphorb

mini-fairy bee — is only found in southern

deserts. At 2 millimeters, it is about as long

as a U.S. nickel is thick.

Different bee species fly at different

times — early morning, daytime or

night. Many emerge seasonally in

spring or summer, while others remain

As your trusted real

estate agent,

let my passion,

expertise, and

integrity be your

guide in 2025.

Individual Agent for 2024

CALL ME TODAY!

EVELYN LIMBERAKIS ROCKAS

International President’s Elite

Global Luxury Specialist

W: EvelynRockasRealEstate.com

E: Evelyn.Rockas@NEMoves.com

C: 617.256.8500

TOP

2%

OF COLDWELL BANKER

AGENTS WORLDWIDE

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not

warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. ©2025 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is

comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are in- dependently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and

the Equal Opportunity Act.

hidden underground for years awaiting

summer monsoons. Bees inhabit diverse

environments, from cold mountain peaks

to beaches. Generalist species visit many

flower types, while specialists pollinate only

specific flowers. And unlike bumble bees

and other hive-dwelling bee species, such as

honey bees and stingless bees, over 70% of

the world’s bee species are in fact solitary,

hardworking moms who quietly nest in

overlooked places like decomposing logs

and alongside garden paths.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “what

is a bee?” you might be surprised to learn

that they are vegetarian wasps. However,

unlike their wasp relatives, which often feed

their young protein in the form of paralyzed

insects and the hamburger they might steal

from your picnic table, most bees provide

their offspring with protein made from

pollen mixed with nectar. The mother bee

compacts these materials into a pellet and

places it within her nest cavity, lays a single

egg atop the mixture, then seals the chamber

where the young bee will develop entirely

without maternal assistance.

How can you help bees?

Sadly, bees face threats to their survival,

but there are steps you can take to help

protect them.

Bees need healthy, pesticide-free foods

throughout their lives. This is one of the

greatest gifts you can offer these pollinators,

especially because parks and gardens often

grow flowers that only bloom during peak

summer. By planting a variety of plants

that flower from early spring through

autumn, the number of native bees and other

pollinators visiting your garden will increase

exponentially.

“Through small acts of kindness, you

can transform the lives of these remarkable

creatures, while filling your heart with

profound hope and wonder as you witness

their delicate yet ongoing care of our shared

world,” says Bolt.

The recently celebrated World Bee Day

also kicked off World Wildlife Fund’s new

“Stories of Hope and Wonder,” an ongoing

series that connects people to the wonder

of nature and offers hope for a future

benefiting both people and wildlife. Each

month, “Stories of Hope and Wonder” will

feature a different species overcoming some

of nature’s toughest obstacles to ensure its

survival. To access these stories, visit www.

worldwildlife.org/hopeandwonder.

Bees are industrious creatures that

are essential to vital food systems and

healthy ecosystems. While bees are at risk,

individuals can make all the difference in

their own backyards.


SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 11

Get more from your retirement

More amenities. More value. More priceless peace of mind.

At Brooksby Village®, the North

Shore’s premier senior living community,

getting more from retirement is a way

of life for our residents. Enjoy active,

maintenance-free living with everything

you need just steps from your door.

Don’t just take our word for it.

Community residents Eli and Carol B. say,

“We looked at other places, but they didn’t

compare. Brooksby offers everything we

wanted, from security to convenience.”

Here are just a few reasons why seniors

are making the move to Brooksby Village.

More Resort-Style Amenities

From multiple on-site dining venues

to a fitness center and swimming pool—

you’ll never run out of things to do at

Brooksby Village. “There’s so much to do

here!” says resident Beth M. “It’s such a

wonderful place to live.” Whether your

passion is art, reading, fitness, or more,

you’ll find what you need to maintain an

active and independent lifestyle.

More From a Great Location

Enjoy a dynamic lifestyle in the perfect

place with the comfort and convenience

of a small town close to shopping, dining,

and entertainment. You’ll have access

to an array of amenities and services all

while remaining close to friends, family,

and the community you love.

“It was getting to be too much for me,

taking care of a big, seven-room cottage

all alone,” explains resident Patricia K.

“When I visited Brooksby, I quickly

realized that this is the place for me. I’m

very happy here.”

More Freedom From Everyday

Maintenance and Surprise Costs

and unexpected bills. Here, you don’t

just gain a stylish residence with

contemporary layouts and finishes. You

gain a maintenance-free home with the

predictable spending of a Monthly Service

Package that includes day-to-day expenses

like maintenance, utilities, Wi-Fi, and so

much more.

“Moving to Brooksby positively

impacted our expenses,” Brooksby Village

resident Stan S. agrees. “Why drive

somewhere when you can walk, indoors,

to a fitness center? So many of these

amenities offer tremendous value.”

“There’s so many benefits to living in a

vibrant community where you don’t have

to worry about handling repairs,” adds

Sally P. “Things get done for you, so you

have more time for all the activities.

More Peace of Mind

Say goodbye to costly home repairs Residents of Brooksby enjoy

We Offer MORE Than Other

Senior Living Communities.

convenient access to an on-site medical

center staffed by full-time providers who

understand the unique needs of seniors

like you. The community also includes

multiple levels of continuing care for

additional peace of mind.

Constance P. says, “I find that it’s very

easy and convenient to go to the medical

center, then to walk across the hall and

get my prescription filled at the pharmacy.

Everything is right here.”

Plus, Brooksby Village is managed by

Erickson Senior Living, ® a nationally

recognized leader among continuing care

retirement communities.

Don’t Wait for Your

Worry-Free Retirement

Learn even more reasons to choose

Brooksby Village. Call 1-888-246-3596 or

visit BrooksbyVillage.com for your FREE

brochure.

MORE For Your Money • MORE Peace of Mind

MORE Amenities and Services

Learn MORE reasons to choose retirement

living at Brooksby Village.® Call 1-888-246-3596

or visit BrooksbyVillage.com for your

FREE brochure.

North Shore

BrooksbyVillage.com

1580200


12 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025

Where Compassion Meets Care, Every Step of the Way

Short Term Rehab • Long Term Care • Respite Care

24/7 Nursing Care

24/7 Skilled nursing

care personalized

to meet each

resident’s needs.

On-Site Wound

Care Specialist

Wound Care Nurses

to provide

comprehensive

wound management.

Long Term Care

Unit providing

Custodial Care,

Respite Stays and

Hospice Care.

Rehabilitation

Physical,

occupational, and

speech therapies

available in-house.

22 Johnson Street, Peabody, MA 01960 (978) 535-8700

www.alliancehhs.org/rosewood

Short term rehab provides patients with focused

therapy and medical support to recover from surgeries,

illnesses, or injuries, helping them regain independence

quickly.

Long term care offers continuous assistance for

individuals with chronic conditions or disabilties,

ensuring a high quality of life through personalized

care plans.

Respite Stays give caregivers temporary reliefed by offering a

safe environment for their loved ones, so they have time to

rest and recharge while their family members receive

professional care.

Your loved one’s comfort, care, and

well-being are our top priorities!

Schedule a Tour! 978-535-8700

Your pharmacist is an

essential health ally

Statepoint

When you think about your health

care team, you likely think first about

your doctors. Others, however, play a

critical role in helping you be healthy,

including your pharmacist.

This is especially true for older

adults, according to Dr. Grant Tarbox,

national medical executive with Cigna

Healthcare Medicare, because they

tend to have more chronic conditions

than younger people and often rely

upon multiple medications to keep

them well. In fact, more than half of

adults 65 and older report taking four

or more prescriptions, according to the

Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), an

independent source for health policy

research, polling and news.

Pharmacies and pharmacists have

been expanding their roles over the

years. Tarbox says the following are

among the services you can expect from

your pharmacist.

Improving adherence. Not taking

your medication as prescribed can

result in negative health consequences.

Only about 50% of people take their

medications as directed due to such

reasons as fear and forgetfulness. A

pharmacist can help you understand

the purpose of each prescription and

discuss strategies for taking it correctly.

For example, they may simplify

your regimen to once- or twice-daily

dosages to pair at the same time as a

daily activity or recommend digital

reminders.

Ensuring safety. More than 1.5

million people visit emergency rooms

annually because of adverse drug

events, according to the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention. Older

adults are especially susceptible. They

may take medications prescribed by

several different doctors. This can

cause confusion, especially during

transitions in care, such as returning

home from the hospital. Pharmacists

can help reconcile medications during

these times, while reducing the risk of

errors. Remember to discuss any overthe-counter

(OTC) drugs you’re taking,

which can have negative side effects,

interact poorly with other medications

and food, or even become addictive.

Always read and follow instructions for

OTC drugs. And ask your pharmacist to

run an interactions check of all of your

medications.

Providing access to care. Older adults

in rural areas or lacking transportation

may have difficulty accessing their

prescriptions. By utilizing a mail-order

pharmacy, you may be able to have

a three-month supply of medication

delivered, while saving money, too. Ask

your insurer for details.

Addressing affordability. According

to the KFF, 21% of older adults did not

take their medicines as prescribed in the

past year because of cost. Pharmacists

can help. Working in concert with your

physician, they may be able to suggest

a lower cost or generic alternative

that is just as effective. Additionally,

they can point you toward patient

assistance programs, such as those run

by pharmaceutical manufacturers, which

help eligible patients access medications

at little or no cost. Finally, they may

be aware of government agencies or

other programs that can help with costs.

Unfortunately, many people who qualify

for these programs don’t even know

they exist.

Offering immunizations. Several

vaccinations are important for older

adults, such as COVID-19, flu, RSV,

pneumonia and shingles. But older

adults may not get them because of

distrust, needle phobia or cost. Your

pharmacist can address your concerns

and may even be able to offer them

on-site. The cost may be covered by a

Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part

D plan.

For more information about

Medicare and pharmaceutical coverage,

visit cigna.com/medicare.

As the population ages and the

prevalence of chronic diseases grow,

you can expect pharmacists to deliver

more services as key members of your

health care team, Tarbox said.


SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 13

Statepoint

School is out, the days are long

and the temperature is rising. For

a safer, healthier summer, follow

these American Medical Association

recommendations:

1. Wear sunscreen. Look for

a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at

least SPF 30. Also, no sunscreen is

waterproof. If you’re splashing in a pool

or sweating in the summer sun, you’ll

need to reapply every couple of hours or

immediately after swimming.

2. Get up to date. With measles

cases increasing, make sure your

family members are up-to-date on their

vaccines before travel and camp season.

Double check everyone’s vaccine status.

If you have questions, speak with your

physician.

3. Be water safe. Make sure

everyone in your family achieves water

competency skills. Teach children to

ask permission before going near water,

have inexperienced swimmers or boaters

of all ages wear U.S. Coast Guardapproved

life jackets, and always swim

in lifeguarded areas at the beach.

4. Watch your diet. Reduce intake

of processed foods, paying particular

attention to added sodium and sugar.

Add fresh fruits and vegetables, whole

grains, nuts and seeds to your diet.

This doesn’t mean you have to give up

summer barbecuing. Simply replace

NORTH SHORE CHAPEL

FAMILY OWNED

AND OPERATED

10 Chestnut St, Peabody, MA 01960

978-595-3949

www.ruggieromhpeabody.com

Summer health and safety

tips doctors want you to know

red meat and processed meats with lean

meats, like poultry, and plant-based

proteins. Also, reduce your consumption

of sugar-sweetened beverages and drink

more water instead.

5. Be physically active. Take

advantage of warmer weather to get

outdoors and get active. For optimal

physical and mental health, adults

should get at least 150 minutes of

moderate-intensity activity or 75

minutes of vigorous-intensity activity

each week. While exercise is important,

avoid working out outside in the early

afternoon (noon to 3 p.m.) when it’s

hottest. Drink water before, during and

after physical activity, and wear lightcolored,

lightweight, moisture-wicking

clothing.

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion,

including cool, moist, pale skin, and

heavy sweating, headache, nausea and

dizziness. Be advised that extreme

heat can be especially dangerous

for certain people, including those

taking certain medications, those with

chronic diseases, older adults and

children. Additional precautions may

be necessary to keep these groups

safe in hot weather. CDC’s Heat Risk

Dashboard informs on how best to

protect yourself when temperatures can

impact your health.

6. Use caution. If you’ll be

consuming alcohol, do so in moderation

EAST BOSTON CHAPEL

971 Saratoga St, East Boston, MA02128

617-569-0990

www.ruggieromheastboston.com

as defined by the U.S. Dietary

Guidelines for Americans — up to one

drink per day for women and two drinks

per day for men, and only by adults of

legal drinking age.

7. Know your blood pressure

numbers. Extreme temperatures

can impact blood pressure, so it’s

especially important right now to visit

ManageYourBP.org to better understand

your numbers and take necessary steps

to get high blood pressure, also known

as hypertension, under control. Doing so

will reduce your risk of heart attack and

stroke.

8. Check first. Before heading

outdoors, check your community’s

outdoor air quality using the Air Quality

Index. Smoke from wildfires and

degraded air quality that gets worse with

warmer temperatures can irritate your

eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Children,

pregnant people and those with certain

chronic conditions must be especially

careful.

“Behind every summertime joy —

warmth, barbecues, watersports — is a

not-so-secret health or safety hazard like

sunburn, heat exhaustion, drowning,

unhealthy foods and drinks” says

Bruce A. Scott, M.D, president of the

American Medical Association. “Simple

steps can ensure your family safely

enjoys the summer season.”


14 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025

Rid your lawn of bare spots with these tips

Statepoint

Even if you have lush, green grass,

your lawn may still have bare spots.

Bare spots occur for a variety of

reasons, and when they do, seldom fix

themselves.

To repair these areas and earn the

title of best lawn on the block, consider

these insights and tips from lawn care

equipment manufacturer, Exmark.

Clear Your Lawn: The first thing

you’ll need to do is clear your lawn of

invasive weeds, dead grass and thatch.

To give your new grass a fighting

chance, the soil underneath needs to live

its best life, first and foremost.

Prepare and Reseed: Soil that’s

become hard and compacted won’t be

ideal for the seed germination needed to

replace barren spots with fresh growth.

So, use a good, heavy garden rake to

loosen the soil two to three inches deep.

If your soil’s dry, add fresh topsoil

for a hearty mix of nutrients and grassgrowing

energy to the depleted ground.

Work the new soil in with the old and

you’re on your way.

Now that your soil has what it needs,

you’re ready to repair bare spots by

applying new seed. Rake a seed type

that matches your grass type into the

soil. Always follow the directions on

the bag closely, as applying too much

seed in too small an area can cause the

grass to grow to the point of choking

itself out. This will land you right back

to square one with a new bare spot to

repair, so make sure you don’t put down

too much seed.

Feed After You Seed: All plants

require six essential nutrients: oxygen,

carbon and hydrogen, which are

received above-ground through air and

water, and nitrogen, phosphorus and

potassium, which come from the soil.

Every bag of plant food will contain

three numbers separated by dashes.

Understanding lawn and plant fertilizer

numbers can help you grow your

greenest lawn ever.

Post-Bare Spot Repair: You’ll want

to keep your re-seeded area moist for

at least a few weeks before new growth

appears. Sprigs of new grass will start

appearing before you know it, but it’s

important to wait a few more weeks

before mowing to allow new grass to

become established

For more insights, watch “How

to Repair Bare Spots in Your Lawn,”

an episode of “Backyard Smart,”

an original series from mower

manufacturer, Exmark. To watch the

video, visit Backyard Life, which is part

of a unique multimedia destination with

a focus on helping homeowners improve

their outdoor living spaces. There you

can also download additional tips and

view other Exmark Original Series

videos.

By following these steps, you can

make lawn bare spots a thing of the past

— and your dream lawn a reality of the

near future!

PLANNING YOUR NEXT STEP AND

DON'T KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN?

I can help. With a senior residential specialist (SRES) designation, and over

3 decades of experience, I can help lead you through this sometimes

complex and emotional process. My resources and experience can help

you maximize your largest asset.

KNOWLEDGE, INTEGRITY, EXPERIENCE .

“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.

CALL JANICE SULLIVAN TODAY

978-857-5473

janicesullivanrealtor@gmail.com

THE SULLIVAN REATLY GROUP

LAER REALTY PARTNERS

162 Park Street

North Reading, MA 01864


SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 15

Take on new hobbies

in retirement

Statepoint

Retirement should be relaxing, not

boring. In fact, taking on new hobbies can

keep your mind sharp and body vital as you

age. Here are five ways to stay active in

your golden years:

1. Join a gym: Joining a gym is one of

the easiest ways to ensure you perform a

mix of strength training and cardiovascular

exercise. Doing both will help keep your

bones and muscles strong and your heart

and lungs fully functional. Don’t forget

to add in yoga and stretching to promote

balance and agility. If a gym is out of reach,

see what other nearby opportunities are

available for working up a sweat. Many

towns and cities offer free and budgetfriendly,

community-based exercise

programming.

2. Play music: There are numerous

cognitive and emotional benefits associated

with playing music. Whether you’re a

beginner just looking to pick up the basics

or a seasoned musician with the hopes of

performing in public, you can equip yourself

to sound amazing with a high-quality

instrument like the CT-S1-76 keyboard from

Casio. Its 76 full-size keys and upgraded

13-watt bass-reflex stereo speaker system

with surround effect lend it incredible sound

quality and a dynamic playing experience,

while its sleek, portable design makes it a

joy to play anytime, anywhere. In addition

to remotely controlling the CT-S1-76, you

can also use the Casio Music Space app

to learn to play your favorite songs with

downloadable MIDI files, interact with PDF

scores, and much more.

3. Start a book club: It’s always more

fun to read books when you can discuss

them with friends. From tackling the

classics, to diving into non-fiction works

that will challenge your perspective, to

enjoying some easy, breezy beach reads,

it’s important that the other members of the

group have the same reading goals as you.

So do a little leg work in advance to ensure

everyone is on the same page.

JOYCE CUCCHIARA

DESIGNATED SENIOR REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

Number 1 agent in

Peabody selling over

550 Peabody homes

in the past 25 years.

Selling a home can be an

overwhelming experience.

Let me help guide you

through the process.

Representing Top 2% of CBR

agents worldwide in 2024.

YOU SHOULD EXPECT THE BEST!

(978) 808-1597

joyce.cucchiara@nemoves.com

JCsellsrealestate.com

*Based on closed sales volume and total number of units closed information from Pinergy for Peabody, MA in all price ranges as reported on 3/12/25 for the period of 1/1/00-12/31/24.

Sales volume calculated by multiplying the number of buyer and/or seller sides by sales price. One unit equals one side of a transaction (buyer or seller). Source data is deemed reliable

but not guaranteed. Not intended as a solicitation if your property is already listed by another broker. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not

employees. ©2025 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System

is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated.

The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

990 Paradise Rd, Suite 3A

Swampscott, MA 01907

781-581-1500

25 Centennial Drive

Peabody, MA 01960

978-717-5370

What should you pay

attention to when selecting

a hearing aid provider?

As a consumer it can be

difficult to navigate through

the flood of hearing aid

advertisements to choose the

correct device and the correct

supplier of the device. When

evaluating the options there

are two essential questions that

need to be addressed: How are

the hearing aids programmed?

What is the long-term care

associated with the hearing

aids?

Atlantic Hearing Care

provides best practices for

hearing aid programming

including customized

treatment plans and Real Ear

Measurements (REMS) to

address your specific listening

needs. We believe in supporting

our patients through their

entire hearing journey, not

just the sale of a hearing aid.

Our office provides a 5-year

comprehensive care plan which

supports our patients through

every aspect of hearing aid use.


16 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING SUMMER 2025

Helping You Buy and Sell

Real Estate on the North Shore

Call to find out

how we can get

you top dollar.

JustSold!

Off Market, North Reading

Client Experience with Downsizing

D.C, North Reading

Senior Real Estate

Specialist Designation

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