Senior Active Living Winter 2025

The North Shore's
longest-running
Senior
Resource Guide
WINTER
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 WINTER 2025
Expanded state leave policies help families thrive, say advocates
StatePoint
When a child is born or serious
illness strikes, workers need time off,
but for millions of Americans, it’s not
that simple.
The United States is one of the
only developed countries in the
world that does not guarantee paid
family and medical leave (PFML),
and currently, just 13 states and
Washington, D.C. do, covering just
a quarter of private-sector workers
and a third of people who work for
state and local governments. While
advocates say that it’s time for that
to change, they are celebrating recent
progress made in certain states.
In particular, Tennessee recently
expanded on its previous six-week
paid family leave policy to include
workers caring for family members at
the end of their lives, becoming the
first southern state to expand its paid
family leave policy beyond parental
leave. In Mississippi, a new law
grants state government employees
up to six weeks of paid parental leave
and in Alabama, recently passed
legislation provides up to eight weeks
of paid leave for state employees and
K-12 educators.
“Paid leave is good for families,
workplaces and communities,” says
Robyn Hyden, executive director
of Alabama Arise. “Not only is this
expanded leave policy helping ensure
more Alabama parents can be healthy
and provide the care and stability
infants, toddlers and their families
need to thrive, it provides the added
benefit of enabling the state to better
recruit and retain teachers and state
employees.”
While these advances are
noteworthy, they are limited, and there
is still much work to be done, say
experts at A Better Balance, a national
nonprofit legal advocacy organization
dedicated to promoting justice in the
workplace.
“Paid family and medical leave
supports lasting financial security for
everyone, including those in lowwage
and hourly jobs, and addresses
the needs of communities that have
long been under-served and underprotected,”
says Jared Make, vice
president of A Better Balance. “Our
goal is to ensure that all workers can
care for themselves and the people
they love without worrying about how
to pay the bills.”
To learn more about PFML policies
and progress, visit https://ncit.org/.
“The expansion of leave policies
being made by state governments is
encouraging. We will continue our
efforts until every worker, regardless
of where they live or who they work
for, has access to paid family and
medical leave,” says Lori Fresina of
the National Collaborative for Infants
& Toddlers.
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SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING WINTER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 3
It's not too late to get vaccinated this respiratory season
StatePoint
In a time of confusion and
inconsistent information, healthcare
professionals want you to know that
it’s not too late to get vaccinated this
respiratory season. Getting vaccinated
helps protect against potentially
serious diseases like influenza (flu),
COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus
(RSV) and pneumococcal disease.
A recent survey from the National
Foundation for Infectious Diseases
(NFID) finds that many Americans
harbor concerns about vaccine safety
and effectiveness, or find the guidance
on respiratory vaccinations unclear.
To address misconceptions around
vaccines and promote a healthy winter
for you, your family, and communities
nationwide, NFID is sharing these
insights:
Vaccination helps prevent severe
disease. Vaccination is not just
about preventing infection. Most
importantly, it’s the most effective
way to protect yourself and others
against severe disease-related
outcomes, including hospitalization,
long-term complications, and death
due to flu, COVID-19, RSV and
pneumococcal disease. This means
that even when vaccination does not
prevent infection completely, it can
make an illness milder.
Vaccines are safe and effective.
All recommended vaccines undergo
extensive safety testing before
approval and continue to be monitored
for safety and effectiveness long
after they are recommended for use.
In the United States and globally,
vaccines are held to the highest
safety standards – more stringent
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than those for almost all other
medications. Contrary to a widespread
misconception, vaccines cannot
cause the diseases they are designed
to prevent. While there are potential
side effects, they are rare, and much
less severe than the diseases vaccines
prevent. The most common side
effects – sore arm at the injection site,
achiness and fever – are normal signs
that the body’s immune system is
building protection.
Getting vaccinated helps protect
everyone. By preventing severe
respiratory illnesses, getting
vaccinated reduces your likelihood of
missing work or your child missing
school. It reduces strain on the
healthcare system and helps protect
everyone, especially infants and
young children, pregnant women,
older adults, and people with heart
disease, lung disease, or other chronic
health conditions.
Recommendations are sciencebased.
It’s important to follow
science-based immunization
recommendations. They are based on
rigorous review and ongoing research.
National medical organizations
composed of practicing healthcare
professionals recommend these
respiratory vaccines based on longstanding
evidence and clinical
experience:
• Annual flu vaccination is
recommended for everyone age 6
months and older.
• An updated COVID-19 vaccine
is recommended for those at high risk
(including young children, pregnant
women, older adults, and people
with chronic health conditions), and
anyone age 6 months and older who
wants to reduce their risk for severe
COVID-19 or long COVID.
• A one-time RSV vaccination is
recommended for pregnant women;
infants whose mothers did not get
vaccinated for RSV during pregnancy
should receive a monoclonal
antibody to protect against RSV. RSV
vaccination is also recommended
for certain adults ages 50-74 and all
adults 75 and older.
• Pneumococcal vaccination is
recommended for children younger
than 5, all adults 50 and older, and
people with certain chronic health
conditions or other risk factors.
Access may vary. Evolving federal
recommendations directly impact
the availability and coverage of
vaccines. Some states and insurance
companies are developing their own
coverage rules for vaccines previously
recommended by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
If you run into barriers, talk with
a trusted healthcare professional
who can help you navigate local
restrictions.
Healthcare professionals are here
to help. Talk with a trusted healthcare
professional to learn about the benefits
and risks of vaccination against flu,
COVID-19, RSV and pneumococcal
disease. These conversations can help
you make informed decisions about
your health and the health of your
family and community.
More information about the 2025-
2026 respiratory season can be found
at https://www.nfid.org.
“It’s not too late to get vaccinated
this respiratory season. If you have
questions about which vaccines are
right for you, reach out to your doctor,
pharmacist, nurse or other healthcare
professional,” says Robert H.
Hopkins, MD, NFID medical director.
“I am confident enough in these
vaccines that I have been vaccinated,
as have all my family members. I
encourage others to be immunized so
they have the same protection I give
to my family and to my patients.”

4 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING WINTER 2025
Are you financially prepared for the new year?
StatePoint
A new year is a chance to embrace
a wallet-friendly mindset and make a
fresh financial start. But what changes
will make the most impact?
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL
PLANNER® professionals are sharing
their favorite resolutions for 2026:
Calculate spending: Before any
other money planning in 2026, you
need to calculate your spending.
Did you end 2025 with more money
than you had at the beginning of the
year? If so, your budget is likely in
good shape and you can thoughtfully
leverage excess funds to pay down
debt or save for a specific goal.
If you’re facing a net deficit, it’s
time to cut spending where you can
or identify ways to increase your
income.
Build savings: Make 2026 the
year you automate savings, increase
your contributions to your retirement
accounts and adopt a “pay yourself
fi r s t ” a p p r o a c h t o b u i l d i n g y o u r n e s t
egg. The sooner you take these steps,
the longer you’ll have to watch your
savings grow. Your financial advisor
can help you determine how much
you’ll need for the future you want
— whether that involves becoming
a homeowner, paying for your
children’s college education or taking
an early retirement. They can also
provide strategies for reaching these
goals.
Adopt tax planning strategies:
Learn how new tax rules ushered in
by the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”
could impact your taxes. A CFP®
professional and your tax advisor
can help you understand the changes
and strategize accordingly so you
can maximize benefits and minimize
missteps.
Review your insurance coverage:
One unexpected event can have
devastating financial consequences
without the right insurance. Review
your policies to determine whether
they meet your current needs and add
coverage where necessary. This is
also a good opportunity to comparison
shop among providers to ensure
you’re not spending more than you
need to.
Seek expert guidance: Varied
factors such as insurance,
investments, taxes and credit work
together to form your complete
financial picture. Make working with
a CFP® professional a New Year’s
resolution. They are specially trained
to holistically evaluate all these
components when offering financial
advice. Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org to
fi n d a C F P ® p r o f e s s i o n a l n e a r y o u .
This year, don’t be afraid to take
a deep dive into your finances to
determine whether your current
fi n a n c i a l p l a n i s w o r k i n g . A f e w s m a l l
tweaks may be all you need to course
correct for a brighter financial future.
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SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING WINTER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 5
The great timing debate: Should i claim social security early or late?
StatePoint
Retirees become eligible to claim
Social Security benefits at age 62,
but the timing of when you claim
can drastically impact your benefit
amount. Still, when to claim will be
entirely dependent on your unique
situation. As you approach retirement,
it’s important to understand the impact
that timing has on your benefits.
“The timing of when you elect to
receive your Social Security benefits
warrants thoughtful consideration,”
said Rich Guerrini, head of PNC
Wealth Management. “This decision
can significantly influence not only
the total benefits you receive, but
also the trajectory of your investment
income, your tax obligations, and
even your healthcare premiums.”
How Your Benefit is Calculated
Your benefits are based on your
top 35 years of earnings, adjusted to
account for changes in wages from
the year they were earned. The Social
Security Administration then applies
a formula to those figures to arrive at
your specific benefit amount at full
retirement age (FRA), also referred
to as your primary insurance amount
(PIA).
There are three options for when to
claim your benefits: claim early, claim
at your FRA, or claim at age 70. Each
comes with its own benefits and risks.
Claim at age 62
You can begin claiming your
benefits as early as age 62, but your
benefits will be permanently reduced.
Still, there are instances when
claiming early makes sense:
• You’re in poor health – The
benefit of receiving Social Security
early may be worth it, particularly if
you’re unsure if you’ll live beyond
your break-even point;
• You’re maximizing benefits
with a spouse – Timing your claim
to Social Security with your spouse
can help you maximize a long-term
benefit, while fulfilling cash flow
needs in the present;
• You no longer want to work – The
lifestyle benefits of not working may
outweigh a larger future financial
benefit from Social Security; or
• You want to preserve assets
with growth potential – Claiming
Social Security early may preserve
investment or savings accounts.
Claim at your full retirement age
The primary benefit of waiting
until your FRA is that you are then
entitled to 100% of your benefits,
without possibility of reductions over
time. Your FRA for purposes of Social
Security is based on the year you were
born. For those born between 1943-
1954, their FRA is 66. For those born
between 1955-1959, there FRA is 66
+ 2 months for every year after 1954
until 1960. For those born 1960 and
later, their FRA is 67.
Delay your claim to age 70
You can delay claiming your
benefits until the maximum age
70, with the primary advantage
of increasing your benefits for the
remainder of your life. Delaying a
Social Security claim may make sense
if:
• You have other forms of income
– You may realize tax benefits
from pulling from sources such as
retirement accounts or savings;
• You’re still working – Working
beyond your FRA may allow you
to meet lifestyle expenses while
increasing your future benefit; or
• You’re concerned about spousal
or survivor benefits – When you delay
claiming your Social Security, your
spouse may be entitled to a larger
spousal benefit and/or survivor’s
benefit as well.
Further, cost-of-living-adjustments
(COLA) begin giving your potential
benefit a boost at age 62 – and that
boost will continue to compound
every year you delay making your
claim.
Tax and Other Impacts
Generally, your Social Security
income will be tax dependent on your
“combined income,” which factors
in gross income, nontaxable interest
earned, and half of your Social
Security income. Potential effects on
healthcare premiums should also be
factored in.
Additional insights can be found by
visiting www.pnc.com.
While the question of when to
claim Social Security benefits will be
unique to your individual financial
situation, it’s a decision that warrants
careful consideration – and potentially
even a professional opinion.
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6 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING WINTER 2025
Balance your left and right brain with tools that inspire learning
StatePoint
Whether you’re still a student
or long past your school years,
making learning a hobby outside
the classroom can keep you sharp,
particularly if you pair activities
that involve logic, analysis and facts
with those that involve creativity,
imagination and intuition. Here are
some great tools to inspire you in your
educational journey and balance your
left brain and right brain:
Discovering the Joy of Music:
When it comes to immersing yourself
in the world of music, there is no
more fundamental place to start than
the keyboard. The Casiotone CT-S1
is a stylish, ultra-portable keyboard
suited for musicians and composers of
all levels. Its incredible sound quality
and 61 full-size keys with touch
response make it an ideal musical
partner for beginners and seasoned
players alike, and its sleek, portable
design, strap pins and optional
battery operation make it fun to play
anywhere. If you’re a total beginner,
connect your keyboard to the free
Casio Music Space app, which acts as
a digital musical score, music teacher
and live performance simulator to
help you gain skills fast.
Fostering a Love of Books:
Assigned reading and independent
reading alike are always easier and
more enjoyable when you have a huge
library at your fingertips. Thankfully,
today’s ereaders are better than
ever – they’re waterproof, feature
color displays ideal for absorbing
everything from graphic novels
to illustrated textbooks, and have
extensive note-taking capabilities.
Mastering Math: Designed to
enhance learning and exploration, the
fx-CG100 ClassWiz Color Graph is
a cutting-edge handheld calculator
with an intuitive, high-contrast user
interface. An optional Exam Mode
makes it a smart choice for students
with upcoming standardized tests.
However, with its MicroPython
programming capabilities and its
robust catalog of mathematical
functions, including basic and
statistics functions, graphing
capabilities and more, it’s really a tool
for anyone interested in continued
STEAM learning.
Embracing Your Passions: Whether
your interest is in the performing
arts, creative writing, cooking,
entrepreneurship or history, there’s
a course that will fascinate you on
MasterClass, a subscription-based
service that offers hundreds of courses
taught by renowned experts. An
annual subscription offers unlimited
access to modules, so you can not
only explore your known interests, but
also tap into unchartered educational
territory.
On your lifelong learning journey,
you can continually embrace both
analytical and creative thinking with
tools that make it easy to learn, create
and grow.
What should you pay
attention to when selecting
a hearing aid provider?
As a consumer it can be
provides best practices for
difficult to navigate through
hearing aid programming
the flood of hearing aid
including customized
advertisements to choose the
treatment plans and Real Ear
correct device and the correct
Measurements (REMS) to
supplier of the device. When
address your specific listening
evaluating the options there
needs. We believe in supporting
are two essential questions that
our patients through their
need to be addressed: How are
entire hearing journey, not
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25 Centennial Drive
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978-717-5370
the hearing aids programmed?
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just the sale of a hearing aid.
Our office provides a 5-year
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SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING WINTER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 7
Safeguard your loved ones, your assets, and your legacy
Law Office of Julie Low
When planning for the future, many people overlook one of the
most important steps they can take to protect their loved ones:
estate planning and asset protection. At the Law Office of Julie
Low, based in Beverly, we are dedicated to helping individuals
and families navigate this process with care, compassion, and
expertise.
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is more than just drafting a will. It’s about creating
a comprehensive plan to ensure your assets are distributed
according to your wishes, your loved ones are cared for, and
your legacy is preserved. Whether your goal is to minimize estate
taxes, protect assets from long-term care costs, or provide
for a family member with special needs, estate planning is a
critical step toward peace of mind.
At the Law Office of Julie Low, we guide clients through the
planning process with a focus on education and empowerment.
Our team works closely with clients to design customized, willbased
and trust-based plans tailored to their unique needs.
We also ensure each estate plan is fully funded, meaning every
asset is titled correctly to achieve the desired outcome. This
critical step, often overlooked by other firms, ensures your estate
plan works as intended when it matters most.
Why Is Estate Planning Important?
Life is unpredictable, and planning for the unexpected is an act
of love for those you care about. Estate planning ensures that
your wishes are honored in the event of incapacity or death. It
can also help avoid costly and time-consuming probate processes,
reduce family disputes, and provide financial security for
your descendants.
For families with loved ones who have special needs, estate
planning can be a lifeline. Our firm specializes in creating plans
that protect and provide for individuals with disabilities while
preserving their eligibility for essential government benefits.
Expertise in Medicaid Planning
One of our standout services is Medicaid planning and applications.
Recognized as a Top Medicaid Planning Law Firm in
2025 by Elder Care Review, we are well-versed in both nursing
home care and community-based programs that allow individuals
to receive long-term care at home. By reviewing all available
options, we help clients make informed decisions to best
suit their needs.
Additionally, we have over 15 years of experience drafting irrevocable
asset protection trusts for nursing home protection. We
have safeguarded over $50 million in assets, providing clients
with unparalleled security and peace of mind.
Compassionate Support During Estate Administration and
Probate
In addition to estate planning, we offer services in probate and
estate administration. Losing a loved one is never easy and settling
an estate or probating a will can be overwhelming. Our
team approaches each case with compassion, ensuring the
wishes of the deceased are carried out efficiently and with care.
We also assist families with guardianships and conservatorships,
helping them navigate the legal process to protect loved
ones who are unable to manage their own affairs.
A Vision for Client-Focused Legal Services
Attorney Julie Low founded her firm with a vision of practicing
law in a way that prioritizes clients and quality. Our team is
not only knowledgeable but also compassionate, ensuring every
client feels supported and understood throughout the process.
The Law Office of Julie Low is a proud member of Wealth-
Counsel, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAE-
LA), and the Academy of Special Needs Planners. Our commitment
to excellence has earned us recognition as a Top Medicaid
Planning Firm in 2025.
Take the First Step Toward Peace of Mind
Attend one of our free, virtual estate planning or Medicaid
workshops. Registration is required. Call (978) 922-8800 or
register at https://www.lawofficeofjulielow.com
For more information, visit our Beverly office or contact us today
at (978) 922-8800 or at https://www.lawofficeofjulielow.
com. Planning for the unexpected is one of the greatest gifts
you can give to your family. For peace of mind, for those you
love—start your planning journey today.
ESTATE PLANNING
SPECIAL NEEDS
ELDER LAW
PROBATE
LAW OFFICE OF JULIE LOW
Attend a FREE
Virtual Workshop
Registration is required
Call 978-922-8800 or online at
www.lawofficeofjulielow.com
For Peace Of Mind, For Those You Love!
Receive $200 off A Consultation When You Attend A Workshop
Estate Planning Workshop
Saturday, Jan. 10 from 10 a.m. — Noon
Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 6:30 — 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. — Noon
Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 6:30 — 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. — Noon
Tuesday, March 24 from 6:30 — 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 11 from 10 a.m. — Noon
Tuesday, April 28 from 6:30 — 8:30 p.m.
Medicaid Workshop
Thurs., Dec. 11 from 6:00pm-7:00pm
266 Cabot Street, Suite 1, Beverly

8 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING WINTER 2025
Chefs share their secret ingredients for the holiday season
StatePoint
Every family has at least one perfect
dish featuring a secret ingredient or
special cooking technique, and it’s these
twists on tradition that make all the
difference.
That’s why this holiday season, the
McCormick brand is partnering with
famed bakery Milk Bar and awardwinning
founder and CEO, Christina
Tosi to inspire home cooks by sharing
their best-kept baking secrets. Through
their collaboration, they’re creating an
exclusive, limited-time McCormick x
Milk Bar Eggnog English Toffee Cookie
available at select Milk Bar locations
starting 11/28. A fresh take on timeless
holiday flavor inspired by the comfort
and creaminess of eggnog and the buttery
crunch of English toffee, this golden
cookie features hints of McCormick
cinnamon and nutmeg and the rich flavor
of vanilla extract, complemented with a
layer of icing topped with English Toffee
Finishing Sugar. Here, they’re sharing the
recipe for fans to make at home:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Makes 18 cookies.
Cookie Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup instant vanilla pudding mix
1 teaspoon McCormick Ground
Cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon McCormick Ground Nutmeg
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 whole egg
1 egg yolk
1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla
Extract
1/3 cup McCormick English Toffee
Finishing Sugar
Icing Ingredients:
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 tablespoon milk
Directions:
For the cookies, preheat oven to 350
degrees F. Line two large baking sheets
with parchment; set aside. Mix flour,
pudding mix, cinnamon, salt, baking
powder, baking soda and nutmeg in
medium bowl; set aside.
Beat butter and sugars in large bowl
with electric mixer on medium-high speed
2 to 3 minutes or until light and fluffy.
Add egg, egg yolk and vanilla; beat 2 to
3 minutes longer or until well blended,
scraping sides of bowl, as needed.
Gradually add flour mixture, beating
on low speed just until dough comes
together, up to 1 minute. Stir in English
Toffee Finishing Sugar, mixing just
until combined. Scoop dough in 1/3-cup
portions onto prepared baking sheets,
placing about 2 inches apart.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes until cookies
have spread and edges are golden brown.
Cool on pans 1 minute. Transfer to wire
racks to cool at least 10 minutes.
For the icing, whisk confectioners’
sugar and milk in small bowl until smooth
(add additional milk or confectioners’
sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach
desired consistency). Spread icing
on cooled cookies and sprinkle with
additional English Toffee Finishing Sugar.
Let stand 5 minutes to allow icing to set.
Recipe Hints: To spice things up,
substitute 1 teaspoon McCormick Rum
Extract and 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Pure
Vanilla Extract in place of just vanilla. For
a little extra crunch, substitute turbinado
sugar or sugar in the raw in place of light
brown sugar. No vanilla pudding mix? No
problem! Add an additional 1/4 cup flour
in place of the pudding mix.
More baking secrets and inspiration
can be found by visiting www.mccormick.
com/thecookieconfidential.
And as you prepare all the other festive
treats of the season, remember that details
matter. Be it flour, sugar or flavorings,
don’t skimp on the good stuff, and don’t
be afraid to give everything from desserts
to cocktails and mocktails that unexpected
edge with secret ingredients like brown
butter and peppermint extract.

SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING WINTER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 9
Be alert to scammers while traveling for the holidays
StatePoint
Holiday season travelers are a key
target for scammers, and criminals
are looking to cash in on you being
distracted. Visa has observed an
uptick in 2025 of sophisticated, travelrelated
scams where well-known
travel providers are convincingly
impersonated, and, according to a
McAfee Travel Report, one in five
Americans has fallen victim to a
travel scam.
Artificial intelligence has made it
easier to be duped by fake websites,
calls, email and texts. Even just
ordering car service can open you up
to being scammed by impersonators
that may contact you directly through
an otherwise trusted app.
Here are scams to watch for while
traveling:
Fake QR Codes. Scammers will
replace real QR codes with fake ones
to redirect your phone to a malicious
website.
Juice Jacking. If you plug a phone
or laptop into a public charging
station, hackers can potentially
compromise the outlet to transfer
malware to or steal data from a
connected device.
Hacked Luggage. Smart luggage
with built-in USB chargers, GPS
tracking and digital locks can be
hacked. Scammers can locate your
bags and unlock them remotely.
Maintaining vigilance is the
best way to avoid trouble while
traveling, but here are some additional
preventative measures you can take:
• Apply Scrutiny. Be suspicious of
anyone emailing, calling, messaging
or approaching you in person,
possibly in a company uniform,
claiming to need your personal
information.
• Take Control. Keep your personal
information, payment cards and
devices with you under your control.
• Verify Contact. Before
responding to an email, call, text
or voice message, disconnect and
research contact information to verify
legitimacy.
• Look for Tampering. Be leery of
QR codes that appear to be affixed by
a sticker. Also watch for skimming
devices on gas pumps by jiggling
them. If there is any movement, don’t
insert your card.
• Check Websites. If you scan a QR
code, a web link will appear. Review
it carefully for anomalies and type in
a legitimate website address rather
than clicking the link.
• Charge Cautiously. Use your own
charging adapter and cable instead of
public USB ports.
• Secure Devices. Keep Bluetooth
and Wi-Fi turned off on all devices
– even smart luggage – when not in
use. When using the internet, opt to
connect through data roaming rather
than public Wi-Fi and use a VPN
whenever possible.
• Wait to Post. Don’t post your
travel photos showing you are away
from home until you return.
For more information on best
practices to help prevent fraud, visit
PNC’s Security and Privacy Center.
By taking the necessary
precautions, you can help protect
yourself and make the festive season a
time of good cheer rather than crisis.
HERE TO QUIETLY GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE
PROBATE JOURNEY
Compassionate Probate Real
Estate Guidance
Handling a loved one’s estate
can feel overwhelming—but
you don’t have to do it alone.
How I Can Help You...
Haul Away & Estate Liquidation
Housekeeping & Cleaning
Tenant Management (Including
Evictions)
Painters, Plumbers &
Electricians
Contractor Services
Full Real Estate Sale Support
Let’s Have a Conversation—No Pressure, Just Support.
Mariam Beurekjian
Probate Real Estate Specialist
(978) 660-2773
mariam.beurekjian@gmail.com

10 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING WINTER 2025
How to use pineapple to elevate your holiday dishes
StatePoint
Does holiday cooking stress you
out? If so, you’re not alone! According
to PWC research, 54% of people admit
to feeling uptight any time they think
about prepping or cooking food for
holiday celebrations. Fortunately, stressfree
holiday dishes can be possible with
the right ingredients.
Executive chef at Dole, James
Bickmore-Hutt has ideas for how
to elevate your holiday dishes in
preparation for the festivities. “The
holiday season is such a busy time
of year. It’s also a moment when
people are expecting to be ‘wowed’
at mealtime. Selecting high-quality
ingredients like Dole® Tropical Gold®
Canned Pineapples can reduce prep
work and help you deliver crowdpleasing
dishes quickly, so you can
focus on enjoying the season with loved
ones.”
Why are these pineapples Chef
James’ best-kept secret? Dole Tropical
Gold Canned Pineapples are handpicked
at peak ripeness and are a naturally
sweeter variety of pineapple. Offered in
pre-cut chunks or slices with no sugar
added, they help home chefs cut down
on prep time without sacrificing freshlypacked
flavor. Here are Chef James’ top
tips for incorporating them into your
seasonal fare:
• Add extra garnishes of pineapple to
any holiday dish for a naturally sweet,
tropical taste – no need to add extra
sugar!
• Pineapples are very juicy, and
you can pre-cook dessert filling on the
stovetop to thicken the juices. Simply
drain the liquid from the can, pour the
fruit in a pan, reduce remaining liquid
and then combine it with a thickener of
your choice before adding back in.
• Let fruit-filled desserts cool for at
least two to four hours after baking to
allow the filling to fully set.
• For added oomph and flavor in
cocktail or mocktail batches, reserve
pineapple juice from the same cans
used in your food dishes, like a familyfavorite
pie.
This holiday season, Chef James’
guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Caramelized
Pineapple Baked Brie, adds a tropical
twist to a traditional spread. Ready in
40 minutes and with just six ingredients,
this stress-free appetizer will make your
festivities all the more memorable!
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 can (20 ounces) Dole Tropical
Gold Pineapple Chunks in 100%
Pineapple Juice, drained
• 1/4 teaspoon finely chopped fresh
rosemary
• 1 tablespoon honey, divided
• 1 package (13 ounces) round brie
cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped roasted
salted pistachios
Instructions:
Heat butter in a skillet over medium
heat. Add pineapple, rosemary and 1
tablespoon honey, stirring occasionally
for 6 minutes or until the pineapple is
golden brown.
Line a baking sheet or small baking
dish with parchment. Cut the top rind
off the brie and discard, placing the
remaining portion on the parchment
paper.
Spoon pineapple mixture over the
brie. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10
minutes. Remove from the oven and
drizzle with the remaining 1 teaspoon
of honey before garnishing with
pistachios.
To stress less in the kitchen during
this year’s holiday festivities, let pre-cut
pineapple take center stage for easy
preparation of elevated classics.
LIVE ACTIVE AT
THE
Y
The YMCA
of Metro North has an array of
opportunitiesportunities
to
keep you
moving, motivated,
and help you reach your goals.
The
Y Has
Something for Everyone
e
Pickleball • Yoga • Swimming • Water Aerobics
Pilates • Strength Training • Group Fitness Classes
Indoor Track • Special Events and Seminars • And More
Try
The Y For Free
e
GET
ONE WEEK
FREE
Use
Code: YTRYFREE
E
NO JOINERS FEE
Use Code: NOJOINFEE
Cannot be used for paid programming. (1) One Week Pass per person/ family in a calendar year.
Other restrictions may apply. See branch for details. Offer Expires 12/31/25.
Offer good at
our locations in Lynn, Melrose,
Peabody, and Saugus.
www.ymcametronorth.org/membership
w.ymcamet
th. org/memb
Scan the
QR code
to join
Start a
healthy routine
at the YMCA!
Staying active and engaged
is key to a healthy, vibrant
life, and the YMCA has
everything seniors need to
keep moving, stay social, and
feel their best. Whether you
enjoy group exercise classes
like Yoga, Zumba Gold, or
Water Aerobics, or prefer
walking on the indoor track,
there’s something for everyone.
Strength training and balance
classes help improve mobility,
while pickleball and swimming
offer fun ways to stay fit.
Beyond fitness, the Y is a
great place to connect with
friends through social clubs,
volunteer opportunities, and
wellness programs focused
on enhancing your health and
boosting good habits. Plus, with
expert staff and a welcoming
community, you'll always
feel supported. Come find
your perfect routine at the Y
and enjoy a healthier, happier
lifestyle! Call 978-548-5068 for
details.

SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING WINTER 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
Say goodbye to costly home repairs
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
Residents of Brooksby enjoy
convenient access to an on-site medical
center staffed by full-time providers who
We Offer MORE Than Other
Senior Living Communities.
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 WINTER 2025
We believe your best years are ahead
(of course, your past years were good too!)
Imagine a world where getting
older meant independence to do all
the things you love without having
to make sacrifices. Where you could
enjoy time with friends and family,
attend events in your community,
and remain active and mobile – all
while easily staying on top of your
health.
Well, at Element Care we believe
this is possible... and more.
Life is a balancing act between
the things you want to do and
the things you have to do - like
managing your health. Element Care
manages the balancing act for you
by providing personalized, reliable
healthcare to fit your needs and
lifestyle. Element Care services over
60 communities across the North
Shore, Merrimack Valley, and parts
of Greater Boston providing adults
55+ the healthcare they need while
still being able to live independently
in their homes.
Finding a doctor for your specific
needs and managing appointment
scheduling can be difficult, but at
Element Care we handle it all for
you. The doctors and specialists at
the Element Care centers provide
medical, dental, vision, and
hearing care, as well as behavioral
health, nutrition, and physical and
occupational therapy. Our team
makes it a priority that you feel
comfortable and safe during your
visits.
All-inclusive care also means
personalized care. Whether in the
Personalized Healthcare
for Older Adults
Element Care PACE is coordinated care for quality of
life. Element This unique Care PACE care model is coordinated provides complete care for quality of
medical, life. This unique social and care home model care provides services to complete adults
55+ medical, across social the North and Shore, home Merrimack care services Valley to adults
and 55+ parts across of the Greater North Boston. Shore and Merrimack Valley.
Call today to see how we could help you stay
independent, in your community.
comfort of your living room or the
bustle and excitement of one of our
seven PACE centers, the Element
Care PACE team is here for you.
With locations in Lynn, Gloucester,
Beverly, Lowell, Methuen, and
Brighton our centers make your
medical appointments into a fun
day out. Enjoy lunch, socialize with
friends and even enjoy a group
exercise class or a game of Bingo.
A schedule of activities is available
and safe transportation is provided
to and from your home. For those
who prefer the familiarity of their
own space, Element Care PACE
can provide in-home support, and
personal care.
At Element Care PACE, we want
you to live your life to the fullest
without fear your health needs
might get in the way. Our program
provides the support to make that
happen. We believe independence
and all-inclusive care are not
mutually exclusive, and health and
happiness go hand-in-hand. And
at Element Care, we believe youth
doesn’t go away with age. So,
cheers to your future years.
If you or a loved one could
benefit from Element Care, call
today to talk to our knowledgeable
staff and find out if you qualify at
(877) 803-5564 (TTY 711). Or,
learn more online at elementcare.
org.
Medical
Dental
Vision
and more!
No cost for MassHealth and Medicare eligible. Contact us for
Medicare only and private pay options. Participants must receive
all health care, primary and specialist physician services-other
than emergency services-as authorized by PACE or be fully and
personally liable for costs of unauthorized services.
1-877-803-5564 (TTY 711) elementcare.org

SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING WINTER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 13
Where to turn to for help in navigating financial challenges
StatePoint
Managing your finances can be
challenging, especially when you’re
not sure where to turn for help.
Darlene Goins, head of
Philanthropy and Community Impact
at Wells Fargo, shares practical tips
and lesser-known resources for taking
the next step forward at various stages
in your financial life.
What’s happening: You need
guidance and funding to launch your
small business.
What you can do now:
Securing capital can be especially
challenging if you don’t qualify
for a traditional bank loan. A
Community Development Financial
Institution (CDFI) can help. These
specialized lenders provide financing
to small businesses, organizations
and individuals, and are suited to
helping new business ideas get off
the ground. CDFIs offer such options
as term loans, lines of credit, credit
cards and real estate financing. Many
also provide consulting, coaching,
education, connections and financial
planning at low or no cost.
Certified by the U.S. Treasury,
CDFIs raise low-cost capital
through grants and low-interest
funds provided by the government
and banks like Wells Fargo. The
more than 1,000 CDFIs nationwide
collectively manage over $436
billion. Wells Fargo has a longstanding
commitment of supporting
CDFIs through philanthropic grants
and investments that help extend
capital to businesses nationwide.
CDFI matching services available
through the Small Business Resource
Navigator are made possible by
a donation from Wells Fargo to
Community Reinvestment Fund, USA.
What’s happening: You received
notice of a rent increase.
What you can do now: Don’t
assume you have to accept a rent
increase. If you’re a responsible
tenant with a solid rental history, you
may have more negotiating power
than you think. The best time to start
the conversation is one to two months
before your lease renewal. Come
prepared with research on comparable
rental rates, a list of your strengths as
a tenant, and a clear ask — such as a
lower monthly rate, a longer lease or
added amenities. A respectful, wellprepared
conversation could lead to
tangible savings.
The Wells Fargo Foundation
provides grant funding to
organizations that can help. For
example, SaverLife offers free
financial tools and resources,
including scripts for negotiating rent.
What’s happening: You and your
family are facing financial pressures
related to a disability.
What you can do now: Consider
leveraging a tax-advantaged savings
program, like an ABLE account, to
help cover qualified expenses such as
education, healthcare, transportation
and more.
Available to anyone in the United
States, these accounts offer a way
for people with disabilities and their
families to save without potentially
impacting their eligibility for public
benefits.
The National Association of State
Treasurers is building awareness
about ABLE accounts through the
ABLEtoday program. ABLEtoday
partners with state treasurers to
provide plan comparisons, best
practices and strategies to help
families maximize savings.
What’s happening: You worry
you’re missing out on eligible tax
credits and deductions because
you can’t afford a professional tax
preparer.
What you can do now: Take
advantage of free, IRS-certified
tax preparation services to ensure
you’re claiming every benefit you’re
eligible for. These services are offered
through trusted community-based
organizations supported by Prosperity
Now. Through a recent Wells Fargo
Foundation grant, $200,000 was
deployed to 15 organizations across
12 U.S. markets and will help
qualified experts prepare over 20,000
tax returns at no cost, returning an
estimated $25 million to households,
according to participating nonprofits.
Many of these organizations also offer
year-round financial coaching and
help navigating public benefits.
Whether you’re negotiating rent
or filing taxes, lean on available
resources so you can do so with
greater confidence and more support.

14 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING WINTER 2025
Tech support scams exploit your reliance on the experts
StatePoint
Ever received an unexpected alert
by text or email claiming there is a
problem with your computer that the
sender needs your help to fix? That
could very well have been a tech
support scam.
The scammer impersonates an
expert that may have more technical
knowledge than you and pretends
there is a problem with your system or
device that you can’t see.
They want your personal
information, passwords and access to
your systems, and the easiest way to
get it is to ask you for it. These things
give scammers the keys to install
programs that steal personal and
financial information saved on your
computer or phone and do tremendous
damage.
Tech support scams can be
delivered in a variety of ways.
Sometimes they cause a pop-up
on your screen that looks like a
legitimate message from your
software provider. Sometimes they
create lookalike websites or web ads
that list fraudulent phone numbers.
If you call, the scammer will ask for
personal information and in some
cases, payment for services needed to
“fix” the problem.
No matter how the scammer
approaches you or what story they
tell, the aim is to cause you to
panic that something is broken or
compromised and may lead to loss
of access to your valuable records,
photos, etc. This is especially
upsetting to those who may be less
tech-savvy, especially when scammers
are able to convincingly impersonate
trusted brands.
There are ways to protect yourself,
your information and your devices,
though.
The most important thing to
remember is not to panic! Scammers
want you to react out of fear and
respond without thinking. Pause,
breathe and take time to verify.
Contact trusted brands through their
official websites and exercise a zerotrust
approach, particularly when
someone unknown contacts you with
unsolicited advice.
Tech companies will not call you
directly and won’t ask you to call
them. They also won’t ask for your
passwords, one-time passcodes or
remote access to your computer. Other
red flags to watch for include:
• Someone claiming to want to help
applying undue pressure, claiming
time sensitivity
• Demands for payment –
particularly in an irretrievable form
(cryptocurrency, gold, cash, wire
transfer, gift card, money order, etc.)
• Requests for your personal
information, passwords or account
numbers
• Calls from phone numbers
that are legitimate but unexpected,
unknown, private or a phone number
that can’t be found on the company’s
website
Actions you can take to protect
yourself from this type of scam
include:
• Restarting your computer if a
pop-up appears and freezes your
screen.
• Keeping your systems and
antivirus up to date and running scans
regularly.
• Not clicking links if you receive
a message or alert and instead, typing
in the official website address and
making contact to verify whether
there was a legitimate request.
• Disconnecting and independently
locating a customer service number
for the brand in question, then calling
to verify the IT support contact was
legitimate.
• Blocking unknown numbers and
email addresses.
• Never giving anyone your
password or verification code, and
making sure passwords are not the
same for multiple places.
If you are scammed, it’s critical to
take immediate action to minimize the
damage the fraudsters can do. Contact
your bank, financial services providers
and credit bureaus to alert them and
institute a freeze. And file a report
with the Finance Trade Corporation.
To learn more about scam
prevention, consult PNC Bank’s
Security and Privacy Center (pnc.
com).
Tech support scams can be
expensive. Be extra cautious when
someone claims to be IT support.

SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING WINTER 2025 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 15
What to know during
respiratory virus season
StatePoint
As temperatures drop and people
spend more time indoors, the flu and
other respiratory viruses can spread
easily. Fortunately, you can take
precautions to protect yourself, your
family and your community.
The American Medical Association
(AMA) recommends that all eligible
Americans — everyone 6 months
and older (with rare exceptions) —
get vaccinated against flu as soon as
possible. While the timing, intensity
and severity of each flu season is
difficult to predict, vaccination is
always the best way to reduce your
risk of severe illness from flu — and
the best way to protect your loved
ones and community by slowing its
spread. Flu vaccination also reduces
missed days of work and school,
prevents added medical costs, and has
even been associated with lower rates
of cardiac events among people with
heart disease.
Based on preliminary data,
the CDC estimates that getting
vaccinated against flu reduced the
risk of hospitalization due to flu by
about 40% in adults and 50-60% in
children during last year’s flu season.
However, fewer than half of all people
nationwide received a flu vaccine last
season.
“Last year’s flu season was one
of the worst in the United States in
15 years, and the statistics speak
volumes. The low vaccination
numbers resulted in more than
620,000 hospitalizations and 27,000
deaths related to flu illness,” said
AMA president, Bobby Mukkamala,
M.D. “We cannot afford to repeat this
pattern. We strongly urge everyone
who is eligible to get a flu vaccine as
soon as possible, ideally before illness
begins spreading widely.”
In addition to flu, other respiratory
viruses with potentially serious
complications are expected to
circulate again this year, including
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and
SARS-CoV-2.
The AMA encourages all adults age
75 and older to get vaccinated against
RSV, as well as adults ages 50–74
with certain medical conditions who
are at increased risk for severe RSV.
The RSV vaccine is not an annual
vaccine, so those who have already
received it do not need another dose.
Families should also familiarize
themselves with the options to protect
infants during RSV season, including
vaccination during pregnancy or an
RSV monoclonal antibody for infants
and young children. Most infants will
not need both options.
Anyone 6 months and older who
wants a COVID-19 vaccine should be
able to get one. Certain populations
are at increased risk of severe
outcomes from COVID-19, including
adults age 65 and older, those with
underlying medical conditions,
patients who are pregnant, and
children 6 to 23 months of age.
The AMA encourages you to speak
with your physician or other health
care professional to determine which
vaccines are best for you, and to call
your doctor or pharmacy to make an
appointment for flu and other shots.
AMA recently launched infographics
to help patients and physicians cut
through vaccine confusion and have
open, honest conversations with each
other. The infographics can be found
at https://ama-assn.org.
Additional health precautions,
such as covering coughs and sneezes,
frequently washing your hands,
improving indoor air quality, and
staying home when you’re sick,
can also help reduce the spread of
viruses. This respiratory virus season,
take these steps and get up to date
on vaccinations to stay healthy and
protect those around you.
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

16 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR ACTIVE LIVING WINTER 2025