Pearce Plus Senior Services: 2011

A Should old acquaintance be forgot, just check your iPhone

The celebration of the new year on Jan. 1 is a relatively new phenomenon; it was celebrated in 2000 B.C. in mid-March, and the Egyptians and Persians began their year with the fall equinox.

The first time it was celebrated on Jan. 1 was in Rome in 153 B.C.; and in 46 B.C., Julius Caesar introduced a new, solar-based calendar, which synchronized the calendar with our planet’s journey back toward the sun.

The month of January was named for the god of all beginnings, the two-headed god, Janus.

One head looks forward, the other back, enabling him to see both the past and the future. Like Janus, at the new year, we often reminisce about the past year while at the same time resolving to try to do better in the future.

The Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah (sundown, Sept. 16) is a holy time when people reflect on wrongs in the past and make a promise to do better in the future.

When we lived in Japan, at Oshogatsu or New Year’s, neighbors felt it was very important to do everything as perfectly as possible on Jan 1, from having a spotless home to paying off all debts.

They feel that whatever you do on the first day sets the tone for the rest of the year.

I’ve always liked that idea; instead of making impossible-to-keep New Year’s resolutions, just try to get off to a good start.

My year has always started with two calendars — a large one that remains on the desk and a smaller version, which I carry with me and which, hopefully, I have kept updated with appointments from the desk version.

My daughter feels this system is positively medieval, and I agree that it is nowhere as efficient or impressive as her iPhone. Continued...

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Put Marianne down in the middle of any strange city, and the iPhone not only will have given her the directions by which she has arrived, but it will also find the best Chinese, Italian or French restaurant within any pre-determined radius and make reservations as well.

Additionally, she will have, the address, phone number and birthday of everyone she has known since she was 3 years old.

I mean, it is a truly impressive gadget and I see its many advantages; but in addition to the cost, the main reason I haven’t as yet, succumbed, is I think I lack the amount of time and stamina necessary just to master the basics of what it can do.

However, I recently read that the newest version will be voice-activated, and if I could just speak commands to it, I might be willing to give up my current system, although I think I might miss flipping through former calendar books to see what I was doing on, say, March 20th of any given year.

Which reminds me that “Auld Lang Syne,” the Scottish song sung at the stoke of midnight in almost every English-speaking country in the world, literally means “old long ago” or “the good old days,” so if I’m not always quite up to the minute or in step with the times, just chalk it up to the fact that I think there’s a lot to be said for a few old-fashioned ways and “the good old days.”

A toast to the past and hopes for a bright, peaceful tomorrow.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

A holiday note to those of you who might not have gotten my card

Do you remember when you were very young, how long it took for Christmas to arrive?

The weeks seemed to drag by until the day finally came. As I write this, as I do all my Sunday columns, a full week prior to publication, I can’t believe there are only six more days until Christmas.

Like the bits of red ribbon peeking out from my wrapping box, I still have a few trailing odds and ends to finish up. Two very big gifts bestowed upon me this past week are Val’s return home from a several-week nursing home stay at Apple Rehabilitation in Guilford and a delightful visit with my daughter, Marianne, who was briefly in New York following a business trip to Washington and before flying back to her home in San Francisco.

Along with what seemed to be the entire Shoreline population, I grabbed a train for New York this past Saturday. The day was cold but clear, and I snagged a last-minute discounted ticket to the matinee performance of “Follies,” an entertaining trip down memory lane for the senior set with some rousing numbers that brought the house down.

Literally, tap dancing my way out of the theater, I met Marianne for dinner, and then we proceeded to Rockefeller Center where I was able to show her this year’s magnificent tree and share with her the memory of my own mother explaining the story of the beautiful golden statue of Prometheus who, in defiance of the god Zeus, stole fire to give to earthly mortals so that we would not perish.

Then, after looking at the Saks 5th Avenue windows, we made our way from 50th Street down toward Lord & Taylor at 38th Street (a long walk on a cold night), passing street dancers and pretzel hawkers along the way. This area is now a wasteland in so far as nice department stores are concerned.

Gone are Peck & Peck, Russeks, Best & Co., De Pinna and, of course, beloved B. Altman at 34th. Lord & Taylor’s windows as always, tell a story, are animated and the very spirit of Christmas. By now, my feet and legs were giving out and with no taxis in sight, Marianne spied one of those bicycle pedi-cabs and overcoming my hesitancy with the perfect logic that I had, after all, ridden in one while in Thailand, we climbed inside and snuggled under the welcome warmth of a blanket. Despite my misgivings, our bicycle driver skillfully negotiated careless pedestrians and aggressive cabs, and we did arrive safely at Grand Central where I bid good-bye to my daughter.

And, dear reader, I must now do the same to you, with warmest wishes to you and yours for a happy, healthy holiday season.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

Once seniors start clicking away on computers

Today’s families seem to be busier than ever, and more and more families are also separated by long distances. While it can be true that certain technology such as cellphones and the Internet can make meaningful conversations obsolete, it is just as true that these devices can be a wonderful means of allowing families to be in frequent touch with another, to share news and pictures, thus bringing everyone closer together.

Recent advances such as Skype even allow us to see one another as we chat. Trouble is, many seniors feel intimidated by some of today’s technology, and even though more and more information will appear exclusively via the Web, too many people have no easy way to learn how to use a computer for their own special needs.

Many lucky seniors are being introduced to the virtual world through an innovative program created by the visionary company Connected Living, and launched here in Connecticut in 15 Benchmark Senior Living communities, including The Village at Mariner’s Point in East Haven.

Last week, I watched a demonstration at Mariner’s Point in the computer lounge where a visiting Connected Living “ambassador” was helping residents send and receive email, share photos and even watch and discuss some old-time favorite television comedians.

The group was not only learning how to connect with their loved ones, but becoming more familiar with one another, an especially helpful way for new residents to become part of the community effortlessly and quickly.

The Connected Living ambassador was doing an outstanding job of determining what each senior hoped to gain by using the computer, and then guiding him or her through the steps to reach their goal. Residents are provided with a customized home page, and the resident decides who they wish to invite into the network. Family and friends receive an email invitation to join, and there is no cost to families or to residents.

Terri Sullivan, Connected Living’s Senior vice president of sales, explained that the company also uses a variety of technologies to help the varied needs of seniors, from screen magnification software to touch screens with large buttons. The system also helps family members feel part of the facility, as they are kept aware of special events, news and announcements that they can then share and discuss with their loved one.

Sullivan impressed me with her enthusiasm, knowledge and understanding of senior issues. She says it is so important that seniors realize how the world opens up once they gain access and knowledge about the Internet.

The company also knew that it needed to provide continuing help, not just put computers out on tables. One 88-year-old resident in an Illinois community became so thrilled when he learned how to scan a photograph and send it to his family, it re-ignited a long-dormant interest in photography.

Founded in 2007 in Quincy, Mass., Connected Living is a modern success story of seeing a need and filling it in an intelligent, caring way. New projects include the introduction (through some government grants) of a program in public housing where it could help residents earn their GED diploma and find jobs, and partnering with local high school students who earn community service credits by working with seniors on technology.

Sarah Hoit, CEO of Connected Living, feels, “Access to technology is social justice. This is the 21st century. It’s not OK to not be connected.”

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

Nothing wrong with giving yourself an early present

Although I’m trying to prioritize and simplify this Christmas, going into New York to see the lighted displays and especially the tree at Rockefeller Center, has been a time-honored tradition since I was a child.

Last week, I did just that, but instead of combining it with any shopping in the crowded stores, I spent most of the day in a way that never fails to refresh and delight me ... visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

In addition to the Met’s own exquisite, traditional tree adorned with angels and creche pieces made in the 18th century, their newest gallery, several years in the making, and featuring masterpieces of Islamic Art, is now open.

More than 1,000 objects from the Islamic Near East, Central Asia, India and the Islamic West, Spain, North Africa and southern Italy, are in the collection. The suite of 15 galleries, organized by geographical area, cover a span of 1,300 years and highlight the many distinct cultures involved.

The galleries are simply overwhelming in their scope and beauty. There are immense, intricate carpets, delicate and beautifully embellished glassware and china, glazed and colorful ceramic tiles, daggers and swords with jeweled handles, engraved panels and doors excavated from India and Iran, fragments of delicate Egyptian textiles, paintings, exquisite calligraphy, and indeed, an entire room replicating one of the grand residences of 18th-century Damascus.

The beauty and the variety of the objects and the care and elegance of the way they are presented, is nothing short of magnificent. As readers of this column know, my two passions are theater and museums, and I go to both as often as possible, but this exhibit left me breathless and once more uplifted and encouraged by the beauty humans are capable of creating. It also made me want to seek out, small but unique and perhaps hand-fashioned gifts for those I will be remembering this Christmas; the kind of gifts, incidentally, that are more usually found in our excellent local shops, the Guilford Art Center and our church fairs and bazaars.

This past Sunday, courtesy of the invitation of an old friend and neighbor, I was able to partake in another cherished Christmas tradition; this time, a live theatrical musical adaptation of the much beloved, Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at the Shubert Theater in New Haven. It was an excellent and charming production, but if you missed seeing it, many movie versions will be on various television channels between now and Christmas.

Now that I’ve nourished some of my own needs, I can start to consider how to make Christmas a special time for those who are important to me. My heartfelt wish is that you are all able to do the same.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

Somewhere along the line we simply lost our way

Black Friday has come and gone and still my email and letter box are filled with so many specials from “one day only,” to “25 percent any day of your choice,” to “friends and family” discounts and “lowest price of the season” that even if I was in a get-ready-for-Christmas mood (which I’m not, having just barely digested Thanksgiving), I am so thoroughly confused, I wouldn’t know where to shop for what.

One Target employee, Anthony Hardwick, who is a hero in my book, decided he wanted to spend the holiday with his family and not at work. He went to the Internet site Change.org, which was known for a recent petition to get banks to roll back debit card fees.

Thinking a few friends or family members might sign, Hardwick created a petition requesting stores to maintain normal business hours. He was surprised at the huge response. More and more people feel these should be holidays, not national shopping days.

Blue laws once banned shopping on Sundays as well as major holidays; now Massachusetts and Rhode Island are the last states to restrict shopping on Thanksgiving. A recent study that tracked prices found that contrary to what many believe, the best prices for many major household purchases was not on Black Friday, but during the January clearance sales.

A new website, so far tracking prices only for electronics, Decide.com, will pull prices from around the web and help you decide whether to buy now or to wait.

I find all of this “shopping madness” beyond my comprehension. People are sleeping overnight in tents, so they can be the first in line, not to buy food for the table, but in order to buy one of a handful of bargain-priced, large-screen televisions or hard-to-find video games?

This kind of behavior seems especially out of sync with today’s economic picture, which has determined a new and growing classification of Americans, the “near poor.” Especially interesting, was the fact that more than half of the 51 million in that category had fallen into that group from higher income levels due to taxes and unexpected medical expenses.

Still, our Congress is considering cuts to, or privatization of, Medicare and at the same time refusing to raise taxes on the very wealthy. Single-parent households and aging widows are especially at risk of falling into the near-poor category as prices and the cost of living rise, but their incomes do not.

Another disturbing indicator for our economic future is the fact that the difference in college graduation rates between the rich and poor has widened by more than 50 percent since the 1990s. Our nation and indeed the nations of the world are in a period of great change.

In last week’s column, I wrote about my efforts to set new, more realistic expectations for the holidays along with more fulfilling ways to celebrate. Perhaps as a country, we need to re-think some of our values. We were a country that valued thrift, rewarded hard work, had compassion for the unfortunate and offered equal opportunity for all.

In our rush to consume, to be valued for what we own rather than who we are, those qualities that made us strong are often forgotten.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

Gatekeepers will be looking out for our senior neighbors

A unique program that helps seniors at risk, first implemented by St. Luke’s, a nondenominational charitable organization chartered back in 1865 in Middletown, is being introduced to New Haven County.

Known as The Gatekeeper Program, the goal is to educate community members (especially those who regularly are in contact with older adults) to notice and identify seniors who are potentially at risk or in need of assistance.

As Dwight Norwood, a social worker and director of the program explained, the breakdown of close-knit families and neighborhoods has resulted in many more seniors living alone who are isolated, depressed or in need of help.

Modeled after a successful program founded in Spokane, Wash., 32 years ago, Gatekeepers reaches out in a variety of ways to elderly residents living on their own.

The program works this way: A postal employee, beautician or neighbor notices signs that a senior is in need of assistance. They call the Gatekeeper at 855-ASK GATE, and report the elder’s name and phone number, their age, if known, the address or directions to the home and what their concerns are. The Gatekeeper’s name is kept confidential and their role ends here. Next, a trained professional senior advocate will establish contact, ask the senior if they would like some helpful information or a visit, and refer the senior to the appropriate community service.

Should the older adult refuse help, the advocate will determine whether that person is sufficiently at risk to warrant referral to Protective Services or a mental health professional.

In some cases, they may continue to monitor, but will not refer until the older adult is ready. Forcing assistance is never the goal, but the elderly deserve to be informed of alternatives and options that will preserve independence and enhance quality of life.

The Gatekeeper program is never a substitute for 911, but if any one call helps to prevent a senior from going to a nursing home, the potential saving to the state is $120,000 per year.

Signs that an older adult may need assistance are:

Unkempt appearance Continued...

Strong odors on person or in the home

Socially isolated

Depression, confusion or forgetfulness

Substance or alcohol abuse

Neglect of house, yard or pets

Physical decline

Caregiver stress (an older adult caring for a spouse)

The state will be setting up five new locations for the Gatekeeper Program, and hopes to involve and inform as many firms and individuals as possible.

If you would like to host an informational session for your staff, clients or organization, call Dwight Norwood at 855-ASK GATE during normal business hours.

This is an excellent opportunity for all of us to be alert and to lend a helping hand to those in need.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

Maybe it s time to take charge of holiday traditions

With two of my children on the West Coast and an increasingly frail husband, it is difficult for me to look forward to the holidays with the usual anticipation. Thanksgiving and Christmas are, after all, a time of family togetherness.

Additionally, the ever-increasing commercialization of the holidays (Xmas decorations now appear in several stores prior to Halloween, and some stores will open for business at midnight on Thanksgiving Day) make it difficult under the best of circumstances, to savor and enjoy each holiday in its own time frame.

Realizing the need to deal with my negativity and create some other options for enjoying this holiday season, I answered an invitation to attend a session of “Coping with the Holidays,” led by Georgette Wood, a professional counselor and wellness coach.

Georgette explained to the intimate group that the holidays often create more responsibilities, but not more time. We also are likely to expect more of ourselves and of others. And, of course, we all carry a fantasy image, created by the media and our own filtered memories of past holidays, of what the holidays should be like.

Somehow, it has become the responsibility of women to create the perfect holiday. We want the house to be beautifully decorated (a la Martha Stewart) we want to create the perfect meal and find the perfect present for everyone. Georgette suggested that we all ask ourselves:

-What options do I have?

-How can I create realistic alternatives?

-What can be eliminated, postponed or delegated?

-How can I celebrate in a different way?

The group talked openly about how to be more realistic in our approach. One woman who had recently lost her husband and who had always hosted Thanksgiving for the family, realized that this had to mark the beginning of a different tradition with another family member serving as host this year. Continued...

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We all talked about trying to set more realistic goals for ourselves, feeling free to say “no” to certain chores, to simplify where possible and to allow time and permission to be alone when necessary and not feel we must always make merry. Following are some general guidelines to follow:

1. Set manageable expectations. Make a realistic estimate of what you can do and make a list prioritizing the most important activities. Organize your time and spread out activities.

2. Problems occur even during holidays, and for some people it also brings back painful memories. It is OK to feel lonely or sad. One way to overcome these feelings is by helping others.

3. Take care of yourself. Exercise and get enough sleep. If finances permit, treat yourself to a massage.

4. Don’t compare this holiday with others. Circumstances change; enjoy the present for what it is ... a present.

5. Find new ways to celebrate. There are many activities to enjoy; quite a few cost little or nothing.

6. Remember to be grateful. We can’t change our circumstances, but we can change our attitude. Most of us here in America have many reasons to be grateful.

Wishing all of you a sane, satisfying holiday season.

-Georgette Wood, a wellness coach and counselor, can be contacted at 203-481-3757 or www.CreativeOptionsForLife.com.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

I'd never been to Barcelona before

Ola (Hello) Barcelona.

My very favorite thing to do is to go somewhere I’ve never been before, so when an opportunity to take a short break from work and caring for Val, occurred, I didn’t think twice before deciding to book a trip to Spain.

The timing turned out to be unusually fortunate; I didn’t know until my return that the flight to Barcelona left just prior to the unusual snowstorm that hit Connecticut. My good friend and travel companion on many other journeys, Barbara Borchardt, met me at JFK, and in a pleasant 7½ hours we were seeing the first light of early morning in Barcelona.

It was not far to our small, boutique hotel near the main boulevard, La Rambla, with all the elegant shops, outdoor cafes and nonstop bustling traffic of pedestrians, yellow and black mini-cabs and motorcycles dodging in and out.

Barcelona is an elegant city of wide, tree-lined boulevards and beautifully preserved old buildings; most of which do not exceed nine stories. Additionally, the climate is sunny and warm, so there are many outdoor cafes, lush parks with greenery and flowers and people strolling the streets until late in the evening.

Available too, are excellent museums, restaurants and shops; in short, a most agreeable city in which to live. As a contrast to the elegant, old buildings of the city, most of the furnishings in the hotels and restaurants tend to be minimalist, ultra-modern.

Our hotel room was done in black and white with light switches you can’t figure out, a telephone and television remote that look identical, and a shower so well hidden behind a gray sliding panel we didn’t discover it until the second night. But there was a balcony overlooking the avenue, a helpful staff and a bountiful breakfast every morning.

Barcelona has an excellent system of on-off tourist buses. You buy a two- to three-day pass, but spend the previous night figuring out which museums or sights are on the red, blue or green line; which are on your paid-for special museum pass, which are free, and which ones you have a discount coupon for — all important to consider as there are long lines for most exhibits.

The pre-paid museum pass, which our travel agent, John Weinstein of Adler Travel in Hamden had recommended, was a big time-saver, allowing us to go to the head of the line.

We visited the Miro and the Picasso museums. The later is located in a converted palace. Other outstanding sights were the building known as Casa Batllo, a townhouse featuring swirling staircases, oceanic images and hallucinogenic curves typical of the famed architect, Gaudi, whose many remarkable creations are located in Barcelona. Continued...

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Another madcap Gaudi masterpiece, La Pedrera, has a rooftop of giant chimney pots that look like medieval knights. Supposedly, they were the inspiration for the imperial stormtroopers in the “Star Wars” movies.

The most famous of the many Gaudi buildings, however, is the La Sagrada Familia, a modernistic version of a medieval cathedral, still under construction after more than 100 years. Although unfinished, it is the most visited monument in all Spain.

Dinner is late, usually 8:30 or 9, and my favorite is eating at a tapas bar, where you point to the many wonderful little dishes and snack away while having white wine. I had fried sardines, roasted baby peppers, clams, crispy fried petite potatoes, succulent prawns and ended with ice cream with macadamia nuts.

Wonderful. And all during the dinner, I was chatting with a young man from Sweden who was a dead ringer for Leonardo Di Caprio.

Even more terrific, food was on view the next day when we visited the Boquieria Market, a huge open-air market with exotic fruit, dazzling seafood, mouth-watering pastries, nuts, figs and chocolates.

A one-hour flight took us from Barcelona to Granada to see the indescribable Alhambra, an ancient Moorish palace with a breathtaking view of the entire city.

Unlike sunny Barcelona, we decided that the rain in Spain falls mainly in Granada, where it was also much cooler, one of the reasons the Moors built the palace as a summer residence. That same night, we saw flamenco dancing in a tavern situated in an old cave.

Barbara and I had planned to go to Cordoba, but we both developed some sort of intestinal virus, which kept us hotel bound for a full day, during which we took every prescription and pill we had brought with us and existed on tea and toast delivered by room service.

Still, it was a wonderful trip, and all too soon, time to head home.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

Noel Coward would not believe his ears

I’ve been watching and listening to the many Republican debates on television in order to try to take the measure of the man or woman who might possibly be called upon to lead our country out of the many knotty problems, both foreign and domestic, it presently faces.

So far, most of the candidates have seemed long on rhetoric and short on workable ideas. Whether Republican or Democrat, our campaigns seem to have deteriorated into mud-slinging bouts ... and we’re not even close to election time yet.

However, none of the candidates has shown the consummate skill of some famous past “insulters” who had mastered the fine art of the put down. A selection follows, and you, dear reader, may delight in finding these former sayings are a perfect match to today’s political figures. I leave you to figure out which fits who:

-“He is completely unspoiled by failure” — Noel Coward

-“Don’t look now, there’s one too many in this room and I think it’s you” — Groucho Marx

-“He can compress the most words into the smallest idea of any man I know” — Abraham Lincoln

-“Her only flair is in her nostrils” — Pauline Kael

-“He was trying to save both his faces” — John Gunther

-“He is a self-made man and worships his creator” — John Bright

-“He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts; for support rather than illumination” — Andrew Lang

-“The trouble with her is that she lacks the power of conversation, but not the power of speech” — George Bernard Shaw

-“He had delusions of adequacy” — Walter Kerr

-“He has all of the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire” — Winston Churchill

-“He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends” — Oscar Wilde

-“He has the attention span of a lightning bolt” — Robert Redford

-“A modest little person with much to be modest about” — Winston Churchill

-“They never open their mouths without subtracting from the sum of human knowledge” — Thomas Reed

And to describe how I felt after listening to several of these lengthy debates, there is no better quote than Groucho Marx, who once quipped, “I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn’t it.”

Just in case, at some future time you find yourself on the receiving end of an insult, some quick expert’s advice on how to handle it.

-Don’t react ... keep neutral.

-Ask why they are attacking you.

-If you have unintentionally made a mistake, accept responsibility for your actions and apologize.

-Anger, hurt and insecurity are at the root of most insults. Insecure people call attention to the shortcomings of others in order to cover up their own perceived inadequacies.

-Respond with humor.

-Talk away and let them look bad for stooping to an insult.

However, if you are like me, you will think of the perfect comeback at around two in the morning, when it is too late to do anything about it.

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at 101 Hotckiss Grove, Branford, 06405.

Jaunts around New England make this a colorful time of year

After a disappointing start with unseasonably warm, humid weather and periods of heavy rain, fall has finally arrived and our neighborhood is starting to sprout Halloween decorations, talk of football and the World Series is in the air, and it’s time to plan some fall trips and enjoy this all too brief and special season.

I’m already signed up for two trips; one of them with the Guilford Library group going to Salem, Mass. The other, later in the month, a much-needed break from work and caregiving, will take me further afield.

Lots of opportunities exist for quick trips to off-the-beaten track places that result in that getting-away-from-it-all feeling. Here are just a few suggestions:

-Clyde’s Cider Mill, Old Mystic. Tour the only steam-powered cider mill in America and sample hard ciders, apple wine and local honey. Make it a day trip or stay overnight at the Inn at Mystic where they even have cabins for families.

-At Mystic Seaport, they are featuring “Sights and Frights” on Oct. 28 and 29 with lighted pumpkins throughout the village and a roaming fortune teller as well as a costume parade for the youngsters. Call 860-572-5322.

-An overnight escape package is offered at the Interlaken Inn in Lakeville and includes a continental breakfast, a restaurant discount and a $25 Mobil gas card. Call 1-800-222-2909 for details. The Stonecroft Country Inn in Ledyard has “Hide and Sleep” packages that are money savers.

-Visit your local AAA for driving tours to spot the best fall foliage. There is a Connecticut River Loop through Essex, Deep River and Haddam. Another tour follows Route 169 through Litchfield County. Internet sites or state tourist bureaus are also filled with good ideas for family or senior-friendly excursions.

-New Hampshire trips such as a visit to Franconia Notch State Park take travelers through a spectacular mountain pass traversed by a unique parkway. Great for picnics and hikes.

-In Ipswich, Mass., bring the young ones to Russell Orchard for apple picking, animals to pet and homemade ice cream. And if it turns warm, you can take a walk on nearby Crane’s Beach.

-Although Manchester, Vermont, is reported to be the top foliage town, Keene, N.H., takes top honors when it comes to pumpkins. In 2000, they had a record-breaking 23,727 glowing gourds decorating the quaint town. Their pumpkin festival is this weekend. Also this weekend and on Oct. 27-30 as well, at Phillipsburg Manor in Westchester, Horseman’s Hollow Nites includes a terrifying landscape with vampires, witches and ghouls haunting a beautiful old estate. Call 914-631-8200.

-Don’t feel like driving far? River Quest cruises depart from Haddam and offer views of Gillette Castle as well as fall color.

-You could also visit the Peabody Museum on Oct. 29 for their “Mysteries of Halloween” or plan an enjoyable spooky time at the always wonderful Ivoryton Playhouse where “The Woman in Black” starts on Nov. 2. Call 860-767-7318. There’s a Halloween concert on Oct. 31 at 11:59 at Woolsey Hall, 203-562-5666. A benefit concert at 8:30 and 10 p.m. Oct. 29 at Firehouse 12, 45 Crown St., New Haven, features silent horror films with live musical entertainment, 203-785-0468 or firehouse12.com. There will be dramatic readings of that old master of the horror genre, Edgar Allen Poe, Oct. 30 at Lyric Hall, 827 Whalley Ave, 203-915-9971. Small children would enjoy the Halloween party and parade from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Oct. 29 at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, 860-434-5542. The Essex Fright Train, a ride complete with ghosts, runs Oct 28-31; information at 860-767-0103, or perhaps you would like to take the Halloween Express on Oct. 29 and 30 at the Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston, where costumed passengers will be taken on a scenic 20-mile ride, 860-283-RAIL.

With so much to do and see and with our state and New England at its leafy loveliest, if you don’t find something to do, the goblins will surely get you.

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at 101 Hotckiss Grove, Branford, 06405.

Let go of all of the things you no longer or use

Many people today, out of economic necessity or out of a desire to live a simpler, more meaningful lifestyle, are questioning the long-held premise of more is good.

They realize that working harder than ever to buy more stuff is not making them more happy. Lily Tomlin’s comedic wisdom hit the nail on the head when she quipped, “In today’s rat race, even if you win, you’re still a rat.”

It’s time we left the rat race and joined the human race and thought about the future of our precious planet and the others who also inhabit it. Living more simply doesn’t have to mean scrimping or a monastic-like lifestyle. It is about living with balance and being more concerned with the quality of our health, our relationships and the contributions we are making to our families or in the workplace.

As a senior adviser whose daily work entails helping other seniors leave the familiarity and space of a former home in favor of a more secure, sociable lifestyle, often in a smaller apartment or a retirement community, I am aware of how often all of us cling to things we no longer need or use.

We are not only owned by our possessions, but enslaved by the time required to purchase, pay, care and find space for them.

Even some of the so-called time-saving gadgets that seemed like such a good idea at the time of purchase, become frustrating, time-consuming problems, far beyond our mechanical ability to understand or to fix. Please don’t misunderstand: I have never been the type to grow my own veggies, make my own clothes, or even keep a neat, clutter-free home, although I have great admiration for those who can.

But I have always valued “doing” over “having,” and the older I become, the more I realize the importance of making the choices that enrich our lives over those that might enrich our pocketbooks or social standing.

The saddest phrase I hear from some seniors is, “I wish I had.” I’m often asked, when is a good time to get rid of things and make a move?” You can’t start too soon to get rid of things and simplify your life ... most of us have far more than we realize. As to when to move, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

I often hear the expression, “I know I need to move, but I’m not ready yet.” My usual reply is, “How will you know when you are ready? Will the sky light up with the words, ‘NOW’?”

The ideal time to make a change is before you actually need to. Youth thrives on risk and uncertainty, but as we age, we too often become fearful of any change; yet life itself involves constant change.

Although I have not, as yet, owned any Apple products, I read and watched the eulogies and remarks of many people who knew Steve Jobs. He was undoubtedly, one of the most brilliant minds in his field and even of this century. But in addition, he had a commitment to perfection and its pursuit, and he lived a life devoid of frills or excess. He was a vegan, had a fairly modest five-bedroom home in Palo Alto, Calif., and his standard outfit was blue jeans and a black turtleneck, so that he didn’t have to waste time deciding what to wear.

Already diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he told Stanford grads in a commencement speech in 2005, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it on living someone else’s life.” He believed in living your passion and as a result, it is truly amazing how passionate many people are about the products he developed.

However, like many business executives, he could be ruthless in order to succeed. While Apple products were designed in America, they consisted of component parts made in China in factories with little concern for the health or comfort of their workers.

While Steve Jobs may have redefined our music, cell phone and computer industry, it will be interesting to see what the Apple legacy contributes to our cultural well being.

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at 101 Hotckiss Grove, Branford, 06405.

Volunteering - when you give, you get

I’ve always believed that volunteering should be an important part of everyone’s life.

With more leisure time in our senior years, volunteering is not only an opportunity to do something useful and fulfilling, it is, I think, an obligation we owe to society. But if your volunteer work is going to be truly rewarding, both to you and to others, it must be something you really enjoy doing.

Lisa Sellman, a professional dog trainer and author, has volunteered over time with 16 different organizations and has developed some suggestions on how to choose the right volunteer opportunity.

She feels that many people get roped into volunteering for an organization because their boss is involved with a charity or a family member is working on a community project. That’s fine, but only if the project is a match for your personal interests.

The most important aspect to volunteering is to find what you love and direct your energies into a charity or organization that matches those passions. If you are an animal lover, work with a wildlife rescue mission or animal shelter. If you are a nature buff, there are plenty of environmental foundations that can use an extra set of hands.

If sports is your thing, community recreation centers need coaches for needy kids.

Already covered in this column have been articles about helping others hone their reading skills, recording books for the blind, driving those who no longer can drive themselves and helping to raise funds for a favorite cause or charity.

No matter your interest, you can match it to a cause that needs help. Sellman also advises that it is important to watch your schedule. While you want your passion to direct your choice of project, you don’t want those volunteer projects to rule your schedule.

Make sure you balance your time carefully so the rest of your life and family time doesn’t take a critical hit.

Most organizations will take as much time as you offer them, and the most rewarding work usually takes more of a time commitment. But even if you only have an hour or two each week, they can use that, too. It is also important to have fun.

Helping others is its own reward, but it shouldn’t feel like a chore. If you’re not enjoying your volunteer work, you need to ask yourself why. Is it the tasks you are performing, or the people you are working with, or is it just because the situation is new and unfamiliar? Knowing what is bothering you can help in deciding how to proceed.

Following are some suggestions to help in finding the right volunteer opportunity:

‰Would you like to learn something new or develop a skill?

‰Would you like to work with others or on your own?

‰Are you better behind the scenes, or do you like a visible role?

‰How much time can you commit?

‰How much responsibility are you ready to take on?

‰What skills can you bring to a volunteer job?

‰What causes are important to you?

Visit different organizations and get a feel for what they are like. Ask lots of questions. Sometimes you need to try a few before finding the one that really suits you.

Some helpful websites include www.volunteermatch.org (put in your zip code and skills and up comes opportunities in your area), www.getinvolved.gov/ and www.idealist.org.

As we go to press, AARP just announced it is joining forces with Experience Corps, a highly regarded program that engages older adult volunteers to help improve K-3 literacy in underserved schools. Information at www.aarp.org/experiencecorps.

And do write and let me know if you find your perfect “match.”

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at 101 Hotckiss Grove, Branford 06405.

Remind me again what's so golden about these years

“The question isn’t at what age I want to retire, it’s at what income.”

— George Foreman

Somewhere, I read a statistic that said, “As a group, retirees are better off than most Americans.” That is probably true for some — the lucky ones with pensions from big companies, all their kids through college and substantial bank accounts. But for myself and most of the people I know, retirement has come with some unexpected surprises.

No matter how carefully we think we have planned:

-The cost of living keeps increasing. If you stay in your current home — which many retirees decide to do — the taxes, heating and cooling, the needed repairs, all keep going up in cost. An added expense is outside help for chores you once did yourself when you were younger or more agile or for those done by a now-departed spouse.

-You spend more on entertainment and eating out. You need diversions if you are home more. With more free time, the travel and entertaining you always wanted to do take a bigger chunk of available funds.

-It’s harder to borrow. When you are a nonworking or part-time employee, it is difficult to get a loan at a reasonable rate, so if you anticipate redoing the kitchen or buying a new car, do it while you are still working.

‰Early retirees who are not yet 65 have to be self-insured. That’s a very big budget item, assuming they can find medical coverage at any price. The age of entitlement for Medicare is going up, but the good news is that recent laws say pre-existing conditions cannot be held against you.

-Adult children require help. With the unemployment rate hovering around 9 percent, some adult children not only need monetary help, some are returning home to live while searching for work.

-Illness requires paid help at home. Unless you have had both the funds and foresight to buy long-term health insurance, temporary or permanent help to relieve one spouse from some of the wearing responsibilities of caring for a failing partner is an unexpected and overwhelming expense. Nursing home care is even more expensive.

Contrary to a popular misconception, Medicare does not cover long-term nursing home care. You need to use your own funds before going on Medicaid, so planning well in advance (there is a five-year look-back) with an elder law specialist, is essential.

For me, the bright side of retirement is getting that Social Security check each month and continuing work that I enjoy, but with more flexible hours.

I can laugh at many of the things that worried me when I was young, such as:

Am I thin enough?

Am I pretty enough?

Will I land a really good job?

Will I finally meet Mr. Right?

Will I be a good mother?

Now that I am older and wiser, these worries have been replaced by:

Am I thin enough?

Do I still look young enough?

Will I keep my really good job?

Can I hang on to Mr. Right and how will I manage without him?

Was I a good mother?

Oh well! Whoever said that life was easy at any age.

Editor’s note: Last week’s column had the incorrect number for the Yale decision-making study. It is 203-737-2779.

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at 101 Hotckiss Grove, Branford 06405.

You just think you know how you actually think

Imagine for a moment that you had to make a choice between tossing a coin and winning $100 if it fell on heads or skipping the coin toss and instead receiving $40 for sure. Which would you do?

Your answer will probably not only depend on your financial circumstances but also on your immediate need for cash and even your current mood.

Studies, however, also show that our preferences are very much a result of inherent tendencies; some of us are risk-takers while others play it safe.

In other words, value is a subjective matter.

What happens in our brains during the decision-making process is the subject of a current study at the Yale School of Medicine and also provided a fascinating discussion for me one recent morning when I met with Ifat Levy, the charming young assistant professor of comparative medicine and neurobiology at Yale.

While there have been other studies of how the decision-making process works, the Yale study is particularly interested in finding out how the decision-making process changes as we age. The Yale study is focusing on adults 65 and older

and their decision-making process in two major areas: money and medical treatment.

However, the results have ramifications in all kinds of decision-making from political and career choices to something as seemingly simple as to whether or not to try a new food.

Now, let’s say that you are asked to choose between a sure gain of $10,000 or a 50 percent chance of getting $20,000, what would you do? Many would avoid risk and take the sure gain. But in real life, the probable outcomes are not so precisely known — making choices more frustrating and difficult. Until recently, it was thought that all of our decisions are based on self-interests.

But new studies have shown that there is often a more complex set of rules, such as social interactions, that can significantly influence the way we compare and weigh the risks and rewards.

We may make a different decision when we are part of a group than when we are alone.

Additionally, using a type of brain visualization known as functional magnetic resonance imaging, researchers have learned that when individuals were given advice by a financial expert, certain parts of the brain that were involved in independent decision-making became less active.

Some of the decision-making burden is “off-loaded” onto the adviser, thus facilitating our ability to make a choice.

Medical decisions can be especially difficult for seniors and their families and some past studies indicate bad news always registers more strongly than good news (which is why marriage counselors say that it takes five compliments to make up for one critical remark). Recognizing this, Yale researchers hope that their results will lead to an ability to train doctors in the art of presenting medical information and results to patients in the best possible way to aid them in making the best treatment decisions.

While mathematical approaches to predict decision-making tendencies of consumers were studied and used as far back as 1960, the neuroscience of decision-making and how the neurons within the brain function to assemble information and make a decision, is fairly new.

Effective communication between regions of the brain enables all the information concerning inputs, memories from past decisions and cost-benefit assessments to be processed and evaluated.

If you are 65 years of age or older and would be interested in helping science and being monetarily rewarded as well, you can be part of the Yale study. There are two sessions of only one hour each during which you will answer a series of questions and play a simple game. You are paid between $40-$300 for the sessions as well as for transportation and parking.

To find out more, call (203-7737-2779) or e mail decision@yale.edu.

Meanwhile, a fascinating book on the subject, “How We Decide” by Jonah Lehrer, explains not just how we decide some of life’s puzzling choices but helps us to do it better. For example, the author says, “Paying with plastic changes the way we spend money. When you buy something with cash, the purchase involves an actual loss while a credit card makes the transaction abstract.

Different parts of the brain are activated if the loss lies in the long term future. The London Observer says, “How We Decide” could change the way you think about thinking.

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at 101 Hotckiss Grove, Branford, 06405.

It's a most wonderful time of year

Many people look upon the end of summer with a sigh of regret; sorry that the days for swimming, sunning and picnics have passed all too quickly.

As for me, I’m happy to put away wrinkly linen pants, thong sandals, sleeveless Ts and all-white accessories and welcome autumnal golds, greens, tans and brown; long sleeves, cardigan sweaters, jackets and cool breezes through open windows.

I love and am energized by fall. I feel excited by the resumption of a regular routine and by the menu of fall classes, exhibits, music and theatrical performances. How lovely to be able to plan without worrying if the weather will be hot and humid or cold and snowy. There’s not even a major holiday to be concerned about or prepare for until late in November.

Officially, autumn is September-November in the Northern Hemisphere and March-May in the Southern.

The Irish calendar, based on ancient Celtic tradition, designates fall as August, September and October, while Australia says fall is March 1 to May 31. How very odd.

Unofficially, in America, fall is the day after Labor Day through Thanksgiving, but it is the most special time of year here in New England, where we are famous for our beautiful foliage, mulled cider and many harvest festivals.

Before the 16th century, the season was not known as autumn or fall, but the term harvest, was used. The Jewish Sukkot holiday has its roots as a harvest festival of tabernacles or huts in which the harvest was processed.

Both the Chinese Moon Festival and some Indian festivals are also tied to the time of harvest. Autumn is the season for the goddess of learning, Saraswati, so it is also a good time to think about enrolling in that class you have always wanted to take or an opportunity for self-improvement. It is also interesting to note that since the year 1997, autumn has become one of the top 100 names for girl babies in the United States.

All three of my children were fall babies, with my daughter arriving in late October, just four days after my own birthday.

Whenever possible, I have always planned my vacations for the late fall; the crowds are gone, and the weather is invigorating and conducive to sightseeing. One year, an unexpected crisis at work prevented Val from taking our planned vacation to Italy, so I went by myself, and I can vividly recall being in Florence, all alone on my birthday, in late October. Awakening to a clear blue sky and perfect day with a beautiful city to explore, I felt there was nowhere else I would rather be, nor anything else I would rather be doing. It is still one of my most treasured birthday remembrances.

To slightly paraphrase that great Frank Sinatra number, “Autumn in Connecticut ... it’s good to live it again.”

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

Touches of humanity provide the light in our darkest times

Whether man-made (such as 9/11) or wrought by nature, disasters have two things in common; they bring neighbors closer together in a humane desire to help one another, and they put the small, day-to-day troubles in a new perspective.

This past week, in my area of powerless Hotchkiss Grove in Branford, I haven’t heard even a murmur about the stock market, unemployment or the economy.

In an all-electric house where even my cell phone refused to operate, I would have felt isolated, indeed, but for neighbors with the foresight to have gas grills or stoves, who brought over tea, soup, scrambled eggs and more.

I was able to make some business calls for clients from my desk at Pearce Plus Senior Services in North Haven, which had power. I was so impressed by the outstanding efforts of many of the senior retirement communities and other local business people who worked around the clock to provide services despite difficulties and disruptions.

Of course, the major difference between a disaster caused by Mother Nature and a man-made act of terrorism, is the later, being intentional, is beyond comprehension and especially cruel. While Val and I did not lose any close friends in the 9/11 disaster, witnessing the unthinkable as we watched the fall of those two spectacular buildings on television, was an intense personal moment for both of us.

We had each formerly worked for companies with offices in the twin towers; Val on the 83rd floor of one tower and myself on a high floor of the other building. We both could vividly recall the breathtaking views from the Windows on the World restaurant on the uppermost floor.

The heroic acts of that day are now part of the legend of 9/11, recorded for history in film, books and a still incomplete, memorial and museum.

I am sure there will be stories of heroes that will continue to emerge after the effects of Irene are cleared away and forgotten. My heart goes out to the people in the towns of upstate New York and Vermont where so much suffering and major damage occurred.

While I was thankful to suffer only minor inconveniences for a few days, I did wonder why CL&P, in a display of incredibly poor public relations, chose this moment to discuss the need for possible rate increases. It was not information anyone needed to hear at this point in time.

I am also starting to hear some strident voices of certain politicians and others who would use tragedy as a punishment from God for any law they happen to disagree with, be it gays in the military or expanded health care. They claim they want us to unite in prayer, but their agenda is actually divisive and self-serving.

Meanwhile, I am making every effort to follow the recommendation in the framed poster over my desk, a copy of one popular in London during the war years. It reads, “KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.” Good advice for all of us, no matter what the situation.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

No one in Nigeria wants to send you a red cent

Fall is coming, but that’s no reason to fall for one of the many scams created to entrap the senior population. Seniors are a favorite target of the unscrupulous because it is thought that they have a lot of assets, are naive enough to believe in claims of quick profit, have trouble remembering, and, being isolated, welcome company. They are also less likely to report it when they are scammed.

While people in the 60-plus age group represent 15 percent of the population, they are 30 percent of the fraud victims. If you often respond to contests or sweepstakes, you are probably on a “sucker” list and may hear from someone who says they can help you recover money lost to a con artist.

Some of the most popular types of scams perpetrated on the Internet, by mail or over the phone are these:

‰Nigerian letters that ask recipients to provide bank account numbers to help share in a big pot of money.

‰Letter or email that says you have won a sweepstakes or Canadian lottery.

‰Charities. Watch out for “sound-alike” names. Nonprofit and charitable groups must file IRS form 990. You can check on their legitimacy at www.guidestar.org or www.charitywatch.org or by calling 773-529-2300.

‰Credit card fraud: Keep an eye on your card at all times and shred all statements and receipts so a counterfeit card can’t be made. Also, don’t buy worthless credit card protection policies. Your liability is limited to $50.

‰Contractors who “just happened to be in the neighborhood.” These guys are rarely licensed or insured, often ask for a large cash payment up front and often never return to complete the work.

‰Home equity and refinancing scams: Easy financing for improvements and home repairs, but the loans they arrange are secured by your home and carry high interest rates and other costs. Refinancing can be very costly and have a low rate which adjusts to a much higher rate in a few years. Never sign a blank contract or other documents which can be filled in later.

‰Investment fraud, pyramid schemes (sometimes called investment clubs or gifting tables or circles).

‰Health fraud: Promoters who claim valuable medical information is being kept away from consumers, secret formulas that no one else has, infomercials that look like news, but are advertisements.

‰Be suspicious if you hear: You have won a prize or free gift. You must act immediately or lose out. You must pay for shipping for your free gift. You are asked for a credit card number to verify you have a card. A courier will come to your home to get your payment.

‰Never reveal financial information to a caller on the phone or allow strangers into your home.

‰If your purse or wallet is lost or stolen, you need to act quickly. Hopefully, you have kept a list of all your credit cards and bank accounts in a safe place at home. Then ...

1. File a report with the police immediately.

2. Cancel each credit and charge card.

3. Report missing cards to the major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, 1-800-525-6285; Experian, 1-888-397-3742; and Transunion, 1-800-680-7289.

4. If your ATM card was in your wallet, alert your bank and get a new card and pin or password.

5. Report missing driver’s license to the DMV.

If you become a victim, call the police. You may need a police report as proof. Contact state or local law enforcement agencies such as the prosecutor’s office or state attorney general. Also, the National Center on Elder Abuse, www.ncea.aoa.gov; click on “Find State Resources.” The agency can also be reached by phone at 800-677-1116.

Another good source is the Consumer Action Hotline at 415-777-9635. Help others by reporting any incident you think could be a scam to the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357, or your state attorney general.

Even so-called “brilliant” individuals have been scammed. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

Study would reveal supply of common sense dwindling in America

Every so often, some prestigious institution, after spending prodigious amounts of money, makes, what they feel, is a revolutionary pronouncement.

Some facts that have come to light after long and expensive research studies reveal that men and women approach problems in different ways, women executives doing the same work as men receive less remuneration, and women who work and have families put in 1½ times as many hours per week as their husbands. Is any of this a surprise?

Even my Mom who never went to college had figured out that honey and lemon was just as effective for a sore throat as the expensive cough syrups. (Consumer Reports just published an article on a study which verified that).

I have never understood why we need teams of researchers, interviewing hundreds of people or a cross section of a multitude of focus groups to find out why pre-made hamburger patties outsell plain chopped meat. Four women could interrupt their bridge game long enough to give you the answer, “Pre-made patties are quicker and easier.”

Much of what the “experts” eventually discover is a plain as the nose on your face, to begin with.

Is common sense such a rarity that we must supplement it with weighty facts and costly studies?

Also beyond my comprehension, is why nowadays we need celebrities to promote absolutely, everything. Banana Republic has come out with a line of clothing inspired by the “Mad Men” television series. Elizabeth Taylor, the first to use her name to promote perfume, has been followed by Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears and Justin Bieber. Are we unable to judge anything on its own merits anymore?

Must it have a logo or be “endorsed by” in order to have value? The faces of the Hollywood elite are featured in the ads of the fashion magazines and the movie magazines report on who was wearing what designer fashion, where.

Do we rely too much on the opinions of others instead of making the necessary effort to think for ourselves? Robert Todd Carroll in his illuminating book, “Becoming a Critical Thinker” says, “When we are thinking critically, we are using our knowledge and intelligence effectively to arrive at the most reasonable and justifiable position, possible.”

If we become lazy about forming our own opinion on everyday objects that we purchase, how are we to ponder the many more complex issues that face our country today? When so many experts told us that bank deregulation and sub-prime mortgages were safe and would stimulate growth and now were proved wrong, how to distinguish between expertise that is biased and that which is more likely to be correct?

David Freedman, a professor of statistics at the University of California and author of “Wrong,” a book about why experts keep failing us, says that it is important for us not to surrender our own judgment just because an expert projects tremendous confidence. He says that you can find data to support many different conclusions, and that some experts discard data that doesn’t fit with the conclusion they were after.

Accurate information is only as accurate as the source, and many economists are now on the payroll of the large banks, and doctors sit on the boards of drug companies. We need to seek alternative views and to have a healthy skepticism.

In these days when our government seems so ineffective and people are both scared and angry, we should be especially careful to weigh all the facts and not jump to conclusions. We do not make good judgments when terrified or angry. Given an expert who equivocates on some things and one who is dramatically certain, we choose the one with conviction because we like the promise of big, dramatic change.

Clarence Darrow said, “Delusions are always more alluring than facts.” We sorely need citizens and politicians who will thoughtfully question all values and opinions and make decisions only after careful consideration. A good place to start might be less time spent on pleasurable distractions and a little more on serious reflection.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

Ladies, we outlive the boys by a number of years, so consider this

But older women, who outnumber older men, depend on Social Security to provide as much as 90 percent of their income when they run out of their retirement funds.

Because many of today’s older women did not earn a pension and because they live longer than their partners, Social Security is the only thing standing between many women and poverty. Women, on average, accumulate less income than men in retirement because they are more likely to have held part-time jobs, interrupt their careers to care for children or elderly family members and they still only earn about 77 percent of what men earn, according to census data.

It all means that women have less working years to pay into Social Security and since they live longer than men, they also incur more medical costs, causing them to deplete their savings.

Meanwhile, due to economic conditions, the ability of Medicare and Medicaid to meet the coming demands for care, is being challenged, with some reforms almost inevitable. Both MetLife and The Guardian have departed the long-term care insurance industry, and John Hancock and Genworth have raised rates.

However, two very large assisted-living companies have announced that they will begin offering families the option of converting existing life insurance policies to long-term care plans by working with Life Care Funding Group, so that families can exchange a life insurance policy in order to be enrolled in a long-term benefit plan that will pay a monthly amount directly to any of their facilities.

It is important for life insurance policyholders to know that at the time of lapse or surrender of their policies, they have a variety of alternative options to consider.

Life insurance policies are unqualified assets for Medicaid eligibility and are counted against an applicant if they are beyond any state-allowed exemptions. The conversion option, however, is considered a qualified spend-down and is now a strategy that can be used by long-term care providers.

Many seniors have been unaware that their life insurance policies are valuable assets and can be used in this way, and as a result, some of them let their policies lapse.

When times are tough, too many people are tempted by “get-rich quick” schemes and seniors, because they grew up in more innocent and trustworthy times, are especially vulnerable. A future column will cover protecting yourself from prize scams, but seniors, like everyone else, should remember to seek advice before making any major decision.

Call an elder law attorney or your local Agency on Aging at 203-785-8533 or The Shoreline Eldercare Alliance at 1-800-426-5086 for help.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

Buy gas early or late in the day and try to fly on Wednesdays

In today’s busy world where good service is becoming harder and harder to find, choosing the right time to accomplish your tasks can make all the difference. Try the following hints for the best (and worst) times for completing your “to-do” list.

Best time to shop for groceries — Supermarket traffic is lightest on a weekday morning and busier in the evening and on weekends. Produce is freshest on Tuesdays and Fridays, which are the usual delivery days, or check with the manager to learn their delivery days.

Best time for a doctor’s appointment — The first appointment of the morning or the one right after lunch. It is also perfectly all right to complain in a polite manner if you are kept waiting more than 20 minutes.

To buy a gym membership or join a weight-loss program — January is when these places offer special deals so that folks can keep their New Year’s resolutions. January is also the traditional month for those “white sales.”

Workout — When you feel most awake. Despite conventional wisdom, if you want to lose weight, you should work out before eating anything. If you are looking to perform better or are in an event, then eat light, first.

Cheapest day to fly — Wednesday, followed by Tuesday and Saturday. The very first flight in the morning, the “red eye” flight or after lunch or dinner. The best day to buy your airline ticket is Tuesday. Check prices on Farecompare.com.

Buy gas — Early in the morning or after sunset. The Environmental Protection Agency advises that cooler temperatures at those times of the day mean less evaporated gas emissions (less pollution and more bang for your buck.

Have hip replacement surgery — According to Dr. Frank Frassica of Johns Hopkins, people who are the least satisfied with their hip replacement surgery have it too early. When pain and disability are disrupting your life, then it is time to consult a surgeon. Age is also important since hip replacement devices have a life expectancy of 15-20 years.

Best time of day for any surgery — If it can be scheduled for early in the morning, you are likely to have less pain and nausea. Also, early in the week is better than near the weekend when hospital staffing is minimal.

To buy that car you’ve been wanting — The last days of the month in September, October and November. This is the time of year the new models arrive and dealers are trying to meet their quotas.

Best time to walk your dog — Early or late in the day during the summer months; midday in cold weather (unless Fido is giving sure signs of needing to go out sooner). Dogs can’t sweat, so they are more susceptible to heat exhaustion than humans and unless they have a heavy coat of hair and are of a rugged breed, they mind the frigid weather, as well.

Worst time to get a prescription filled — The beginning of any month when many people receive their Social Security checks and pharmacies are really busy. A recent study also found that there’s a 25 percent increase in medication errors during the first few days of any month.

Worst time to have any elective surgery — July or August, especially if you are booked into a teaching hospital where new medical interns are just starting. By winter or the following spring, they have had time to gain experience and in the event of complications, your doctor is less likely to have left on vacation.

Even with all of the above advice, I’m reminded of the words from one of my favorite songs from “La Cage Aux Folles”:

“What’s left of summer

But a faded rose?

The best of times is now

As for tomorrow, well, who knows?

Who knows? Who knows?”

“So hold this moment fast

And live and love

As hard as you know how

And make this moment last

Because the best of times is now,

Is now, is now.”

May all your times, be the best of times.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

Passing along a few passing thoughts on departing from this life

Although death is an inevitability that every living creature shares, it is also, for the most part, a subject that remains taboo in our society. However, this past week, several unrelated events all brought the subject front and center and made me realize it is, perhaps, something we should take time to seriously ponder.

First, I visited a longtime friend who recently, and rather suddenly, lost her husband to cancer and now, like so many older women, must somehow find new meaning in a life without a loving partner.

Then, on July 31, Val and I celebrated 58 years of marriage, and although Val, ever the engineer, figured that meant we had had 21,170 breakfasts together, I am well aware that we may not have many more anniversaries to share.

I also made what will probably be my final sojourn for the summer into New York to view the highly publicized blockbuster exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum, “Savage Beauty,” a collection of the extraordinary designs of Alexander McQueen, who at age 40, recently committed suicide. That same afternoon, after meeting friends for lunch, we all attended a matinee of a new musical, “Death Takes a Holiday.”

As to the McQueen exhibit, which closes at midnight today, the dramatic method of showcasing about 100 of his designs was exceedingly well done. The clothes themselves were more esoteric works of art than anything wearable.

Feathered finery that made the mannequins look like birds of paradise, sequined tights, “armadillo” boots with 12-inch heels, outfits often topped with voluminous headdresses or metal face masks.

Although many viewers felt McQueen’s creativity made you see fashion in a new way, I thought many of the designs, even when weirdly stunning, were macabre and completely unwearable by anyone, anywhere.

McQueen used the runway as a theatrical stage, casting his models as part of a huge chess game, floating underwater or consumed by fire. He called his shows “my own living nightmare.” I left feeling that he would have been an exceptional theatrical designer or artist in a different medium. For me, the beauty of clothing design lies in the fabric, the cut and the wearability of the fashions.

The new musical show, “Death Takes A Holiday” is almost like an operetta, so much of the play is sung and sung beautifully, by an excellent cast. The story, of course, involves death deciding to take a brief holiday to find out why people fear him and also to learn what living is like.

He falls in love and realizes the wonder and beauty of life. His dilemma is that in order to keep his love, she will have to “depart” with him. “Death Takes a Holiday” is a beautiful and uplifting show and makes us realize that although death awaits all of us, meanwhile, as one of the show’s songs says, “Life is a Joy.”

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

Doctor-patient conversations need not be a lost art

For me, one of the few worthwhile results of our recent heat wave was that confined to the blessedness of our centrally air-conditioned home, I finally got around to cleaning out some files.

In so doing, I came across some useful information regarding helping your physician to help you.

Almost past remembering now, there was a time when doctors made house calls, knew all their patients and the patients’ families, intimately, and had unlimited time just for you. The family doctor was a lifelong friend with whom good conversation came easily.

Now, although there are more elderly people, there are fewer physicians, especially those specializing in geriatric care. Due to diminished budgets, doctors have a very limited amount of time to spend with each individual, so good communication between doctor and patient becomes even more crucial.

Some doctors speak a simple language and make an effort to simplify and explain. Others, equally competent, speak a medical jargon that only another doctor can understand. Of course, each of us has our own style of communicating and what one person likes in a doctor, another may not.

Some people prefer the direct and concise, briskly-down-to-business type. Others, want and need a personal relationship, someone who is warm and supportive. Naturally, it goes without saying that it is important to choose someone with an excellent medical reputation.

If you go to a new area or are finding a new specialist, check the medical licensing board in the state to see if there are any complaints filed, or contact People’s Medical Society at 462 Walnut St., Allentown, Pa. 18102. Also make sure the doctor is board certified by calling American Board of Medical Specialties, 1-800-776-CERT.

As a first step to good conversation, you need to ask yourself, “How much do I want to know?” Some people don’t want all the details about their bodies and a treatment plan. They want the doctor to make all major decisions. Other people (and I’m one of them) come armed with a list of questions and want to know all the facts and will usually get at least one more opinion if a surgical or long-term treatment is involved.

The second step is to communicate to your doctor about your feelings and what is going on in your own body. You should not be ashamed to talk over any changes in your lifestyle, including problems like drinking or drugs. Don’t withhold information; something you think is minor could be important. Be sure to include any stressful happenings, including difficulties with a child, spouse or parent.

Third, take notes or ask someone to come with you. Under stress, we all listen, selectively. Make sure you understand any instructions the doctor has given you. If you are not sure, ask the doctor to repeat or rephrase.

Be careful, however, about sounding adversarial; doctors are human and become defensive if they feel they are being attacked. If you need more information, ask the doctor to suggest reading material. Be wary of websites advertising and selling products that claim to improve your health.

The federal government’s Department of Health and Human Services has a website to help people find information at www.healthfinder.gov. Many associations and voluntary organizations (some devoted to specific diseases) are also an excellent source of information.

The more you know and can communicate clearly to your doctor, the more successful the relationship and the state of your health will be.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

Some folks pay good money for the advice I'm about to give you here

Summer is a time of warm weather, longer days generally filled with sunny skies, green grass and flowers; it’s a time to relax, take it all in and enjoy. But some of us are so weighed down with worries and numbed by problems, that they are simply trying to survive each day.

Although I count myself a most fortunate individual, there are times when trying to care for my increasingly frail and forgetful husband, Val, and continuing my work as a senior adviser to others puts so much pressure on me that I can become negative and resentful.

I am also witness to the struggles of both friends and clients who are trying to deal with issues such as the death of a loved one, a major move, divorce or unemployment.

What I am slowly learning is that happiness comes when we learn to stop wishing that circumstances were different; when indeed, they are beyond our control. Happiness is figuring out the best way to react to what is happening, here and now. It is the everyday choices and habits that fill our days and how we think about them.

I have always been a planner and goal-setter; not a bad characteristic in areas where control is possible, but now I am in a situation in which definitive future plans are impossible. Although this is difficult and contrary to my nature, I am trying to learn to live in the moment.

At times. I can clearly recall my mother’s voice, when I would want the time to move quickly toward some anticipated event, “Jeanie, live now. Don’t wish your life away,” she would say. Here’s what I’m finding helpful:

Exercise: With a bad ankle, walking distances is painful, but water exercise not only strengthens my body, it is a natural antidepressant. Although it is not always easy to get up for an early morning class at the Shoreline Y, it is the most energizing way to start the day. For others, a walk in the woods, or exercising with a friend can make a big difference in how you will feel for the remainder of the day, as well as improve your sleep at night. Choose a form of exercise you enjoy, do it regularly and you will find your happiness index will go up.

Plan Some Special Activities for Yourself: Make a list of things you really enjoy (or formerly enjoyed) and then develop a plan to accomplish one or two each week. Perhaps finances or time no longer permit long vacations or trips to New York museums and theaters. There’s the Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art right in New Haven, the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme and so many outstanding theater groups, that they are too numerous to mention here.

You might take a day trip with a club or senior group, attend a local lecture, read a stimulating book, and then share it with a friend. Just do whatever makes you feel good.

Learn Something New: Take a class and make new friends while learning something different, whether it is a foreign language, photography, golf, painting; choices are endless and focusing on a new hobby takes your mind off your troubles and makes you feel good about yourself. Fall course catalogs will soon be out, so start thinking about it now.

Spend Time With People Who Help You Feel Good: That may or may not include family members. Sometimes, certain friends are the ones who make us feel at our best ... seek out these people, even if you haven’t seen them in awhile and suggest meeting for coffee or a picnic lunch. Reach out to strangers ... a warm smile or kind remark can brighten the mood for an entire day.

Accentuate the Positive: Sometimes at the end of a difficult day, I have to remember to look for three good things that happened that day for which I am grateful. I even jot them down and at the end of the week, I realize anew, how very much there is to be grateful for. Hardest of all for me but perhaps most important is to ...

Live in the Moment: Do you sometimes find yourself worrying about the future so much that only your body is physically present? If so, you are dwelling on things beyond your control and missing what is here and now. All any of us have is today, this hour, this moment. It is our choice to make this a summer of happiness.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

We the people ignore issues of importance at our own peril

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

— Abraham Lincoln

When my mother was alive, she used to point out to me that England, in some respects, had a superior form of democracy than America; citing police who only carried nightsticks, not firearms; the government-supported free broadcasting station; elections not dependent upon raising huge sums of money; and, lastly, the British habit of automatically forming an orderly queue.

The fact that she grew up in England and was likely to remember some of it through rose-colored glasses may have prejudiced her viewpoint, but she would have been aghast (as I was) when details emerged about the closing of News of the World, Britain’s most-read Sunday newspaper. Investigations on both sides of the pond have been launched into the blatant flaunting of the law by Rupert Murdoch’s staff and the degree of power over the police and top politicians which Murdoch, himself, wields.

One can only hope that this expose will lessen his power to make or break key figures in government.

Of course, he still owns the widely read Sun tabloid, which likely will now publish on Sundays, replacing the closed News of the World. Here in America, he owns the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post.

While our press, so far, has not stooped to the gossipy, vindictive level which seems to be the British norm, the ever-increasing appetite for news of celebrities and pseudo-celebs is fed by magazines, gossip sheets, Twitter and Web sites devoted to rumor, rancor and ridicule.

Time Inc.’s most widely read magazine is not its flagship news magazine, but People, which is mostly filled with news and gossip of movie stars and celebrities.

Since news can be disseminated at lightning speed, as it is now, we tend to absorb it in sound bites; there is often too much coming at us to be able to deeply consider any one issue. I was surprised at the consuming interest in, as well as the almost violent reaction to, the verdict, in the recent Casey Anthony trial.

While Anthony turned out to be a disgusting person and pathological liar who was probably responsible for her daughter’s death, I wondered why so many followed the trial so closely and obsessed over the death of one small girl, but never became informed or upset about the millions of children slain in Darfur or, for that matter, how cuts in health care clinics here in America will affect many children.

As many leading newspapers have folded (and with them the demise of investigative reporters and crusading editors), as our television news has become less analytical and more sensational, as news stations like Fox (another Murdoch property) hire people in politics as newscasters and consultants, we are very much in danger of repeating Britain’s mistake in our own country.

This could serve as a wake up call for America. We need to support noncommercial television, insist upon accountability from all news media, full disclosure of income sources for candidates and their spouses, as well as for judges and members of the Supreme Court, and limits on corporate contributions to political parties and candidates.

The health and vigor of our democracy is dependent upon the trustworthiness and impartiality of our news sources, and in our paying attention to issues of importance rather than seeking pleasure placebos in slick gossip or flaming rhetoric.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

One more thing before you go - on vacation, that is

Whether you are traveling far away or just taking vacation time nearby, you want to relax and enjoy it and not be worrying about your house while away. Here’s a suggested list of things to take care of before you go:

IN ADVANCE

-Deliveries. Ask a neighbor to pick up mail, newspapers, etc. on a daily basis while you are away. For longer vacations, notify the post office to hold all your mail and stop delivery on your newspapers.

-Trash. Have a friend get your garbage and recycling to the curb or keep it in the garage until you return. Do not leave cans out for the week.

-Plants and Animals. Make arrangements to have someone water your plants and feed and walk your pets or call in advance to make boarding arrangements for your cat or dog. If going away for a lengthy vacation, it is good to give your pet a short “trial run” well in advance to be certain they will adjust to their new environment. Also, make arrangements for lawn to be mowed and outdoor shrubs to be cared for.

-Security. You may wish to contact your local police station to let them know you will be away. In some areas, they will periodically check your home. If you have alarm systems, be sure they are in working order and notify the companies that you will be away. Also, be sure to leave word with a neighbor. Buy light timers and put them in place. Valuables should be taken to your safety deposit box. Check your homeowner’s insurance to be certain it is paid up and offers needed protection.

-Contact. Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to serve as the contact person for the police and the alarm company. That same person should have your complete itinerary and cellphone number in case of an emergency. They also should have a key to your home and know how the alarm system works.

Remember to bring them a thank you gift from your travels.

-Car Travel. Have oil changed and tires checked. Make sure the GPS is in working order, or get appropriate maps from AAA. Prepare emergency kit for car and if traveling with children, pack snacks and games.

-Bills. Often overlooked, but especially important nowadays with high late charges on bank credit cards. Pay these in advance, or call your credit card companies to determine when your next billing cycle is due.

BEFORE LEAVING-Food. Dispose of any perishables that go bad quickly. Change pets’ water bowls and kitty litter box. Leave ample supply of food for them.

-Electricity. Turn off lights that are not on timers. Unplug all nonessential appliances and electronics. For longer periods, also turn off electric water heater at the circuit breaker. If it is very warm, leave the air conditioner on a low setting.

-Doors and Windows. Leave shades and curtains in their normal position. Secure all windows and doors, and place metal rods in the track of sliding glass doors.

-To conserve water and prevent flooding, turn off all faucets inside and outside the house. However, if water is needed for plants or animals, leave a supply in pitchers or in the refrigerator.

-Post your list of what you have done prior to leaving so that upon your return, you remember to restart all appliances, turn on water, pick up your mail and any boarded animals. You might be surprised how easy it is to forget something if you don’t check it off after coming home.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

We need extra-large fish hooks and more women as heads of state

A few days ago, I very nearly earned the imbecile of the week award (and if there isn’t one, there should be).

I had put two plastic shopping bags on the back seat of the car; one containing some old summer clothes destined for Goodwill, the other contained a brand new bathing suit which I planned to return to T.J. Maxx.

As I reached the end of Hotchkiss Grove, I noticed a small container for used clothing on the right side of the road and decided that would be an even quicker drop-off than stopping at Goodwill. I pulled over and then, always in a hurry, I grabbed a plastic bag and tossed it down the chute.

It wasn’t until I reached the store that I realized I had inadvertently grabbed the wrong bag and had just donated a brand new bathing suit. Feeling annoyed and foolish, I drove back to the “scene of the crime” and looked at the container.

The container was completely secure, although there was a name and phone number on the front. Wishing I had a long fishing hook of some kind, I drove home dejectedly.

However, it started me thinking about the many things we sometimes do in haste and then regret: the criticism uttered that we wish we could recall, the action taken without enough forethought or the ill-conceived plan because we had an idea and hurried to get the desired result.

This also brought to mind the numerous recent scandals caused by several famous men known for their brilliant minds who did such stupid things that one can only think they must have momentarily blacked out.

I’m sure both former Gov. Schwarzenegger and U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, along with Eliot Spitzer, Mark Sanford, John Edwards and Sen. David Vitter all wish they had that long fishing hook of recall, but today’s lightning rod media movement gives no one a second chance. And I have only mentioned Americans in government who have strayed.

The list would be considerably longer if it included Europeans and Hollywood men.

According to David C. Geary, professor of psychological sciences in Missouri, men who pursue politics are also pursuing power, and one reason they don’t even think about getting caught is that there seems to be a correlation between testosterone and risk-taking with severity of the consequences underestimated.

Geary added that “women, on the other hand, tend to focus on the potential harm of the consequences.” Now I ask you, dear readers, could there be a better argument not only for worldwide woman suffrage, but also for having the female sex as heads of state?

We would probably achieve an end to wars, a balanced budget with money left over for outstanding schools and social programs to cover the young, the poor and the elderly.

The men, meanwhile, could put all that testosterone and competitive spirit to building better interstate highways, developing innovative ways to save the environment, and vying with one another to see who would be anointed the next “Iron Chef.”

Incidentally, using my good feminine logic and powers of persuasion, I called and left several messages with the phone number of the charity listed on the aforementioned collection container.

Eventually, “Chick” responded and told me when he would be emptying said container, waited for me, and I was able to rescue the errant plastic bag with bathing suit intact.

P.S.: Chick was a real gentleman, and didn’t even try a fanny pinch as I bent over to retrieve the bag.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

Even a modest vacation will do us all some good

Even though this is a time when most of us are watching the budget, taking some kind of vacation time is a good investment in our overall well-being. With some advance planning, there are many ways to stretch those dollars.

First and foremost, many coupons and good deals are only available on the Internet now, so if you have not become computer savvy as yet, enlist the help of grandchildren or a neighbor and promise yourself to sign up for a class in the fall or sooner.

When taking a trip by car, many new phones have an application for gas buddy which will alert you to the lowest gas prices in the area, wherever you drive. Another application, meal ticket, will track down reviews and coupons. Food is always a major expense so if you can possibly book a motel with a mini-kitchenette, you will be able to save on snacks, drinks and even a light meal if it has a microwave, as well.

Many motels and hotels offer a free or low-cost buffet breakfast, so with a little advance planning, you can limit eating out to one meal a day.

If you are renting a car, be sure to check what your credit card covers; many times you will not have to take the rental agency’s expensive insurance coverage. Using the Internet and sites such as Travelocity, you can save big on luxury hotels with their “Top Secret Hotels,” which supplies a list of hotels, their ratings and features.

You find out which hotel after making your booking so it offers excellent savings if you can be a little adventuresome. Airline bargains are hard to find. It pays to have a credit card that rewards in air miles, especially if your schedule is flexible and you can depart and arrive on days that are not as busy.

Remember that liquids, gels and aerosols must all be in 3-ounce-or-smaller containers, all placed in a clear plastic zip-top bag that does not exceed 1 quart. Put undeveloped film in your carry on, and wear easy on-off footwear since you will need to remove your shoes.

Don’t wrap any gifts, remove all items from pockets and by all means, arrive early. If you have a disability or wear a prosthetic device, notify security ahead of time. Animals and children need to be held and carriers and strollers should be folded as they will go through the metal detectors.

You should have your boarding pass, federal or state government issued photo ID, and passport (if required) in hand or easily accessible. My personal favorite for airline travel is a Vera Bradley handbag. The quilt fabric is lightweight and the many compartments are ideal to keep everything handy.

Also invaluable are the special TSA locks for your luggage. They can be opened by security using a master key, but not by anyone else. They can be reached by phone at 1-866-289-9673 or emailTSAcontactcenter@dhs.gov. You can also use www.tsa.gov/mobile to check on airport status, security wait times, etc., before leaving.

TSA also offers links to travelers health tips, vaccinations, disease outbreaks and how to plan ahead for illness and injury abroad.

After an unhappy incident in Morocco, I now always bring an antibiotic prescribed by my physician to combat severe diarrhea, as well as a decongestant, antimotion sickness pills and some hydro-cortisone cream in the carry on.

Now is also the time to book a money-saving repositioning cruise for late fall. You will spend more time relaxing on the water as they visit fewer ports, but the price per day is a real bargain, and they usually have great entertainment. Lindale Travel specializes in repositioning cruises. Call 1-800-269-7836 or check with your own travel expert.

Lastly, if you can’t go very far, our own state as well as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont and New Hampshire offer unlimited possibilities. Each state has a web site and will also send excellent travel guides upon request. Your local automobile club also has a vast supply of guides.

Happy vacationing!

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

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