Get Smart About Your Heart
4 Tips to Improve Heart Health A crucial component of overall well-being, heart health can be a barometer for living a long, healthy, and happy life. Because heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, taking steps to reduce your controllable risk […]
A Love Story
By Janie Beharelle, 50 Plus N&V Reader This is not my love story, however, it is as touching and powerful as the popular Hollywood movie entitled, “The Notebook.” This is a true-life drama about a couple going through their journey with Alzheimer’s disease. As a nurse who cared for Esther while she was at […]
5 Timeless Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
On a day that signifies the importance of love and companionship, many people find it rewarding to show their loved ones just how much they mean. If you’re in the gift-giving spirit this Valentine’s Day, you may find a bit of inspiration with these ideas. Just remember, whether you’re celebrating the relationship with your significant […]
Finding Purpose in Winter’s Quiet Hours
By the time February arrives in Central Illinois, most of us have settled into winter. Holiday decorations are packed away, the new year no longer feels brand new, and the cold has a way of lingering just a little longer than we’d like. The landscape is quieter, the days are shorter, and time indoors seems […]
Your Retirement Income Checkup
7 Questions to Start 2026 Submitted by Tim Whisler, CRPC®, CLTC® Certified Financial Fiduciary® Retirement Income Planner at The Whisler Agency, Peoria IL. January is a natural reset. Calendars are replaced, resolutions are set, and we take a moment to look at the year ahead. Your retirement income plan deserves the same attention. Tax […]
The Joy of January Hobbies
January often gets a reputation for being cold, quiet, and a little bit dreary—but it can also be one of the most comforting, creative, and joy-filled months of the year. After the busy holiday season fades, the first month of the new year gives us something we seldom make enough time for: peaceful moments to […]
Hearty Ways to Warm Up Winter
Coming inside from a cold day calls for moments spent under a blanket, around a warm fire, and curled up with a hot bowl of delicious, comforting food. From chili to pasta, your winter menu is sure to feature filling dishes that warm you and your loved ones from the inside out. For example, you […]
You Are Recognized at Hopedale Commons Assisted Living
By Alexander Germanis As sad as it may seem, many of us feel barely noticed as we pass through life. Often, we feel as if we’re seen only as a number – our names meaningless, our faces forgettable, and our personalities inconsequential. When someone enters their senior years, that feeling can often be compounded, […]
Small Bites, Big Seasonal Flavor
With all the work ahead on magnificent main courses, stunning sides, and decadent desserts, there’s one element of the holiday meal that should remain easy and effortless: the appetizer table. However, “easy” doesn’t have to mean “plain.” Start the celebration with delicious hors d’oeuvres like Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheeseballs with just the right amount of […]
Finding Warmth and Wellness With Indoor Activities
By Jim Lovell, Snyder Village Marketing/Communications Director When the chill of winter settles in and outdoor activities become less appealing, it’s more important than ever to stay active and engaged indoors. For older adults, maintaining physical movement, mental stimulation, and social connection throughout the colder months can make a world of difference for both […]