Cardiologist: Top 10 Health Benefits of Walking

Boulder, CO: The Frasier Vakuru Marimba Band took center stage in Boston on November 5, 2025, delivering a show-stopping performance at the 2025 LeadingAge Annual Meeting & Expo. Their appearance helped celebrate the installation of Frasier President & CEO Christie Hinrichs as Chair of the LeadingAge Board of Directors.The 12-member ensemble, residents of Frasier, a senior living community in Boulder, guided by their talented instructors at Kutandara Studio, played to a packed audience of more than 6,000 attendees. The group performs high-energy traditional African music, with strong roots in Zimbabwean marimba. Their name, Vakuru, is a Shona word meaning elders, honoring both the tradition of marimba music and the experience and wisdom of the musicians who play it.The bands formation began in 2024 after Frasier residents and marimba enthusiasts Max Krimmel and Bonnie Carol donated nine African-style marimbas to Frasier. Max built and hand-crafted the instruments himself, making the gift especially meaningful. Their gift launched a campus-wide musical movement and helped inspire the creation of two dedicated music studios on Frasiers campus, supported by more than $200,000 in resident and donor contributions. Today, these spaces serve as hubs for rehearsals, instruction, and joyful music-making.The Vakuru Marimba Band takes class once each week with their instructor and practices another day or two each week during eight-week sessions in the fall and spring. They perform regularly for the Frasier community. To prepare for their Boston debut, they devoted even more additional rehearsals to perfecting their sound!Working with older adults at Frasier has been a joy, says Amy Stewart McIntosh, Executive Director and co-founder at Kutandara. What's unique about this group of folks is the range of musical experience they bring; some made their livings as professional musicians, while others had no experience at all - and everywhere in between! We don't use written music to learn, so it challenges everyone to work together as a community of learners. The desire to perform naturally grows out of feeling successful as a team.Resident player and donor Bonnie Carol added, When Max and I donated our marimbas to Frasier back in 2021, we knew the amount of physical and mental study to learn the marimbas as well as the community produced by a band would be very beneficial to elders. Were thrilled Frasier could imagine those benefits and support the creation of this program.Vakuru Marimba band members include Jean Berwick, Susan Bogatin, Bonnie Carol, Diane Coulter, Joanne Dukes, Linda Gore, Reggie Gray, Kay Forsythe, Max Krimmel, Sara Mayer, Mitch Stahl, and Stephanie Wrotny. They are taught and coached by Kutandara Executive Director Amy Stewart McIntosh and Board Member Kari Armstrong.About FrasierFrasier is an independent, not-for-profit Life Plan community in Boulder, Colorado, committed to supporting older adults in living rich, meaningful lives. Its 20-acre campus includes independent living, assisted living, memory support, a wellness center, and on-site skilled nursing and rehabilitation services providing comprehensive care for nearly 500 residents. Founded in 1960, Frasier proudly celebrates 65 years of service to seniors. About Kutandara StudioKutandara uses joyful, group percussion to create meaningful and personal connections through music. The organization believes that music inspires, transforms, and binds us to one another and to the world around us. Its mission is to provide opportunities for people of all ages to experience the joy and interdependence of making music together. Learn more about Frasier Seniors Blue Book Listing

Forget everything you've heard  about "aging gracefully" - Dr. Giselle breaks down why looking good after 55 isn't vanity, it's wellness. This no nonsense guide explores how body contouring procedures like liposuction, skin tightening with Renuvion, and strategic med spa treatments (tox and fillers) can dramatically improve quality of life for older adults. Learn why your body works differently after menopause, why diet and exercise aren't always enough, and how the right aesthetic interventions can boost mobility, confidence, mental health and social engagement. 

The search for the right primary care doctor can feel overwhelming. Many patients express frustration with long wait times, short visits, and difficulty accessing their physician when they need them most. In todays fast-paced healthcare environment, finding a doctor who prioritizes patient care is more important than ever.   One emerging alternative is Direct Primary Care (DPC), a model that shifts the focus back to the patient by eliminating insurance hassles. Instead of dealing with copays and billing, patients pay a flat monthly fee for direct access to their doctor, longer appointment times, and a more personalized healthcare experience. Availability and Access How long will it take to get your first appointment? Some traditional practices have months-long waits. In contrast, DPC providers typically offer initial visits within a week, ensuring you receive care when you need it. Office Experience Time spent in the waiting room can be a major frustration. In conventional practices, patients may wait an hour or more before seeing the doctor. DPC practices prioritize efficiency, often reducing wait times to just minutes. Time With Your Doctor Short, rushed appointments can leave patients feeling unheard. In many traditional offices, physicians are booked in 15- to 20-minute intervals, limiting discussion time. DPC physicians often schedule longer visits sometimes up to an hourallowing for in-depth conversations, thorough exams, and more thoughtful treatment plans. Communication and Follow-Up Reaching your doctor can be a challenge. Many patients endure long hold times or leave messages that go unanswered. In the DPC model, direct communication is key. Patients often have access via phone, email, or text for prompt, personalized care. Urgent Needs Medical concerns dont always arise during business hours. Traditional practices may not offer same-day visits, pushing patients toward urgent care or ERs. DPC providers aim to accommodate same- or next-day appointments, reducing unnecessary trips and ensuring continuity of care. Choosing a primary care doctor is personal. Look for a physician who is experienced, accessible, compassionate, and committed to your well-being. Asking the right questionsand exploring models like DPCcan lead to a more satisfying healthcare experience.   Editors Note: This article was written by Dr. Rebecca L. Byard, Family Medicine Doctor with Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh. She can be reached at 412-892-9170 or visit their website at wwwdirectcarepgh.com. See ad on pages 2-3.