Walking:
...most of us learned to do it early in life and every day we hear that is one of the healthiest forms of exercise. Most of us also think that we do plenty of it during the course of a day. But how much do we really do? And how much do we really need to do to benefit?
The following tips may increase the benefits and your enjoyment of walking:

• Walk at a steady pace, brisk enough to make your pulse and breathing increase, but not so fast that you can't talk comfortably.
  
• Don't worry about your duration in the beginning. Consistency is what's important. As time goes by and your fitness improves, you'll likely find yourself walking longer and picking up your pace.
  
• If there is a shopping mall in your area, find out if there is a morning walking program there. Mall walking is a popular way to exercise and meet new friends when the weather is bad.
  
• Find out about other organized walking groups in your community.
  

Do you have questions about your pension plan, such as:

1. How can I find out if I am entitled to a pension?
   
2. What should I do of I think I am entitled to a pension but my employer says I am not?
   
3. How do I find out who manages the company's pension plan?
   
4. Will I receive payments under my former spouse's pension?
   
5. What happens to my benefits when I die?
   
6. How does my Social Security benefit affect my pension plan?
   
7. What happens to me pension plan when I change employers?
   
8. Will my benefits be paid if my employer goes bankrupt?
   
9. Can I take early retirement?
   
10. Can I take a lump-sum payment?
    

Assistance Project is one of seven established in 1993 through a grant by the Administration on Aging  of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It began providing services to individuals in Massachusetts in 1994 and, in 1998, expanded its program to include all of New England.
The Projects is targeted at low- and moderate-income older people who live in New England. There are no strict income guidelines for the services. A secondary target of the project is middle-aged people who, although not yet eligible for a pension, must make decisions which will affect their future retirement income. These people are provided information and are included in the audience for community education.
If you have a problem that you think they may be able to help you solve, you can call the Project toll-free at

Or E-mail them at

Or Fax them a letter at

Or mail them a letter at
N. E. Pension Assistance Project Gerontology Unit
University of Mass. Boston
100 Morrisey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125-3393
It is not necessary to visit in person, but if you want to do that, please call first and make an appointment.