FEBRUARY 27, 2025 BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO.
Busy schedule set for seniors
Allegany County Office For the Aging serves seniors
Seniors: Be wary of swindlers
Senior activities at the YMCA in Wellsville
Busy schedule set for seniors
By Savannah Barr
Senior citizens often struggle in the winter time to socialize with others and maintain their independence. But local senior centers are here to help with a variety of programs and initiatives.
“February is Senior Independence Month,” said Anna Kreckel, center services coordinator with the Department of Human Services for McKean County.
“Independence is critical for senior citizens because it means keeping them in their homes where they want to be.”
The department staff has posted an extensive list of all the upcoming programs on their Facebook page, Office of Human Services, Inc. There are senior centers in Cameron, Elk and McKean Counties offering compelling classes to entice seniors.
“Each center has its own personality where people have certain things they like the most,” said Kreckel.
“Some centers like musical performances, while other centers are big card players and still others have people who like to bring in treats to share - things like that.”
Most centers have a health and wellness component. Some of the classes being offered in the upcoming months are a chronic disease workshop, diabetes self-management workshops and exercise programs.
There are also fun activities such as birthday and holiday parties, line dancing classes and book clubs. Many centers have a craft program once a month, or opportunities to play games like BINGO. It is common to have regular card games or a jigsaw puzzle that a group is working on.
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Allegany County Office For the Aging serves seniors
By Kathryn Ross
Just about one quarter of the population in Allegany County is over 60 years old. It is the second fastest growing population in the county. The local Office For the Aging offers a multitude of programs to keep older adults active and safe.
Director Anita Madison explains that the programs are geared to allow older adults to remain healthy and independent and to age with dignity.
The OFA offers programs based on nutrition, home care and home safety, which includes the services of a handyman who can help with minor home maintenance issues, such as replacing a mailbox knocked down by the snowplow. In addition to offering Meals on Wheels for those having trouble preparing meals, the OFA sponsors 9 congregate meal sites throughout the county, where the over 60 crowd can play cards, work puzzles. hear speakers, live music or just socialize. The sites take place from two to four days a week and seniors can attend any or all sites. The sites are located in Alfred, Belmont, Bolivar, Caneadea, Cuba, Fillmore, Whites-
ville, Wellsville and Friendship which is currently on hold.
The OFA has also organized a Go and Dine Program which allows participants to dine at Aces in Belfast, Dawnie Jeans in Belmont, The Copper Keg in Cuba and TC’s Diner in Friendship on a reduced-price voucher program. Diners can choose from a special menu or dine ala carte for an extra fee. Sign up with the OFA at 585268-9390 for detailed information.
Through Ardent Solutions, the OFA sponsors Growing Stronger exercise programs in Wellsville, Whitesville, Belfast, Fillmore, Andover, Bolivar, Belmont and Cuba taught by older, certified instructors at no cost, although small donations are appreciated. The program focuses on strengthening and maintenance exercises for both the beginner and advanced patrons.
A Tai Chi program starts in March at the Cuba Fire Department, call the OFA to sign up.
The OFA also sponsors tax preparation programs and programs that offer financial planning and clarifies insurance questions and it provides legal consultation. There are also nutrition
“Some people do Wii Bowling and others like cornhole,” said Kreckel.
“But the important thing is that we really have this wide variety - something for everyone.”
Socializing is an important part of maintaining senior citizens’ mental, emotional and physical health. Not only does socialization prevent loneliness and depression, but engaging with others can provide a much-needed sense of purpose.
“They can come in, find something that interests them and get a hot meal,” said Kreckel.
“Some of these people live alone and this may be the only opportunity they have to simply be with other people.”
The senior center is also an important place to get information on scams, blood pressure screenings, assistance with property tax and rent rebates as well as medicare counseling and farmer’s market vouchers.
Senior centers also offer art classes and technology training that is focused around keeping seniors connected, engaged and safe online.
“I love doing the tech classes because I want to open the world of technology in a positive way,” said Kreckel.
“We are so rural and people live so far away from each other; technology is a critical way to keep seniors in the loop and prevent isolation.”
programs for diabetes prevention and control. The OFA offers information about scams and provides a quarterly, free newsletter called Silver Linings which offers information on upcoming programs, health and other topics.
Jobs up to 20 hours a week are also available through the OFA for those wanting to supplement their income or just keep active.
New at the OFA are two unique programs to get the creative juices flowing or to provide companionship. Through the New York State Office of the Aging, the local OFA has started a Life Bio Program that offers the opportunity for seniors to write down or record their life stories. The program provides guidance and expertise.
For those seniors missing the companionship of pets but can no longer care for them or are prohibited
from having them, the OFA now offers Animatronic Pets. There are electronic birds that sing, cats that purr and dogs that bark to help alleviate that alone feeling and offer companionship.
Madison also advises seniors not to miss the annual OFA Summer Picnic for fun, socialization, information and a good meal. This year’s picnic will be in August.
To find out more about the myriad programs available at the OFA concerning health and welfare and other opportunities contact the office. Throughout the area, local libraries offer book clubs, arts and crafts programs, speakers, entertainment and other opportunities for seniors to get involved. In Wellsville you can borrow a ukelele or a fishing pole. Call your local library to find out more about these free and interesting programs.
Photo provided
Animatronic pets are available through the Allegany County Office for the Aging to provide companionship for seniors.
Senior Schedules
Seniors: Be wary of swindlers
By Savannah Barr
With the rise of technology, some senior citizens have become a vulnerable population who can be an easy mark for the professional fraudster. The use of AI has only compounded the situation. Even for the technologically literate, it can be difficult to keep abreast of the myriad tools used by contemporary scammers.
Local senior centers recognize this vulnerability and are doing what they can to fight back.
Anna Kreckel, senior services coordinator for the Department of Human Services in McKean County, has been teaching regular technology classes at centers in McKean, Cameron and Elk counties. The classes have been very popular.
“I have been pleasantly surprised by the positive reaction we have gotten so far,” said Kreckel.
“Recently I got a grant to get 11 tablets so now I can bring those around with me and let the seniors follow along with me.”
One of the best ways to avoid being scammed is through education and awareness. Anyone can be the victim of a scam, even those who are well educated.
“There is often a sense of shame when someone becomes the victim of a scam and that makes them hide the problem from their loved ones until
it is too late and police need to be called,” said Kreckel.
For those seeking to avoid scams, the Pennsylvania Attorney General recommends that seniors don’t answer the phone if they don’t recognize the number. They should also examine their mail closely — mail postmarked from outside the United States is more likely to be fraudulent. Seniors should also beware of anyone demanding payments in the form of gift cards or prepaid credit cards.
The Office of the Attorney General releases a Rights and Resources Consumer Guide each year that is available online. It lists types of scams and gives tips on how to recognize and avoid them. There are romance scams, investment scams and even funeral scams. One particularly troubling threat is the “grandparent scam.”
“They get a text message or call that says their grandchild is stranded on the side of the road and needs them to pay for the tow truck or something like that,” said Kreckel. “And out of the goodness of their heart these people rush to pay because nobody wants their loved one stranded in winter time.”
The guide recommends seniors never let emotion or fear overcome their common sense. If you get a call like this, slow down and verify everything. Don’t let anyone rush you into giving out your personal or banking information.
Unfortunately it is often the most kind-hearted individuals who become the victim of scammers. And once they have been scammed once they are more likely to fall for future scams.
“It is like the scammers know who they have victimized in the past and they just swarm and go after that person again and again,” said Kreckel.
It can be difficult for families to help or recognize the signs that their loved one is being exploited.
“Lots of times seniors don’t like to tell their families what is going on
because they want to maintain that sense of privacy and independence,” said Kreckel.
“That is part of the reason that this type of education and awareness is so important so seniors can recognize what is happening and alert someone.”
For those dealing with scammers, the consumer protection helpline is (800) 441-2555. People can also register to receive scam alerts from the Office of the Attorney General via email and/or text messages by going to attorneygeneral.gov.
Gardening safety for seniors
Longer hours of daylight and warming temperatures are hallmarks of spring and each of these variables do much to contribute to the reputation of a season that’s become synonymous with rejuvenation. After months spent confronting cold temperatures and huddling up indoors, people might find the welcoming conditions of spring irresistible, which compels many to spend more time outdoors.
There’s no shortage of things to do outside in spring, and the season marks a perfect time to reestablish one’s green thumb and get down and dirty in the garden. Gardening is a rewarding and healthy activity, though some, particularly seniors, may need to approach springtime sessions in the garden with a heightened degree of caution. Seniors can keep these health and safety tips in mind as they cele-
brate the return of spring and what that means for their gardens.
• Recognize that gardening is exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies gardening as a good form of exercise, and evidence supports the notion that gardening is a particularly beneficial form of physical activity. A 2024 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry indicated that individuals who engaged in low levels of leisure time physical activities such as gardening are likely to have a lower risk of stroke than peers who are sedentary. It’s important to keep these findings in mind when gardening, which is perhaps more physically demanding than some may recognize. Seniors can approach gardening just like they would other forms of
exercise, taking the same precautions, such as stretching before and after each session and making a concerted effort to remain hydrated, while out in the garden.
• Incorporate rest into your garden routine. Rest is vital for anyone engaged in physical activity, including gardeners. Frequent breaks during gardening sessions can help avoid strains and sprains and provide opportunities to hydrate and get out of the sun. If possible, seniors can identify a shaded spot on their properties and place a bench there so they have somewhere to rest during gardening sessions.
• Utilize ergonomic gardening tools and other specialized products. The Center for Excellence in Disabilities at West Virginia University notes that ergonomics studies
movements of a person’s body during physical activities in an effort to produce tools that ensure a task has as little physical impact on the body as possible. Ergonomic tools are designed to lower injury risk, improve efficiency and increase satisfaction that stems from performing a particular activity. Before each gardening season, seniors can inspect their existing tools and replace them with ergonomic alternatives, if necessary. In addition, seniors can utilize specialized products, including long-handled gardening tools that reduce the need to bend over or kneel down, to further reduce their risk of injury while working in the garden. These simple strategies can ensure seniors’ springtime gardening sessions are as safe as they are rewarding.
Senior activities at the YMCA in Wellsville
By Kathryn Ross
The local YMCA in Wellsville offers a plethora of activities for seniors to keep the aging body fit. Director Tyler Green outlined several ongoing programs at the Y that make aching or healthy aging bodies stronger.
Many of the Y’s programs take place in the morning hours and continue through the early afternoon when the exercise areas are occupied more by older adults than by the spry under 50 group. The best time for older people, Green said, is between 7 a.m. and noon, or between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. when things are slow. There are showers and lockers available for those who work up a sweat. The only requirement is a clean pair of sneakers and a towel for the shower. There’s free coffee in
the lounge, water fountains and sports drinks for sale.
Daily there are morning group exercises for older adults that specialize in building full body strength and catering to those age 55 and up. The program includes weight training and is beginner friendly and self-paced.
The Y also offers personal training with three certified trainers, all qualified in weight loss, osteoporosis prevention and after rehabilitation exercise. The programs can be customized to deal with the aftereffects of hip or knee replacement, rotator cuff surgery and other problems. The individual programs are based on consultations with the client’s physician.
Group Tai Chi training for balance, mobility and mental health is also available twice a week with certified instructors. Adults can
start anytime. There is no cycle. Water aerobics is not currently available in Wellsville, but Y members can use the pool facilities in the Olean and Bradford YMCAs
Quarterly throughout the year, the Y offers a breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. for socialization. Call the YMCA at 585-593-3246 to find times and days for activities.
While the cost of joining the Y for individual seniors is $47 a month, or $74 a month for couples, programs such as Silver Sneakers, Renew Active, Fit on Health and Active and Fit are offered by many insurance companies for free or reduced prices on Y membership. Call your insurance company for information. The Y also offers short term memberships, a one-day pass for $10 or a week-long pass for $17 for those over 62.
Photo provided
Theresa Brown teaches the Tai Chi exercise program at the YMCA in Wellsville.
Enjoyable ways for seniors to savor spring
After a cold winter, there’s often nothing better than the arrival of spring. From the moment those first crocuses and tulips peek their heads out of the soil to the days of cherry blossoms in full bloom, spring is a time of sunshine, warmth and a renewed sense of vitality.
Seniors who may have spent much of the winter cooped up indoors often are inspired by warmer temperatures to venture outside once again when spring has sprung. According to UC Davis Health, time outdoors provides a host of health benefits, and seniors who embrace the great outdoors can reap those rewards. Studies show that nature has a positive effect on the body by reducing cortisol levels and demands on the cardiovascular system and relieving muscle tension. Being outside in sunshine (with the use of sunscreen) can increase vitamin D levels, which is important for a healthy immune system and strong bones.
Embracing the many ways to enjoy spring is relatively easy to do. The following are some ways seniors can make the most of spring.
• Plant a garden. Spring is a time when the ground has thawed and the soil is warm enough to begin planting a garden. Individuals should refer to their particular agricultural zones to determine when to plant. Certain plants need a specific number of hours of sunlight and minimum temperatures to grow. It’s important to wait until the threat of overnight frost has subsided. Gardening can be a thorough workout, so it’s important for seniors to go slowly as they acclimate to this type of activity.
• Relax outside. Seniors can soak up vitamin D and enjoy the sounds of nature by spending time on a deck or the front porch. Any activity that was typically done indoors, such as
The importance of wellness exams after 50
Seniors are a growing and increasingly prosperous demographic. As the senior population increases, a greater emphasis must be placed on keeping aging individuals healthy. Wellness checks are important at any age, but they bear even more significance as individuals grow older.
Age brings with it many things, including experience and wisdom. But age also brings an increased risk for health problems. Aging men and women are vulnerable to chronic conditions like heart disease, COPD, cancer, and arthritis. It’s noteworthy that many chronic health conditions fail to produce any symptoms until they have progressed to a point where treatment is difficult.
reading a book, listening to music, engaging in a hobby, and more, can be moved outside.
• Explore local wildlife. Trees and flowers are not the only things renewed by spring. Many animals give birth in spring and there might be little ones frolicking. Seniors can look for bunnies, fledglings chirping
in bird nests, spotted fawns, and young foxes around their neighborhoods.
• Attend an open-air event. Whether it’s a concert or an outdoor theater performance, seniors can look to local entertainment as a way to get outside and have a little fun.
• Bike or walk the neighborhood. Seniors can find serene paths to bike or walk. Dog owners can take their pooches for a stroll, or meet up with other friends and begin a walking club for camaraderie and exercise.
Seniors can make the most of the warm weather and extended daylight hours of spring to enjoy many outdoor activities.
Annual wellness exams can help older adults take charge of their health and stay as healthy as possible. It’s possible for a person to preserve his or her health (and possibly life) through check-ups and easy tests. Here are some common screenings and health recommendations that come up in the prime of one’s life.
• Colorectal cancer screening: A colon cancer screening is recommended for everyone at age 45. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and risk increases at age 45. Although people seldom look forward to a colonoscopy and the required prep, putting off this test due to a little discomfort may result in missing colon cancer at its earliest stage when it is most treatable.
• Cholesterol screening: This simple blood test can help evaluate the risk for heart disease. High cholesterol can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, making them narrower and less flexible, according to Sharecare, Inc.
• Mammogram: Most health organizations recommend annual mammogram screenings from age 40 until menopause. Then it may be possible to have a mammogram every other year for those who are at average risk. It is important for women to discuss mammogram frequency with their doctors, particularly if there is a family history of breast cancer.
• Diabetes: ChenMed says diabetes may be more common in older adults, so regular screenings for this illness can enable early diagnosis and management.
• Testicular cancer screening: This test generally is not recommended without symptoms. Some organizations suggest men with a family history or other risk factors consider
performing self-examinations.
• Vaccination needs: Doctors can alert patients to recommended vaccinations during wellness exams. Seniors should receive an annual flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccination as available. Pneumococcal vaccine can protect against pneumococcal disease that can lead to pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections. Adults over 50 also should receive a vaccination for shingles, which can occur in older age in those who have previously experienced chickenpox.
There are additional advantages to routine health checkups. Doctors can inquire about fitness routines, stress, sleep, and diet to see if patients are within the guidelines for healthy living.
Older age may make a person wiser, but the risk for various health issues and certain diseases increases with age. Routine health check-ups can keep doctors and patients on the same page.