Golden Years 2023

Spring/Summer Day Trips

National Air & Space Museum

Washington, DC

Tue, May 2 $149

Baltimore Rails, Tales & Sails

Sat, Jun 10 $199

Faith & Liberty Discovery Center

Philadelphia, PA

Fri, Jun 16 $179

Father’s Day Outing Central Hotel Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

Bube’s Brewery, Mount Joy

Sat, Jun 17 $159

Elvis! The Musical Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Fri, Jun 23 $199

Lewisburg Farmer’s Market

Wed, Aug 2 $79

Corning Museum of Glass

Wed, Aug 9 $169

NEW YORK CITY

NYC Do As You Please

Sat, May 20 $159

Sat, July 29 $159

CASINO TRIPS

LIVE! (Westmoreland Mall)

Wed, Jun 7 $79

Mohegan Sun (Wilkes-Barre)

Wed, Jul 26 $89

Tioga Downs (Nichols NY)

Wed, Sep 20 $99

Seneca Allegany

Daily! $30

Fall / Holiday Day Trips

Niagara Falls

Sat, Sep 16 $109

Murder at the Bedlam Insanitorium-Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

Mt. Hope Estate, Manheim

Fri, Oct 20 $159

The First Noel American Music Theatre

Tue, Nov 14 $189

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (NYC)

Thu, Nov 23 $175

PA Christmas Craft Show

Wed, Nov 29 $79

Dickens of a Christmas

Wellsboro, PA

Sat, Dec 2 $105

A Christmas Carol Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Fri, June 23 $199

Shopping Getaway

Friday Saturday, August 11-12 $259

Whether you’re looking for back-toschool clothes, early holiday gifts or just a little self-care … this trip is for you!

Stops include Kitchen Kettle Village, Tanger Outlets, Lancaster’s Central Market and the Lititz Craft Show (with over 700 crafters from throughout the US & Canada).

Multi-Day Trips & Vacations Getaways

Atlantic City 3-day Getaway

Sun-Tue, May 7-9 $369

Sun-Tue, Oct 22-24 $379

Mother’s Day Getaway

Lancaster, PA

Fri-Sat, May 12-13 $389

Ocean City, MD

Sun-Thu, May 21-25 $459

Sun-Wed, Jul 16-19 $879 Oct 19-22 $599

Gardens of the Brandywine Valley

Thu-Fri, May 25-26 $379

Lancaster Shopping Getaway

Great for back to school or early Christmas!

Fri-Sat, Aug 11-12 $259

40 Days & Nights of Gospel Music at the Ark Encounter & Creation Museum

Mon-Thu, Aug 14-17 $999

Big Bang of Country Music featuring Nashville, TN!

Fri-Thu, Sep 22-28 $1,999

New England & More

Travel with Fullington’s President & CEO, Jonathan Berzas

Dates & price tbd

West Virginia Mountain Rails

Wed-Sat, Oct 18-21 $1,299

Christmas in Branson!

Sun-Sat, Nov 5-11 $1,699

Biltmore Christmas

Mon-Wed, Nov 6-8 $999

Christmas at the Ark Encounter & Creation Museum

Tue-Fri, Dec 5-8 $1,259

Canada & New England Cruise / Tour

Princess Cruise lines

Sep 16-23 from $2,159

Sat, Jun 24 (3pm) $239

Sat, Jul 15 (11am) $239

Thu, Sep 7 (3pm) $199

Sat, Sep 23 (11am) $239

Fall! In love with PA…

Pa Grand Canyon & more

Thu-Fri, Sep 14-15 $379

Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort in the Dominican Republic

Sat-Sat, Feb 17-24, 2024

From $2,3979

Multi-Day tour pricing shown per person, double occupancy.

814-355-4900

Agency on Aging offers variety of events

GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel reporter gwilliams@lewistownsentinel.com

YEAGERTOWN — Beth Harlan believes seniors in the Juniata Valley are staying active.

Harlan, community services supervisor for the Mifflin-Juniata Regional Services Corp.-The Care Network, Yeagertown, can tell because every time she rolls out a new program, it fills right up.

The latest rage for senior citizens throughout the Juniata Valley is tai chi, which is being offered as a weekly class by the Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging at its centers in Lewistown and Milroy. Once the six-week classes have run their course, new ones will be scheduled, Harlan said.

“Studies show Tai chi improves symptoms of arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, improves flexibility and provides overall pain relief,” Harlan explained.

Watching someone do tai chi, an exercise often called

“meditation in motion,” it might be hard to imagine that its slow, gentle, choreographed movements could make them stronger.

Not only stronger mentally but stronger physically and healthier, too.

The current sessions are free to all residents of Mifflin and Juniata counties and taught by certified instructor Chris Toddes.

“Chris enjoys tai chi immensely and was ready to get to work for the community,” Harlan explained. “It has been some time since we have had a class in Mifflin County.”

That certainly hasn’t stunted its growth in popularity. Tai chi is practiced by about 20 percent of the world and is fast becoming the most popular exercise worldwide. Its rapid rise is largely due to one important fact: it feels good.

“People enjoy tai chi for several reasons, the class is free of charge to ages 60plus, improves their health and well-being and the overall enjoyment of getting out in the community and communicating with others,” Harlan said.

It is a form of martial art that originated in China centuries ago. It focuses on developing mental and spiritual strength.

Health experts say tai chi is good for seniors because it can increase both their lifespan, which is how long they live, and their “health span,” which is how long they can function independently. A study by the American Journal of Epidemiology found that tai chi can reduce mortality much like jogging.

For seniors, it can have significant benefits because it focuses on muscle control, stability, balance and flexibility. The movements are also very gentle. When practiced regularly, it can also help reduce pain, especially In the knees and back, and significantly reduce falls by up to 50 percent. Another published study revealed tai chi can also help to reduce the fear of falling, which is a risk for falling.

Tai chi can also help improve mood and quality of life for older people, who sometimes limit their activities for fear of falling.

The poses can be done

sitting in a chair. But experts say it’s better to do them standing. For support, individuals can always hold onto a chair.

While practicing these simple movements several times a week can offer a host of significant health benefits, it’s good to check with a doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

There are other events on the horizon, including:

• 4-Seasons Senior Center will host the Senior XPO on Saturday, May 6.

• 37th Annual Senior Games Event from June 12-17, with opening day at Kishacoquillas Park.

The Agency on Aging offers many health and wellness programs, including walk with ease, healthy steps for older adults, healthy steps in motion and bingocize. For more information about upcoming programs, please find their page on Facebook.

For more information about upcoming programs, please call (717) 320-8367 or e-mail bharlan@mymjrsc. com.

SERVICES OFFERED

Residents at Celebration Villa receive the right care services that will serve their overall wellness.

• Care staff on-site 24/7

• Personal assistance with activities of daily living

• Medical assistance

• Mobility assistance

• Continence maintenance

• Long-term and Short-term Respite Care

At Celebration Villa, you may choose to remain with your current doctor or see any of our physicians that include:

• On-site or telehealth doctors

• On-site rehabilitation therapy

Therapy dog Ava is best medicine for patients

BY GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel reporter gwilliams@lewistownsentinel.com

LEWISTOWN – The way patients and staff recognize Ava, a patient therapy dog at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital, you would think she’s a rock star and not a four-legged friend.

“They see us coming and they all say, ‘Here comes Ava,’” says her handler, Jean Swartz. “I don’t really think many of them know my name.”

Swartz laughs it off. In the bigger picture, the good the two are doing outweighs the fact that the pet gets more recognition than its owner.

“We can see we really make a difference,” Swartz

said. “It really depends on if they’re a dog person. If they have a dog at home and they might be missing it, I think it’s very rewarding.

“I think she’s doing what she’s supposed to be doing,” she added.

Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital Volunteer Director Kylle White agreed, “Ava had a special calling and is an amazing therapy dog. Everyone at the hospital just loves having Jean and Ava come visit.”

Swartz was supposed to prepare Ava to be a seeing-eye dog. “I asked for a golden retriever,” said Swartz, who has raised other dogs including German shepherds and Labrador retrievers. “I got her at seven weeks. We’d go on

all kinds of outings to places where they might go as guide dogs.”

When Ava turned nine weeks, however, a feral cat on Swartz’s farm clawed Ava’s eye, injuring it so severely that it couldn’t be saved. That disability prevented Ava from continuing as a prospective guide dog.

Swartz decided to adopt Ava and took her to obedience classes. “We went so she would be good to take out to people,” Swartz said.

Ava passed several tests to become certified as a therapy dog. “He took me out to a couple of different stores and watched how she reacted to people and her manners,” Swartz said of the certification process with the tester. “Ava has to

be certified to go to the hospital then there was training at the hospital.”

No doggone test was going to stop this pup as Ava passed with flying colors.

Now 2 ½ years old, Jean and Ava will be part of another staff program currently in development at Geisinger. The duo will visit with staff – along with a nurse – who might be experiencing a stressful time or another issue.

“They’ll talk to the nurse, but Ava and I will go to break the ice,” Swartz said.

Ava will be the last dog that the 79-year-old Swartz will raise as she is retiring from puppy parenting. She raised previous pups with

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her sons and two granddaughters. “They’re all grown up now,” she said. “I’ve raised a few on my own, but it wasn’t near as much fun without the kids.”

Her family has raised more than 30 seeing-eye dogs growing up since the 1990s. “We give them back and they train them to be seeing-eye dogs,” Swartz said of working with The Seeing Eye in Morristown, N.J., a philanthropic organization who helps blind people by finding them a trained guide dog.

Submitted photo

A bigger retirement in Texas?

Optimizing golden years in the Lone Star State

LIAM GIBSON

Wealth of Geeks

Texas has been making headlines in recent years as an outflow of tech companies leave Silicon Valley for the likes of Austin. Media influencers like podcaster Joe Rogan has also moved from California and set up shop in the Texan city.

While Florida remains famous for its retired life and the seasonal “snowbird” migration from the north, Texas has much to offer. Florida and Texas grew their combined populations by around 1,5 million during the pandemic, while California and New York together lost over one million residents.

According to US census data, Georgetown, Texas, from July 2020 to July 2021, swelled by over 10% between July 2020 and July 2021. Two other Texan urban centers came in the top five - Leander and New Braunfels, growing by 10.1% and 8.3%, respectively.

The state remains an ideal retirement destination owing to its low cost of living, warm climate, vibrant cities, and abundance of outdoor recreational activities outdoor life.

Texas also has a relatively light tax burden and a robust healthcare system. Entrepreneuring retirees will appreciate Texas is also a business-friendly state whose strong economy can offer opportunities to do a side hustle or reenter the workforce.

This post will look at some of the best retirement destinations in Texas and get some expert input on the financial benefits of retiring in the state.

Where To Set Up

Texas encompasses a range of distinctive geographical regions, from hill country to the pine woods in the east and from great sweeping plains to the Gulf coast below. Yet this great expanse also holds a spread of fine Texan cities that dot the landscape.

For those who want to experience big city living in the heartland of the country, look no further than Houston. The city’s diversity speaks for itself - nearly 150 languages are used there - and it boasts a plethora of cuisines and an array of annual events and festivals.

Those on tighter budgets and who prefer a quieter setting may consider Beaumont or El Paso, both are small cities that are very affordable destinations with plenty to offer.

Retirees in Florida aren’t the only ones to take in the sea breeze. Despite being in the heart of the country, Texas also boasts a long coastline nestled on the northern rim of the Gulf of Mexico. Retirees looking for a seachange can take their pick of Texas’ many pleasant beach towns.

Among the seaside gems is Galveston. Home to over 30 miles of sandy beaches, this breezy town, replete with historic buildings, oozes laidback vibes with old-school charm. Seabrook, meanwhile, has some 18 parks to complement its 11 miles of coastline. For birdwatching, boating, and Cajun-inspired seafood, look no further than Port Arthur.

Cost-Down Living

With lower costs, life

in Texas can give retirees more bang for their buck.

“Texas is unique in its cost of living, which is lower than the national average, saving you money every month,” says Jorey Bernstein, Founder and CEO of Bernstein Investment Consultants.

“Outside the larger cities like Dallas or Austin, you can find more housing options with a range of prices,” he says. “Additionally, finding quieter corners in the state can provide a tranquil atmosphere perfect for retirees while still offering them limitless opportunities to stay active and involved in what the Lone Star State has to offer.”

However, not all taxes are lower.

While cheaper living is a bonus, not all taxes are lower on every front. There are other costs they need to weigh up.

“The surprise many people may not consider is the cost of property taxes. While housing might be cheaper outside of major cities, property taxes tend to be higher,” says Elliott Appel, Founder and Financial Planner of Kindness Financial Planning.

“They are set by local taxing authorities, and the average across Texas is about 1.6%. Some counties have property tax rates above 2%.”

However, this won’t bother retired renters.

“While Texas has one of the highest property tax rates in the country, somewhat of a moot point for retirees who do not own their own home,” says Tim Uihlein, Partner and Managing Director of Vincere Wealth Management.

To optimize their budgets, retirees may consider

contracting out a financial advisor in the state. They can benefit from tapping an advisor’s expertise in the state economy and professional network embedded in the local community. They can also help minimize tax burdens, such as inheritance tax and other tailored advice to get the most out of your golden years in Texas. For these and more services, there are a number of financial advisors based in Houston-based financial advisors, as well as in other locales across the state. Whether it is for city life or a quiet corner tucked away in the hinterland, Texas is big enough to find a spot under its neverending blue skies. By planning and optimizing for tax benefits and lower cost of living, retirees in Texas can make the most of their golden years in the big state.

This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

Honaman House APARTMENTS

• INDEPENDENT LIVING designed for persons aged 62 & over and qualified persons with disabilities

• LOCATION conveniently located just off Rte. 22 between Harrisburg and Lewistown

• AFFORDABLE rent is based on 30% of income, new energy efficient windows

• PET FRIENDLY small house pets are welcome (policies enforced)

• PEACEFUL quiet country setting with social activities, weekly grocery shopping trips, monthly “FUN” trips and more.

Resources for finding and comparing health care providers

(Family Features) Getting health care for yourself or a loved one is a big responsibility, especially if you are starting with Medicare, need services like nursing home care, have to find a new doctor or get home health care.

Using online tools like “Find Care Providers” on Medicare.gov can make it easier to make comparisons and help choose doctors, hospitals, nursing homes and more for you or the person you are helping provide care to. Consider these benefits of using the comparison tools.

A Resource for Research

The website provides a simple search and compare experience that allows you to find providers near you. Simply put in a ZIP code and the type of provider to receive a list of providers, their contact information and a map of locations. The information even includes “star ratings” and services provided.

Using a laptop, desktop, tablet or mobile device, you can see how patients rate their care experiences at the hospitals in your area and find home health agencies that offer the services you might need, like nursing care, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

Contact information for local inpatient rehabilitation facilities or long-term

care hospitals is available, as well as hospice quality care ratings and specific care details, such as which dialysis facilities offer home dialysis training.

Finding Health Care Services

Whether you have referrals or are starting from scratch, you can compare health care providers near you using the Medicare. gov tool, pinpointing which category of services you need, whether it’s doctors and clinicians, hospitals, hospice and home health agencies, dialysis facilities, inpatient rehabilitation centers or nursing homes.

In addition to searching by your location using your address or a combination of city, state or ZIP code, you can search by provider type and keyword to generate a list of providers that could fit your needs.

Finding a Doctor Who Fits

When you’re looking for a new doctor and not sure where to start, the tool makes it quick and easy to find and compare doctors in your area. You can find contact information, practice locations, specialty and hospital affiliation as well as hospital ratings.

Selecting the “compare” button allows you to compare up to three different

health care providers at once. When you’re ready to schedule a visit with a new provider, be sure to take time during your scheduling call to verify general information.

Comparing Nursing Homes

Whether you’re planning ahead or need to make an unexpected decision, there’s a lot to think about when choosing the right nursing home for you or someone else. Many family members and caregivers prioritize location so they’re able to check in and visit frequently, but there are many other important factors you may want to consider, too.

The comparison tool at Medicare.gov provides filtering options that allow you to personalize your results by sifting through the criteria that matter most to you, such as inspection results, number of beds, staffing data and more.

You’ll be able to check out the nursing home’s overall “star ratings.” The information can serve as a guide of a provider’s track record to help assist you with finding a home that best suits the person’s needs.

Visit Medicare.gov/ care-compare to access the tool and find health care providers and services in your area that fit your needs.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

Five common misconceptions about prostate health and BPH

(Family Features) Prostate health may be an intimidating subject for some men, which can lead to misconceptions about conditions and treatments. Some men may even avoid visiting a doctor because of what they might learn. Breaking this stigma around prostate issues could help prevent complications from conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate.

Under a doctor’s care, BPH can be effectively treated; over 14 million men in the U.S. seek treatment every year.1 To help clear up some of the confusion and fear around prostate health, here is a breakdown of five common misconceptions about BPH.

Misconception: BPH is linked to prostate cancer

Is BPH linked to prostate cancer? No. While both conditions affect the prostate gland, BPH is a benign (non-cancerous) condition, and the symptoms can typically be addressed with medications and/or other

treatment options.

Misconception: Medication and major surgery are the only types of BPH treatment

Men with BPH may have options for treatment beyond medications that may offer relief without the risk of side effects that can come with medications, such as dizziness, headaches, sexual dysfunction2 and, in some men, an increased risk of heart and eye issues.3

Minimally invasive therapies are available for BPH treatment. The UroLift(r) System is a minimally invasive procedure that has been used by 350,000 men worldwide.4 This procedure lifts and holds enlarged prostate tissue out of the way without cutting to stop blocking the urethra. The procedure can be performed using local anesthesia in a physician’s office or ambulatory surgery center, and patients typically return home the same day without a catheter.5-6 For men with BPH, this option may be an alternative to medications and more invasive surgeries

like TURP.

The procedure is indicated for treating symptoms of an enlarged prostate up to 100cc in men 45 years of age or older. Individual results may vary. Most common side effects are temporary and include pain or burning with urination, blood in urine, pelvic pain, urgent need to urinate or the inability to control the urge.6 Rare side effects, including bleeding and infection, may lead to a serious outcome and require intervention. Speak with your doctor to determine if you may be a candidate.

Misconception: Only seniors have symptoms of BPH

Are senior men the only ones who have symptoms of BPH? No. Even men in their forties may experience BPH symptoms, so don’t assume you’re too young to talk to your doctor about BPH. If you are diagnosed with BPH, your doctor can discuss treatment options that fit your needs and help you decide on the best approach.

Misconception: BPH-re-

lated urination issues will always disrupt a man’s life and sleep

A common symptom of BPH is frequent urination.7 This has the potential to disrupt a man’s day-to-day schedule and sleep cycle, but it’s not inevitable. If you have BPH, proper treatment can help improve quality of life and reduce the need for frequent urination, which can make it easier to sleep through the night.8 Yet another great reason to be proactive about BPH diagnosis and treatment!

Misconception: BPH doesn’t affect a man’s bladder health

BPH can affect bladder health if it’s left untreated. BPH can be progressive and lead to difficulty in urinating, bladder stones, UTIs and ongoing need for a catheter.9,10 This is another good reason to be proactive and talk to your doctor about prostate health. To learn more about BPH, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options, visit UroLift.com.

Getty Images

Why do so many older adults choose Medicare Advantage?

BY KATE ASHFORD NerdWallet

In 2022, 48% of Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans instead of original Medicare, and experts predict the number will be higher in 2023. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers and bundle Medicare benefits in a way many people find appealing — but they also limit care to network providers, often require preapproval to see specialists and can saddle beneficiaries with high out-of-pocket costs for serious conditions. From low premiums to flashy ads to extra benefits, here are five reasons older adults choose Medicare Advantage despite its disadvantages.

In 2022, 48% of Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans instead of original Medicare, and experts predict that number will be higher in 2023.

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers and bundle Medicare benefits in a way many people find appealing — but they also limit care to network providers , often require preapproval to see specialists and can saddle beneficiaries with

high out-of-pocket costs for serious conditions.

The number of older adults in Medicare Advantage is also notable because financial experts tend to recommend original Medicare with medigap.

“I help my clients with Medicare choices, and what I tell them all is that if you can afford it, you should sign up for traditional Medicare with a Medicare supplement plan,” says David Haas , a certified financial planner in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.

So why do so many people turn to Medicare Advantage for their health care in retirement? Here are the main factors.

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE IS OFTEN FREE

In 2023, 66% of Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage have no premium — versus medigap, which has a monthly premium. If you have no health issues, the choice can seem like a no-brainer.

“Medicare Advantage is extremely attractive when you’re healthy,” says Leslie T. Beck , a certified financial planner in Rutherford, New Jersey. “But when something happens — and something always

happens — and you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can’t switch back. You can switch into regular Medicare, but you’ll never get a medigap policy.”

PLANS ARE BUNDLED

With original Medicare, people must juggle individual pieces of coverage — Part A, Part B, Part D, medigap — but Medicare Advantage offers one-anddone simplicity: There’s one premium for everything.

Although choosing a Medicare Advantage plan feels simpler, it means you must shop again for coverage every open enrollment. “You have to include the prescription drug coverage and the doctor coverage, and you have to make this choice every year,” Haas says.

With original Medicare, Haas says, “(Y)ou do need to choose a new Part D plan, but you don’t need to reopen your entire medical equation every year the way you do with Medicare Advantage.”

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE OFFERS EXTRAS

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits , such as money to-

ward dental or vision care, which isn’t covered by original Medicare. About 1 in 4 people say extra benefits pushed them to choose Medicare Advantage, according to a survey by the Commonwealth Fund, a health care think tank.

“Medicare Advantage plans are heavily marketed and tout how they include all of the other services not available with medigap — prescription drug plans, subsidized health club dues, dental and vision,” says George Gagliardi, a certified financial planner in Lexington, Massachusetts. “So it seems to many people like too good of a deal to turn down.”

But the extra benefits offered by Medicare Advantage are generally pretty limited, and experts say choosing a health plan for the dental coverage and gym membership is missing the point of insurance.

“It’s not about paying for the little piddly expenses that you have,” Beck says.

“It’s paying for the catastrophic expenses.”

THEIR FRIENDS CHOSE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

Many older adults choose a Medicare Advantage plan because someone they know chose one.

“We tend to get a snowball effect,” says Andrew T. Cook, a certified financial planner in Timonium, Maryland. “One retiree made the decision, they talk to another retiree, who talks to another one, and that groupthink often leads them to conclude that if they all made the decision independently, it must have been the right decision.”

But Medicare is an area in which retirees should go beyond friends for advice. If a financial planner isn’t an option, each state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, where people can get free, unbiased guidance. Visit shiphelp.org to find a program.

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE ADS ARE EVERYWHERE

“When you talk about advice on what’s better for individuals, it’s really whose voice is the loudest and the most persistent,” Beck says. “If you’ve ever watched any late-night TV, it’s just ad after ad for Medicare Advantage.”

In addition to being prolific, the ads are increasingly misleading. Growing complaints about Medicare Advantage advertising have led the Centers for

Medicare & Medicaid Services to now require that insurers get approval from federal regulators before airing television ads.

“I watch those ads very carefully, and they basically conflate Medicare with Medicare Advantage,” Beck says. “It’s rare that they mention ‘Medicare Advantage.’”

This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance site NerdWallet. Kate Ashford is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: kashford@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @kateashford.