Prime Time - October 2024 by Lewistown Sentinel

Computer class at PA CareerLink beginning Nov. 5

BY GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel reporter gwilliams@lewistownsentinel.com

LEWISTOWN – Technology can be overwhelming. Every day we hear of some new gadget, app or software that we need to download or buy. If you’re the type who would rather use a typewriter than a computer, read on.

Digital technology has become necessary not only for work, but in everyday life. We bank, buy, communicate, pay our taxes and avail of government services online using a computer.

Technology now also sets the pace at which we conduct our business,

perform our duties, learn about the world, gain skills and create relationships with others. It’s hard to avoid technology in this day and age if you think about it.

Here’s the thing, we often fear what we don’t know. To handle digital technology better, we should learn more about it which is where the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit No. 11 Community Education and Workforce Services and PA CareerLink come in.

The two organizations are teaming up to offer a seven-week computer class at PA CareerLink, located at MCIDC Plaza, Building 58, Lewistown. Classes will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Tues-

Submitted photo Computer class instructor Nicole Homan. To enroll in the class, call (717) 2484942 ext. 117. The registration deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 29, and space is also limited.

days, starting Nov. 5 and running through Dec. 17.

Content and hands-on practice will include the basics of using a computer, smartphone, software and Internet. Participants will also learn how to use popular software programs, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, e-mail and more.

Coursework focuses on the basics of computer equipment and functions; word processing, keyboarding and using the mouse; similarities between Smartphone, tablet and computer functions; and how to manage and use an email account.

Additionally, coursework will cover creating, saving and transferring files; job searching,

Holiday Happenings

Holidays at Mount

Hope Dinner Theatre

We, Nov 20 $169

Classic Christmas cheer capped by a reimagining of the holiday story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King!

Daniel (last shows!)

Sight & Sound Theatre

Tu, Nov 5 (3pm) $229 Sa, Dec 7 (3pm) $229

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Th, Nov 28 $179

American Dream & NYC Overnight

Su-Mo, Dec 1-2 $379

A joyous getaway! Combine the best of NYC, the famous Dyker Heights Christmas Lights and the American Dream Mall.

PA Christmas Show

Harrisburg, PA

We, Dec 4 $89

A Lancaster Christmas Sa, Dec 7 $169

Joy to the World Show

National Christmas Center Experience Drive-thru Light Display

A White Christmas Show & Kitchen Kettle

Village Sa, Dec 14 $174

applications and forms; safe practices for using the internet, websites and email; and hands-on practice using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. By completing the course, participants can earn a Northstar “Certificate of Digital Literacy” to be used during their job search as proof of competency.

Feedback from participants is positive, “[This class] helped me learn computer skills that I needed to know for my jobs;” and “The trainer was easy to understand, knowledgeable, and very helpful! Always a pleasant environment to come and learn.”

This computer training is perfect for jobseekers who are looking to transition from physically-demanding jobs to one that works with computers. It is also well-suited for caretakers who want to improve their computer skills in order to re-enter the workforce. Community members wishing to improve their computer skills are also welcome to register. No prior experience is necessary. Participants are encouraged to enroll by calling instructor Nicole Homan at (717) 248-4942 ext. 117. The registration deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 29, and space is also limited.

Bus Tours and More...

2025 Preview

PA Farm Show

Harrisburg, PA

We, Jan 8 $79

Riverdance

30th Anniversary Tour

American Music Theatre

Lancaster, PA

Sa, Mar 1 $199

Philly Flower Show

We, Mar 5 $195

Murder Mystery Show & Meal

Mt. Hope Estate

We, Apr 1 $195

Mackinac Island & More

Michigan

May 12-17 $1599

NYC Do As You Please Sa, May 17 $165

Ocean City, MD

May 18-24 $699

Mount Rushmore & The Badlands

June 11-15 $3,999

Cape Cod & Plymouth

Massachusetts

June 16-20 $1289

Opry 100th Anniversary Nashville, TN

August $call

Many more coming soon! FullingtonTours.com 814-355-4900

Bahia Principe Luxury Runaway Bay Jamaica All Inclusive, Adults Only Escape February 15-21, 2025

$2,999 per person Includes ground transportation, air, meals & drinks. $800 deposit due at booking. Final payment due December 1. Visit website for detailed payment/cancellation terms.

It’s important for adults to have a living will

BY GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel reporter gwilliams@lewistownsentinel.com

After watching their mother slip into a coma, a nurse practitioner told family members, “Her living will takes over now.”

Family members had been providing round-theclock care for nearly a year, which included constant care-giving decisions about hospital, rehab and nursing facility admissions as well as making adjustments to medication and treatments – without much of a break.

Many of these decisions were considered life-ordeath choices. Sadly, there were no more decisions to be made.

This is a common scenario, according to AARP, with regard to living wills. With the living will now in place, all family members had to do was be a son or daughter and hold their mother’s hand, sing or talk to her, and wait. When she finally passed, their hearts, minds and souls were finally at peace.

Their mother’s living will specified she didn’t want life support or to be kept alive when it became

obvious there was little chance of recovery without life support.

After examination and deliberation by her physicians, her final wishes were honored and carried out, just as she wanted. Her living will was also a gift to family members, who without it, would have been faced with the difficult decision to let go.

Why living wills matter

There are many reasons to make a living will: to give guidance to medical and health care professionals, to provide clarity and closure to loved ones, to prevent conflict and disagreements between family members and to limit the emotional burden on the people closest to you at the time of your death. Most importantly, the living will gives you the authority to dictate how you want to live and die. Considering the fact that most dying people are unconscious or unable to speak, the living will serves as your voice when you might not have one.

AARP states that more than 80% of older adults understand the end-of-life

transition is an important part of life, but only 33% have actually prepared a living will, according to a 2024 survey. That means that the majority of Americans aren’t sure who will make decisions for them as the end of their lives nears

What is a living will?

A living will is a written, legal-binding document that informs your doctors about your preferences for medical care at the end of your life. Because it is a legal document, many people use a lawyer to help them write it. With some research, lots of people write their own living wills and at no cost. Every state has different laws and practices, so it’s important to use a living will that your state recognizes. Some use standard forms, while others allow you to draft your own.

What to include in your living will

In general, AARP suggests that your living will should have:

A standard direction you don’t want life-prolonging procedures administered or continued if you’re not likely to live.

Specific instructions about what care you want or don’t want, such as dialysis, mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing, artificial hydration and nutrition or CPR.

Anatomical gift decisions, meaning whether you wish to be an organ and tissue donor or donate your body to science or education.

Care wishes, such as if you want to die at home or avoid invasive tests or procedures.

Spiritual and religious considerations.

Remember: This is intended only to be an end-of-life document. It does not prevent routine medical treatment or care for conditions that are not life-threatening.

See Will / Page 5

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Will

Continued from Page 4

When should you write a living will?

The last thing experts recommend is waiting until you’re confronted with an illness to create a living will. The unexpected can happen at any time, so write your living will when you’re in good health, and remember to review and update it as needs and conditions change.

Where to keep your living will?

Talk to your doctor and ask to put a copy on file, or consider placing it in a registry.

Speak with your closest family and friends, particularly caregivers. Provide copies of the living will.

Nearly one quarter of retirees struggle to find fulfillment

JON DULIN Wealth of Geeks

A new study by MedicareFAQ reports that 86% of retired Americans wish they had saved more for retirement. More than half say they did not start saving soon enough. Retirement is often portrayed as the golden age when the hustle and bustle of the working world give way to leisure, freedom, and well-deserved relaxation. However, seldom discussed is a reality many face: regrets. Unfortunately, the regrets don’t end there. Regrets about not traveling enough, not spending time with family, and choosing the wrong career plague them. The survey

from a Medicare learning resource center talked to more than 560 retirees in the United States.

Seniors were asked questions to shed light on retirement regrets and gain insight into how the younger generations can better prepare for the future. The findings are a stark warning to anyone putting off saving for retirement and those living in the moment.

Many Retirees Report Savings-Related Remorse

Economists, advisors, and elders have historically warned young Americans that they should allot some income for retirement as early as possible. However, the feelings of invincibility that accompany

many peoples’ 20s pose a unique hurdle. When you consider those youthful “bulletproof” sentiments, juxtaposed with rampant student loan debt and rising costs of essentials like health care, groceries, and child care, it’s little wonder young working Americans’ tend to be abstinent about savings.

Many American retirees woefully experience the consequences of youthful follies. About three of five older Americans (59%) expressed concerns about retirement’s financial aspects. Roughly 54% admitted they did not save enough money to cover the costs of a comfortable retirement.

Around 86% of respondents wish they had saved more for their retirement.

When pressed further, they admitted they didn’t allocate enough of their income to savings or did not begin saving early enough (60%). With open conversations around finances and savings and the help of user-friendly tech like retirement calculators, modern young Americans have advantages and incentives to start the savings process early.

Retirement Regrets Not Just About Money

Retirement feels light years away when busy Americans get caught up in life, careers, and family. Priorities are easier to scramble when younger people focus on time-consuming careers or live in the moment without thinking of tomorrow.

It’s easier to identify misplaced priorities when we dwell on our actions or inaction; 26% of retirees reflect and express regrets that often have little to do with financial preparation. Other regrets include: Failing to prioritize health (52%).Not traveling enough (21%).Not having a good work/life balance (28%).Not spending enough time with their families (18%).

Nearly 25% of Respondents Disillusioned by Retirement

Around one in 10 respondents said they delayed retirement. 49% of those who delayed admit their desire to work encouraged them to push it off. Once retired, 23% say

See Retirees/ Page 6

Retirees

Continued from Page 5

that they struggle to find fulfillment and purpose in retirement, and 22% report retirement as more of a challenge than anticipated. For some, a part-time job may be the answer. Some people feel lost or out of sorts and seek out low-stress jobs after retirement.

Practical reasons for delaying retirement include: Keeping their health insurance coverage (31%). Delaying their Social Security payout (33%). Not having enough money saved (38%).

As many retirees now have more time for other ventures, some begin righting their youthful wrongs. Most respondents (93%) say they are now free to enjoy things they didn’t have time for when working — prioritizing their health (82%), cooking healthy meals (60%), going to the doctor when necessary (59%), exercising (53%), and spending time being more active (41%).

Career Choices and Family Among Biggest Retirement Regrets

While 20/20 hindsight can sometimes be beneficial, it can also generate unhelpful feelings of shame and guilt. Two of the biggest retirement regrets are career choices and family. 38% of the respondents regret some key career decisions or regret their career choice altogether. About 35% wish that they had pursued a better work-life balance. Regarding spending time with family, 56% say they spend more time with the people they love, 10% spend less than before retirement, and 34% say their quality time investment hasn’t changed.

Marriages can benefit, too, as 43% of retirees enjoy spending more quality time with their spouses.

24% of the respondents never had children, but 27% of those people wish they did. Travel-based decisions also greatly influenced retirement regrets; 58%

of retirees wish they had prioritized preretirement travel. Most respondents (89%) stated that travel is essential, as it maintains connections among family and friends. A getaway can also relieve stress, so such ventures to support mental health could influence its importance to retirees.

Retiree Wisdom and Insight

When asked about the advice retirees would give their younger selves, they had much to say. They stress the importance of prioritizing financial planning and taking your health seriously. They also advise to prioritize happiness and personal growth.

In today’s gig economy, it’s not uncommon for consumers of any age to have multiple income streams. This tactic can be especially beneficial as young Americans prepare for the future and build retirement savings.

Additionally, 30% of respondents urge young Americans to formulate a bucket list. Around 44% admitted they didn’t begin crossing off bucket list items until after retirement.

Retirement life offers novel experiences and am-

ple time for reflection, but golden years can be even better when preparations start early. Tomorrow will get here sooner than you can ever imagine. Be ready for it.

Your favor ite advice columns online ever y day.

Jeffrey Davis, Esquire

Wealth of Geeks

A new study reports that 86% of retired Americans wish they had saved more for retirement.

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Seniors can boost energy with the right foods

Metro

A nutritious diet is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. And for seniors, the right diet can be a key part of treating any number of health issues. In fact, changing one’s diet may be something seniors can consider if they are feeling sluggish.

Food can be a helpful ally for seniors dealing with fatigue and low energy. WebMD says eating a balanced diet is one of the ways to improve low energy levels, and that balanced diet should include certain foods that are natural energy boosters.

• Whole grains: Switching refined grains for whole grains is a good way to boost energy. These grains are full of complex carbohydrates that help boost metabolism and provide energy. They’ll also work longer in the body than the more refined options. Swap out “white” products like breads and rices for whole wheat or brown rice.

• Lean protein sources: While protein does not give the same quick boost of energy as a high carbohydrate meal, it will help

dark, leafy greens, and other produce are low-calorie, low-sugar options for snacks and sides that boost health. They’re full of fiber and antioxidants that can ward off illness, and they can provide an

energy boost as well. Berries and vegetables can be added to smoothies or salads.

fuel the body and keep a person feeling full longer. According to Discovery Senior Living, protein helps increase concentration levels, produces stronger muscles and helps maintain optimal blood sugar levels. Chicken, tuna and legumes are some notable protein sources.

• Nuts: Most nuts are a complete package that

provide healthy fats, proteins and amino acids that are good for the body. The fiber and carbohydrates in nuts digest more slowly and help provide a steady supply of energy throughout the day. Replace croutons in salads with nuts, or sprinkle some nuts on oatmeal at breakfast.

• Fruits and vegetables: Berries, sweet potatoes,

April D. Henderson SUPERVISOR

The right foods can help seniors restore energy levels and promote overall health. Metro A

Goodbye Love Boat, hello life boat:

LIAM GIBSON

Wealth of Geeks

Villa Vie Residences made a splash this spring when it announced its “ Endless Horizon” program. The program offers a three-and-a-half-year cruise for $299,999 for individuals and $499,999 for couples, enabling passengers to visit all seven continents and 147 countries.

As seniors search for ways to avoid the high cost of living and healthcare across the United States, some retirees have discovered a new way to keep afloat in their golden years by signing up for a permanent cruise. Could this alternative lifestyle hold water, or is it safer to stay ashore?

While a multi-year cruise may sound enticing to satisfy one’s wanderlust, financial professionals encourage Americans without significant wealth to throttle back their expectations before they flee to the sea.

A Big Splurge Cruises don’t appeal to everyone, but the prospect of permanent cruising could comprise the dreams of those who love exploring the world by water. For some, an indefinite cruise could be a way to take an elongated “ golden gap year,” a rising trend among seniors worldwide.

“A client once asked for our help in evaluating a four-month round-theworld cruise and asked if $90,000 was a reasonable cost,” says Jonathan

Bird, founder of Farnam Financial. “The answer we shared was, of course, it’s not reasonable, but if your overall financial plan supports it, do it anyway!”

This you-only-live-once philosophy aligns with principles espoused by personal finance gurus like Bill Perkins and Ramit Sethi, who both advocate for people spending big on the things that are important to them.

As more people anticipate a lengthy retirement, longevity risk assessment becomes necessary. A significant swath of Americans now expect to spend almost four decades retired; Corebridge Financial reports about 1 in 8 workers plan to retire before age 61. Most workers (54%) aim to celebrate their 100th birthday.

The median retirement savings for Americans between 55 and 64 is just $185,000, which could pose problems if budgeted over several decades. For retirees without significant net worth, a never-ending cruise will blow their budget.

Staying Afloat

If one’s 401(k) account won’t cover the cost of a permanent cruise, selling the house is another way to raise cash.

Selling this major asset to facilitate a lifestyle change is not unheard of, as trading a house for an RV is an established trend among older Americans. Downsizing from large family homes to apartments also appeals to senior empty nesters.

Permanent cruising may sound similarly enticing. Yet retirees will need to weigh up the loss of security of a home base. By trading in the house for an endless cruise, there may literally be no way back home.

“Retiring on a cruise ship is not a good idea for most people,” says Angela Dorsey, founder and financial Planner at Dorsey Wealth Management.

“After a while, you will start to miss the familiar comforts and surroundings of a home.”

Alternatively, it may appeal to retirees nearing the end of their lives.

“It’s wise to sell your residential home to pay for a cruise only if you won’t live long enough to need it back!” says Bird. “For those who are terminally

ill, such a proposition may be well worth it.”

Not for Newcomers Cruising for three years is a big commitment. That’s why it may appeal most to seasoned cruisers who have already found their sea legs.

“The best scenario where I see this working is if a person or couple has experienced many cruises and knows they will enjoy it,” says Dorsey. “Only if they want to retire to a travel lifestyle and have calculated that they will save money by living on a cruise ship. If they own a home, they can rent it out to generate income while living on the cruise.”

See Cruise / Page 10

Continued from Page 9

For some, generating passive income may be the only way to sustain a comfortable retirement, even preferable to liquidating one’s home or dipping into 401(k) savings to travel abroad.

For this reason, some advisors describe these cruises as “floating timeshares,” hinting that they represent a financial disaster.

“Only those who get a thrill out of seeing their life savings go up in smoke should consider selling their homes to buy into this,” explains Bill Promes, principal at Austin Creek Capital. “If you want to go back home, you’ll be out 40% of your investment (if you’re lucky) the day you sign the papers.”

There are downsides even for those who may not have much time left.

“In theory, something like this should be good if you are terminally ill,” Promes continues. “However, how do you continue medical treatments if you are perpetually on a cruise?”

While retiring on the open seas shouldn’t be

ruled out entirely, Wealthtender financial advisors agree it may not work for most people.

Nonetheless, a permanent cruise offers retirees a new option to consider as an alternative to a traditional retirement community or assisted living facility. Americans who can afford the financial risks may find new meaning in the phrase “sailing off into the sunset.”

LEE J. BOHN - SUPERVISOR

Wealth of Geeks

nent cruise.

Changes that could arise from the “silver tsunami”

Metro

A report from the International Monetary Fund in the summer of 2023 indicated that a new challenge awaits the world in the coming years. The global population increased by one billion people between 2010 and 2022. That remarkable increase saw the world surpass the eight billion people mark in November of 2022. Despite a sharp increase in the global population in such a short period of time, the IMF asserts that the population boom is not the most formidable demographic challenge facing the world. The IMF defines population aging as the

most formidable challenge. Widely referred to as the “silver tsunami,” a term credited to the AARP, the increase in the number of individuals age 65 and older could lead to some unique changes in countries across the globe.

• Increased recreation spending: Sixty-five has traditionally been viewed as retirement age, and that remains an unofficial bar for individuals living in countries like the United States that have increased their official retirement age. Though an uptick in the aging population is often framed in terms of the challenges countries will face, that increase also

could present some opportunities. For example, a recent AARP Longevity Economy Outlook report noted that people 50 and older account for the most spending on recreation and culture of any demographic. That could prove beneficial to businesses and regions that cater to consumers interested in recreation.

• Employment opportunities: The AARP also noted the role the 50 and older population plays in supporting jobs. In 2020, the demographic of people 50 and older supported roughly one-third of the world’s jobs and generated $23 trillion in labor income

with its spending on goods and services. Estimates from the AARP indicate that individuals age 50 and older will support 1.5 billion jobs across the globe by 2050. The labor income impact by then will more than double to $53 billion.

• Employment challenges: Though the silver tsunami could help to maintain existing jobs and create plenty of new ones, employers might find it difficult to fill those positions. As more of the global population reaches retirement age, it bears noting that more workers will retire. Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute

note that the manufacturing sector will need to fill 2.5 million job openings related to retirements between 2020 and 2030. That could prove a sizable challenge, as the aging population is increasing at a time when the young population is decreasing. The aging population is increasing, which could lead to a number of opportunities and challenges in the decades to come.