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Complimentary | April 2020
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Anniversary April 22
1970 - 2020 page 4
How Medicare is Covering Coronavirus page 2
Beware of 2020 Census Scams page 15
Savvy Senior
How Medicare is Covering Coronavirus Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior, Is Medicare covering testing for the coronavirus? My husband and I are very nervous about this virus and would like to find out if or when we should get tested, and how Medicare manages it. – Nervous Nelly Dear Nelly, Yes! Medicare is indeed covering the cost of testing for the coronavirus, or COVID-19. But be aware that getting a test isn’t as simple as going to your local pharmacy or doctor’s office and asking for one. Here’s a breakdown of what Medicare is covering, along with how to get tested if you think you may have symptoms. Medicare Coverage Medicare (Part B) will cover the lab test to see if you have coronavirus, but
Keeping Yourself Healthy Take Steps to Protect Yourself Clean your hands often • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Take steps to protect others
only when your doctor or other healthcare provider orders it. You will pay no out-ofpocket costs for these tests. In addition, Medicare also covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead you need to stay in the hospital under quarantine. And while there’s currently no vaccine yet to protect against COVID-19, when one becomes available next year, it too will be covered by all Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D). If you happen to get your Medicare benefits through a private Medicare Advantage plan, you will have access to these same benefits. In addition, many Advantage plans are also expanding coverage of telemedicine, which allows beneficiaries to consult with medical professionals without having to go to a doctor’s office. Check with your plan for coverage details. When to Call Your Doctor Older adults, age 60 and older (especially those in their 70s and 80s), and people with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart, lung, or kidney disease are at a higher risk of serious illness if they contract the coronavirus. So, everyone in these categories needs to be vigilant. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and death. If you develop any symptoms that are concerning, you should contact your primary-care provider by phone for guidance. If your doctor believes you need testing, he or she will instruct you on what to do. Unfortunately, there have been reports of test shortages across the country, so depending on where you live, you may have to wait a few days.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. • Throw used tissues in the trash. • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Social distancing 6 feet
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April 2020
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• Stay home as much as you can, and if you must go out, maintain at least 6 feet of space between yourself and others.
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Prevention Tips To help you steer clear of COVID-19, the CDC recommends that you avoid close contact with anyone who is sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being out in public, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. To the extent possible, try to avoid touching your face, nose, and eyes. And avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places, like elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, and handshaking with people. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something. Also, clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, and cellphones. You should also avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick. The CDC also recommends that seniors and high-risk individuals stock up on supplies, such as extra medications and groceries. And, if there is an outbreak in your community, remain at home as much as possible. They also discourage nonessential travel. For more information on COVID-19, visit www.coronavirus.gov. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.
Social Security Commissioner Addresses Service Concerns during Pandemic Andrew Saul, commissioner of Social Security, recently released this message concerning Social Security services during the COVID19 pandemic. “I want you to hear directly from me how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting our services. “The first thing you should know is that we continue to pay benefits. Be aware that scammers may try to trick you into thinking the pandemic is stopping your Social Security payments, but that is not true. Don’t be fooled,” Saul said. “To protect you and help stop the spread of this coronavirus, we cannot accept visitors in our offices at this time. “There are several other ways you can get help. Many services are available online at www.socialsecurity.gov. If you have a critical need that you cannot address online, we can help you over the phone,” Saul said. “Please visit our COVID-19 webpage at www.socialsecurity. gov/coronavirus to find out what services we are continuing and which ones we are suspending, how to contact us, and important information about deadlines we are extending to ease the burden on you and medical providers during this pandemic.”
Gary Allan
Your Choice. Our Privilege. Let’s pray this storm runs out sooner rather than later.
Devotion. Compassion. Dignity. When your loved one needs help, join hands with Homeland at Home. We are privileged to be part of your caregiving team.
Be safe. Stay healthy. 717-857-7400|www.HomelandatHome.org From the staff at On-Line Publishers, Inc./50plus LIFE www.50plusLifePA.com
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Hospice volunteers are always welcome.
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Homeland Hospice A Toast to the 10th … An Encore for More! Save the date! Nov. 10
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3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Phone 717.285.1350 • Fax 717.285.1360 Chester County: 610.675.6240 Cumberland County/Dauphin County: 717.770.0140 Berks County/Lancaster County/ Lebanon County/York County: 717.285.1350 Email address: info@onlinepub.com Website address: www.onlinepub.com
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EDITORIAL
Vice President and Managing Editor Christianne Rupp Editor, 50plus Publications Megan Joyce
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50plus LIFE is published by On-Line Publishers, Inc. and is distributed monthly among senior centers, retirement communities, banks, grocers, libraries and other outlets serving the senior community. On-Line Publishers, Inc. will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which may be fraudulent or misleading in nature. Views expressed in opinion stories, contributions, articles and letters are not necessarily the views of the publisher. The appearance of advertisements for products or services does not constitute an endorsement of the particular product or service. The publisher will not be responsible for mistakes in advertisements unless notified within five days of publication. On-Line Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to revise or reject any and all advertising. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted without permission of On-Line Publishers, Inc. We will not knowingly publish any advertisement or information not in compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, Pennsylvania State laws or other local laws.
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Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary: What You — Yes, You! — Can Do for the Planet and Yourself By Randal C. Hill It took the story of a burning bags, they don’t break, tear, river in Ohio to really make the or pollute the world’s water American public sit up and take systems. notice. On June 22, 1969, oil and Cool it with the cooling debris that had collected on the (and the heating). The average surface of the Cuyahoga River monthly American electricity caught fire as it wound its way bill runs $111 a month. (Ouch!) through Cleveland. The jawThe costliest appliances to dropping news item was featured run are the ones that allow your in the Aug. 1 issue of Time home to be comfortable. Air magazine in a report on just conditioners, furnaces, and heat how bad the country’s pollution pumps account for a whopping Fritz Albert problems had become. 46% of the average American The late Gaylord Nelson, former Back then, Americans Wisconsin governor, U.S. senator, electric bill. nonchalantly fed leaded gasoline One good adjustment to and founder of Earth Day. into their powerful V-8s, and make: Switching to a digital factories spewed out smoke and sludge with little thermostat; it can mean a potential yearly savings of over $140. fear of consequences — or even bad press. To many, it was just the price of prosperity. Rachel Carson’s 1962 book Silent Spring had Give yourself a screen test. City officials in Key awakened the world to the dangers of pollution and West, Florida, have approved a ban on sunscreen its impact on public health. One year later, Gaylord products containing oxybenzone and/or octinoxate, Nelson, the former governor of Wisconsin, became both of which can harm or kill developing coral, a U.S. senator. as well as wreak genetic havoc on other marine Inspired by Carson’s warnings, Nelson became organisms. a fervid conservationist. On April 22, 1970, he “There are thousands of sunscreens out there, established the first Earth Day, and 20 million and we have one reef,” says Key West Mayor Teri Americans packed streets, parks, and auditoriums Johnston. that day to learn about the dangers of oil spills, Old Sol worshippers also need to avoid sunscreen polluting factories, raw-sewage dumping, toxic containing vitamin A, which can allow tumors and pesticides and chemicals, and concerns about lesions to develop. Read labels carefully. wildlife. This month marks the 50th anniversary of Clean green. Eco-friendly cleaning products Nelson’s brainchild, which is observed each year work naturally and without unpleasant (and around the globe by over 1 billion environmentally potentially dangerous) chemical residue. They are conscious people. natural, safe, nontoxic, and biodegradable and don’t Here are 10 ways to make your life better this harm the environment. Earth Day. Often, simple, everyday ingredients — such as baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, water, or borax Get into a whole new bag. Plastic bags are being — can take care of many of those cleaning chores banned around the world, and good old canvas and can save cash, as well. totes are seeing a resurgence. Such bags are reusable, washable, and easy to carry, fold, and store. Food for thought. About half of all food Canvas totes — now available in myriad designs produced and consumed in America is discarded; and a rainbow of colors — can also serve as gym a typical U.S. household tosses an estimated 474 or beach bags, overnight totes, day-trip bags, and pounds of food waste annually. picnic baskets. In comparison to supermarket plastic Home composting can enrich soil, eliminate the www.50plusLifePA.com
need for chemical fertilizers, help to reduce landfill methane emissions, and lower one’s carbon footprint. By separating it from trash, you can compost all organic matter, including fruit and vegetable wastes, coffee grounds, teabags, eggshells, and most refrigerator spoilage. Support good taste. There’s no doubt about it: fresh, local, organic food tastes better than just about anything from your supermarket’s produce section. But the benefits of going organic extend far beyond the palette. Local food doesn’t require long-distance trucking, organic foods often have more nutrients, and organic farms shun harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Farmers markets are the best places to find such produce, but it doesn’t hurt to ask whether vendors you buy from are actually certified organic, as not all are. Become electric-trained. Energy takes a massive chomp out of today’s household budgets, as utility bills average about $2,200 per year. Save up to $90 annually with LED-model light bulbs rather than incandescents. Unplug unused electronics and pocket up to $50 a year. If two people in a household shorten their showers by just one minute each, they could save up to $30 over 12 months. Spend $27 less annually by switching off your dishwasher’s heat-dry setting. Wash clothes in cold water rather than hot for a $22 yearly savings.
help to reduce air pollution, improve your health, and save money. This Earth Day, consider walking for short trips or use public transportation for longer ones. A 4-mile round trip by bicycle keeps about 15 pounds of pollutants out of our air. Finally, consider a hybrid auto for your next vehicle purchase. Be a good sort. Each year nearly 100 tons of recyclables are put into bins that promise life anew to items once destined for the local landfill. Good recyclers flatten cardboard boxes (to make room for more of the same) and contribute not only newspapers but also envelopes, greeting cards, wrapping paper, and phone books. Check with your wastedisposal company to verify what types of recyclables they accept. Metallic containers — empty spray cans, tinfoil, and soda, fruit, and vegetable cans — can earn a second life, too, and glass can be recycled endlessly. Reminder: Wash food waste off containers headed to the recycle bin. For more information on Earth Day’s 50th anniversary, visit Earth Day Network at www.earthday.org or call (202) 518-0044.
Senior Real Estate Specialist
Water, water everywhere. Cutting back on water usage at home means a lower monthly bill and conserving a precious resource. Low- or dual-flush toilets can cut indoor water use by about 30%. Low-flow showerheads use much less water, as a four-minute “regular” shower can mean up to 40 gallons of water going down the drain. For extra savings, turn off your shower water while soaping up, and then turn it back on when you’re ready to rinse.
With 30 Years of Real Estate Experience • 2016 Realtor of the Year •2 014 President of Realtor’s Association of York and Adams County
Driving the economy. Automobiles account for about 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions in America. By leaving your car at home, you can
Paula Musselman Selling or buying a house? Please call me – I’ll guide you every step of the way!
www.gordonsinc.com
Providing trusted service for over 40 years! Complete and Skilled Automotive Maintenance and Repair COLLISION SERVICES 24/7 Emergency Towing / Recovery / Roadside Assistance Specializing in Brake, Tire, Mechanical Services, PA State Inspections, and Emissions Testing
Office: (717) 793-9678 Cell: (717) 309-6921 2525 Eastern Blvd. York, PA 17402 Paula1159@aol.com
• Licensed in PA and MD •P roviding Reliable and Trustworthy Contracting and Moving Resources •S pecializing in Senior Moves and Transitions
Taking the time to make your transaction smooth and stress free.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! 10 Mill Street, Stewartstown, PA 17363
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Senior Real Estate Specialist ®
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Veteran Raising Awareness about Unexpected Parkinson’s Symptoms Dan McFarland’s family was concerned when he started taking pictures of clouds and posting them on social media with urgent messages about how they were symbols about the need to repent and get ready for the end of the world. His frequent bouts of paranoia and experience with surprising visions seemed out of character, especially since McFarland was a successful businessman, running one of the largest retirement communities in Oregon, and a retired U.S. Air Force senior master sergeant. It turned out that these delusions and hallucinations were non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, which McFarland had been diagnosed with years before. For McFarland, these symptoms were harder to manage than the motor symptoms typically associated with Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, rigidity, or slowness of movement. “My neurologist was able to recognize
my non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. Some of my hallucinations and delusions were frightening to me and upsetting to my loved ones, and adjusting my treatment helped lessen this burden,” he says. “To help others recognize these symptoms, I’ve gotten involved in my local Parkinson’s support group and am sharing my story.” Although there is no clear understanding of the exact cause of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s, around half of all people with Parkinson’s may experience these symptoms over the course of their disease. When McFarland first began to experience hallucinations and delusions, he recognized that what he was seeing and believing wasn’t quite real. But it was Dan McFarland is raising awareness confusing to him, and as his condition about Parkinson’s non-movement symptoms. progressed, he began to lose insight. For example, his belief that the end of April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month the world was coming was triggered by a brief news story about a sinkhole in South America. He also began to distrust family and friends. After his wife left a camping trip early, he became suspicious that she might be trying to connect with an old boyfriend. In reality, she had simply needed a much-deserved break from An enrollment specialist from the work and caregiving responsibilities. Lebanon VA Medical Center will be on hand to Left unaddressed, these non-movement symptoms can affect people with enroll veterans in the VA healthcare system during the Parkinson’s and their care partners’ ability to make plans with family and friends and even sleep, according to a survey conducted by the Parkinson’s Berks County Veterans’ Expo & Job Fair Movement Disorder Alliance. May 27, 2020 • 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Experts say that if you believe you or a loved one is experiencing hallucinations or delusions as a result of Parkinson’s disease, the first step is Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel talking to a movement disorder specialist. 1741 Papermill Road, Wyomissing You can also go to More to Parkinson’s (www.moretoparkinsons.com) to learn more about what to expect and how to start the conversation with a Veterans wishing to apply for enrollment to physician. VA healthcare should bring three items: While doctors may be able to address non-motor symptoms like • DD-214 hallucinations and delusions, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone is • Last year’s federal tax return different and for some, other non-motor symptoms may still persist. • A list of medical expenses McFarland continues to struggle with depression and anxiety, which are from the previous year other common non-movement symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. McFarland sees a therapist to help manage those symptoms. For questions or more information, call (717) 272-6621, ext. 4298 Having a greater understanding of the disease and its possible symptoms has helped the McFarlands deal with them as they arise. “Opening up about my fears and beliefs led to an improvement in my treatment plan, and I’m experiencing fewer non-movement symptoms,” says McFarland. “I hope that my story will encourage others to recognize these symptoms in themselves and others, because there are options to help.”
Need to enroll in VA healthcare?
Lebanon VA Medical Center 6
April 2020
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Department of Aging’s 2020 Benefits and Rights Book Available Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Robert Torres recently announced the release of the 2020 Benefits and Rights for Older Pennsylvanians, the commonwealth’s premier guide for information and resources serving older adults on the state and local levels. “Many older Pennsylvanians are unaware of what’s available to them as they continue to age in their community and their home. This book is a one-stop shop for them to learn about the multitude of services right at their fingertips,” Torres said. Topics in the book include housing, insurance, legal services, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and protective services. This year’s book also features a
message regarding the 2020 census and the importance for older adults to make sure they are counted. “With Pennsylvania’s increasingly diverse older population, participating in the census is crucial. It determines how federal dollars are spent that help provide programs like Medicaid, Medicare Part B, nutrition services, SNAP, and more,” Torres said. Individuals can obtain the 2020 Benefits and Rights book at their county Area Agency on Aging and the office of their state senator and representative. The book can also be viewed and downloaded online at www.aging. pa.gov/publications/benefits-andrights.
May 27, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel 1741 Papermill Road Wyomissing Veterans (of all ages), the military community, and their families are invited to this free event! The Expo brings federal, state, and local agencies together with area businesses to provide information and resources to veterans and their families. The Job Fair brings veterans and spouses who need jobs together with employers who can benefit from this rich source of talent.
Pet of the Month
Sheila
At the Expo
Wiggling into April’s Pet of the Month spot is the one and only Sheila! Sheila is a stunning 8-year-old spayed female boxer who is looking for her forever home. Having only been an outdoor dog, Sheila is excited to explore all the amazing opportunities indoor homes have to offer: sofas and beds to steal, comfy floors to roll on, and rooms to zoom through and explore. Being a senior lady, Sheila also has some medical conditions that need to be kept up with, but that has not slowed her down one bit. If you are looking for a gal who has a big heart and even bigger wiggles, look no further. Shelia’s ID number is 225772. For more information, please contact the Humane League of Lancaster County at (717) 393-6551. www.50plusLifePA.com
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Veterans Benefits & Services Medical/Nonmedical Resources Products and Services Available Support/Assistance Programs Education/Training Services
Hosted by:
At the Job Fair
Employers Job Counseling Workshops Employment Seminars Resume Writing Assistance Marketing Sponsors:
Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available
www.veteransexpo.com 25
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&
(717) 285-1350 www.olpevents.com
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Please join us for these FREE events! 17th Annual
June 10, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
CHESTER COUNTY
Church Farm School 1001 E. Lincoln Highway Exton
rescheduled 21st Annual
June 24, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
LANCASTER COUNTY
Shady Maple Conference Center Smorgasbord Building 129 Toddy Drive, East Earl
rescheduled 21st Annual
July 15, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
DAUPHIN COUNTY
Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive Hershey
24th Annual
Sept. 16, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
LANCASTER COUNTY
Spooky Nook Sports 2913 Spooky Nook Road Manheim
18th Annual
Sept. 23, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
YORK COUNTY
York Expo Center Memorial Hall East 334 Carlisle Ave., York
21st Annual
Oct. 14, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Carlisle Expo Center 100 K St. Carlisle
Exhibitors • Health Screenings • Seminars Demonstrations • Entertainment • Door Prizes
Avoid These Mistakes When Choosing a Financial Adviser A financial adviser can help you make prudent decisions about how to invest and save your money. Choosing the right one is important to your financial well-being. The Smart Asset website warns against these mistakes that could cost you money:
want someone whose specialty matches your goals, whether it’s retirement, estate planning, saving for a house or college, or something else.
Not hiring a fiduciary. A fiduciary is ethically bound to act in another person’s best interest. You want someone who is committed to your goals, not theirs. Hiring the first adviser you meet. Your friend knows a great financial planner? Great, but don’t stop there. Interview several so you can get an idea of how well you’ll work together. Hiring the wrong specialty. Advisers have specialties, so you
Picking the wrong strategy. If you want to invest conservatively, don’t hire a risk taker. Talk about the adviser’s strategy to make sure it aligns with your needs. Not checking credentials. Reliable financial planners have to pass rigorous tests, so make sure yours has the right qualifications. Not understanding payment. Some advisers charge a flat fee, while others take a percentage of the money you give them to invest. Others take commissions from mutual funds, which could produce a conflict of interest. Find out up front how your adviser makes money.
Did you know?
is available online for anytime/anywhere reading!
Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available (717) 285-1350 • (717) 770-0140 • (610) 675-6240
www.50plusExpoPA.com 25
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Older Pennsylvanians Count in 2020 Census Your participation in the U.S. census benefits your community, whether you live with family, receive in-home care, or reside in a senior living community or home. This population count determines the federal support Pennsylvanians receive through programs like Medicaid, Medicare Part B, nutrition services, SNAP, and more. The U.S. Constitution requires a census of all residents in the entire country every 10 years. The census counts every person living in the U.S. once in the right place based on where you are living April 1, 2020. You might be living in an apartment, house, or group housing situation, or you might be experiencing homelessness. Regardless of your living situation, citizenship status, age, or gender, you count as a Pennsylvanian. April 1, 2020, is National Census Day. By this date, every home will have received their invitation to participate in the 2020 census. You will have three options for responding: online, by phone, or by mail. Responding to the census should take only a few minutes. Fair Representation Neighborhoods change over time, and the census makes note of these demographic changes and reports the statistics. This information is then used to determine how many seats each state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives. Pennsylvania currently has 18 congressional representatives; the commonwealth used to have 19 but lost a seat after the 2010 census. Additionally, state officials use the statistics produced by the decennial census to redraw U.S. congressional and state legislative districts.
intelligence cybersecurity community and industry experts to keep all data locked down. The bureau’s cybersecurity meets the highest federal standards for system protection. Your data are protected no matter if you respond online, by phone, or by mail. If a census worker helps you fill out your census form in person, the technology they’re using meets the same federal security standards. Additionally, there is no citizenship question on the 2020 census. Scammers and Fraud The Census Bureau will never ask you for your Social Security number, money or donations, anything on behalf of a political party, or your bank or credit card account numbers. If someone claiming to be from the Census Bureau contacts you via email or phone and asks you for one of these pieces of information, it’s a scam, and you should not cooperate. Report them via email to rumors@census.gov or speak with a local Census Bureau representative at (800) 923-8282.
Building Trust. Reducing Stress. Delivering Reliability. Around the World.
Central Pennsylvania’s Trusted Moving & Storage Company
Federal Spending and Programs Census data are used to decide how $675 billion in federal public funding is spent every year. Pennsylvania gets $26.8 billion annually through its 16 largest federally funded programs, averaging out to about $2,000 per Pennsylvanian per year. These numbers may change based on 2020 census data. Federal funding supports many programs and services for Pennsylvanians, including in healthcare, food security, education, transportation, housing, community development, support for families, and more. Data Privacy and Security The information you provide as part of the census can never be used against you; it’s the law. Under Title 13 of the U.S. Code, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot release any information about you or others in your household. Your census answers can only be used to produce statistics. Census employees and contractors are sworn for life to always protect your information. Violators face fines up to $250,000 and up to five years in prison. The U.S. Census Bureau has a team of cybersecurity experts monitoring and protecting the bureau and your data. The bureau is legally required to keep all census data secure. To do so, the bureau works with the federal www.50plusLifePA.com
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Lancaster.ArmstrongRelocation.com 717.492.4155
info.251@GoArmstrong.com
Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community for 25 years.
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CROSSWORD
Puzzle Page
Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 34 SUDOKU
WORD SEARCH
Types of Sharks
Across 1. One of a Latin trio 5. Pen names, briefly 9. Zoo feature 13. Citadel student 15. Joint problem 16. Sneaking suspicion 17. Wine fruit 19. Quirks 20. Feeling of apprehension 21. After penalty or shadow 22. Oxen’s harness 23. Russia’s ___ the Great Down 1. Breezed through 2. Neighbor of Senegal 3. Puts two and two together 4. Appear 5. Epoch 6. Maker of sparkling wines 7. First lights 8. Charon’s river 9. Newspaper VIP 10. Sayonara, in Orizaba 11. Tropical lizard 12. Relieves 14. Pitfall
25. Guinea-Bissau moolah 26. To boot 30. Jubilant 32. Water show star 35. They can be political 39. Minified 40. Metal coating 41. Vilified 43. Dulcet 44. Penny pinchers 46. Some M&Ms 47. Salk’s conquest 50. Australian buds
53. Asteroid discovered in 1898 54. Comics cry 55. ___ Antilles 60. Skirt feature 61. Brand 63. Actress Spelling 64. Fax button 65. ___ cotta 66. Oil cartel inits. 67. Energy units 68. Juicy fruit
18. Tournament gap 24. Perfect rating 25. Corolla part 26. Purim’s month 27. Brain area 28. Ragusa native 29. Hopeful 31. Cash register part 33. Prefix with centric 34. Bad day for Caesar 36. Heckle 37. Tennyson lady 38. Bursae 42. Gr. goddess of fertility
43. Time zone 45. Not leaving leaves, maybe 47. Tortellini topping 48. Lowest deck 49. River through Tours 51. Colonnade tree 52. Airplane assignment 54. To be, to Brutus 56. Aerobic bit 57. Patriarch 58. Book before Nehemiah 59. Kind of admiral 62. Dept. store stuff
Your ad could be here on this popular page! Please call (717) 285-1350 for more information.
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Home Care Services & Hospice Providers Listings with a screened background have additional information about their services in a display advertisement in this edition.
This is not an all-inclusive list of agencies and providers. These advertisers are eager to provide additional information about their services.
Homeland at Home
Landis at Home
www.homelandathome.org Homeland Hospice: (717) 221-7890 Year Est.: 2008 Homeland HomeCare: (717) 221-7892 Year Est.: 2016 Homeland HomeHealth: (717) 412-0166 Year Est.: 2017 Counties Served: Adams, Cumberland*, Dauphin*, Franklin, Fulton, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon*, Northumberland, Perry*, Schuylkill, Snyder, York* *Homeland HomeHealth currently serves five of 13 counties. RNs: Yes LPNs: Yes CNAs/Home Aides: Yes Direct Care Workers: Yes PT/OT/Speech Therapists: Yes Social Workers: Yes Spiritual Counselors: Yes Complementary Therapies: Yes Medicare Certified: Yes
Other Certifications and Services: Homeland at Home is a community outreach of Homeland Center, a non-profit CCRC that has served our region with excellent and benevolent care since 1867. Our expert team is dedicated to providing a continuum of At Home services—from nonmedical personal assistance to skilled nursing and compassionate hospice and palliative care. We are privileged to care for you and your loved ones … any place you call “home.”
(717) 509-5800 www.landisathome.org Year Est.: 2007 Counties Served: Lancaster RNs: Yes LPNs: Yes CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified: No
Other Certifications and Services: A licensed home-care agency, offering a variety of services to persons in their homes within 15 miles of the Landis Homes campus. Services, provided by carefully screened and qualified caregivers with oversight from RNs, may be used for a short visit or up to 24 hours a day. Call for a free, in-home consultation. A home-care service of Landis Communities.
We offer community and staff educational programs, including a “My Reflections” endof-life planning workshop, as well as 15 unique bereavement support groups.
OSS Health at Home
(717) 747-8365 www.osshealth.com
Year Est.: 2013 Counties Served: Adams, Cumberland, Lancaster, York RNs: Yes LPNs: Yes CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified: Yes
Other Certifications and Services: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and medical social work
Visiting Angels
Hospice & Community Care
(800) 365-4189 www.visitingangels.com
(844) 422-4031 www.hospicecommunity.org
Year Est.: 1980 Counties Served: Adams, Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York RNs: Yes LPNs: Yes CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified: Yes
Other Certifications and Services: Hospice & Community Care provides personalized hospice and palliative care in homes, senior living facilities, and hospitals and at the Bob Fryer & Family Inpatient Center for 24-hour hospice care. Clinical staff on-call 24/7 with 24-hour admissions. Physicians and nurse practitioners board-certified in hospice and palliative medicine. Grief support available free at Pathways Center for Grief & Loss.
Year Est.: 2001 Counties Served: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Perry, and York RNs: No LPNs: No CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified: No
Other Certifications and Services: Visiting Angels provides seniors and adults with the needed assistance to continue living at home. Flexible hours up to 24 hours per day. Companionship, personal hygiene, meal prep, and more. Our caregivers are thoroughly screened, bonded, and insured. Call today for a complimentary and informational meeting.
If you would like to be featured on this important page, please contact your marketing consultant or call (717) 285-1350.
www.50plusLifePA.com
50plus LIFE
Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community for 25 years.
April 2020
11
By Sandra Gordon
Survivin’ the Sneezin’ Season
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, a.k.a., hay fever, is nothing to sneeze at. This time of year, mold spores and tiny grains of pollen from native grasses and trees hitch a ride on spring’s warm breezes, traveling for hundreds of miles. If you or someone in your family is allergic, those pesky airborne particles can kick your immune system into overdrive, bringing on annoying symptoms, such as sneezing, stuffy and runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Your throat, ears, and the roof of your mouth can itch too. Allergies can also trigger asthma, a chronic disease in which the lung’s tiny airways become swollen, mucousy, and constricted, making breathing difficult. “Allergies can trigger asthma and make it worse,” says Beth Corn, M.D., an allergy and immunology specialist. In fact, about 60-80% of adults and children 18 and under have allergic asthma — asthma brought on by allergies. But these simple strategies can tame seasonal allergies to help everyone breathe easier.
Dust mites are not parasites. They won’t bite, sting, or burrow into you. The harmful allergen they create comes from their fecal pellets and body fragments they shed in household dust. Dust mites are nearly everywhere, but the bedroom is their favorite hangout. Roughly four out of five homes in the United States have detectable levels of dust mite allergen in at least one bed, according to the American Lung Association. To derail dust mites, use a dehumidifier if humidity is a problem and encase mattresses and pillows in a barrier cover that’s impenetrable to dust. “The cover doesn’t have to be anything expensive. It just has to do the job,” Corn says. Barrier covers prevent the dust-mite debris from seeping out of bedding. “You’re not smothering the dust mites. They’re still there, but you’ll lock in the dust, which is what contains the mites you’re allergic to,” Corn says. Get rid of carpets, rugs, and curtains too. “They’re big dust collectors,” Corn says.
Pinpoint what you’re allergic to. If you are having symptoms of allergies, asthma, or both (allergic asthma) — such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing — don’t guess what you may be allergic to. See an allergist or a pulmonologist for testing and a tailored action plan, which may include allergy shots or under-the-tongue allergy drops (sublingual allergy desensitization) and over-thecounter medication to control allergy and asthma symptoms. Reducing your exposure to an allergen is an important first step. “You have to identify what’s triggering your allergies or allergic asthma, and then go after it,” Corn says.
Clean up your act. Mop floors regularly. Use shades in bedrooms instead of curtains and periodically wash down shades with a damp cloth. Also, wash sheets and towels in hot water to kill any lingering dust mites.
Bust household dust. Dust mites are a common indoor allergen, especially in winter because we tend to spend more time inside. But dust mites can also be an issue in the spring and summer because they thrive on seasonal humidity. These microscopically tiny bugs live in household dust, which sneaks in from dirt tracked in on shoes and on airborne particles like pollen and soot that blow into your home.
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Avoid outdoor chores. If you’re allergic to grasses, let someone who isn’t allergic cut the lawn. Mowing kicks up mold and pollen. If you can’t get out of lawn duty, don a surgical face mask (available at local pharmacies) to minimize your chances of inhaling outdoor allergens. Close your windows at night and turn on the air conditioner when the weather heats up. AC not only cools the air, but cleans it too. Keep car windows closed when you’re driving as well. Don’t hang towels, sheets, or clothes outside to dry. They’re pollen and mold magnets, especially on windy days. Wash up. Change your clothes, take a shower, and wash your hair after being outside. Pollen can cling to hair, skin, and clothes.
“These little tricks can really minimize your exposure to allergens and, in turn, help control your allergies and allergic asthma,” Corn says.
Are You a Candidate for Allergy Drops? For most allergies, the first line of defense is avoidance. But dodging allergens isn’t always possible or practical. In that case, regular allergy shots, which contain small amounts of an allergen, may also be a treatment option. But now, you have another alternative: sublingual immunotherapy, known as allergy drops. They’re even more convenient than allergy shots because you don’t have to visit the allergist regularly. You take the drops yourself — at home. Although allergy drops haven’t yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (they’re considered off-label in the U.S.), allergy drops have been shown to be effective for treating allergies. In 1998, the World Health Organization concluded that allergy drops are an effective alternative to traditional allergy treatments. Like allergy shots, allergy drops treat the cause of your allergies, not just the symptoms, by desensitizing your body to allergens. Allergy drops are custom made based on your allergic profile. After your doctor determines what you’re allergic to, a serum is formulated. Allergy drops contain small amounts of an allergen. Each day, you’ll place a specific number of drops under your tongue. Like allergy shots, sublingual drops work by gradually building up your body’s tolerance to an allergen so you’re no longer allergic to it. Using advanced targeted protocols, sublingual drops can address pet, seasonal pollen, dust, mold, food, and formalin (formaldehyde) allergies. Children and adults who can’t tolerate needles or injections may find the most relief. To find an allergist who offers sublingual immunotherapy, visit the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s website at acaai.org/allergies/ allergy-treatment/allergy-immunotherapy/ sublingual-immunotherapy-slit. www.50plusLifePA.com
Lancaster Senior Games Canceled You will never be bored at Ashbridge Manor Amenities Include: • Breakfast and dinner • 24-hour security and concierge services • Weekly housekeeping • Emergency call system • Wellness center with visiting health care professionals • Daily happy hour
• Year-round indoor swimming pool and aqua therapy • Exercise facilities and classes for cardio and strength training • Barber/beauty salon • Social, recreational, spiritual and cultural activities • And much more!
Make New Friends, Have Some Fun and Join Our Family!
www.lancseniorgames.org “Exercising Body, Mind, and Spirit.”
Due to concerns of the COVID-19 virus being spread, and taking recommendation from the CDC, Lancaster Senior Games is canceled for May 4-8, 2020. The Senior Games was anticipating 1,000 participants and 200 volunteers over the age of 55. Participants who already registered are being contacted and fees returned.
The date for next year’s Senior Games will be
May 3-7, 2021
971 E. Lancaster Avenue | Downingtown, PA 19335 610-269-8800 | www.ashbridgemanor.com
Pet of the Month
Plaza Curvy girl alert! Introducing Plaza, a 2-year-old spayed female. Could she purrhaps warm your lap on these cool evenings? Lovely Plaza would make a purrfect addition to most any feline-loving family! Look for Plaza in our Cat Colony Room when visiting our shelter. For adoption process details, please visit www.lebanonhumane.org, call (717) 628-1369, or stop in the Humane Society of Lebanon County, 150 N. Ramona Road, Myerstown.
Questions can be directed to Lisa Paulson at paulsonl@co.lancaster.pa.us or (717) 299-7979.
Stories of ordinary men and women called to perform extraordinary military service. From 1999–2016, writer and World War II veteran Col. Robert D. Wilcox preserved the firsthand wartime experiences of more than 200 veterans through Salute to a Veteran, his monthly column featured in 50plus LIFE. Now, for the first time, 50 of those stories— selected by Wilcox himself—are available to own in this soft-cover book.
Simply complete and mail this form with your payment to the address below to order Salute to Our Veterans. On-Line Publishers • 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Name_ _______________________________________________________ Address_ ______________________________________________________ City_______________________________ State_ ____ Zip_ ______________ Phone_ _____________________ Email______________________________ Number of copies_ ______ (Please include $20.80 for each copy) Credit card #______________________________________ Exp. date________ Signature of cardholder_________________________________CVV #________
Or send a check made payable to On-Line Publishers, Inc. You can also order online at www.50plusLIFEpa.com! www.50plusLifePA.com
50plus LIFE
Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community for 25 years.
April 2020
13
Tinseltown Talks
Growing Up with ‘Dracula’ in Your Blood Nick Thomas
Béla Ferenc Dezső Blaskó was a veteran of over 170 stage plays and several silent films in his native Hungary when forced to flee to Germany in 1919 for political reasons. Known under the stage name Arisztid Olt, the 6-foot-1-inch actor with piercing blue eyes rebranded himself after his hometown of Lugos and appeared in a dozen German films billed as Bela Lugosi before moving to the United States in 1920. A decade later and approaching 50, Bela Lugosi’s name would become forever etched in Hollywood history when the mesmerizing actor portrayed bloodsucking Count Dracula in Universal’s 1931 horror masterpiece, Dracula, a role he previously played in theaters across America for three years (see www.belalugosi.com). Married five times, his only son — also named Bela Lugosi — may have inherited the Lugosi genes, but not the craving to act. “I actually took my dad’s good advice and stayed away from the camera because he thought actors were too dependent on producers and agents,” said Lugosi, now in his early 80s, from Los Angeles. “He hoped I would follow some other career path, so I went to law school and worked in the area of celebrity rights.”
Nevertheless, the younger Lugosi couldn’t escape the famous name throughout life and even attempted to minimize the attention for a while growing up. “Until I started law school, I went by Bill instead of Bela,” he said. “But it didn’t deflect the recognition. So I’ve gone by Bela G. Lugosi or Bela Lugosi Jr. most of my life and am proud of it, of course. Hardly a day has gone by that someone hasn’t recognized the name. But people are very nice, although some still think I’m actually my father!” Young Bela Jr. spent much of his Photo credit: Universal Pictures early life at military school, but the Bela Lugosi as Dracula, left, and Lou Costello memories of his dad remain vivid. in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. “He was a very caring father, but also an authority figure,” he explained. And when mischief was afoot, his father only had to conjure up the menacing stare of his most famous character. “Oh yeah, that look was all it took!” he said, laughing. “And no, he didn’t dress up as Dracula for Halloween, which I don’t really even remember because I was away at boarding school a lot.” Bela Lugosi only appeared twice as Dracula in feature films, the second being 1948’s Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. “I visited him during the Bela Lugosi Jr., left, with his father in Dracula costume. production,” said Lugosi. “I remember they hired a comedian to come on set Get 50plus LIFE sent straight to your mailbox! to make everyone laugh and relax. I also remember everyone treating my dad with so much respect, just as I’ve heard he always treated the cast and crews he Simply mail this form and $15 for an annual subscription to: worked with.” 50plus LIFE • 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Despite working for two more decades after the original Dracula film, Call (717) 285-8131, or subscribe online at www.50plusLIFEPA.com! Lugosi says his father could never escape the role he famously created. “He was such a versatile actor before that movie and it typecast him, but he was proud to have made the character his own,” he said. “I’m sure he’d Name_ _________________________________________________________________ be totally amazed to know his popularity today and how fondly he’s still remembered.” Address_ ________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________ State ________ Zip_____________
Please specify edition:
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for over 750 newspapers and magazines.
oChester oCumberland oDauphin oLancaster oLebanon oYork
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www.50plusLifePA.com
Savvy Senior
Beware of 2020 Census Scams Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you offer some tips to help seniors guard against census scams? With the 2020 census gearing up, I’ve read that there are a lot of potential scammers out there looking to take advantage of older people, and I want to protect myself. – Cautious Judy
This year, you will have the option of completing the 2020 census questionnaire either online, by mail, or by phone. The invitation will include detailed instructions of what you need to do. If you don’t respond to this invitation letter, you will receive several follow-up postcard reminders from the Census Bureau by mail. If you still don’t respond by late April, a census worker will come to your door to collect your response in person. It only takes a few minutes to complete the census questionnaire. While census participation is very important and required by law, you also need to be vigilant of census-linked scams. This is especially important for seniors, who tend to be prime targets. The Census Bureau warns against phishing email scams as well as con artists masquerading as census workers who will try to solicit your personal
Dear Judy, Unfortunately, scams have become a persistent problem when the U.S. Census Bureau does its once-a-decade count of the U.S. population. Here’s what you can expect from the 2020 census in the coming weeks and how you can protect yourself from potential scams. What to Expect In mid-March, nearly every U.S. household received an invitation in the mail to respond to the 2020 census.
please see Census page 39
We Want YOU! •K orean war veterans (of all service branches) who served anywhere in the world 1950–1955 • Veterans (of all service branches) who served in Korea 1945–present
The mission of the KWVA/USA is to defend our nation. Care for our veterans. Perpetuate our legacy. remember our missing and fallen. Maintain our memorial. Support a free Korea.
www.50plusLifePA.com
Come and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow veterans at a monthly meeting of the local chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA). We meet on the second Wednesday of each month at Wood Crest Villa — Eagle Commons, 2001 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601, starting with lunch at noon. This invitation includes spouses/companions and drivers. There is no charge for attendance. Dress code is casual. We currently have 90+ registered members. Come join us. Hopefully, you will find it habit forming.
For more information call: Bill Kelley, VP (717) 560-9424 50plus LIFE
The help caregivers need to care for themselves and others! Features • Directory of Providers • Books and Resources • Support Organizations • Articles
Also online at www.BusinessWomanPA.com
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th
Call for your free copy today! (717) 285-1350
Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community for 25 years.
April 2020
15
National Foot Health Awareness Month How Healthy Feet Can Reduce Your Risk of Falling Among older Americans, falls are the No. 1 cause of injuries and death from injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Not only are seniors more at risk for falls, when they do so, it poses a greater risk for injuries, hospitalization, and complications. For a ground-up approach to fall prevention, seniors should start by examining the health of their feet. “Painful foot conditions, such as osteoarthritis, corns, bunions, hammertoes, and diabetes complications, can make it difficult for seniors to maintain balance and coordination when walking or standing,” says Michael Ambroziak, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and fellow member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery. “Compounding the issue is that the very exercises intended to correct
• Diabetic Nerve Pain • Arch Pain • Ingrown Toenails • Fungus Nails
882 Millersville Rd Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 291-0391
• Bunions/Hammertoes • Corns/Calluses • Heel Spurs • Warts
324 Beaver Valley Pike Willow Street, PA 17584 (717) 464-5603
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risk factors for falls, such as lower-body weakness, as well as gait and balance problems, are made difficult to perform when one is suffering from painful foot and ankle conditions.” While the factors causing falls are numerous, experts say that seniors, and everybody for that matter, can take steps to reduce their risk by minimizing or even eliminating foot pain. Doing so will improve balance, coordination, and stability when walking or standing. Foot and ankle surgeons recommend the following ways to help keep feet and ankles healthy: Don’t ignore pain: Foot pain is not just a normal consequence of growing older, so don’t resign yourself to aching and suffering. You likely have a treatable condition. Dr. Marilyn Henderson has been in practice for 37 years and has seen many changes in the field of podiatric medicine. Years ago, the only options for treating the ugly, thick, yellow fungus toenails were removal of the nails (with an uncomfortable recovery) or an oral medicine with the potential to harm the liver. Dr. Mary Ann Patterson, Now there is Cutera laser therapy Dr. Marilyn Henderson, Dr. Dana Waters — no pain and no side effects! We are now offering 50% off for a limited time so you can have beautiful nails for the summer. Another example is heel pain. Pain pills, shoe inserts, shots, and even surgery were the standard protocols. Now we utilize the robotic M6 MLS laser, a painless and quicker alternative. Two wavelengths work together to deliver two key outcomes: decreased inflammation and increased vascular flow. This increases the body’s cellular healing as well as targets the pain receptors to decrease pain. Treatment is dynamic — if the pain moves or changes, the laser can move with it! A return to mobility faster than conventional treatments is what makes patients (and their feet) happy. We are also excited to introduce the ability to perform in-office surgery for certain procedures, including hammertoe corrections. This means no lab work, chest X-ray, or physical that is required for a hospital-based surgery. If you are interested in learning more about the MLS or Cutera laser, please schedule a consult with Henderson Podiatry or visit our website at www.hendersonpodiatry.com. www.50plusLifePA.com
For a proper diagnosis and intervention, be sure to pay attention to your feet and see a foot and ankle surgeon if and when you experience pain.
Independent Living • Personal Care • Skilled Nursing
Examine your feet: You are the gatekeeper of your own health, making regular at-home foot examinations critical. At the sign of bumps, lumps, or other changes in your feet, make an appointment with your foot and ankle surgeon. Exercise: Simple stretching exercises can help you maintain strength and mobility in your feet and ankles, as well as provide pain relief. Talk to your physician about appropriate exercises for you. Protect: Use padding, insoles, or whatever special footwear you are prescribed. Be sure to wear these, along with comfortable, sensible shoes, every day.
An Adaptable Approach & a Heart for Community
Be flexible: Know that at times, surgery is the most appropriate treatment for a given condition. Fortunately, many simple surgical techniques allow foot surgery to be performed on an outpatient basis. For more ways to keep feet and ankles healthy and prevent falls or to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit Foot and Health Facts (www. foothealthfacts.org), the patient education website for ACFAS. Foot and ankle surgeons are experts in providing both conservative care as well as surgical approaches to foot and ankle healthcare. Remember, just one fall can permanently rob seniors of their independence and dramatically reduce their quality of life. Taking good care of feet and ankles, however, can reduce the risk of a life-altering slip, trip, or fall.
We work to adapt our environment to our resident’s interests and needs. Residents participate in various intergenerational programs in the community and enjoy giving back.
www.FHKennett.org
StatePoint
YOU Can Learn How to Help Others Navigate Their Medicare Options!
You are invited to join the Lancaster County Office of Aging team of volunteer APPRISE counselors who assist Medicare-eligible beneficiaries navigate the often-confusing Medicare system. APPRISE counselors receive intensive training in Medicare Parts A, B and D, Supplemental Insurances, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicaid, PACE Plus, and other health insurance-related topics. This training allows volunteers to provide unbiased assistance to consumers so they can make an informed decision and choose the plan that best meets their specific needs.
APPRISE counselors assist older and disabled individuals with: • Understanding Medicare A, B, and D • Making informed choices about Medicare Advantage Plans • Deciding what Medicare D Plan (prescription coverage) is best • Selecting a Medigap Policy • Applying for PACE Plus • Determining what financial assistance an individual may be eligible to receive
Become an APPRISE Volunteer Today!
APPRISE counselors must be available during weekdays for the shadowing, training, and counseling parts of this volunteer opportunity. For more information, please contact Bev Via at 717-299-7979 or 1-800-801-3070, or by e-mail at viab@co.lancaster.pa.us.
www.50plusLifePA.com
50plus LIFE
Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community for 25 years.
April 2020
17
It Was 50 Years Ago Today
‘Let It Be’ Randal Hill
“Let It Be” offered a “heads up” message for Beatles fans worldwide: The group is breaking up, and nothing can stop its eventual demise. Those in the know really weren’t surprised. John Lennon, enamored with Yoko Ono, had basically lost interest in the band. George Harrison’s spiritual studies had brought him a whole other life. Ringo Starr was developing a film career and enjoyed becoming his own man. Only Paul McCartney was in agony — he admitted to feeling insecure and wounded — about holding history’s most important rock band together. In McCartney’s official biography, Many Years from Now, he told writer Barry Miles, “One night during this tense time, I had a dream I saw my mum, who’d been dead 10 years or so. And it was so great to see her, because that’s a wonderful thing about dreams: You actually are reunited with that person for a second … “It was so wonderful for me, and she was very reassuring. In the dream she said, ‘It’ll be all right.’ … So that got me writing the song ‘Let It Be.’ … The song was based on that dream.”
Are you on Medicare? Could you use help with Medicare Costs? You may be eligible to receive financial assistance to help pay for your Medicare Part B premium and prescription drug costs!
Contact us for more information. APPRISE is a free health insurance counseling program for Medicare beneficiaries that is designed to provide objective, easy-to-understand information about Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, and Medicaid, Medigap, Medicaid, and Medicare financial assistance programs.
Phone: 1-800-783-7067 This project was supported, in part by grant number 1801PAMIDR-01 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.
www.aging.pa.gov/aging-service/insurance 18
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Many listeners interpreted McCartney’s lyrics as a Virgin Mary reference. Had McCartney meant for his song to be quasi-religious? “You can take it that way. I don’t mind. I’m quite happy if people want to use it to shore up their faith … I think it’s a great thing to have faith of any sort, particularly in the world we live in.” Mary McCartney had been a devout Catholic who had McCartney and his younger brother, Michael, christened in her religion, although neither stayed involved in Catholicism later as teenagers or adults. “Let It Be” was recorded in January 1969, during the sessions for The Beatles (better known as The White Album), with final touches added to the tune in January 1970. McCartney was backed on the song by the other three Beatles, as well as organ/piano superstar Billy Preston and McCartney’s wife, Linda, as an uncredited vocalist. Uncredited also were two trumpeters, two trombonists, a sax player, and a cellist. “Let It Be” would, of course, also become the name of the final album of the Beatles’ career. Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, released her own version concurrently with that of the Beatles; Franklin’s version never charted, though, while the Beatles’ original hit the top of the singles charts. The tune has lived on in interesting ways. Sesame Street used it as a song called “Letter B,” with McCartney’s lyrics altered to list words that begin with B. Ike and Tina Turner, Joan Baez, and John Denver would later cover the classic as album tracks. “Let It Be” was played at Linda McCartney’s funeral in 1998. “Looking back on all the Beatles’ work, I’m very glad that most of it was positive and has been a positive force,” McCartney once said. “I always find it very fortunate that most of our songs were to do with peace and love, and encourage people to do better and to have a better life.” Randal C. Hill is a rock ’n’ roll historian who lives at the Oregon coast. He may be reached at wryterhill@msn.com.
Steinmetz is Buying & Selling All Gold & Silver — Call for Quotes! • U.S. COLLECTIONS • 1/2 Cents through U.S. Gold • All Silver Dollars • Jewelry • All U.S. Coins and Currency • Foreign Coins and Currency WE WILL TRAVEL FREE LS ISA Dennis E. Steinmetz A R P P A dsteinco@aol.com LANCASTER 350 Centerville Rd. 299-1211 or 800-334-3903 www.steinmetzcoins.com
Are you 62+ or Older? Welcome to your new home! utilities included!
Look at all we have to offer ... Newly Renovated Units, Fitness Center, Service Coordinator, and More ... Give us a call and check out our fabulous facilities. We offer congregate meals to all residents, Mon.–Fri., at 11:30 a.m.
b’nai B’rith Apartments 130 South Third Street • Harrisburg
(717) 232-7516
www.50plusLifePA.com
On Life and Love after 50
Lying about Age in a Dating Profile is Unwise Tom Blake
A woman, mid-60s, emailed me about a man who contacted her on a senior dating website. The man’s profile stated he was 71, which she felt was close enough to her age to meet him for a date. He lived 20 miles away. Arlene wrote, “He wanted to meet at a Starbucks near where I live, so I agreed. His photo looked OK. “I was sitting outside waiting for him. When he walked up, he seemed much older than his photo. “He had seen in my profile a picture of me on a cruise ship. He asked if I liked to cruise, to which I replied: ‘Yes, it’s my favorite thing to do.’ “He told me he’d been in the Navy and on many ships. I asked if it was during the Vietnam War; he told me it was during the Korean War. Since I’m a baby boomer, guys in my age group were in the Vietnam War, not the
Korean War. “I reminded him that his profile stated he was 71. He told me he’d ‘fudged’ his age; he was 81! I let him ramble on for an hour about himself and then told him I had many errands and had to leave. “He had the nerve to contact me online again the next day. I told him we were not a match, and that 81 was not 71! “These guys never stop trying.” I wondered why he lied to Arlene. I pondered what he may have thought; I’m only guessing, but perhaps it was something along this line. Her profile picture appealed to him; he found her attractive. She lived close enough that dating her would be convenient. They had similar interests: They both liked ships. Perhaps he thought she had the please see Dating page 27
www.osshealth.com
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50plus LIFE
Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community for 25 years.
April 2020
19
Join us in celebrating our silver anniversary by taking a look back at life over the last 25 years … as well as a blast from one of our covers past!
2008 Top Headlines
Entertainment
• In February, and less than two years after passing power to his brother due to illness, Fidel Castro permanently stepped down from Cuba’s presidency after 49 years.
• NBC canceled January’s Golden Globe Awards due to the ongoing Writers Guild of America Strike. Instead, winners were announced during an hour-long televised press conference.
• The federal government took over operations of mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in September. At the time, the two firms held more than half of the nation’s mortgages.
• Notable passings included Cyd Charisse, Heath Ledger, Bernie Mac, Paul Newman, George Carlin, Isaac Hayes, Suzanne Pleshette, Charlton Heston, Tim Russert, David Foster Wallace, and Yves Saint-Laurent.
• On Oct. 3, President George W. Bush signed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 into law. The $700 billion bailout/rescue package aimed to restore liquidity in financial markets and limit the economic damage of the subprime mortgage crisis.
• After 12 years on Broadway and more than 4,300 shows, Rent ended its run on Broadway. The rock musical grossed more than $280 million and won four Tony Awards. •
• Barack Obama, Democratic senator from Illinois, won the U.S. presidential election against Sen. John McCain of Arizona on Nov. 4. Obama became the first African American elected president.
April 2008
Sports
• In April, American racing driver Danica Patrick won her first IndyCar Series race, becoming the first woman to ever win a professional race competing against men. • The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 4-1, for the World Series championship. In Super Bowl XLII, the New York Giants defeated the heavily favored New England Patriots 17-14. • China hosted the Summer Olympics Aug. 8-24 in Beijing, welcoming 10,942 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees who competed in 28 sports and 302 events. The United States won the highest number of medals overall and placed second in the gold medal tally. • During the Beijing Olympics, Usain Bolt, a sprinter from Jamaica, set a new world record in the 100-meter at 9.69 seconds. Nearing the race’s end, Bolt slowed down and celebrated, leaving the world wondering what his time would have been had he finished at full speed.
April 2020
t age 65, Harrison Ford returned to A the Indiana Jones movie franchise with Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
• T he year’s top-selling books included The Appeal by John Grisham; The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama; Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert; The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch and Jeffrey Zaslow; and the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer.
• Amidst rising concerns about the potential collapse of the U.S. auto industry, on Dec. 19 President Bush announced plans to lend General Motors and Chrysler a $17.4 billion federal rescue package.
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Science & Technology • On Jan. 15, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declared that food from cloned cattle, swine, goats, and their progeny is safe to eat. • The space shuttle Atlantis launched Feb. 7 to deliver the European Space Agency’s $2 billion Columbus science laboratory to the International Space Station. It arrived successfully at the satellite two days later. • With only about 20,000 estimated in the wild, in May U.S. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne announced that the polar bear had been added to the endangered species list. • After more than 30 years, Bill Gates, co-founder and chairman of Microsoft, stepped down from the company’s day-to-day operations to focus on his philanthropic work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Since 2000, 50plus LIFE (previously Senior News and 50plus Senior News) has won more than 130 awards for its editorial content and design. Here’s a look at an award-winning article from our archives.
A Spark that Ignited
SECON PLACED
February 2004 issue NAMPA Award: Second Place, Profile By Lynda Hudzick If it could speak, the former public library building at 399 N. Hanover St. in Elizabethtown would have quite a story to tell. Originally built as a church and then serving as the local town library, the building is now enjoying a renewed life as the home of the Carli International Institute for the Arts. Othmar Carli, who currently resides with his wife in York, was born in Austria not long before World War II. As a child, Carli said that a neighbor who was a pattern maker sparked his interest in art. “He taught me how to make little models of houses and people — there was a joke that no tree in the neighborhood was safe from me carving into it,” he said. “Hitler invaded when I was 6 years old, and I do have some difficult memories. You either made it or you didn’t, but God was looking out for me. He had a special plan in mind for me, I think.” Carli explained that after the war, anyone with the necessary skills or talents got jobs repainting and rebuilding, and that’s how he got his formal training and began working on churches. His skills of restoration have become uniquely focused on sacred art, such as murals, paintings of religious figures, sculpture, and restoring the intricate decoration of the building itself. The oldest church he worked on was consecrated in the year 940. “I’ve done maybe 10 churches in my life, but remember, it takes a very long time to complete the job,” he said. “I’ve been working on a church in New Jersey now for 11 years. “Most of the churches are 45-65 feet high, and I spend a lot of my time up on scaffolding at those heights. Sometimes I will have to remove 2 inches of plaster and restore the painting underneath, making sure nothing gets damaged.” After spending so much time climbing on scaffolding, there was at least one close call that Carli remembers well. “Once I fell from 60 feet of scaffolding but grabbed on and was able to pull myself up before I got to the concrete below. My guardian angel was there that day. Of course, the fall doesn’t really hurt; it’s the sudden stop, you know.” Carli has taught others the art of restoration, including a group of students from Lancaster Catholic High School. “Two years ago, I took six students with me to work on a church in Harrisburg, and it was a difficult job,” he said. “Someone back in the ’70s had washed that mural with Ivory soap and left a film from the soap, plus the debris from years of candles burning. The most important part of any www.50plusLifePA.com
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restorer’s job is cleaning, and that’s what we did. “The students did very well, and, in fact, one of them has now gone on to university to study restoration.” Although he enjoys restoring the artwork of others, he is an artist in his own right, having had works displayed in 12 international exhibits, including shows in Vienna and Italy. He has worked and taught in Europe, India, and all across the United States. So how did he end up in Elizabethtown? “My wife said that I work all over the world, why not do something for our own country?” he said. “I wanted to open a studio, a place where artists could come together to work and learn. I looked around for four years, but nothing was suitable — everything I saw needed too much work. “Then the realtor found this building, and I really liked it because it was so big and it used to be a church. After spending half of my life inside churches, I like the space.” Not only was a large, open space important to him, but also the floors of the structure had to be incredibly strong to support the two large printing presses he has brought with him. “These presses were originally used to print National Geographic magazine, so they are very high quality,” he said. “I did study the structure here before we moved in, but I knew that when this was a library, these floors were able to hold the many tons of books that were here.” Using the presses, Carli now works with local artists, teaching them to make original prints of their own artwork. He is eager to explain the art of printmaking to visitors and enjoys demonstrating how the huge presses work. “I don’t do photographic prints,” he said. “In Europe, prints are nearly always made using hand-cut and -etched plates. There are fewer prints of artwork made this way, which does make each one more valuable.” Carli said that as he cuts back on work that requires him to travel, he is enjoying spending more time at his studio in Elizabethtown and looking forward to more visitors from the community who are curious about art. “I am here most days and do stay over a few nights a week,” he said. “My associate refers to this as my sandbox, because it is where I am the happiest. But I will always be working, because I have at least 150 years of work waiting for me! “I believe that one doesn’t die of old age; one dies of boredom. And I am never bored.”
Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community for 25 years.
April 2020
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The Beauty in Nature
Common Lawn Flowers Clyde McMillan-Gamber
Some short-grass lawns in southeastern Pennsylvania are made attractive and interesting with a variety of adaptable, flowering plants close to the ground. Every year I look forward to seeing the beauties of their blossoms, starting early in April. Readers can also enjoy their beauties free, just by looking at lawns more closely. Veronicas are the first of these plants to bloom in lawns, Veronicas often as early as mid-March. And on sunny days in early April, the innumerable, small, light-blue flowers of veronicas form lovely carpets of themselves on many lawns. Veronicas are aliens from Europe. They grow close to the ground to avoid cold wind but still receive warm sunlight. And they are so low to the ground that their leaves and pretty blooms are missed by mowers’ blades. Dandelions are from Europe and bloom in April. Their cheery, golden
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flowers turn many lawns from green to yellow for a couple of weeks, which is an inspiring sight. Though dandelions tend to grow long flower stems, this plant has adapted to regular mowing by also developing short stems that allow their blossoms to bloom and go to seed below mowers’ blades. Eventually, dandelions on lawns mostly produce shortstemmed flowers, as an White clover adaptation to mowing. Several kinds of adaptable creatures feed on parts of dandelions. Woodchucks and cottontail rabbits eat the leaves and flower stems. And American goldfinches, house finches, song sparrows, house sparrows, chipping sparrows, and other kinds of seed-eating birds ingest dandelion seeds when they are available in early to mid-May. Surviving seeds float away on their wind-pushed parachutes to begin a new generation of dandelions. Native to woodland floors in the eastern United States, blue violets have lovely purple flowers that peek coyly from the lush-green of their own leaves and short grass. During the latter two weeks of April, patches of violets growing together produce clumps of their pretty blossoms on many lawns, beautifying those human-made habitats. Violet leaves and flowers are consumed by chucks and cottontails. Yellow wood sorrels are also native to woodland floors in the eastern United States. This species of prostrate lawn plant produces small, yellow blooms from May into summer, which helps beautify lawns. Indian strawberries are from eastern Asia. Each prostrate plant is a small, creeping vine with golden blooms. When pollinated, each blossom produces a small, red, strawberry-like fruit. The yellow flowers and red fruits together make some lawns prettier. The fruits are eaten by squirrels and birds, including American robins and gray catbirds. Ground ivy from Europe is a low-growing mint that has small, purple blooms that are beautiful on lawns from April into summer. But this plant has a pungent scent when damaged. White clover is from Eurasia and begins to bloom by mid-May. Some lawns appear white in summer with the innumerable white flowers of this common plant. And these blossoms are regularly and commonly visited by honeybees that make honey from their sweet nectar. Regular lawn-mowing benefits white clover and honeybees. Clover’s response to mowing is to grow new flowers every time their blooms are cut. Therefore, there is nectar on lawns for bees to collect and turn into honey all summer. Most lawns don’t have all these flowers. But the blooms that are in lawns beautify them. Clyde McMillan-Gamber is a retired Lancaster County Parks naturalist.
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Poll Ranks Most Trusted Professions Nurses are the most trusted professionals in the United States, according to a Gallup poll from last December. They led the list for the 17th consecutive year, with 84% of Americans rating their honesty and ethical standards as “highâ€? or “very high.â€? Here’s how some other professions stack up: • Medical doctors – 67% • Pharmacists – 66%
• H igh school teachers – 60% • Police officers – 54% • A ccountants – 42%
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• F uneral directors – 39% • Clergy – 37% • Journalists – 33% • Building contractors – 29% • Bankers – 27% At the bottom? Not surprisingly, politicians and car salespeople, tied at 8%.
BlueJourney PPO is offered by Capital Advantage Insurance CompanyÂŽ, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. BlueJourney HMO is offered by Keystone Health PlanÂŽ Central, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in BlueJourney PPO and BlueJourney HMO depends on contract renewal. Capital BlueCross and its subsidiaries Capital Advantage Insurance Company, Capital Advantage Assurance Company and Keystone Health Plan Central are independent licensees of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. Communications issued by Capital BlueCross in its capacity as administrator of programs and provider relations for all companies. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or copayments may change on January 1 of each year. The formulary, pharmacy and/or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. Y0016_MK18_50plusAd Accepted
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Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community for 25 years.
April 2020
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Make Your Home a Longevity Sanctuary By Dr. Erica Miller Regardless of your age or how much time you spend in your home, creating the right environment that supports and energizes you is part of living long and well. Pay attention to how your home provides you with the comfort and peace you seek to minimize the barrage of stressors that occur in daily life. Make it a place where it improves your quality of life every day. While there’s no perfect formula for achieving this, here are 10 ideas to get you started: 1. Choose your place of residence carefully to minimize the need to relocate. Moving — whether it’s just a few miles away or to another continent — is a stressful event to be reckoned with, even when the outcome of the move is otherwise positive. 2. Seek to live close to family. Many young people dream of getting out on their own. For them, that means moving as far from their childhood homes as possible. While the impulse is understandable, especially for a short period of time, research suggests that, when the time comes to get serious about the future, it’s a good idea to settle relatively close to home. 3. Reclaim the original purpose for your kitchen and dining room. Too
often, people put their kitchen and dining rooms to the wrong use. They become display centers for beloved place settings and centerpieces that are never intended for actual mealtime use. Or, worse, they become cluttered with papers and other miscellaneous items. Instead of balancing plates on our laps, eating at the kitchen counter, or taking our meals on-the-go in our vehicles, make the space for mealtime activity mindful. 4. Cut down on the distractions. Enter most homes, and you will notice they are constantly noisy due to the TVs, smartphones, and other media devices. The “always on” culture is simply unhealthy, and the “chronologically gifted” honor the sacredness of the here and now by making a concerted effort to quiet
their homes. They set reasonable time limits on their consumption of media, and they turn off their devices or put them away while engaged in other activities.
5. Add some greenery. People who live in environments full of plants and flowers enjoy a higher perceived quality of life and exhibit a more positive outlook than those who don’t. There’s just something about the greenery and vibrant colors of plant life that stimulate a part of the brain that wants to live and to live well.
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6. Create a space for entertaining others and use it. No matter how large or small your home is, make sure there is an area where guests feel welcome and can make themselves comfortable. We’re social animals. By thoughtfully creating a space for entertaining guests, you may discover a new desire to invite company over more often. 7. Reclaim the original purpose for the bedroom. There are only two activities that are supposed to take place in the bedroom, and both are great for longevity. Watching TV isn’t one of them. Neither is catching up on Facebook posts or working out in your home gym. So it’s time to banish everything from the bedroom that could distract you from enjoying sex and getting a truly restful sleep. 8. Declutter your space. Disorganized, cluttered spaces tend to cause stress. Such environments overload your senses, confuse your focus, and impair your creativity. Parting with objects accumulated over time often lightens the pain centers in the brain.
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Make a Memory with Your Daughter, Granddaughter, or Niece!
9. Make your priorities known. When someone first walks into your home, is what’s most important to you immediately apparent to them? If not, then chances are it’s not apparent to you, either. Subtly, this could be obstructing rather than reinforcing your life goals. 10. Create a meditation space. Does your home have a special area dedicated purely to your personal serenity? That is, do you have a place where you can go to escape all distractions, focus deeply on your inner self, and reconnect with your higher power? The chronologically gifted do. It’s their favorite place because it’s where they consistently retreat from the world and feel at peace. Create the Environment You Want Remember your home is 100% yours. Whether large or small, create it for whatever activity or inactivity that helps you feel united with the cosmos. This is where you will sense your smallness in the universe as well as your importance as a human being. This feeling of connection with something larger than yourself is an engine for longevity. Dr. Erica Miller holds her Ph.D. in clinical psychology and has written extensively on topics of positive psychology, longevity, overcoming challenges, and living life to its fullest. Her most recent book, Chronologically Gifted: Aging with Gusto, made her an international bestselling author. For more information, please visit www. drericamiller.com.
For active adults when apartment living is all you need! Affordable housing for those 62 and older, located in beautiful, historic Marietta
June 6, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hershey Lodge
325 University Drive, Hershey Please join us this spring for the seventh annual Dauphin County Women’s Expo. Women of all ages enjoy these community events, finding helpful information for all the hats they wear in their everyday lives, including:
Health & Wellness • Finance • Home Technology • Beauty • Nutrition Spa Treatments
and more!
FREE advance guest registration online. ($5 at the door.)
Rents start at $715 and include all utilities (heat, electric, water, sewer, trash), off-street parking, on-site laundry, community room, and community garden. Two-bedrooms start at $857. For applications and information, please contact:
Community Basics, Inc. 717-735-9590 or info@communitybasics.com
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rescheduled
601 East Market Street Marietta
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Supporting Sponsors: Bath Fitter Homeland at Home
Seminar Sponsors: BeBalanced Thrivent Financial
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Visitor Bag Sponsor: UPMC Pinnacle
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April 2020
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New Trend: Skip-Generation Vacations If you haven’t made plans for the summer, you might consider whether a “Skip-Generation Vacation” will work for your family. This trendy way of travel happens when active grandparents go on holiday with their grandchildren. This arrangement can be beneficial for many reasons:
downtime for date nights, getting projects done around the home, going to a concert, sleeping in late, or whatever carefree adults have the luxury of doing. A few considerations to be mindful of: • There should be a candid family discussion about acceptable behavior and expectations, especially in families where grandparents and grandchildren interact infrequently.
• It allows grandparents and grandchildren quality time to bond and learn from each other. • Many baby boomer grandparents enjoy an active lifestyle and the financial stability that allows for travel away from home. • Staycationing grandparents have the time to spend with their grandchildren at museums, libraries, and parks during the day when familyfriendly activities are held. • With the kids away and well cared for by Nana and Papa, busy parents have
! r a e r u o y s u Lend 50plus LIFE and Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania have partnered to bring you weekly audio readings of 50plus LIFE’s editorial content!
Listen to the livestream Thursdays from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at www.vrocp.org! The program will repeat 3 times that day and Saturdays from 11-11:30 a.m.
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For more information, call Vision Resources at (717) 238-2531 and listen at visit www.vrocp.org. 26
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• To test out whether this sort of arrangement is suitable for your family, grandparents might plan a short trip that is close to home instead of a longer trip with more logistical considerations. • A llow grandchildren to share in the planning to tap their interests and build anticipation.
Libraries Still Healthy in the U.S. Those of us who worry that libraries are on their way out should take heart from a recent survey reported on the CNN website. In 2019, more Americans went to the library than to movies, live sporting events, museums, concerts, casinos, and other places. U.S. adults reported that they visited the library 10.5 times on average last year, almost twice as many visits as trips to the movies. That was followed by live or
theatrical events and visits to national and historic parks (about four times), museums and casinos (2.5 times), and amusement parks and zoos. The majority of library goers are 18–29. Libraries offer more than just books, of course, likely a factor in the almost-monthly visits. These days most libraries offer free Wi-Fi, children’s activities, movie rentals, and more, which are attractive to young adults, women, and people on a low income.
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Dating from page 19 characteristics he sought in a mate and that they’d be a good match. He knew he was too old for her. If he listed his true age, he wouldn’t get a date with her because she was at least 15 years younger. Maybe he was convinced that if he could just get to meet Arlene face-toface, she might think he was so wonderful that the age difference wouldn’t matter. Technically, he was lying. I’m guessing he believed it was just a little white lie. Besides, he promised himself that he’d reveal his true age after, of course, he’d had a chance to show her what a great catch he’d be. Is lying to get one’s foot in the door wrong? Again, I can’t say if this is how his thinking went, or if any of my above speculation is true, but I imagine some of it is. A dating coach I know said, “When I work with my clients, I always insist they tell the truth about themselves, including their age. It’s very important not to lie.” Many senior singles believe that if people lie about their age, they might lie about other things as well. I responded to Arlene: “He may have even been fudging a bit more. The Korean War was between 1950 and 1953. If he was 17 in 1950, that would make him approximately 87 now. If he was 17 in 1953, he’d be about 84 now. If he was older than 17 during the Korean War, he could be in his late 80s now.” Lying about age isn’t acceptable. Besides, the truth will emerge sooner or later. For dating information, previous articles, or to sign up for Tom’s complimentary, weekly e-newsletter, go to www.findingloveafter50.com.
MULTI-DAY TOURS
ONE-DAY TOURS
• Texas, New Orleans, Nashville & San Antonio . ...............................................May 4-16 • Ottawa Tulip Festival & 1000 Islands........ May 11-15 • Dine/Ride the Rails in Cape Cod & Newport......................................................May 18-22 • Outer Banks of North Carolina..................May 18-22 • Atlantic City Casino & Show Getaway........May 27-28 • New York City Getaway.................................June 5-6 • Cape Cod Getaway....................................June 8 - 12 • My Old Kentucky Home...............................June 8-12 • Mackinac Island & Michigan. .................... June 13-19 • Niagara Falls & African Lion Safari. ........ June 16-19 • Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival.............June 19-21 • Islands, Lighthouses & Railways...............June 20-24 • Bar Harbor, Maine....................................June 22-26 • Ocean City, MD Summer Escape. ..............June 23-26 • Windjammer Festival in Maine.................June 23-27 • Moosin’ in Maine...................................June 28-Jul 2 • Black Hills & Yellowstone........................July 12 – 26 • Tall Ships Challenge................................... July 14-18 • California & the Great Southwest.........Sept 13-Oct 3
• Georgetown House Tour. ............................... April 25 • New York Gourmet Shopping. ....................... April 25 • Atlantic City Casino. ...........................................May 2 • Washington DC Embassy Tour. ..........................May 9 • Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise & Longwood.........................................................May 10 • Flight 93 and Quecreek Mine. .........................May 13 • Intrepid – Sea, Air & Space Museum – NY........................................May 16 • Blue Angels in Annapolis.................................May 19 • Mt Vernon & Potomac River Cruise..................May 27 • NY Cupcake Tour..............................................May 30 • Raystown Lake and Flight 93. ..........................June 4 • Foundations of Freedom in Philadelphia.........June 6 • NY Sightseeing Cruise.......................................June 6 • Udvar Hazy & the National Harbor..................June 6 • Bartram Gardens & Longwood Gardens........June 12 • NY 9/11 Museum.............................................June 13 • Adventure Aquarium & Phila Zoo. .................June 13 • Medieval Times Dinner Theater. ....................June 13 • Thunderbirds Air Show – Ocean City, MD......June 13
For information or reservations : 717-569-1111 2020 catalog available, or visit our website: www.conestogatours.com www.50plusLifePA.com
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Reach Active, Affluent Boomers & Seniors! Sponsor and exhibitor applications are now being accepted! Reserve your space now for the 17th Annual
CHESTER COUNTY
June 10, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Church Farm School 1001 East Lincoln Highway Exton
Exhibitors • Health Screenings • Seminars • Demonstrations Entertainment • Door Prizes
Why Participate? Premier events for baby boomers, caregivers, and seniors • Face-to-face interaction with 1,500+ attendees • Strengthen brand recognition/launch new products
For sponsorship and exhibitor information: (610) 675-6240
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www.50plusExpoPA.com
Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community for 25 years.
April 2020
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Social Security News
By John Johnston
Social Security and OIG Announce National ‘Slam the Scam’ Day
“It is appalling that scammers are playing Andrew Saul, commissioner of Social on emotions like fear to get people to act Security, and the agency continued raising public awareness about telephone without thinking,” Saul said. “Everyone should just hang up, and never give out impersonation schemes during the Office of their personal information. People should go the Inspector General’s national “Slam the online to oig.ssa.gov to report these Social Scam” Day on March 5. Security scams.” Social Security and OIG have made concerted efforts to educate the public about Scammers are sophisticated, and there are many variations to this fraud. these scams — in which fraudulent callers For example, a caller may say he is from mislead victims into making cash or gift Social Security and that the person’s Social card payments to avoid arrest for purported Security number is suspended or has been Social Security number problems. used in a crime. The caller identification As Saul testified to Congress, the agency may be spoofed to appear to originate from has taken swift actions, including helping Social Security’s video addressing phone scams can OIG create a dedicated online reporting tool a government number. be viewed at www.youtube.com/socialsecurity. Fraudsters may text or email fake at oig.ssa.gov. Fraud can also be reported by documents in attempts to get people to phone at (800) 230-6539. comply with their demands. These scams have become the No. 1 type of fraud OIG has also provided people who call the agency with updated reported to the Federal Trade Commission and Social Security. information on the scams and how to report them, increased employee and public outreach and education, and established a Social Security/OIG Social Security will never tell you that your Social Security number has been suspended, contact you to demand an immediate payment, ask for workgroup to maximize resources and ensure a cohesive response. your credit or debit card numbers over the phone, ask for gift cards or cash, or promise a Social Security benefit approval, or increase, in exchange for information or money. Social Security employees do occasionally contact people — generally those who have ongoing business with the agency — by telephone for business purposes. Typically, the agency calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, someone who is already receiving payments and requires an update to their record, or a person who has requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, in most cases Social Security will mail a letter. For more information, please view Social Security’s PSA addressing the telephone impersonation scheme online at www.youtube.com/socialsecurity.
A Special Announcement is Coming —
John Johnston is a Social Security public affairs specialist.
A Compassionate Daily Care Program For Older Adults
and we’re all shook up about it! CHESTER COUNTY
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April 2020
Check out next month’s issue to find out who’ll be back in the building for this year’s Chester County 50plus EXPO!
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• Safe Environment • Professional Staff • New Friendships
• Activities, Exercise, And Fun • VA-Approved Center
(717) 975-9762
3 Crossgate Drive • Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
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Open Mon. – Fri., 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
www.CPARC.org
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Lebanon VAMC Unveils Cancer-Fighting Facility Lebanon VA Medical Center recently held a ribbon cutting for its new cancer center and urology outpatient clinic in addition to acquiring an advanced bronchoscopy capability to help diagnose veterans with possible lung cancer. “The cancer center and urology outpatient clinic will work together to fight prostate cancer, the No. 2 leading cause of cancer death for men, and bladder cancer, the No. 8 cause of cancer death for men,” said Dr. Stuart Roop, chief of staff. “In addition, our new navigational bronchoscopy system greatly advances our ability to diagnose and stage lung cancer, the No. 1 cause of cancer
Food Bank to Hold Drive-Thru Food Distributions The York County Food Bank and its partner agencies are scaling up to provide emergency food assistance amidst the coronavirus public health crisis. The food bank and many local pantries are modifying their normal services to including drivethru food distributions, which require little to no person-toperson contact and eliminate the need for vulnerable populations to gather. Distributions will be held Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m. and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. across the street from the food bank in the Logos Academy parking lot, 250 W. King St., York. Anyone struggling to afford food is encouraged to visit one of the York County Food Bank’s drive-thru distributions and/or contact their local pantry to find out the date and time of their specific distributions. Participants are asked to only bring one member of the www.50plusLifePA.com
household and to stay in their vehicle. The food bank also requests that participants make sure their trunks are cleared out so volunteers can load food with minimal interaction. The food bank is in need of volunteers to assist with the packing of food boxes and to assist in distribution. The York County Food Bank also needs donations of cash to buy supplies like the extra boxes needed with the increase in demand for services. “We anticipate seeing a significant increase in need as people are unable to go to work and are asked to stay home. We are preparing for this, but to do so, we have to increase our operating funds now to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry,” said CEO Jennifer Brillhart. For more information, contact Jennifer Brillhart at jenniferb@ yorkfoodbank.org or call (717) 846-6435.
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death for both men and women.” The cancer center and urology outpatient clinic features eight exam rooms and five procedure rooms equipped with the latest in medical technology. The facility is 9,000 square feet and cost $5.5 million. “One of the advantages to this space for veterans [patients] is that it is more convenient. Many procedures can be done at the clinic’s procedure rooms. Previously, certain procedures had to be performed in the operating room,” said Dr. Carl Reese, urologist and associate chief of staff for surgery. The new bronchoscopy system uses electromagnetic navigation, which creates a 3D map guiding doctors to the area of concern in the lung to determine if the area is cancerous. If you are a veteran, you may be eligible to receive care and benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To learn more, call (717) 2726621, ext. 6000.
Register Now! Volunteers Needed
June 22–26
19th Annual
For York County Residents Age 50+ Participants compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals in their age groups. Compete in favorites such as cornhole, horseshoes, mini golf, shuffleboard, foul shooting, Wii bowling, and many more! Join us for the opening ceremony on June 23 at 8:15 a.m. in the cafeteria of Central York High School!
Registration Deadline: Friday, June 12
For more information, call
(717) 771-9001
Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community for 25 years.
April 2020
29
Traveltizers
Days of Wine and Flowers By Andrea Gross
I find a patch of green and begin to unpack our picnic basket. “Wine?” asks my husband. I nod happily. I’m surrounded by wildflowers, fixed with food and wine, and within shouting distance of places waiting to be explored. I’m hard put to think of a nicer way to spend the day. Now we’ve found a way to have not one, but two, spring breaks. First we go to the Hill Country of central Texas, where spring begins early. Later we explore the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia, where flowers don’t reach their peak until May or June.
Wineries abound in both Texas Hill Country and Virginia’s Roanoke Valley.
Texas Hill Country It’s mid-April in Fredericksburg, and the bluebonnets are in full bloom. Friends point us to Willow City Loop, 15 miles to the northeast, and soon we’re on a winding road that takes us Fredericksburg has a vital downtown over cliffs, through meadows, filled with specialty stores of all kinds. and across bridges. We drive slowly, admiring the scenic glory, in no hurry to get back to town. But we need to prepare for our picnic, which is scheduled for the following day. Fredericksburg (www.visitfredericksburgtx.com) is at the center of the Texas Hill Country Viticultural Area, a 15,000-square-mile area that is the second most visited wine region in the United States, topped only by Napa. Therefore, we head out along Highway 290, locally known as “Wine Road 290,” which bisects the town. Here the land resembles the grape-growing regions of Italy and southern France, leading Brian Heath, owner of Grape Creek Vineyards, to refer to the area as “Tuscany in Texas.” We go into a tasting room that is styled like an Italian villa, with heavy timbers and a tile roof, and sample their award-winning wines, finally settling on a bottle of pinot grigio. Afterward, because we’re in splurge mode and can’t resist, we pick up a pie from Tootie Pie Company Gourmet Café, recognized by Yahoo Travel as one
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of the top 10 pie shops in America. Exercising zero selfcontrol, we eat the pie on the spot, and then buy another for our picnic basket. After all, this is a vacation, right? The next morning we wander through the downtown area, which is quietly becoming one of the country’s leading art centers. Collectors often arrive in private planes to visit galleries like Whistle Pik, where they Photo credit: Al Rendon can acquire paintings and Bluebonnets cover the hills near sculptures by nationally Fredericksburg, peaking in mid-April. acclaimed artists. Nearby, Artisans at Rocky Hill showcases outstanding work by top regional craftsmen and women, while The Grasshopper and Wild Honey features an eclectic collection of local handicrafts and European imports. Finally we stop in Rustlin’ Rob’s Texas Gourmet Foods, where we indulge in a sampling of sauces and dips. We end up with a packet of Rattlesnake Dust (a mix of herbs, garlic, and exotic Visitors enjoy wine-tasting at Grape peppers) and a jar of Texas Creek Vineyards. Hot Wild Fire Pickles. We put the Dust in our suitcase, but as for the pickles … they go into the picnic basket. Virginia’s Blue Ridge A month later we’re in Roanoke (www.visitroanokeva.com). Here, near the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway and just south of Shenandoah Valley, flowers begin blooming in April and color the hills through October. First come the delicate wildflowers; later, the flame azaleas and rhododendrons. The city, which is already the cultural and business hub of southwestern Virginia, is cementing its reputation as the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway (www.blueridgeparkway.org), offering visitors an experience similar to that of Asheville, 250 miles to the south. To that end, the revitalized downtown has become a regional art center, filled with markets and galleries. We poke in the shops and then, to prepare for our picnic, we hit the wine www.50plusLifePA.com
trail. Wine has been produced in Virginia since the Europeans settled the region in the 1600s. We visit Virginia Mountain Vineyards and Fincastle Vineyard & Winery, where we taste-test their cabernet franc and chardonnay. Delicious. Then, on a whim, we drive through orchards and down a country road to Peaks of Otter Winery & Orchard in nearby Bedford. There the atmosphere is more homespun, and we’re offered samples of wines labeled Blackberry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, and Blueberry Muffin, which, we’re told, was Mark Twain’s favorite. These make me feel virtuous. I’m not really drinking; I’m just imbibing my grandmother’s home cooking. We buy a bottle of each and set off to find the perfect picnic spot.
Tom & Randi LaNasa “MEMORY MUSIC”
Attention: RETIREMENT HOMES, CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS. Looking for entertainment?
Photos ©Irv Green unless otherwise noted; story by Andrea Gross (andreagross. com). www.traveltizers.com
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We have many variety shows featuring the music from the 1930s to the 60s. Songs by legendary artists like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Kay Starr, Dean Martin, Patsy Cline, and the Mills Brothers. Specialty shows include …
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About Us – The Lancaster County Office of Aging (LCOA) was established 45 years ago as a
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Lancaster County Office of Aging Maintaining the independence and quality of life for seniors through information, services, and protection since 1974.
result of the passage of the Older Americans Act. This act directed states to develop a network of services and supports to help keep older adults healthy and independent. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging was created to fulfill this mandate. In turn, a network of 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) was established throughout the commonwealth to carry out this mission at the local level. Funding for aging-related services is a combination of state and federal monies, with the Pennsylvania Lottery providing the major source of funding. In Lancaster County, the AAA is part of county government. We are dedicated to providing Lancaster County residents, 60 years of age and older, with a wide range of informational resources and services as well as advocacy efforts and elder abuse protection. The LCOA offers the following services:
Our Philosophy:
• Information and referral services
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the older person’s right to decide his/her own destiny. Encourage consumer self-determination and choice.
• Long-term living assessments • H ome and community-based support services
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• Protection from abuse and neglect
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independence and dignity.
• A PPRISE, Medicare, and related health insurance counseling
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unnecessary/inappropriate institutionalization.
• Senior center services
• • • • • • • •
Adult daily living services Caregiver support Employment Ombudsman services Transportation Legal services Health and wellness programming Volunteer opportunities
For more information, please call us Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 717-299-7979/1-800-801-3070, visit our website at www.lancoaging.org, or email aging@co.lancaster.pa.us. www.50plusLifePA.com
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Booming Voice
Crossed-Up Paths Bill Levine
In our 62 years on Earth together, my dad asked me a lot of questions. Some of these queries were intrusive. Some were compassionate. Finally, some were just based on curiosity. “How come you don’t get one of those hair transplants?” But I have regret for the one question he never asked me: “Can you give me a fiveletter word for an Ecuadorian rat?” Indeed, I am chagrined by my failure to realize that solving crosswords was a real common interest and thus a bonding opportunity lost. In my pre-tween years, Dad’s favorite crossword-solving spot was on his bed with his tools of the trade: pencil, puzzle books, and Old Gold cigarettes, all within easy reach on the night table. If I was in the bedroom, then most likely the black-and-white TV was turned on. My seat was on the carpeted floor, peering up at the Motorola. Dad and I usually watched sitcoms like The Phil Silvers Show (a.k.a., Sgt. Bilko) or Westerns like Wagon Train. We might discuss the TV shows, analyzing what cowboy had the fastest gun, but I never asked about the crossword books. Like the Old Golds, the crosswords were pure adult stuff. In my early adolescence, Dad’s night-table stash of books attracted my browsing interest. I concluded that Dad was a cheap paperback-mystery reader. I also riffed through a few diagram-less puzzles where the layout was just a grid. There were no black squares to define word length. Diagram-less puzzles looked like crosswords without the training wheels. Dad was nonchalant about his tackling diagram-less puzzles, just admitting that yes, they were harder. It occurred to me that he was one of these vocab geniuses under the daily cover of his job as a dentist. My addiction to crosswords started inauspiciously in the early aughts. There was no thundering voice declaring, “If you solve it, he will come.” I was in a work training class in a downtown Boston hotel. The subject was project-
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management problem solving. To warm us up, the instructor wrote out rebus-like puzzles on the board. For instance, the word “head” higher than the word “heels” had a solution of “head over heels.” Most of them were more difficult than “head over heels,” but that was good because when I solved them, it was like getting a quick endorphin spritz. Once the class was over, I went online and attempted to solve these word-arrangement brainteasers. Soon I realized that crosswords, with their tricky word clues, were not evil stepsisters of brainteasers, but just friendly cousins. There was a mental-state flow with these puzzles akin to my job coding computer programs, but refreshingly verbal vs. mathematical, so I began my regular appointment with the Boston Sunday Globe crossword. Over the last 15 years I have improved as a solver. In all honesty, just being more familiar with crossword sensibility helped me a lot. I learned that almost all puzzles have the Mount Etna volcano as an answer to a clue, so when there is a four-letter word with the clue anything like “fiery Sicilian,” the answer is always “Etna.” I actually had the opportunity to travel to the top of Etna once. I was shocked that at the top it didn’t say, “You have reached apex of the greatest four-letter crossword clue.” I would bet that my dad followed a similar but more celebrated path as he soared past crosswords into the more rarified air of the diagram-less. Like me, he got hooked on crosswords and found his Mount-Etna-like strategies. We both enjoyed the thousands of hours of crossword practice spent just so we wouldn’t be confounded by New York Times crossword writers. In Dad’s mid-80s he moved into a unit in a senior living complex. During Dad’s last decade I visited him at Hebrew Senior Life a not-overly-devoted couple of times a month. Dad and I were both really crossword aficionados at this point. I remember my best birthday-gift find was a Red Sox crossword book. Tackling these Red Sox puzzles with Dad could have been a warmup to a Sunday viewing of a Sox game with Dad. Yes, from Dad’s exotic adult-world pastime of my childhood, our interest and ability in crosswords had finally crossed paths. But my recognition of this as a bonding activity was obscured, perhaps because pairs-crosswords was just not as obvious a bonding activity as baseball watching, or perhaps just because it was a solitary-dad activity accompanied by Old Golds. Still, I’m glad that Dad and I shared laughter at Sgt. Bilko and that we both later undoubtedly had the satisfaction of solving the five-letter clue “Phil Silvers role.” Bill Levine is a retired IT professional and active freelance writer. Bill aspires to be a humorist because it is easier to be pithy than funny. He may be reached at wlevine0607@comcast.net.
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Medication Overload in Older Adults the Focus of New Report Every day, 750 older Americans are hospitalized due to serious side effects from one or more medications. The odds of experiencing a serious adverse reaction to a medication increase 7-10% with each additional drug — yet today, more than 40% of older Americans regularly take five or more prescription drugs, and nearly 20% take more than 10 medications. When over-the-counter meds are included, a full two-thirds of older adults take five or more medications. If current trends continue, over the next decade there will be more than 4.5 million hospitalizations of older adults for serious side effects of medications, predicts the Lown Institute, a Massachusetts-based, nonpartisan healthcare “think tank.” To stem the tide of harm, the Lown Institute recently released “Eliminating Medication Overload: A National Action Plan.” The plan was developed by a group of 22 experts in medication use, including patient advocates, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and researchers from the U.S. and Canada. Eleven additional experts served on an advisory board. “A lot of attention is currently focused on the cost of medications,” says Shannon Brownlee, senior vice president of the Lown Institute and co-author of last April’s report,
“Medication Overload: America’s Other Drug Problem,” which laid out the scope of medicationrelated harm. “The most costly medications are those that are not needed or are causing harm. Over the next decade, the U.S. is on track to spend $62 billion on unnecessary hospitalizations caused by too many meds. More importantly, medication harm will lead to the premature death of more than 150,000 older Americans.” “Eliminating Medication Overload” recommends five highlevel action areas: 1. Implement prescription checkups: Patients using multiple medications need regular prescription checkups — visits where they review all their medications with their primary care provider and identify unnecessary or potentially harmful meds that can be safely deprescribed (discontinued or reduced in dose). 2. Raise awareness among clinicians, policymakers, and the public: Targeted campaigns as well as larger, mass-appeal efforts to raise awareness would encourage patients to “ask their doctors” if medications are wrong for them. 3. Improve information at the point of care: Healthcare providers do not always have clear, accurate, up-to-date information on the please see medication page 35
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Which States Get the Most Robocalls? If you own a phone, chances are you’ve been subject to some type of robocall. You might receive one or even multiple robocalls daily. These pesky and unwanted phone calls are not only a nuisance, but they’ve also led to innocent victims being scammed out of their own money. Unfortunately, seniors are among the hardest hit when it comes to scam phone calls. In fact, people 60 and older lost a total of $298 million to scams and fraud in 2019, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The median loss for 60- to 69year-olds was $615; for 70- to 79year-olds, the loss was slightly higher at $802. But those 80 and older reported the largest losses, with a median individual loss of $1,800. Since robocalls have no boundaries and occur throughout the entire country, Missouri-based Provision Living Senior Communities wanted to analyze where robocalls are happening the most. Using data from the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry, they analyzed robocall complaints in every state and visualized the data per capita. The analysis breaks down the states that receive the most robocalls per capita as well as the states that have seen the greatest increase in robocalls since 2015.
States with the Most Robocalls Since 2015 Along with analyzing robocalls in 2019, Provision Living also looked at overall robocalls within the last five years. The East Coast seems to be a magnet for robocalls, as New Jersey, Delaware, and Connecticut all rank within the top five. Since 2015, New Jersey received a total of 1,071,918 robocall complaints, which makes it the No. 1 state in the nation for robocalls, according to the FTC. Nearby Delaware, which ranks No. 2, received a staggering 10,735 robocalls per capita. Overall, Alaska once again seems to be somewhat of a safe haven from robocalls, with 15,627 robocall complaints within the last five years, or 2,116 per capita. Surprisingly, this is slightly less than the number of complaints that New Jersey received in 2019 alone. Nationwide Increase Regardless of where you live, robocalls have only gone up in the last five years. Nationwide, robocalls have seen an average annual increase of 14% since 2015. During that same time, robocalls in Indiana, North Dakota, and Washington, D.C. have increased more than double the national average. Utah and Louisiana have also been targeted particularly hard and have experienced an average annual increase of 25%. Pennsylvania saw a 17% increase in robocalls since 2015, ranking 27th out of the 50 states. While tougher fines and restrictions are being put in place to deter robocalls and scams, it’s still important to be educated and vigilant on these unwanted phone calls, especially to avoid becoming a victim to a potential scam.
Puzzles shown on page 10
Puzzle Solutions
States with the Most Robocalls in 2019 In 2019, Colorado was the hardest-hit state in terms of receiving the most robocalls. According to the FTC, residents in the Rocky Mountain state filed 130,640 robocall complaints, or 2,403 robocalls per capita (100,000 people). Neighboring Arizona was No. 2, with 158,549 robocall complaints, or 2,328 per capita. However, if you’re looking for a little solace from robocalls, your best bet might be to move to Alaska. In 2019, the state was home to the fewest robocall complaints with just 4,287, or 580 per capita.
Pennsylvania ranked 12th in the nation for robocalls, with 1,887 calls per capita in 2019.
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Medication from page 33 harms and benefits of medications when making prescribing decisions, nor do they necessarily have a full list of the medications their patients are taking — and for what reason. Improving clinical guidelines and electronic health records are two essential actions. 4. Educate and train health professionals to reduce medication overload: Healthcare professionals are reluctant to deprescribe because they have insufficient training in this area. In professional schools and continuing education, curricula must be adapted to an older population, with greater emphasis on the potential harm of medication overload for older adults. 5. Reduce the influence of the pharmaceutical industry: Though there have been amazing breakthroughs in pharmacological treatments, directto-consumer advertising of drugs and drug rep visits to physician offices overemphasize the potential benefits while downplaying side effects. Regulatory action is needed to ensure advertising and marketing provide accurate information related to medication use, particularly for older patients. “Medication helps many older people make the most of increased longevity, but that can only happen when all of our treatments are optimized to be used safely and to meet our personal needs,” says Sunny Linnebur, Pharm.D., president of the American Geriatrics Society, which affirmed the value of the action plan. For more information on the report, visit www.lowninstitute.org or call the Lown Institute at (617) 992-9322.
Pet of the Month
Mr. Fox
Join Us For This FREE Event! rescheduled
21st Annual
LANCASTER COUNTY
June 24, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Shady Maple Conference Center Smorgasbord Building 129 Toddy Drive, East Earl Exhibitors • Seminars • Free Health Screenings Demonstrations • Door Prizes
Sponsored by Principal Sponsors:
Supporting Sponsor: Bath Fitter
Mr. Fox is more shy than sly. This beauty lost his home when his owner had to move without him. He just needs a home to help him get his paws back under him so he can get back to being the lover boy we see once he gets to know you. This 2-year-old hasn’t lived with cats before but doesn’t seem to be bothered by his fellow kitties at the shelter. For more information, contact Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, at (484) 302-0865 or bvspca.org. www.50plusLifePA.com
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Such is Life
Talking it Over with Our Pets Saralee Perel
My dog is a border collie named Becky. We talk a lot. She knows tons of English. Usually I’m whispering so my husband, Bob, doesn’t hear. “I’ll try,” I’ll say, when I know she wants to go out with Bob and play. Her favorite place to run and play is our fenced-in backyard. When Becky hears, “I’ll try,” she leaps into the air and barks crazily. Then I say to Bob, “Are you busy?” His response is predictable. “No. Becky wants to go out. I’ll take her.” Then I say to Becky, “It worked!” And she scrams to the back door. Bob has no idea he’s been set up. This scenario happens a billion times a day. My cats talk a lot too, but not to me. They conspire. They plan. They plot. Jordy, a tiny, black, three-legged cat, has figured out how to put his paws around a doorknob and open any door. We put up hook-and-eye locks. Jordy and his three-legged brother, Ike, would run outside if we opened the back slider. (They’re indoor cats.) So, every single time that Bob is about to take Becky out back, we have to put the brothers in the bedroom — and lock them in. This sounds simple, doesn’t it? It’s not. You see, they know that when Becky’s barking, we’re going to put them in the bedroom, so they hide under the couch. We have to actually move the couch to get them out. From the beginning, when I say to Becky, “I’ll try,” until the final
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phase, when Bob and Becky go out to play, we’ve spent a good half hour orchestrating the operations. We keep our toilet paper in a cabinet so the cats don’t decorate the house with it. We have to keep the toilet seat down so they don’t jump in. We have had to put a slide-bolt lock on each drawer. Before guests use our bathroom, we give them a set of instructions. Throughout the night, I get out of bed to find the sources of crashing sounds. By morning, the house looks like a disaster zone. Lamps are on the floor; plant pots are shattered. Although Becky is 10, I mourn her already. She looks at me, adoringly, through cloudy eyes. She fetches pine needles, although she has a hard time walking. She’d never know she was getting old. Only I do, and it breaks my heart to picture our couch without her on it. But that’s for someday. Thinking about her ending doesn’t help. It only takes precious time away from what we have today. And so, now that I hear her barking, I’m going to relish the moment of touching her face, kissing her beautiful forehead, and whispering, “I’ll try.” Then the ruckus will all begin again. Award-winning nationally syndicated columnist Saralee Perel can be reached at sperel@saraleeperel.com or via her website: www.saraleeperel.com.
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Reach Active, Affluent Boomers & Seniors! Sponsor and exhibitor applications are now being accepted!
No Need for Disguises. We’re Pet Friendly!
Reserve your space now for the 17th Annual rescheduled
DAUPHIN COUNTY
July 15, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive Hershey Exhibitors • Health Screenings • Seminars • Demonstrations Entertainment • Door Prizes
Why Participate? Premier events for baby boomers, caregivers, and seniors • Face-to-face interaction with 1,500+ attendees • Strengthen brand recognition/launch new products
For sponsorship and exhibitor information: (610) 675-6240
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At Harrison Senior Living, we believe that your four-legged friend can improve your overall health and happiness; that’s why we pride ourselves on being a pet-friendly community.
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Census from page 15 financial information. Here are some tips that can help you protect yourself. Guard Your Information Don’t give out your personal or financial information. The Census Bureau or a legitimate census worker will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account number, credit card number, money, or donations. And they will never contact you on behalf of a political party. If you’re asked for any of these, whether it be via phone, mail, email, or in person, it’s a scam and should be reported to rumors@census.gov.
IT’S NOT JUST HOW FAR WE GO F O R Y O U R H E A LT H IT’S WHY
Avoid Online Scams The Census Bureau will not send you an unsolicited email to request your participation in the 2020 census. So, ignore any emails you get that may direct you to a census website that looks real but is fake — and may be infected with malware. Also, don’t reply to the email or open any attachment because they could contain viruses that could infect your computer. Forward the email or website address to the Census Bureau at rumors@census.gov. Then delete the message. Be Safe at Home If someone visits your home to collect a response for the 2020 census, make sure you verify their identity. A legitimate census taker must present a field badge that includes a photograph of themselves, a Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. Census workers will also be carrying a Census Bureau laptop or cellphone, as well as a bag with a Census Bureau logo. Also, remember that a census worker will only ask you the questions that appear on the questionnaire: your name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, phone number, type of residence, and number of people living with you. They will not ask for sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security or credit card number. If you have questions about their identity, you can call (800) 923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative. If it is determined that the visitor who came to your door does not work for the Census Bureau, contact your local police department. For more information on the 2020 census, visit www.2020census.gov. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book. Advanced medicine in the place you call home. When it comes to the health of the people you love, you would do anything. At Lancaster General Health, that’s exactly how we feel. We believe that keeping you, your family and our entire community healthy is our calling. As part of Penn Medicine, we provide life-saving advanced medicine, including nationally recognized heart and vascular care, neuroscience expertise and breakthrough cancer treatments, right here in the place you call home.
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This is how we protect what matters. Finding better ways to diagnose concussions quickly and achieve the biggest win—player safety. This is why we’re always researching, learning and innovating: to find solutions that help the people of our community and beyond. Because this is the health we need to live the way we want.
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