Complimentary | Chester County Edition
January 2021
Don’t Fall for Your Old Diet Tricks page 4
How robotic pets can help isolated seniors page 12
Can you rid yourself of 2020’s financial stress in 2021? page 18
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Pet of the Month
Fun Facts about January January symbolizes new beginnings and fresh hopes for all of us. As you celebrate, consider some of these facts about the first month of the new year:
Hairriet Salutations! I am Hairriet, the hairiest and fluffiest 5-year-old spayed female you will ever meet. Believe it or not, I came to the Humane League of Lancaster County as a stray. My finders noticed this giant ball of fluff coming around their house for a few months. They took their time getting to know me and quickly learned that I love to be loved. Being pet and curling up on a nice, warm lap are two of my favorite things. I’m a pretty laidback lady, but do you want to know one thing that gets me really excited? Finding a loving family of my very own. Hairriet’s ID number is 227484. Please send your application to adoptlancaster@humanepa.org, or give the shelter a call at (717) 393-6551 to learn more.
• January is named after the Roman god Janus, who ruled over beginnings and transitions, and is often depicted as having two faces — one that looks forward and one that looks to the past. • Birthstone: Garnet. • Flower: Carnation. • Birthdays: Paul Revere, Jan. 1, 1735; Edgar Allen Poe, Jan. 19, 1809; Richard M. Nixon, Jan. 9, 1913; Martin Luther King Jr., Jan. 15, 1929; Michelle Obama, Jan. 17, 1964. • Historical events: > 1547 – Henry VIII dies > 1848 – Gold discovered in California > 1959 – Alaska enters the Union > 1967 – First Super Bowl held
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Cover Story
Don’t Fall for Your Old Diet Tricks Corporate Office
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By Sandra Gordon Little white lies aren’t so bad when, say — your sister-in-law gifts you with a not-so-great sweater. With your diet, however, honesty really is the best policy. That’s because the small food fibs you tell yourself, as in “I need to eat this macaroni and cheese to get through the pandemic,” can sabotage your health goals. Do any of these other common diet self-deceptions sound familiar? You tell yourself: “I’m not losing weight because my metabolism is slow.” Reality check: Your resting metabolic rate — the rate you burn calories when, say, you’re glued to the TV — could be to blame for those stubborn pounds. But chances are, you’re just eating more than you think and not exercising enough, says David Edelson, M.D., an obesity medicine physician. With any weight gain, behavior is often a big component. Diet fix: Still, why not test your theory? You can get your metabolic rate checked at an obesity medicine physician’s office (some upscale gyms offer it too) with an indirect calorimeter. This simple test, which runs $50 to $100, measures the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide going in and out of your lungs to calculate your metabolic rate and determine your caloric output. An abnormal (slow) result could signal a thyroid problem or a sleep disorder. But those are rare. To budge the scale, you’ll more than likely need to track calories with a food diary, get a good night’s sleep, and exercise more to build muscle — the engine that drives metabolism. Doing all of those things may raise your metabolic rate by 5-10%, or an extra 100 calories per day.
You tell yourself: “I can just eyeball my portion sizes to gauge calories.” Reality check: “Most of us aren’t good at perceiving how much we eat,” says dietetics professor Sandria Godwin, R.D. In fact, with Godwin’s research in which subjects judged portion sizes just by looking at them, they underestimated amounts by an average of 23%. Diet fix: If you’re serious about controlling portions, don’t guesstimate. Weigh meat with a food scale (aim for 3 ounces per meal) and measure everything else with teaspoons, tablespoons, and measuring cups for at least a week, and track it all in a food diary. After that, you can just eyeball amounts. But go back to weighing and measuring every few months to tweak your portion-size perception. “Portions tend to get a little bigger and bigger over time,” Godwin says. To outwit your appetite, use a 9- to 10-inch dinner plate so portions don’t look too small and tempt you to go back for seconds. Of course, you can’t exactly haul this equipment to restaurants, so keep eating out to a minimum or just eat less of what you’re given because no matter how much you think you ate, it’s probably more than that. You tell yourself: “My body needs a detox every once in a while.” Reality check: Forget the seasonal juice fast. You actually need to detox every day. The good news? You don’t need to do anything special beyond eating a healthy diet. “Your body is well endowed with the apparatus to take care of the job,” says David L. Katz, M.D., co-author of How to Eat. www.50plusLifePA.com
Your liver, spleen, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract constantly filter “toxins” out of your system — breaking down metabolic gunk, such as fat molecules, spent red blood cells, urea (a byproduct of protein metabolism), and other waste products, all of which come out in your poop, pee, or sweat. Diet fix: To keep these systems in good working order so you can continuously detox more efficiently, load up on unprocessed foods, such as fruits and veggies. Their high water and fiber content speeds waste through your GI tract. Get plenty of fluids, too (anything watery counts) so your kidneys can flush water-soluble byproducts through your system. (You’re getting enough if you pee every three hours and urine is pale or clear and odorless.) Regular exercise also helps keep your blood circulating through your arteries and delivers a robust supply of blood to your spleen, liver, and kidneys. Meanwhile, avoid “toxins” by not smoking, shunning secondhand smoke, and steering clear of foods high in refined sugar and artery-clogging saturated fat and trans fat. You tell yourself: “Calories don’t count if I drink them.” Reality check: Liquid calories count just as much, if not more, than solidfood calories do. That’s because they’re not as satiating. “When people drink milk, fruit juice, Pepsi, Red Bull, a smoothie, or whatever beverage, they don’t compensate for those calories by reducing their food intake,” says Barry M. Popkin, Ph.D., Kenan Distinguished Professor at the UNC Gillings School of Global Health in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Virtual Seminar on Medicare for New Retirees Planned A free virtual seminar for individuals near retirement or recently retired will be held 6-8:30 p.m. Jan. 28 via Zoom. Presented by the York County Area Agency on Aging APPRISE program, the free event will cover Medicare facts and how to navigate the Medicare system. Seminar topics to be covered include: • Review of Medicare benefits • Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plan coverage options • Medicare prescription drug coverage and tools to navigate the “Drug Plan Finder” • Medicare savings programs • Medicare preventive services • Supplemental insurance/ Medigap plans • MyMedicare.gov and other technological tools Preregistration and a valid email address are required. Call (717) 771-9008 or (800) 632-9073 or email aging@yorkcountypa.gov for registration and further information. www.50plusLifePA.com
In other words, liquid calories can slide in under your brain’s calorie-counting radar. And consider: Adults down an average of 533 beverage calories per day, which has doubled over the past 30 years. Gulp! Diet fix: Aside from nonfat milk to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, don’t drink your calories. Stick to water or non-caloric beverages, like unsweetened iced tea, between meals. And realize that when you do drink something caloric, including alcohol, it won’t fill you up, but it will fill you out unless you exercise more or make a conscious effort to account for the calories by saying to yourself, for example, “This is lunch,” while sipping a smoothie. You tell yourself: “I’ll eat less if I skip breakfast.” Reality check: A major study that analyzed the breakfast patterns of 12,316 men and women for five years found that breakfast skippers were more likely to have a higher body mass index than breakfast eaters. The breakfast eaters also set a healthier tone for the rest of the day. They consumed fewer foods high in fat and sugar. Diet fix: The study found you’ll only get that a.m. advantage if you start the day off with foods low in energy density, such as unsweetened hot or cold cereal, or whole-grain bread, fresh fruit, and nonfat milk. Otherwise, breakfast can backfire. Your overall daily-calorie tally will be higher if you feast on the likes of pastries and sausage/egg/bacon sandwiches, says Ashima Kant, Ph.D., the study’s lead researcher, which can lead to weight gain.
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50plus LIFE
January 2021
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CROSSWORD
Puzzle Page
50 Plus Senior News 8/20 Sudoku
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Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 25. SUDOKU To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
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2
6 1 9 8 3
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4
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2 7
4 8 2
9
5 9 8
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What’s Your IQ? Ice Idea Ill India Ink Inlet Irate Issue Italy Ivy Quack Quail Quarrel Queen Quiet Quilt Quip Quit Quiz Quote
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8 7 4 6 5 1 2 9 3
5 3 1 8 9 2 7 6 4
6 2 9 4 7 3 1 8 5
9 5 2 7 3 8 4 1 6
3 6 7 1 4 5 8 2 9
4 1 8 2 6 9 3 5 7
2 9 3 5 1 7 6 4 8
7 8 6 9 2 4 5 3 1
1 4 5 3 8 6 9 7 2
Across 1. Statistics 5. A Flintstone 9. Trumpeter 13. Love god 14. Put on, as cargo 16. Employ 17. Pet name for a child? 19. Mideast ruler 20. Depletes 21. An opening in the baseboard? 23. Checkers color 24. Scoundrel 26. Spending limit Down 1. Object, softly 2. Cropped up 3. Modulated 4. Inquires 5. Insect catcher 6. Brit. fliers 7. Dutch cheese 8. Art ___ 9. Diploma 10. Wuss 11. Diva’s delivery 12. Geeky sort 15. Playing card 18. Continental capital
27. Piece of music 29. School assignments 33. Kipling novel 36. Actor Jack of Rio Lobo 38. Downhill racer 39. Chinese cabbage or dynasty 40. Steamed 42. Gossip type 43. Singer Abdul 45. Cancún coin 46. 40 winks 47. Founder of scholasticism 49. O. Henry’s The Gift of the ___
51. Golf peg 52. Cpl.’s superior 53. Adage 56. Sweet roll 61. Sana’a native 63. Killer whale 64. Nitwits 66. Desperate Hours actress Rogers 67. Tiny organism 68. Ginger cookie 69. “___ there, done that” 70. Glitch 71. Hardy heroine
22. Guff 25. Garden bulb 28. Oregon’s capital 30. Slave girl of opera 31. Cry of pain 32. Sp. girl (abbr.) 33. Asian title 34. Markers, of sorts 35. Equine conveyance? 37. Tablelands 39. Bean counter, for short 41. Restaurant giveaway 44. Actor Guinness 48. Kind of toast
50. Old Roman road 53. English Channel feeder 54. Karina and Magnani 55. Tufts 56. Fiasco, as a play 57. New York canal 58. Zenith 59. Goals 60. Small songbird 62. Sail holder 65. Fictitious biz name (abbr.)
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When COVID-19 and Flu Collide: Why a Strong Immune System is So Important Note: Always consult with your doctor before making any dietary changes.
By Rand McClain
The human immune system is a remarkable machine. In effect, it’s your own private army, keeping out invaders that can hurt you — especially bacteria and viruses. But just like an army, it can’t effectively fight multiple invaders on multiple fronts at once. Doing so weakens the strength of the army — which is why the cold and flu season during a pandemic is so much trickier. When the Flu and COVID-19 Share Space As always at this time of year, several things are certain: the weather will get cooler, daylight-saving time ends, and cold and flu season will arrive. But this year, there’s a major add-on: the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 a major threat all on its own, and it has been for most of this past year. But now the medical community has to continue tackling it during the cold and flu season. This is a problem for several reasons, including but not limited to the following: 1. The symptoms of COVID-19 and the seasonal flu can be similar on the surface, potentially complicating diagnoses. 2. A compromised immune system from having the seasonal flu may make you more vulnerable to COVID-19. Can You Support Your Immune System? As Dr. Suzanne Cassel, immunologist at Cedars-Sinai, puts it, a strong immune system is actually a balanced immune system. “Too much of an immune response is just as bad as too little response,” she says. But to keep your immune system balanced and in peak working order, you need to protect it … which means it’s time to take a look at some of the habits that may weaken it. Habits that May Harm Your Immune System: Quit These Now Believe it or not, diet and lifestyle factors are the biggest influences on your immune system and its response to intruders. You may think of these factors as being simply “unhealthy,” but their effects are felt far deeper than that. These include: Lack of Exercise – A lack of exercise can lead to all sorts of problems with weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. But it may also lead to a weakened immune system. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise www.50plusLifePA.com
Carrying Excess Weight – Closely linked to diet and exercise is maintaining a healthy weight. You should aim for a BMI of 25 or lower and understand that the best way to lose excess weight is with a healthy diet and exercise.
per week. If you’re physically able, you should also add some muscle-strengthening activities (such as a weights program) at least two days per week. Examples of moderate-intensity exercise include: • Brisk walking • Water aerobics • Gardening • Tennis • Bike riding Don’t worry if you can’t reach 150 minutes per week just yet. Just get moving and walk. You can increase your exercise over time. As always, you’ll need to get your doctor’s approval before beginning any new exercise regimen. An Unhealthy Diet – Eating a healthy, balanced diet consisting of a range of vitamins and minerals (and therefore a range of fruits and vegetables) is essential for supporting your immune health. Some things to consider: • Eat mindfully at the table, paying attention to what you’re eating, and chew slowly. Listen to your body and the signs that it’s full. Avoid eating on the couch or being distracted by the TV. • Curb cravings by turning to whole pieces of fruit when you need a sweet boost, yogurt if you’re craving something creamy, and herbs and spices rather than salt. Don’t buy or keep foods in the house that test your willpower. • Practice portion control and fill at least half your plate with fruits and vegetables. • Curb sugary drinks and focus on drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Lack of or Low-Quality Sleep – There is now plenty of strong evidence that sleep supports immune health. As you age, your sleep patterns may change, but you still need to be getting enough sleep. What’s enough? For adults 65 and above, it’s around seven to eight hours. Set a consistent routine to encourage good sleep habits, such as determining when you will go to bed each night. And, if you need to, make up the shortfall by taking a nap during the day. Smoking and/or Excessive Alcohol Consumption – Smoking is bad news, period. If you’re finding it hard to quit, there are plenty of resources that can help. Excessive alcohol consumption has also long been observed as suppressing immune responses. Try to limit your alcohol consumption as much as you can. If you must have a drink, only do so in moderation. High Stress Levels – Many studies have shown that stress can wreak chaos on the body’s immune system. And this goes for all stress, not just the big things. So, reducing stress — and putting coping mechanisms into place to help alleviate stress — are keys to supporting immune and mental health. If you can’t remove certain stressors from your life entirely, try practicing meditation, connecting with loved ones, taking a walk, exercising, taking a bath, practicing some yoga, or any other hobbies that relax you. Stay Strong this Season Though a healthy immune system doesn’t guarantee you won’t ever get sick, it does give you the best fighting chance against illness. Keep washing your hands, sanitizing, wearing a face mask, and physically distancing. These newly adopted habits won’t just help protect against COVID-19, they may also help slow down the spread of seasonal flu. Dr. Rand McClain, an expert in restorative and regenerative health, is the co-founder of LCR Health, a regenerative and sports-medicine clinic in Santa Monica, Calif. lcrhealth.com
50plus LIFE
January 2021
7
The Bookworm Sez
Pet Nation Terri Schlichenmeyer
Great-Grandpa would think you were crazy. In his day, dogs slept outside, maybe in the barn or in a doghouse, if they had one. Cats caught their own dinner in the garage or shed. Neither animal came into the house for more than a minute, if that, and sleeping in bed with you? Never! So how did we get from there to here? In Pet Nation by Mark L. Cushing, you’ll see. Chances are you don’t need to be told the facts of pet-loving; you live them. And so do others: In just two years, 2002-04, the human population in America increased 1.7%, but there were 13% more dogs. In about a generation, we went from people who had pets to a Pet Nation, and it’s affected our socialization and our economy. But let’s step back: For Great-Grandpa, a dog was generally more tool than pet.
For him, dogs had jobs, and if there was a problem, they were largely expendable. Great-Grandpa surely loved his animals, but there wasn’t always room for sentimentality. When Great-Grandpa left the farm and th 20 -century American life shifted from rural to suburban, dog ownership slowly increased until it was stable at “around 62 million” canines. But in the late ’90s, the internet happened. People slowly became more socially isolated and, having become comfortable through the years with cartoon animals, four-footed movie and TV heroes, and online critters, we reached for what felt most comforting. Photo credit: Jared Murray If not for this, says Cushing, Pet Nation “would not have happened so fast …” Pet Nation: The Love Affair that So today, Fluffy has access to healthcare Changed America that would’ve made Great-Grandpa jealous. By Mark L. Cushing Fido rarely has a job to do, other than c. 2020, Avery looking Instagram-cute. 310 pages The world is rosy, but there’s one surprising problem, says Cushing: With our love of pets firm and a pandemic at play, America is looking at a dog shortage, which could affect businesses, shelters, veterinarian practices, and law firms. The shortage, though not imminent, needs to be addressed soon, he says, or “dogs will become a luxury item.” Take two average dog owners from anywhere, put them together in a room, and you know what the main topic of conversation will be. That connection — that’s what it’s like to read Pet Nation, though there’s controversy written all over it, too. Keep your eyes open, however: Author Mark L. Cushing has grounded, valid information to back up every fact he shares and every shred of thought. What’s more, he doesn’t leave his readers to dangle or twist; what he says and what he advocates (he’s the CEO of the Animal Policy Group) isn’t dire or inescapable, but fixable. Agree or disagree, that’s positive news, and it lurks here between happy facts, great stories of people and pets, thought-provokers, and suggestions for making life better for animals and the humans they love. That’s catnip to cat lovers, you know. It’s a special treat for dog parents or anyone who loves a fuzzy little being. That you? Then Pet Nation is a book you’ll be crazy for.
Pet of the Month
Little Bird
Little Bird is a tiny cat with an enormous capacity for love. With her gentle disposition and eagerness to please, this beautiful tuxedo senior melts the heart of everyone she meets. She will be happy to live out her golden years warming someone’s lap and providing gentle companionship. For more information, contact Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, at (484) 302-0865 or bvspca.org.
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50plus LIFE
The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old, and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 14,000 books.
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The Beauty in Nature
Wintering Harlequin and Long-Tailed Ducks Clyde McMillan-Gamber
The beautiful and hardy harlequin ducks chestnut flanks and white markings. and long-tailed ducks are small species that Female harlequins are mostly dull-brown, adapted to wintering in specific saltwater which camouflages them when incubating niches along North America’s Atlantic eggs and raising ducklings. Coast, from Canada to Virginia. Drake long-tails do have long tail The two kinds of ducks overlap each feathers and attractive, white and darkother, and both species are enjoyable to chocolate feather patterns. Hen long-tails see bobbing in swells along the Atlantic are mostly brown with white patterns, shoreline. which camouflage them. Harlequins’ wintering niche is rocky Harlequins and long-tails nest in the shores, where ocean waves pound against far north but, again, in different niches. boulders and rock jetties, which protect Harlequins raise ducklings along turbulent sandy beaches from those waves. There, streams in woods in the mountains of little groups of handsome harlequins are eastern Siberia, the northwest coasts of tossed about in the wind-created waves Alaska and Canada, the east coast of Harlequin ducks. as they use their beaks to tear off and Canada, and the shores of Greenland and consume mussels (a kind of mollusk) from Iceland. the rocks. Long-tailed ducks hatch young around Flocks of lovely long-tails winter on ponds and lakes across the Arctic tundra inlets, harbors, and the ocean along of Canada, Alaska, Eurasia, Iceland, and beaches where breakers crash and slide. Greenland. The adults and ducklings Long-tails are most exciting to see when of both kinds mostly ingest freshwater flying swiftly in long, low-to-the-water lines mollusks, crustaceans, and other before a breaking wave. invertebrates in summer. The rugged Long-tails bounce on the waves of open harlequins get a lot of that food from those water and dive under to seek out mollusks, mountain streams. crustaceans, and other kinds of bottom As might be expected, the hardy invertebrates to eat. Under water, they harlequins winter along the east coast of propel themselves with their webbed feet, Asia, the west coast of North America, the but their wings are partly open, perhaps to northeast shore of the United States, and stabilize themselves in the water. the shores of Iceland and Greenland. And Long-tailed duck. Though wintering harlequins and longthe long-tails winter along the east and west tails consume mollusks, crustaceans, and shores of North America. other kinds of marine invertebrates, they generally don’t compete directly for I have to admire these lovely and tough little ducks in winter’s cold winds those foods because of their different niches. and ocean swells. I enjoy seeing them along the shores of New Jersey in winter. Drakes of both species are striking in appearance to be attractive to females Readers can, too. And one can see videos of them online. for mating. The handsome male harlequins have dark-gray feathering, with Clyde McMillan-Gamber is a retired Lancaster County Parks naturalist.
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50plus LIFE
January 2021
9
Sixties Flashback
POW! OOF! CRASH! Randal C. Hill
Batman featured an ear-candy theme song, barbaric TV and movie actor. death traps, innovative gadgets, and repulsive villains (each Burt Ward, a karate expert and former standout high one represented by a celebrity guest). The show was played school athlete, was attending college and working in his for laughs all the way and poked fun at melodrama while father’s real estate office when, just out of his teens, he earned injecting pop-culture references into the action. the sidekick role of Dick Grayson/Robin. (In the process, With all this rolled into a presentation best described Ward beat out future TV star Lyle Waggoner.) as “camp” — something so bad or corny as to be declared Batman and Robin were crime-fighting goofballs “good” — how could it have missed? who defended fictional Gotham City against a plethora The answer? It couldn’t. And didn’t. For a while. of preposterous villains who were always involved in Batman’s executive producer was William Dozier. Before exaggerated situations. The “Dynamic Duo” heroes took his 1966–68 series went into production, Dozier read these situations seriously, of course, which only added to the through numerous Batman comic books — he had never merriment. read a comic book in his life — before admitting, “I had just TV’s Batman, the only primetime laugh-a-thon without the simple idea of overdoing it, of making it so square and so a laugh track, was developed on the most ridiculous of serious that adults would find it amusing and kids would go premises: Two costumed and masked vigilantes were for the adventure.” working hand-in-hand (or hand-in-glove) with a bumbling Adam West as Batman from the television series. The series was the ultimate DC Comics adaptation for the police department that was constantly baffled by the bad small screen. Unveiled as a sometimes satirical, sometimes guys. slapstick sitcom, Batman starred Adam West as businessman Bruce Wayne/ The ingenious storylines featured simplistic morality in a humorous vein. Batman. In each episode, Batman and Robin pursued dubious clues that revealed the West (born William West Anderson) earned a B.A. degree in literature and supervillain’s plans and, in the end, always saw the pair capturing the evildoer. then worked as a military radio announcer and a milkman before becoming a Batman’s producers brought in as many wicked foes as possible, including the now-iconic Riddler (Frank Gorshin, John Astin), the Penguin (Burgess Meredith), the Joker (Cesar Romero), and Catwoman (Julie Newmar, Eartha Kitt). The popularity of the first season’s show generated an avalanche of Batman merchandise, which included trading cards, scale-model Batmobile kits, coloring books, board games, and Hot Wheels cars. The series offered 120 action-packed half-hour episodes. In time, however, the novelty of the show began to wear thin, and by the end of the third season Batman had lost much of its Batluster. Eventually, Batman winged its way to lucrative Syndication Heaven. Later, Hollywood producers would try to create their own comics-based TV series by offering The Green Hornet, Dick Tracy, and Wonder Woman, but by then the burned-out viewing public simply wasn’t buying it.
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Although Randal C. Hill’s heart lives in the past, the rest of him resides in Bandon, Ore. He can be reached at wryterhill@msn.com.
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January 2021
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Free Workshops Offered for Diabetes, Chronic Disease The York County Area Agency on Aging is offering free selfmanagement workshops in January and February. A chronic disease selfmanagement program called “Looking beyond My Condition: Empowerment Tools to Manage Your Health, Your Way” will be held 9-10 a.m. Thursdays, Jan. 7 through Feb. 11. Adults age 60 and older who are living with ongoing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, COPD, stroke, cancer, or others are invited to participate in this interactive program, which spans six workshops, once a week, for one hour. The workshops will be taught by certified instructors through the agency. This health-promotion program provides tools for managing your health, dealing with difficult emotions, and breaking the symptom cycle that comes with chronic conditions. The York County Area Agency on Aging is also offering a self-management program called “Living Well With Diabetes,” to be held 1:30-2:30 p.m.
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Wednesdays, Jan. 13 through Feb. 17. Adults 60 and older living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, and caregivers age 60 and older caring for someone with diabetes, can participate in the interactive program, which spans six workshops, once a week, for one hour. This health-promotion program introduces participants to selfmanagement tools like healthy eating, monitoring blood sugar, action planning, and dealing with difficult emotions, among others. A companion book, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, 4th Edition, and an audio relaxation CD will be provided for all participants of
both programs. Both workshops will be taught by certified instructors through the agency. A computer and internet access are required as the workshops will be held via Zoom. There is no charge for any of the workshops. Preregistration is required by calling Megan Craley at (717) 771-9610, ext. 1017.
The ultimate resource for boomer and senior living and care options. Read it online, in print, and on mobile/tablet devices. onlinepub.com
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Savvy Senior
How Robotic Pets Can Help Isolated Seniors Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior, I recently read an article about robotic pets being a great substitute for pet-loving seniors who can’t have or take care of a pet any longer. What do you think of this? My mother, who has some dementia, is living in an assisted living facility that doesn’t allow pets. And because of COVID, we haven’t been allowed inside the facility to visit her since March. I’ve been thinking about getting her a robot pet to help cheer her up but would like to know if they are worth buying, and if so, where I can go to find one. – Locked-Out Daughter Dear Locked-Out, There have actually been several studies on this topic that have shown that robotic pets — which are lifelike, interactive pets — can have a positive impact on many lonely, socially isolated seniors, especially those who
have dementia. This is particularly important now as the pandemic has caused millions of high-risk, vulnerable seniors to isolate as a means to protect themselves from the coronavirus. Here’s what you should know.
Photos courtesy of joyforall.com
Robotic Pet Studies In 2018, the New York State Office for the Aging was the first state in the U.S. to test the robotic pets with isolated seniors, and results showed that using pets to lower social isolation was highly successful, with 70% of pilot participants reporting a decrease in isolation after one year. Subsequent programs done in aging agencies in Alabama, Florida, and Pennsylvania have also shown positive results. Other clinical studies conducted by AARP, UnitedHealthcare, and other clinicians have please see ROBOTIC page 23
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Dear Pharmacist
Unusual Signs of D Deficiency Suzy Cohen
When talking to your physician, it’s critical that you’re as open and forthcoming about your symptoms as possible. Many doctors need to know all your symptoms in order to figure out if they’re connected. This ensures optimal treatment. For example, let’s say you have high blood sugar, frequent skin rashes, erectile dysfunction, a weak urine stream, a perspiring head, and bouts of sadness. And then you go to the doctor but focus on blood sugar, assuming that these other symptoms have nothing to do with your visit. You’ve done yourself a disservice. Why? Because if you focus on blood sugar, your physician will chase it down with conventional pills, such as metformin. You will be given instructions for a special diet, and you’ll have to start testing your blood sugar with finger sticks. Nothing is wrong with any of that, but had you mentioned all the other symptoms you deal with, it’s likely your physician would have picked up on a vitamin D deficiency and suggested you take D before prescribing all the pills and pricks. A deficiency of D can cause all of the symptoms I’ve mentioned, plus more. And if you have a good doctor who is truly listening to you, the seemingly random list of symptoms makes sense to them from a broader perspective. Furthermore, the treatment you would receive will make a huge difference because it would clear up all your symptoms by restoring D levels, rather than chasing down the right drug for every symptom you have. Vitamin D receptors grab hold of the activated hormone form of vitamin D and then impact the expression of about 900 genes! So if D is low (or high), there are literally hundreds of symptoms that you could experience. Many signs and symptoms of D deficiency get medicated. For example, the “winter blues” results in part from insufficient D, and yet it’s treated with antidepressants. Whether D deficiency is the driving factor, or a contributing factor, it is something your physician should check. Here are some other unusual signs of D deficiency in case you are wondering if you have any. It’s not me just saying this; there are randomized, controlled studies that have confirmed the following symptoms and related diseases are associated with insufficient D:
• Macular degeneration • Wheezing • High blood pressure • Frequent infections If you decide to supplement, it’s a good idea to get your baseline levels of D and then begin your supplementation. Even though it’s a nutrient that is sold everywhere, have a practitioner supervise you and test you periodically. I have a longer version of this article posted at my website in case you’re interested. Vitamin D is available in two forms, one that is animal (sheep) derived and one that is plant (moss) derived. There is no difference in terms of how you absorb either version or what benefits each provide. It really just comes down to personal preference and sustainability. This information is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat your disease. For more information about the author, visit suzycohen.com.
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22 Cybersecurity Habits Every Computer User Must Acquire Did you know that approximately 6.85 million accounts get hacked every day? This is 158 accounts per second! “Even though the statistics are shocking, every user can avoid the risk of becoming a target just by following the right cybersecurity practices,” explains Oliver Nobel, a data-encryption specialist at NordLocker. Repetition is the mother of learning, so it’s a good idea to go over the things you think you already know. The list below includes 22 key tips every computer and internet user should follow to protect themselves from becoming a victim of cybercrime. 1. Use multi-factor authentication for an extra layer of security whenever possible. 2. Create complex and unique passwords for your online accounts. Start using a password manager to help you generate strong passwords, and store them in one safe place. 3. Stay away from unsafe public Wi-Fi and use your mobile data instead. If you really need to connect to a public network, always use a VPN. A virtual private network encrypts all communications passing between your device and the internet so no outsider can intercept your traffic. 4. Turn off the Wi-Fi on your device when you don’t use it. 5. Back up your data to a portable hard disk or cloud-based storage so you
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can always recover your information if it ever got lost. 6. Disable Bluetooth when you don’t use it. 7. Make sure your operating system is up to date both on your computer and smartphone. 8. Enable your firewall. Most operating systems have a built-in firewall, which keeps outsiders from going through the data you keep on your computer. 9. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date. 10. Buy and download apps and software only from official stores. 11. Set your social media account to private. Before posting anything online, check whom you’re sharing the information with. 12. Turn off geotagging to prevent your photos from including locationdisclosing metadata. 13. Don’t overshare online. Avoid posting your email, phone number, or home address on blogs, forums, and social networks when it’s unnecessary. Never share your emotions, intimate pictures, and vacation plans with strangers online. 14. Don’t upload high-resolution photos to social media platforms. Make sure to hide all the street names, building numbers, and any other information that can indicate your whereabouts. 15. Encrypt the sensitive files you store on your computer and in the cloud. There are easy-to-use file-encryption tools that turn all your files and information into uncrackable codes that even skilled hackers can’t read without your permission. 16. Shop only on secure websites. The address of a safe website should start with “https://” (often preceded by a padlock symbol), where the letter “s” stands for “secure.” 17. Look for telltale signs of a fake e-shop to avoid scams: poor website design, broken English, shady contact information, unclear return policies, poor customer reviews, and so on. 18. Don’t open emails from unknown senders, as those might be phishing attempts. 19. Don’t download any attachments from suspicious emails. 20. Never click on scammy links. Always verify the sender and contents of the email before clicking on anything. 21. Don’t use your work device for Are you 62+ or personal needs and vice versa. 18 to 61 with permanent 22. When browsing online, always disabilities? protect your data and location. Use a Welcome to your VPN, which hides your IP address and new home! creates a virtual tunnel for your data to utilities included! safely travel across the web. 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.
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January 2021
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Art & Antiques by Dr. Lori
Tips for Profitable Thrift-Store Shopping Lori Verderame
I was video chatting with a client who was showing me his finds from a thrift-store shopping spree. He asked me a question that many people ask at my events or during my video-chat sessions about shopping for antiques at thrift stores, estate sales, yard sales, etc. He wanted to know: “What should I be looking for?” It is a typical question. The answer is not as straightforward. There is not one “correct” answer. I usually answer, “Look for quality,” but quality isn’t always easy for novices and other newbies to the antiques world to recognize. Quality is evident in different ways in different objects. For instance, quality traits found in an oil painting are not the same as the quality traits found in a piece of pottery.
So, since each object requires its own instructional video, like the ones I post at youtube.com/drloriv to teach folks what’s valuable, let me give you a primer for thrift-store shopping. 1. Look for brand names of well-known artists, makers, or manufacturers. If it is pottery, look for Limoges, Staffordshire, Wedgwood, etc. If you are shopping for jewelry, look for Cartier, David Yurman (DY), or Tiffany. If you are shopping for prints, look for famous-name artists and printers like Picasso or Edward Hopper. Don’t believe you’ll find a famous Photo credit: Staff photographer, www.DrLoriV.com artist’s work at a thrift store? Think Dr. Lori at her Antiques Appraisal Comedy Show appraisal event in again. A client of mine purchased a Seattle, Wash., with shoppers who purchased a painting worth $7,500 painting at a thrift store for $12.99 from a local thrift store. and sent me a photo of it. I identified it as being made by a famous British Abstract Expressionist artist who has similar paintings in the collection of London’s Tate Museum of Art. My client’s $12.99 thrift-store painting is worth $75,000.
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2. When it comes to precious metals, look for marks on the inside of a piece or on the back of a piece, such as “14 karat” on gold or “925” on silver pieces. Another client of mine who sent me a photo of one of her thrift-store finds bought a pair of candlesticks for $3 at a thrift store with an 835 mark on them. I informed her that her candlesticks were Scandinavian midcentury modern, and the 835 mark was the silver standard for Scandinavia. They were valued at $500 for the pair from a mere $3 purchase. 3. Don’t overlook condition. Condition is very important when assessing quality and value. On the other hand, if you find a well-made wooden table of quality materials but it is in poor condition, you are more apt to have success restoring it. Audience members at my nationwide appraisal events have found some great objects at thrift stores and estate sales, such as a $7,500 painting found at a Goodwill store in Seattle, Washington; a $1,200 Art Deco lamp discovered at a thrift store in Tampa, Florida; and a $50,000 Picasso drawing found at an estate sale in Kansas City, Missouri, for $2.50. Quality is out there, and I’ll show you how to spot it in art and antiques.
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Dr. Lori Verderame is an author and award-winning TV appraiser on History channel’s The Curse of Oak Island. With a Ph.D. from Penn State and experience appraising international art and antiques, Dr. Lori shares appraisal information and values at DrLoriV.com and youtube.com/drloriv.
www.50plusLifePA.com
Booming Voice
Dog Park Socialization Bill Levine
Since our South Florida city’s dog park was closed in late March, our 2-year-old Boston terrier, Mabel, has missed the socialization opportunities it offered and so have my wife and I, snowbirds from the Boston area. Mabel has been more rambunctious in our condo as she misses her workout with her fellow small dogs. She is very social and playful, so she has never met a Chihuahua, miniature schnauzer, or pug that she didn’t like or didn’t steal a ball from. She is used to participating in my wife’s Leader of the Pack playgroups in our Boston suburb’s backyard, so she is now going cold turkey. We anticipated Mabel’s enjoyment of the small-dog park. We, however, had tried other vehicles for social interaction since we started wintering in Florida two years ago, but none has been as integral as the dog park in forging friendships. The condo-pool approach didn’t work; two years ago it was too cliquey a crowd, and this past year there was a virus-diminished crowd. We had trouble finding meeting groups to meet with: One we signed up for was too intellectual (applicants had to supply years of education), and the movie groups were too idiosyncratic (horror only, feminist only). Besides, meetups don’t get together all that often. The small-dog park was open six days a week and became a daily activity that we and Mabel enjoyed. Indeed, Mabel’s enjoyment was obvious. Like a skilled football defensive back, Mabel would outrun other small dogs for a saliva-coated ball, intercepting it from the thrower’s intended target. She would then bring the ball back near our chairs and, shifting directions as quickly as a running back, elude our grasp. (Football analogies are proper for the park because it about the size of a football field.) Mabel would tend to run all over, so tracking her could be difficult. Often, she would be down the other end, playing with a new set of small dogs, announcing herself to other owners, and helping herself to their dog’s water bowls. Occasionally, a pied piper with dog cookies would draw Mabel and her fellow canines to march behind her. Even without cookies, Lesley and I were drawn to the ambience among owners at the park. Our fellow small-dog lovers were a breed apart from the expected lapdog-loving older ladies; there are always a few football-player types with their best-friend Chihuahua, Yorkie, or Dachshund. We have found the
small-dog owners to be unpretentious and welcoming to other owners and their dogs. That our dog park charges a modest fee, requires inoculation records, and can ban attendees exhibiting bad behavior — mostly owners — mean that the crowd is regular as opposed to itinerant. The dogs and owners know one another and tend to congregate in distinct groups, staking out territory around the well-spaced-out park benches. For the past two winter seasons, we have been lucky to find a friendly group that has helped us metamorphize from clueless snowbirds to overly tanned South Floridians. Our corner of the park has been the hub of our social life in Florida. My wife’s favorite Floridian relationship started over dog talk, while mine grew from conversations about the midcentury New York Yankees. From our early-morning corner bench group, we learned about parketiquette rules: always pick up, gently harass unobservant owners to pick up, the water fountain is for the dogs, never complain about heat until August, and assume any unidentified breed is a Chihuahua mix. We also learned about restaurant deals, homestead laws, mothers-in-law, good neighborhoods, bad neighborhoods, reviews of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, etc. When conversation was low, we could always use dog-lover talking points, such as, “Since Shaggy got his haircut I realize he has eyes, and they’re beautiful” or “I never saw a pug run that fast; he’s on steroids, right?” When we abandon our snowbird residency and return to Massachusetts, we will be quarantined with Mabel for the mandatory 14 days, after which my wife’s doggy playgroup will be on hold, so Mabel will not have an outlet for her playful instincts for a while. We don’t need the social catalyst of the Florida dog park as much as Mabel. But we are looking forward to seeing our dog-park friends next winter in Florida, even if there are still 6 feet of separation between us — that’s just normal tug-of-war distance between dogs. 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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Can You Rid Yourself of 2020’s Financial Stress in 2021? By Alan Becker 2020 has been a tough year for nearly everyone, and that may be especially true for retirees and those nearing retirement who are worried about whether their careful planning and years of saving could be upended by events beyond their control. After all, retirement is supposed to be a pleasurable and satisfying time when you kick back and enjoy the fruits of all those decades of labor. That’s difficult to do if you’re jittery about a volatile stock market or you fret over every expenditure because you aren’t sure whether your savings can go the distance in a lengthy retirement. As we begin 2021, plenty of people still have worries. For them — and maybe for you — the future is uncertain. But frankly, the future is always uncertain and worrying about your finances without taking charge of your situation does no one any good. So, if you’re already in retirement or plan to be there soon, how can you reduce some of that financial stress that’s weighing you down in these tumultuous times? Let me offer a few ideas: Take control. Just stewing and letting the emotional strain rule your days and nights does no good. Instead, focus on actions you can take to help reduce some of that stress. Often, just doing something — anything — can help you feel better. Review your financial assets so you truly know where you stand. Those assets might include savings accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance, real property, or other items. You can’t create a plan unless you know exactly where Long Term Care t Medicare Supplement you stand, so taking stock of things should be the first step. That way you aren’t operating in the dark. And what about the “T” word? Taxes! 310 Historic DrivF t Strasburg 717-687-6901 Have you imparted tax efficiency as a part WWW.BENNERINSURANCEAGENCY.COM
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of your retirement plan? Do you know your options when it comes to this certainty? Reconsider the timing of your retirement. Whenever the economy is shaky, it’s best to consider your options ahead of time so you can be prepared before problems arise. If you’re still working, for example, and you suddenly lose your job, one option may be to retire earlier than you originally planned and take Social Security. That can come with downsides, though. If you begin drawing Social Security before your full retirement age (between 66 and 67 for most people), you receive a reduced monthly check. That could cost you tens of thousands of dollars over a long retirement. Conversely, if your job situation is stable but you’re worried your nest egg is inadequate, consider postponing retirement. That will allow you to save more and potentially increase your Social Security benefits and can potentially give your investments time to recover from temporary market declines. Review your budget and clean up bad habits. Many of us have less-thanstellar financial habits that we developed over the years. Those patterns of behavior don’t magically disappear as you approach retirement. You need to be intentional about changing bad habits so you aren’t spending more money than you need to — or should. To help you determine the difference between necessary and discretionary spending, review the past six months to a year of expenditures. As you review your spending, think beyond all those momentary, one-time splurges. Include your regular household bills, such as utilities, cable, and cellphone service. You might be able to save money through a family plan, by bundling services, or by cutting the cord altogether. Evaluate the risk in your portfolio. Perhaps you have had an aggressive investment strategy, and that’s how you accumulated a big nest egg that (you hope) was designed to carry you through decades of retirement. But, in an uncertain market and with retirement already here or close at hand, it may be wise to reevaluate how much risk you’re holding in your portfolio. Now would be a good time to diversify and consider other investment options so you can help protect what you already have. Remember, though, that if your unsteady financial situation is getting the better of you, you don’t have to go it alone. Find an experienced financial professional who can help you develop a plan that can potentially ease at least some of your worries. It’s possible to get back on track financially — and, hopefully, set aside those concerns that could mar your enjoyment of life in retirement. Alan Becker is president and CEO of Retirement Solutions Group (rsgusa.net) and author of Return on Investment or Reliability of Income? The True Meaning of ROI in Retirement. He is an investment adviser representative, has passed the Series 65 securities exam, and is insurance licensed in multiple states.
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Caregiver Resources Available during Pandemic
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resource staffed by skilled and compassionate caseworkers available to counsel Pennsylvanians struggling with anxiety and other challenging emotions. The helpline caseworkers can help counsel and refer you to community-based resources that can further help to meet individual needs. Pennsylvanians can contact the statewide Support and Referral Helpline at (855) 284-2494. For TTY, dial (724) 631-5600. Pennsylvanians can also apply for programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and other public-assistance programs online at compass. state.pa.us. Those who prefer to submit paper applications can print from the website or request an application by phone at (800) 692-7462 and mail it to their local County Assistance Office or place it in a CAO’s secure drop box, if available. Dropping applications off at a CAO using the drop box can help avoid an application delay due to postal service delays. While CAOs remain closed to the public, work processing applications, determining eligibility, and issuing benefits continues. For more information on resources available for kinship families and grandparents raising grandchildren, visit dhs.pa.gov. Learn more about other programs offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging at aging.pa.gov.
About Us – The Lancaster County Office of Aging (LCOA) was established 45 years ago as a
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The Pennsylvania departments of Aging and Human Services are reminding Pennsylvanians who serve as caregivers for either a family member or a close friend that there are resources available to help them as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise. “Family caregiving has many faces in Pennsylvania. They are adults taking care of aging parents or other relatives, grandparents raising grandchildren, or a non-relative caregiver, such as a close family friend, raising a child whose parents cannot care for them,” said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. “No matter whom they are caring for, all caregivers may need some type of support, whether it’s emotional, financial, or legal. With the COVID-19 emergency, the need for such assistance may even be greater.” PDA offers resources for caregivers of adults and children. It oversees the Caregiver Support Program (aging.pa.gov/aging-services/caregiver-support), which helps ease the stresses of caregiving. In September, the PDA and DHS jointly announced the launching of PA KinConnector (kinconnector.org), a resource designed to help kinship care families connect to services and supports that can help children and their caregivers. KinConnector also runs a helpline that can be reached by calling (866) KIN-2111 and supports callers needing assistance in English and Spanish. Last year, DHS launched the statewide Support & Referral Helpline, a free
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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
u Support
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
u Support
the older person’s right to risk.
• Protection from abuse and neglect
u Promote
independence and dignity.
• A PPRISE, Medicare, and related health insurance counseling
u Avoid
unnecessary/inappropriate institutionalization.
• Senior center services
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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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Coatesville Area Senior Center Announces Major Changes Coatesville Area Senior Center recently announced major changes to its operations, including a name change, an expanded service area, and a new model for providing meals. Effective Jan. 1, Coatesville Area Senior Center formally changed its name to Brandywine Valley Active Aging and expanded its geographic service area to include the communities served by the Downingtown Area Senior Center. According to Bill Pierce, executive director, Brandywine Valley Active Aging will operate three campuses: Coatesville Campus, Downingtown Campus, and a Virtual Campus. Through these campuses, BVAA will provide a variety of programs and services to more than 4,000 adults age 50 and older who reside in 28 municipalities of central and western Chester County. BVAA’s Coatesville Campus will continue to operate at 250 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Coatesville. At this campus, noon meals are provided Monday through Friday and are prepared fresh in BVAA’s Nostalgia Kitchen. To reserve a noon meal, call the Coatesville Campus at (610) 383-6900. In addition to the noon meal, the Coatesville Campus (only) offers breakfast every Tuesday and Friday, except holidays, from 8-10 a.m. Breakfast is available and open to the public with cooked-to-order platters starting at $5. The Coatesville Campus is also available to help those who need assistance with applications for programs such as the Pennsylvania Property Tax and
Rent Rebate, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), notary services, and more. BVAA’s Downingtown Campus will operate temporarily at Brandywine Grace Church, 40 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Downingtown. The Downingtown Campus will provide takeout meals. Guests will receive a fresh boxed lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays and frozen meals on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Interested persons should call the Downingtown Campus at (610) 269-3939. “We are proud to return the Downingtown Campus to the Borough of Downingtown, making the location more convenient and accessible for many,” Jim Terry, BVAA board treasurer and former board president of Downingtown Area Senior Center, said. In addition to the noon meal at both the Coatesville and Downingtown Campus, the drive-thru will continue to provide weekly distribution of fresh produce (courtesy of the Chester County Food Bank) in addition to a variety of other services. BVAA’s Virtual Campus is accessible on multiple platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom. As Brandywine Valley Active Aging continues to monitor the current health pandemic, many program and service restrictions remain in place. For more information, contact the Coatesville and Virtual campuses at (610) 383-6900 or the Downingtown Campus at (610) 269-3939.
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How to Invest during COVID-19 You never know which way the stock market will swing, especially during a pandemic. That’s no reason to avoid investing, as long as you do it prudently. Men’s Journal shares this advice from billionaire investment guru Warren Buffett:
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.
Don’t stress about the news. The pandemic and other issues are going to be in the headlines for a long time. Don’t get distracted. Remember that conditions will change, and your best bet is to stay focused on your goals.
Simply complete and mail this form with your payment to the address below to order Salute to Our Veterans. On-Line Publishers • P.O. Box 8049, Lancaster, PA 17604 Name_ _______________________________________________________ Address_ ______________________________________________________
Think of the long term. The market is unpredictable. You can’t guess where it’s going to be tomorrow or next week. Over time, though, the stock market pretty much always rises, so be patient and let the overall trends do their work.
City_______________________________ State_ ____ Zip_ ______________
Focus on value. It’s easy to look at stock prices and try to make a quick buck, hoping a low-priced stock will go up. You’re better off looking at value. Analyze a company’s balance sheets, look at its past growth, and consider its potential for future growth. This will give you a better picture of whether the stock is worth buying.
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Or send a check made payable to On-Line Publishers, Inc. You can also order online at www.50plusLIFEpa.com!
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For more information, call Kimberly Shaffer at 717-285-8123 or email kshaffer@onlinepub.com
50plus LIFE
January 2021
21
The Reel Deal
Some Kind of Heaven Randal Hill
Located 20 miles from Ocala in central Florida, The Villages began decades ago as a sprawling trailer park before being reconfigured along the lines of such thriving retiree havens as Sun City, Arizona. The Villages offers 33,000 manicured acres and is often called “Disney World for retirees.” It is home to over 122,000 seniors, most of them bent on having fun each and every day there. Homeowners can enjoy myriad activities and can select from a smorgasbord of 3,000 activities and clubs, recreate on 42 golf courses, and be entertained by the likes of the Beach Boys, Chubby Checker, and Bobby Rydell. In the forthcoming movie Some Kind of Heaven, residents are shown gleefully dancing — there’s lots of that — as well as golfing, shooting pool, and making music. To many, life there is “like being on vacation every day.” Many. But not all. For two months, filmmaker Lance Oppenheim befriended numerous cheerful residents of The Villages, but he also became interested in a small group of people who are dealing with life’s often-daunting problems. “I began to observe this overwhelming sense of pressure that some felt in the community to have fun all of the time,” he says. “There was almost an unspoken social contract that dictated life there, tied into the idea that as you grow older, time runs out, and as time runs out, every moment has to be great.” As the Florida-born producer/director discovered, some people find life there far from great:
• Anne and Reggie Kincer, in the documentary’s most dramatic thread, admit their 47-year marriage is in jeopardy as Reggie experiments with — and develops an appetite for — illegal drugs. • Newly widowed ex-Bostonian Barbara Lochiatto (one of the few residents who still works full time) feels uncomfortable and intimidated when she first plunges into the local dating scene. • Dennis Dean is an 81-year-old gate-crashing nomad who lives out of his illegally parked van and is searching for a wealthy woman to support him in his dotage. Dean is also fleeing a mysterious California arrest warrant. Some Kind of Heaven peels back the veneer of a prepackaged paradise to offer the viewing audience a chance to see what really lies beyond this ersatz utopia. The 24-year-old Oppenheim claims, “My goal in making this film was to inhabit that fantasy and call it into question.” He became intrigued by The Villages while working his way through classes in visual and environmental studies at Harvard University, from which he graduated in 2019. His debut documentary is set for release Jan. 15. Randal C. Hill enjoys getting sneak peeks of forthcoming movies from his home on the Oregon coast. He can be reached at wryterhill@msn.com.
Regarding Martin Luther King Jr. We celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s January birthday as a federal holiday every year. Here are a few bits of knowledge about the renowned civil rights leader (from the Williamson Source website):
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, Jan. 18
• “I have a dream” was improvised in 1963. A draft of the speech prepared by Clarence B. Jones didn’t include the “dream” language, and the speech wasn’t even finalized until about 12 hours before delivery. King said that singer Mahalia Jackson urged him to speak about his “dream,” which he had used earlier in a speech in Detroit.
• His birth name was Michael, not Martin. King’s father, a Baptist pastor, became inspired by Protestant Reformation leader Martin Luther after traveling to Germany. As a result, King Sr. changed his own name, as well as that of his 5-year-old son. • He entered college at 15. King skipped grades nine and 12 and enrolled in Morehouse College in 1944. • Initially he didn’t plan to follow his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather into the ministry, until Morehouse president Benjamin E. Mays persuaded him otherwise.
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• K ing was not always a great speaker. He got a C in public speaking in a seminary school class. However, in his final year he got straight A’s and graduated as valedictorian.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. giving his “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 28, 1963.
• K ing was the youngest Nobel Prize winner at the time. When he accepted the prize in 1964, he was 35 years old. Today the youngest winner on record is Malala Yousafzai, who was 17 when she won the prize in 2014.
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T. Morris Chester Welcome Center to Be Centerpiece of Library Expansion At a recent unveiling of the T. Morris Chester, one of final sculptures celebrating the the statues unveiled, recruited historic role African Americans Black troops to help defend played in Harrisburg, the Harrisburg in 1863 when Dauphin County Library the Confederacy drew near. System was asked to continue He was also the Civil War’s the project’s message of only African American war understanding and cultural correspondent. diversity. “We call ourselves ‘Your In response, the library Place to Belong’ because we are announced the T. Morris committed to inclusion and Chester Welcome Center will acceptance,” La-Verna Fountain, occupy the central location of a member of the library’s board the planned expansion of the of trustees, said. McCormick Riverfront Library. The library has The $3.5 million project previously worked with the includes connecting the Commonwealth Monument adjacent 5,458-square-foot organizers on programs residence of Sara Haldeman highlighting Harrisburg’s Old Haly, whose bequest in 1896 Eighth Ward, where the Capitol seeded the Dauphin County complex now stands. A partial view of A Gathering at the Crossroads: For Such a Time as This. The full Library System. More recently, the monument depicts Thomas Chester, Jacob Compton, William Howard Day, and Frances “The library’s core mission is library’s locations have set E.W. Harper around a pedestal featuring the names of 100 African American residents to promote understanding and up “Knowledge Promotes of Harrisburg’s historic Eighth Ward. equality through education, Understanding” displays at all and we are humbled that the locations, featuring books and Commonwealth Monument Project’s organizers picked us to carry the torch,” information about social and racial justice. said Karen Cullings, the library’s executive director. “Thomas Morris Chester For more information, visit dcls.org/yourplace. is a shining example of those we want to recognize.”
ROBOTIC from page 12 also found that robotic pets can help to enhance the well-being and quality of life of lonely or isolated individuals and those living with dementia and other forms of cognitive decline by providing a level of interaction and comfort from a lifelike companion.
features; AIBO (us.aibo.com) by Sony, which is a plastic puppy that has lifelike expressions and a dynamic array of movements; and Paro the Seal (parorobots. com), which is marketed as a “carebot” designed specifically for people with dementia.
Where to Look If you’re interested in getting your mom a robotic pet, a top option is Ageless Innovation’s Joy for All Companion Pets (joyforall.com). They offer cats, a kitten, and a pup that look, feel, and sound like the real thing — minus the feeding, watering, litter box or backyard cleanup, and vet bills. These soft, plush animals have built-in sensors, “vibrapurr” or “barkback” technology, and brushable fur, making them surprisingly realistic. Insert four batteries, and the cats — which come in four different shades to mimic real breeds — can open and close their eyes, lift their paws, and move their head and body. If you pet them in the right spot, like on their belly or backside, they’ll let out a purr. If your mom is more of a dog person, you can also buy a stuffed golden puppy, accessorized with a red bandana, which will bark if he’s feeling happy, sad, or needy. At only 4 pounds, the stuffed pup is easy to play with and won’t weigh down even the most fragile frame. Some other robotic-pet options you should look into include Tombot’s Jennie (tombot.com), a lapdog that barks on command and has realistic facial
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.
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Join the 2021 One Book, One Community campaign by reading The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick.
40 libraries in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, York, and surrounding counties and their community partners present the regional reading campaign. Photo credit: Sam Ralph
Read the book in January and attend free library programs and discussions throughout February and early spring!
50plus LIFE
January 2021
23
Tinseltown Talks
Nick Thomas
Neil Sedaka Still Singing through the Pandemic
Many performers have recorded videos of encouragement for fans throughout the COVID-19 pandemic months. But few, if any, have been as prolific as Neil Sedaka. With more than 150 miniconcerts posted since April on his YouTube channel NeilSedakaMusic, the singer, pianist, and composer of ’60s hits such as “Calendar Girl” and “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen” continues to churn out the casual performances from behind his home piano several times a week and plans to continue into the new year. “The response from people all over the world has been unbelievable, even those who were never really Neil Sedaka fans before,” said the 81-year-old singer from Los Angeles. “They can’t believe my body of work.”
Sedaka’s repertoire would impress any artist. “I started writing songs when I was 13 and have composed over 800,” said Sedaka, who, in late March, was one of the first entertainers to post a video of hope during the early pandemic days in the U.S. in the form of rewritten lyrics to “Oh! Carol,” his hit from the late ’50s. A week later, his first mini-concert — filmed by his wife on a cellphone from their New York home with the family parrot in the background — consisted of a medley of a half-dozen Sedaka hits. “I just thought the music could be therapeutic for people locked down at home,” he recalled. “Then Photo credit: Neil Sedaka people began requesting songs on Neil Sedaka at his piano in his Los Angeles home, my Facebook page, so I decided to about to record a new mini-concert. continue the mini-concerts.” For Sedaka, too, the performances have helped him get through the months of isolation after moving to the Tom & Randi LaNasa “MEMORY MUSIC” family’s Los Angeles home earlier in the year. “I’ve continued to play all the big hits, but I’ve also done a lot of my lesserknown songs that I like to call my forgotten or neglected children,” he said. “Some of them I wrote 60 years ago and haven’t played for years, so it can take a while to relearn the lyrics along with the chords and rhythms. But it’s been very enjoyable for me as well.” Trained as a classical pianist at New York’s Juilliard School, Sedaka discovered pop music as a teen and teamed up with lyricist Howard Greenfield to co-write the songs mentioned above and many more. In later years, other hits were written with Phil Cody (“Laughter in the Rain,” “Bad Blood”) but Sedaka’s love for classical music never waned. “There are not many singer-songwriters of my era who can play Chopin, Attention: RETIREMENT HOMES, Debussy, and Bach!” he said. “I’ve even performed a few piano pieces during CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS. the mini-concerts.” Like other artists, Sedaka’s live tours have been postponed (see neilsedaka. Looking for entertainment? com), and he says the mini-concerts have helped fill the void all entertainers Booking shows for any occasion! are experiencing this year. We have many variety shows featuring the music from the 1930s to the 60s. He’s also been appearing monthly on the Sirius XM channel ’50s on 5 with Songs by legendary artists like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, his program In the Key of Neil. While he’s looking forward to returning to live Kay Starr, Dean Martin, Patsy Cline, and the Mills Brothers. concerts in 2021, don’t expect to hear any new Neil Sedaka songs; he stopped Specialty shows include … composing several months ago. Songs from the WWII Years • The Post WWII Years: 1945 – 1955 “I felt if you can’t top it, you should stop it,” he said. “I think the reason AMERICA: From Sea to Shining Sea I’ve been around so long is I’ve always been able to raise the bar, reinvent Neil Salute to the Rat Pack (or if you prefer, just Sinatra) Sedaka, and to develop and grow. It’s still very gratifying to hear my music Elvis & Patsy • Classic Country played on the radio — the songs will outlive me.” Please contact Memory Music to book your next event!
Phone: (717) 846-6126 24
January 2021
E-mail: memrymusic@aol.com 50plus LIFE
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for over 850 newspapers and magazines.
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Melinda’s Garden
Melinda Myers
Keep Houseplants Healthy While Keeping Pets Safe
Puzzles shown on page 6.
Puzzle Solutions
You love them both — your pets and houseplants Water plants thoroughly as needed. Tropical — but it can be challenging to safely raise them plants prefer slightly moist soil, while cacti and together in the same house. Reduce the risk by succulents like it drier. Always pour off any excess selecting pet-safe plants and safely managing water that collects in the saucer. Allowing plants to houseplant pest problems. sit in water can increase the risk of disease and lead Avoid problems by selecting plants suited to your to root rot. home’s growing conditions and gardening style. Regularly groom and wipe dust off the leaves of Then narrow the list further to plants that your indoor plants to help reduce the risk of insect are non-toxic specifically to the type of pets you damage. Remove spotted leaves when they appear own. Consult with your veterinarian and visit the and adjust watering. This is often enough to correct American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to fungal disease problems. Animals (ASPCA) website for a list of pet-safe and When pest problems require control, always select toxic plants. pet-friendly options. Start with a strong blast of Create a list of all the plants you are growing. water to dislodge pests like aphids and mites. Include both common and botanical names for Follow with an application of a lightweight accurate identification. Do a bit of research on the horticulture oil, such as Summit Year-Round Spray care they need and their toxicity to your pets. If you Oil (summitresponsiblesolutions.com). This organic suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, you’ll spray controls aphids, mites, immature whiteflies, have the proper plant name when contacting your and all stages of scale and mealybugs. veterinarian. And if those tiny fruit-fly-like gnats are too Match the pet-friendly plants you select to their annoying to tolerate, consider treating the potting preferred light conditions. An east- or west-facing mix with a Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis product, window provides enough light for most indoor such as Summit Mosquito Bits, labeled for Photo credit: Melinda Myers, LLC plants. Keep those that need brighter light within 2 controlling fungus gnat larvae. Just sprinkle it on Baby tears plant (Soleirolia) is safe for pets and feet of the window. the soil surface, and this naturally occurring soil should be grown in brighter light conditions. Those that prefer lower light can be grown near bacterium kills the fungus gnat larvae in the soil. a north-facing window or up to 6 feet back or off to It’s an organic insecticide safe for people, pets, and the side of an east- or west-facing window. plants. For low-light situations, consider a cast iron plant, lady palm, and parlor No matter the product you select — organic, natural, or synthetic — be palm or add artificial lights when growing other pet-friendly plants in lowersure to read and follow label directions. light situations. Proper plant selection and maintenance can help keep your indoor plants Grow grape ivy, spider plants, baby tears (Soleirolia), peperomias, prayer healthy and pets safe from harm. plants, Boston ferns, ponytail palm, and hoyas in brighter locations. Save the Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space brightest locations for Norfolk Island pine, lipstick plant, and haworthia. Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses’ How to Grow Anything DVD series and the Add some color to your indoor garden with popular flowering plants like nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV and radio program. Myers is a African violet, Christmas cactus, and moth orchid. These are also listed as columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. melindamyers.com nontoxic on the ASPCA website.
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January 2021
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Social Security News
By John Johnston
Get Your Standardized Benefit Verification Letter Online
If you receive a benefit verification letter, sometimes called a “budget letter,” a “benefits letter,” a “proof of income letter,” or a “proof of award letter,” we have good news for you. A new standardized benefit verification letter is now available when you need proof of Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, or Medicare. In addition to name, date of birth, and the benefits received, the new benefit verification letter includes other identifiers to prevent misuse and fraud. This is an added benefit to you as proof of income for loans, housing assistance, mortgage, and other verification purposes. The same standardized letter is also available if you need proof that you do not receive benefits or proof that benefits are pending.
If you are an individual representative payee, you can use the “my Social Security” representative payee portal to access the same standardized benefit verification letter online for your beneficiaries. This new standardized benefit verification letter is another example of our commitment to improve our service to you. No matter how you request your letter, whether calling our national 800 number, your local office, the interactive voice response system, or online with your personal “my Social Security” account at ssa.gov/myaccount, the benefit verification letter now contains a seamless look. John Johnston is a Social Security public affairs specialist.
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