50plus LIFE - February 2021 by On-Line Publishers, Inc.

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CHECKMATE, COVID page 4

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IS SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME TAXABLE? page 25

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DMVA Launches PA VETConnect Outreach Initiative The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs recently launched PA VETConnect, a statewide outreach initiative designed to better serve the commonwealth’s nearly 800,000 veterans. PA VETConnect identifies and cultivates new community partnerships to simultaneously broaden referral capabilities and connect veterans to the best possible resources, regardless of the township, county, or region where they reside. “Pennsylvania provides a variety of programs and benefits for veterans, but there are still areas that we do not have formal programs due to lack of funding,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “PA VETConnect is our solution because it allows us to address these gaps through creative inter-agency coordination and community partnerships.” When it comes to veteran advocacy, two features of PA VETConnect make the program unique in Pennsylvania, which has the fourth largest veteran population in the nation. The key to PA VETConnect is an information and referral database that provides those who serve veterans — such as county directors of veterans affairs and veteran service organizations — with names, contact information, and an

overview of thousands of organizations throughout the commonwealth that have the resources to assist veterans’ specific needs. The DMVA has also committed a staff of regional program outreach coordinators to work with veteran advocates throughout Pennsylvania to build relationships and develop a network that connects Pennsylvania’s military members with resources. The RPOCs are DMVA’s fieldlevel individuals who live and work throughout the state. They not only discover new resources to assist veterans within their communities and across the commonwealth, but they also serve as liaisons between veteran

advocates and DMVA. PA VETConnect helps veterans and families with an array of issues, including homelessness, mental health, suicide, employment, financial challenges, legal concerns, family crises, and much more. To learn more about PA VETConnect, visit dmva.pa.gov/VETConnect. Veterans who are in need of assistance and want to connect with a service through PA VETConnect can send an email request to RA-MVVETCONNECT@pa.gov.

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February 2021

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February 2021

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Local Doctors Weigh in on COVID Vaccination for Older Adults By Robert Naeye

symptomatic COVID infections. According to Ma, that’s an amazing success rate for new vaccines. As of late January, the COVID-19 pandemic has Because the federal government has already paid infected more than 25 million Americans, killed for hundreds of millions of doses, the vaccines will more than 420,000, and left millions of people out either be free or very low cost to all Americans. of work. The pandemic has also strained our nation’s In other words, the vaccines can end the hospitals and frontline healthcare workers to the pandemic and return life to normal. breaking point. The vaccines use a cutting-edge new technology And because of their vulnerability to the disease, that differs markedly from how traditional vaccines older adults and residents of long-term care facilities have worked. This new method is almost guaranteed have suffered the most, accounting for about oneto be safe and effective. third of all fatalities. Most previous vaccines, for diseases such as But help is on the polio, smallpox, and way, with the arrival of measles, would give two vaccines that have a person a weakened proven to be extremely or inactive strain of effective in extensive Receiving the vaccine a pathogen. These testing. In December, traditional vaccines the Food and Drug involves far less risk train a person’s Administration gave than being infected natural immune both vaccines its system to attack stamp of approval for with COVID-19. and kill an actual emergency usage in pathogen. persons ages 16 and But the Pfizer and older. Moderna vaccines “COVID is a very work very differently by taking advantage of recent deadly disease,” says Dr. Thomas Ma, who chairs advances in the field of genetics. the Department of Medicine at the Penn State The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. “The comes in two basic parts: a spherical structure and risk of the disease and the benefit of the vaccine protruding spikes. The sphere contains the virus’s to me overwhelmingly favor getting a COVID dangerous genetic material that causes the disease. vaccine.” The sphere’s outer shell has thin, protruding Ma adds that both vaccines have proven to be spikes made of proteins that give coronaviruses effective for healthy individuals but also for those their distinctive structure. Although these spikes who need it most: the elderly and people with appear to be nasty, they do not cause illness. But chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. they enable the virus to attach to human cells, so In what has been the nation’s largest vaccination the dangerous genetic material can get inside and program in history, more than 3.5 million trigger an infection. Americans have received both doses of the vaccine at The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines contain the time of print. Priority has been given to essential genetic material that tricks our body’s cells into healthcare workers and employees of long-term care manufacturing spiked proteins similar to the ones facilities. on a coronavirus. But seniors are also high priority, and many These proteins are totally harmless. But a person’s area nursing homes have begun vaccinating their immune system sees them as potentially dangerous residents and employees. intruders, so it makes antibodies that destroy them. The American pharmaceutical firm Pfizer, If a vaccinated person is later exposed to the working with the German company BioNTech, actual coronavirus, antibodies will quickly recognize developed the first vaccine to receive FDA approval. the spikes as intruders and wipe them out before the The American biotech firm Moderna followed soon actual virus’s genetic material can infect cells. thereafter. Because the two vaccines do not contain a strain Both organizations tested tens of thousands of of the actual virus, Ma says there is no way for an volunteers over many months and found that their immunization to cause COVID-19. vaccines are more than 90% effective in preventing

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Of the 2.8 million Americans vaccinated by early January, only a dozen or so experienced strong allergic reactions. All of these patients quickly recovered. Ma says that people should sit and be monitored by a healthcare provider for 15 minutes after receiving a shot, just in case they experience a strong allergic reaction. Dr. Bernice Hausman, who chairs Penn State Hershey’s Department of Humanities, notes that “people who get the vaccines tend to experience short-lived but sometimes significant side effects, such as arm soreness at the injection site, fever, muscle and bone ache, and fatigue.” These side effects are relatively minor and are signs the vaccine is generating an immune response, which means it’s working. The symptoms usually wear off in one to three days. But a few patients have experienced significant swelling or high fevers. Ma recommends that anyone experiencing strong reactions should take a painkiller, such as Tylenol or Advil. Inevitably, a few people will get sick or die soon after receiving a vaccine for reasons having nothing to do with the vaccine, so Hausman advises people to be skeptical of anecdotal accounts. “What we will see, I believe, if these vaccines do prove to be safe and effective for larger population groups over time, is a growing confidence,” says Hausman. The bottom line, medical experts contend, is that receiving the vaccine involves far less risk than being infected with COVID-19. This disease has a fatality rate of about 1% for the general population, but seniors are at a much greater risk. Moreover, the disease is causing serious long-term health problems in people of all ages. The two vaccines appear to be equally effective. They require two doses for maximum protection. For the Pfizer vaccine, the two doses come three weeks apart. For Moderna’s vaccine, it’s four weeks. Testing indicates that even the first dose offers considerable protection from symptomatic COVID infection after one to two weeks. Following the second dose, it takes about a week for the protection to take full effect. Testing only started last April, so it remains unclear how long the two-dose protection lasts. So until vaccinated people have been monitored for long stretches of time, we won’t know whether a two-dose vaccination will protect people for many years or whether doses will need to be administered once or twice a year. For now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people who have already had COVID-19 should still receive a vaccine. As Ma said, there are a few people who have gotten the disease twice, so receiving the vaccine will prevent a later infection. It was also unknown at the time of this writing whether the vaccines will prove effective against the new strain of the coronavirus, which entered the United States in late December.

Robert Naeye is a Hershey-based freelance writer who specializes in science reporting. His website is www.robertnaeye.com.

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“The current view is that they’re most likely to still be effective,” says Ma. Another important unanswered question is to what extent vaccinated people can infect other people. It might take several months of experience with the vaccines before physicians can determine the answer. But, as Ma says, “Based on everything we know, it has to be highly, highly effective.” Until a large percentage of the American population has been vaccinated, Ma recommends that immunized people continue to wash their hands regularly, wear masks, avoid large crowds, and practice social distancing. This will minimize the chance of spreading the virus. It also remains uncertain when the United States can achieve “herd immunity.” That’s the point when enough Americans have become immune to the disease that the coronavirus can no longer find enough hosts to continue spreading. Only when the nation has achieved this key milestone will the pandemic grind to a halt. Medical experts estimate that 70-90% of Americans will need to be vaccinated before we reach herd immunity. Ma asserts that getting vaccinated benefits everybody. “The vaccine is protecting me. But more important, it’s protecting everyone else. I am taking the vaccine for my mother, my friends, my colleagues, for the country, so that we can get to herd immunity, so that people who are unemployed can get back to work, and we can get back to life as normal,” says Ma. Other companies have also developed vaccines that have yielded encouraging results in testing, although at the time of this writing, they had not yet received FDA approval.

For more information, call Vision Resources at (717) 238-2531 and listen at visit www.vrocp.org.

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February 2021

10 Ways Older Adults Can Reduce Tax Bills Starting at Age 50 Everyone wants to keep more of their hard-earned money. Luckily for older adults, many of whom are on a fixed income, there are several ways for them to save on taxes. With 1 in 3 adults aged 70-79 having saved less than $100,000 for retirement, every deduction counts. A good way to make sure you aren’t missing out on deductions is to get professional guidance. There are free taxpreparation services available to seniors through the IRS and AARP. Also, those with income under $69,000 per year can file online for free using one of several tax-software providers. These online providers and IRS-certified volunteers can answer questions about senior tax perks like the ones below. When You Turn 50 Larger IRA contributions – Those over the age of 50 can contribute $1,000 more to their IRA, making the maximum contribution for the year $7,000. For a traditional IRA, these contributions act as a tax deduction. Also, once you reach 59 ½, you no longer have to pay an early-withdrawal penalty for these funds. 401(k) catchup contributions – Though not many take advantage of this perk, those over 50 can contribute an additional $6,500 to a 401(k) for 2020, bringing the total allowable contributions for the year to $26,000. Contributions to traditional 401(k)s are pretax dollars, lowering your taxable income while helping save for retirement. When You Turn 55 Higher HSA contribution – Those 55 and older can contribute $1,000 more to their HSA than younger people as a “catchup” opportunity. These contributions are tax exempt and can be used for most medical expenses. There are no income qualifications for an HSA, though you must be enrolled in a high-deductible health insurance plan. When You Turn 65 Higher standard deductions – Those over 65 get their taxable incomes

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lowered with a larger standard deduction. Married couples filing jointly can add $1,300 per person over 65 to their deduction. Since over 90% of people take the standard deduction instead of itemizing, this is a deduction almost everyone can take advantage of. Higher tax-filing threshold – The minimum income that triggers a need to file a tax return at all is higher for those 65 and older. A single person over 65 would only need to file a return if his/her income was over $13,850. For a couple filing jointly, both over age 65, the threshold is $25,700. Tax credit for the elderly or disabled – This tax credit directly lowers the tax bill by between $3,750 and $7,500 for those who qualify. People over 65 can qualify if they meet income restrictions. For someone filing on their own, income must be less than $17,500 and total nontaxable Social Security benefits below $5,000, but there are different limits for different filing statuses. People who have retired on permanent disability may also qualify for the tax credit. This tax credit is difficult to qualify for and can be confusing. To see if you qualify, go to the IRS website and use their online tool. Property tax exemptions – Typically applied to those over 65, many states and cities give seniors special exemptions on the value of their homes. These exemptions vary depending on where you live, but the property needs to be your place of residence, and many places stipulate how long you need to have lived there. The exemption for those over 65 in New York, for example, is 50% of the home’s value provided your annual income is less than $29,000. Credits and Deductions for Everyone Medical expense deductions – Most medical and dental expenses, including long-term care insurance, qualify for a deduction only if the total amount of those expenses is more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. You need to itemize your deductions rather than taking the standard deduction for this to apply. Business deductions – Many older adults leave company roles to work fullor part-time for themselves. When running your own business, there are a lot of tax deductions to take advantage of, such as equipment, a home office, and travel. If you spend more than you earn, which can happen when starting, you can deduct that loss from your other income sources. Giving tax-free to charity – After 70 ½, annual withdrawals are required from traditional retirement accounts. If you do not need the money but want to avoid a penalty fee, you can donate money directly to a charity from your IRA, avoiding income tax on that withdrawal. A single person can contribute up to $100,000 tax-free each year, and you can take advantage of this even if you are taking the standard deduction. Article provided courtesy of SeniorLiving.org (seniorliving.org).

February 2021

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Art & Antiques by Dr. Lori

Vintage Valentines from the 1940s Lori Verderame

The winter holiday of Valentine’s Day, which like refrigerators, stoves, etc. falls on Feb. 14, honors a goddess and a saint: The A cute early-1940s valentine card featured a goddess is Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage, girl outside and a boy inside a new, single-door, and the Christian martyr and saint is St. Valentine. light-blue refrigerator, or “the Frigidaire,” as it The most common collectibles of the holiday are was called. The card read in the boy’s voice: “Your a telltale sign of its arrival: the printed Valentine FRIGID AIR is not so nice. Don’t treat me like a cards exchanged by children and adults alike. cake of ice! Be my Valentine.” While the advent of commercialized printing Famous cartoon characters were pictured on changed the face of the greeting-card industry many valentines, and some of the most popular th in the early 20 century, valentine cards of the characters who appeared on workplace posters and 1940s speak volumes about a tumultuous time war-bond announcement flyers were the beloved in American history. They also highlight our Disney couple Mickey and Minnie Mouse, along midcentury modern culture. with other Disney friends. Valentine cards from the 1940s often featured Similarly, cartoon characters like Daisy Mae poems, rhymes, special events, famous places, and others from the Li’ l Abner comic strip drawn cartoon characters, the military, and lovers by Al Capp were popular features on valentines throughout history, like Samson and Delilah or of the 1940s. Hallmark, in cooperation with Antony and Cleopatra, among others. United Feature Syndicate, produced a line of cards Some of the rare, collectible, and valuable featuring the Li’ l Abner gang and other comic valentine cards derived from the spectacle that was strips in 1946. the World’s Fair held in New York City in 1939Personally, I think one of the best valentine card 40. One example featured an illustration of the ideas came from the designers at The E. Rosen “A Valentine for my Wife,” circa 1949. World’s Fair’s Trylon and Perisphere structures Company of Providence, Rhode Island. The Rosen by architects Harrison and Fouilhoux. It read, “Hey, hey! You’re the FAIR-est firm produced a valentine card in the 1940s called the lollipop card. This Valentine in the world.” trendy card featured two puppies on the cover and read: “Puppy love is dandy, Valentines that fall into more than one collecting category — like World’s so I’m sending you this CANDY.” Fair collectibles, vintage printed greeting cards, etc. — and valentines with a That’s right; this particular valentine’s card came with its own candy. Now variety of imagery attract interested buyers and command higher prices on the that’s a card everybody can love. market. Happy Valentine’s Day. A World’s Fair Valentine card, for example, can be valued at $15, whereas a similar valentine with no connection to the World’s Fair may only be worth $2 Dr. Lori Verderame is the award-winning to collectors. Ph.D. antiques appraiser World War II-era valentines often offered cheerful sentiments despite the on History channel’s fact that the war was ever present in the minds of many lovers. Some wartime valentines featured figures of children dressed in military uniforms stating that The Curse of Oak Island. Visit drloriv.com and “I’d FIGHT them all for you, Valentine.” youtube.com/drloriv or Air and sea travel figured prominently in the decades of the 1940s-50s. call (888) 431-1010. Zeppelins, airplanes, rockets, and ocean liners were pictured on Need more fun in your life? valentines that read: Look for “I’m MOONING over you, Valentine,” “Is there SPACE in your Available in print Long Term Care t Medicare Supplement and online for heart for me?” and “I’d anywhere, SAIL the ocean blue anytime reading! for you, Valentine.” Even big businesses got into the act on Valentine’s Day. Some valentine cards 310 Historic DrivF t Strasburg 717-687-6901 featured pictures of kitchen appliances, WWW.BENNERINSURANCEAGENCY.COM

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February 2021

Continuing Care Retirement Communities 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. The CCRCs listed are sponsoring this message. These advertisers are eager to provide additional information about their services.

Designed with their residents’ changing needs in mind, CCRCs (Continuing Care Retirement Communities)/Life Plan Communities offer a tiered approach to the aging process. Healthy adults entering these communities can live independently. When assistance with everyday activities becomes necessary, they can transition to personal care, assisted living, rehabilitation, or nursing care facilities.

Some CCRCs/Life Plan Communities have designated dementia areas that address the progressing needs of people who have any form of dementia. In addition, some communities have sought out and earned accreditation from CARF International, signifying they have met CARF’s stringent set of quality standards. CCRCs Life Plan Communities enable older adults to remain in one care system for the duration of their lives, with much of their future care already figured out—creating both comfort and peace of mind.

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The Campus of the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg

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Woodcrest Villa Mennonite Home Communities 2001 Harrisburg Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 Connie Buckwalter Director of Marketing (717) 390-4126 www.woodcrestvilla.org

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Red Lion Nonprofit Seeking Volunteer Help RSVP – York County is seeking volunteers 55 and over to assist at Servants, Inc. in Red Lion. Individuals would serve as Home Helps volunteers to help with home maintenance and repair in York and Lancaster counties. Also, volunteers are needed to help at the Servants center for a variety of tasks, such as painting walls, warehouse organization,

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event assistance, answering phones, and more. Volunteer benefits include: free supplemental liability insurance, recognition and appreciation events, and assistance with clearances. Please contact Scott Hunsinger at (717) 893-8474 or yorkrsvp@rsvpcapreg.org.

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It Was 50 Years Ago Today

‘Your Song’ Randal Hill

It was a magical moment for Elton John and Bernie Taupin when they fully realized the potential that had blossomed in their professional partnership. As Bernie once explained, “‘Your Song’ was one of the first songs we wrote when we really got locked into writing and when we had really honed our craft.” And it all began one morning in 1969 at John’s parents’ London apartment, when Taupin scribbled the words to the future classic on a grubby sheet of lined exercise paper that had tea stains on it. ...

the next offering. The duo employed this unorthodox way of working throughout most of John’s remarkable career. John remembers his reaction when he first considered the words to “Your Song”: “I sat down at the piano and looked at it, going, ‘Oh, my God, this is such a great lyric; I can’t [mess] this one up.’ It came out in about 20 minutes, and when I was done, I called him in. And we both knew.” Taupin had never been in love or even in any meaningful relationship, so his “Your Song” lyrics reflected a refreshing innocence about such a heady experience:

At one time, Reginald Dwight — born in London in “Your Song” 1947 — was just another piano-playing teenager hungry Elton John for a show-biz break. I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words February 1971 By the mid-1960s, he and some pals were jamming in How wonderful life is while you’re in the world a band called Bluesology. Included among the musicians were sax player Elton Dean and singer John Baldry — the inspirations for Dwight’s future stage John eventually signed with Britain’s DJM Records label and in 1969 moniker. recorded the LP Empty Sky. It went nowhere, but his second album, Elton Dwight eventually left the group and later answered an ad from London’s John, the next year featured “Your Song” and thus held the key to success. Liberty Records, which had announced auditions for songwriters. He wasn’t Haunting and delicate, the tune worked its way into the public hired: Dwight could easily create melodies but choked when it came to writing consciousness, and in January 1971, it reached America’s Top 10 list on the lyrics. Uni Records label. On that fateful day in Liberty’s office, though, he met another creative After that, John included “Your Song” in virtually every live concert of his hopeful, 17-year-old Bernie Taupin. A school-dropout farm worker without career. music-making skills, he could write poetry — and song lyrics — thanks to When asked to explain the work that led to acclaim for the pair, Taupin constant encouragement from his literature-loving mother. answers in fewer than a dozen well-chosen words: “It is a simple, naïve song. Now calling himself Elton John, he and Taupin began working together, And it still stands up.” with Taupin penning sets of lyrics and John creating piano melodies Randal C. Hill is a rock ’n’ roll historian who lives at the Oregon coast. He may be appropriate to the words. If nothing came to fruition within a few minutes, reached at wryterhill@msn.com. John would summarily toss Taupin’s attempt into the trash and move on to

VITA Program Offering Free Tax Prep The United Way of Lancaster County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is now scheduling appointments for tax preparation. The Lancaster VITA is one of more than 12,000 VITA programs across the country that help people file their taxes every year completely free of charge. The volunteer tax preparers at VITA go through at least 40 hours of tax-law training and are certified by the IRS. The service is available to anyone who makes $62,000 or less and lives in Lancaster County. This year, in response to the pandemic, VITA has modified the way it delivers services in order to keep both clients and volunteers safe. VITA now offers a contactless, virtual option through a partnership with Get Your Refund, which allows clients to securely upload their tax information and documents. www.50plusLifePA.com

They will then receive a call from an IRS-certified tax preparer who will prepare the tax return, review it with them, and then send a secure email file with the completed return. There are also free-file options and limited “dropoff” appointments at several locations throughout Lancaster County. To schedule a drop-off appointment at one of VITA’s tax-preparation sites, call the United Way’s 211 referral service. Taxpayers can schedule appointments online and obtain information about VITA locations, eligibility requirements, and other details by visiting freetaxpreplancaster.org. There, click on the Get Your Refund link to get additional information and begin the virtual tax preparation. VITA also offers a free online program that allows taxpayers to file federal and state tax returns at myfreetaxes.com.

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February 2021

CROSSWORD

Puzzle Page

50 Plus Senior News 8/20 Sudoku

PuzzleJunction.com

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.

7 7

6 1 9 8 3

1 6 5 1

3 4 6

2 7

4 8 2

5 9 8

WORD SEARCH

People in Charge Admiral Boss Captain Chief Dad Dean Employer Foreman General Governor Honcho King Manager Mom President Principal Queen Sergeant Supervisor Teacher

Solution

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. Confront 5. Artist Chagall 9. Ship schedule inits. 12. Cameo stone 13. ___ vera 14. Guns the motor 16. Deep in thought 17. Insect-repelling tree 20. Tree underground network 22. Honest one 23. Auto 24. Slender 26. Arms supporter, for short Down 1. In favor of 2. Literary collection 3. Juniper relative 4. Glorify 5. Captain 6. Wistful word 7. Howard of Happy Days 8. Aromatic tree 9. ___ Stanley Gardner 10. Morning moisture 11. Tropical fruit tree 15. All wet 18. Died down 19. Apothecary’s weight 21. Baseball’s Mel

27. Alias (abbr.) 28. Close relative 29. Loyal 31. Bicycle built for two 34. Launder 36. Cabinetwork tree 38. Breakfast staple 41. Yemeni port 42. Larch variety 45. Love god 49. Color with streaks or blotches 50. Big name in hotels 53. Historic period 54. Sharer’s word

55. Actress Madigan 57. Joined by heating 59. Hospital procedure (abbr.) 60. Botanist Gray 61. Muscle 62. Gum tree 65. Dire fate 68. Achy 69. Rhythmicity 70. Departed 71. Golf bag item 72. Funhouse sounds 73. Paradise

24. Compass pt. 25. By way of 26. New (prefix) 30. Celestial bear 32. Astonish 33. Zero 35. Cord fiber 37. Pseudonym of H.H. Munro 39. ___ Friday 40. Oleaginous 42. Zodiac sign 43. Asian fruit tree 44. Blubber

46. Sequoia 47. Miner’s load 48. In a funk 49. Cupola 51. Curls 52. Spiritual path 56. Shade tree 58. Shelf 60. Safe, nautically 61. Pout 63. “___ you kidding?” 64. Draw 66. Inseparable 67. Chess pieces

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Heart Attacks and Strokes Don’t Stop during a Pandemic During the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors You may be having a stroke if you are across the nation are reporting a sharp decline experiencing: in patients coming to the hospital for heart • Numbness, weakness, or loss of movement attacks and strokes. in your face, leg, or arm, especially on one These conditions don’t stop during a side pandemic, and the decline has doctors worried that many people experiencing symptoms • Loss of balance may not be seeking treatment, or that they are • Confusion, including trouble speaking or seeking treatment only after their condition has understanding worsened. Delaying care could pose a significant threat Health experts urge you to contact your to your health. doctor or call 911 if you are experiencing any of “Heart attacks and strokes required these symptoms. emergency care before the COVID-19 pandemic, and they continue to require February is American Heart Month Hospitals Have Safety Measures in Place to emergency care now,” said Dr. Sean D. Protect You Pokorney, MBA, assistant professor of medicine Patients may be understandably nervous about going to a hospital during in the division of cardiology at Duke University School of Medicine. COVID-19, but hospitals have implemented many safety measures to protect “If you are experiencing symptoms, contact your doctor or call 911 now, as you from the coronavirus. These facilities are ready now to safely care for you if you may need immediate care to save your life.” you are experiencing serious health issues. “Hospitals are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of patients who Contact Your Doctor for These Symptoms need critical care,” said Pokorney. “With all of these measures, going to the You may be having a heart attack if you have symptoms such as: hospital is probably at least as safe as going to the grocery store. Certainly the • Chest pain consequences of not seeking timely care for heart attacks and strokes are far greater than the risk of COVID-19 exposure in the hospital.” • Difficulty breathing • Discomfort in your chest, arms, back, neck, shoulder, or jaw

please see HEART ATTACKS page 13

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February 2021

Lancaster County Office of Aging announces

Free Health and Wellness Classes in February and March February 10, 2021 – Chronic Disease Self-Management is a 6-week program that is done over the telephone with a small group of Lancaster County residents age 50+ who are living with a chronic disease. The program is structured to help participants better manage their ongoing health conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, and heart disease. Weekly topics include finding better ways of dealing with pain and fatigue, easy exercises to help improve or maintain strength and energy, learning the appropriate use of medications, and improving nutrition. Must preregister by calling 717-299-7924. March 1 – April 9, 2021 – Walk with Ease is a 6-week program that meets in person 3 times per week. Sessions will be offered at the Lancaster Rec Center Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 11 a.m. to noon, and at GEARS in Elizabethtown Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 1:30-2:30 p.m. This program is for Lancaster County residents age 60+ who are living with diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. The central activity of the program is walking, but each session includes information tailored to those living with arthritis. March 15 – May 17, 2021 – Bingocize is a 10-week VIRTUAL health-promotion program combining the fun of bingo with exercise and falls-prevention education for people age 55+. Virtual classes are Mondays and Thursdays,11 a.m. to noon. Join any time, but get the best benefit by taking the entire 20-class session.

LCOA Virtual Connections Lancaster County Office of Aging’s FREE Online Senior Center added technology and art classes for February and March. The senior center is open to Lancaster County residents age 55+. In addition to our exercise classes, games, and music lessons, we added: February 1-5, 2021 – Paint a landscape, paint a winter scene, make a snow globe, and learn about online financial safety. February 8-12, 2021 – Acrylic stained “glass,” paint a winter snowman, make a centerpiece, draw and watercolor a cardinal, and learn about “The Internet Cloud.” February 15-19, 2021 – Paint an abstract mandala, paint a winter lantern, make a wreath, and learn about technology and apps that can help with a healthy lifestyle. February 22-26, 2021 – Make tissue-paper mosaic art, paint a night sky, make a Moravian star, create a beach stick flag, and learn about downloading and sharing digital music. Supplies for the art/craft classes are provided FREE of charge by pickup or porch drop-off.

For more information on these classes or to register for the FREE Virtual Senior Center, please email paulsonl@co.lancaster.pa.us or call 717-299-7979. 12

February 2021

50plus LIFE

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HEART ATTACKS from page 11 Facilities have implemented routine screening procedures to evaluate if any visitors entering the facility might have a risk of COVID-19 exposure, even before they step foot inside the building. Many facilities are separating COVID-19 patients into separate wards or buildings to ensure other patients are protected and not exposed. Routinely checking temperatures and masks and protective equipment for healthcare workers and other staff are some of the other measures that help to ensure a safe environment. Waiting Now Can Cause Complications Later Delaying treatment for a heart attack or stroke can have serious consequences, causing a bad condition to worsen and making recovery more difficult. For some patients, postponing care can be the difference between life and death. “I’ve talked to patients who are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or warning signs for sudden cardiac death, and some are choosing to take their chances at home,” explained Pokorney. “The unfortunate result is that those patients may die at home or have worse long-term outcomes from the delays in care — and that’s avoidable.” The recovery period after a heart attack may also require critical care. “A heart attack is a potential risk factor for sudden cardiac arrest, a lifethreatening condition that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating,” said Mary Newman, executive director of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. “If you’ve had a heart attack, your doctor can help to determine if you are at risk and can discuss treatment options to keep you safe. But they can only help if you follow up on your symptoms.” (BPT)

Free Online Performance of 1852 Women’s Rights Convention Announced Spurred by the first Pennsylvania anniversary of convention in Pennsylvania’s first 1852 still stands in women’s rights downtown West convention held Chester. in West Chester In the 1970s, June 2-3, 1852, two members of the residents at the theater faculty of Kendal-Crosslands what is now West community in Chester University, Kennett Square Bill Morehouse Susan Slaninka will read as are offering a free and Saundra Hall, Mariana Johnson during the Zoom performance adapted words used online performance of the of the conference’s 1852 Pennsylvania Women’s in that conference proceedings at 7:15 to create a reader’s Rights Convention. p.m. Feb. 23. script. The cast of 11, Peggy Draegert, as directed by Larry Kirwin, will don Lucretia Mott, will convene the Feb. light period costuming designed and 23 “conference.” sewn by Susan Beach. The public is invited to join the In 1848 the first national women’s Zoom audience. Individuals must rights convention took place in register by Feb. 20 by emailing the Seneca Falls, New York. Other screen name and email address they national conventions followed. will use to kendal1852women@gmail. The historic building that held the com. www.50plusLifePA.com

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50plus LIFE

February 2021

The Beauty in Nature

Small, Wintering Field Birds Clyde McMillan-Gamber

During February, some years ago, while driving through snowcovered farmland in Lancaster County, I saw a flock of over a hundred small birds “bounding” low in flight, down to snowdrifts in a large field. The birds showed much white feathering Snow bunting. as they swerved into the wind, landed on the snow, and promptly disappeared. I knew they were snow buntings, down from the Arctic tundra where they nest. I stopped the car and used binoculars to look at the spot where they landed. And there those beautiful birds were, walking over the snow and eating seeds that blew in on top of that snow. Snow buntings are one of four sparrow-sized species of birds — including horned larks, snow buntings, Lapland longspurs, and American pipits — that winter on southeastern Pennsylvania cropland and other open habitats across the United States. There they all feed on seeds and bits of corn kernels, except for the pipits, which consume small invertebrates. And there they all hunker down among clods of soil or snowdrifts during long, cold winter nights. These lovely birds are never noticed by most people because they are small and well camouflaged in their featureless habitats of little or no cover. And they usually are not seen by birders until those little birds sweep up and swiftly away on the cold wind. Horned larks raise young on southeastern Pennsylvania farmland and similar habitats across North America. And thousands of them, both residents and migrants from farther north, annually winter in this part of Pennsylvania. They are, by far, the most numerous and regular of these small birds, down from nesting on the tundra to winter here. Horned larks are mostly brown on top, which blends them into their bare ground and winter stubble habitats. But they also have attractive black-andyellow face patterns and two black feather tufts, sticking up like tiny horns,

Nature’s Wonders

by Clyde

A nature blog by Clyde McMillan-Gamber, retired Lancaster County Parks naturalist and longtime 50plus LIFE columnist

Each story is like a walk with your own naturalist. NaturesWondersByClyde.BlogSpot.com

February 2021

50plus LIFE

which help us identify them. Those face patterns are valuable during their earlyspring courtships. Big flocks of snow buntings, not often this far south, are a rarity here. Some winters, however, a few of them join groups of horned larks. Snow buntings “stand out” Lapland longspur. in lark gatherings because of their striking white-and-brown feathering that camouflages them in harvested fields and other open habitats. Lapland longspurs have sparrow-like feathering, mostly brown with darker streaking, all in the name of blending into bare-ground environments. Never in flocks of their own here, they are either alone in winter fields or in groups of horned larks. American pipits are brown and lightly streaked. Flocks of them walk over bare-ground fields, bobbing their tails and ingesting invertebrates. When the ground is snow-covered, many pipits migrate south, but some retreat to local, running brooks in pastures where they find invertebrates. The value of their tail-pumping is evident. It resembles debris bouncing in waterway currents: a mimicry, a form of blending-in to avoid hawks and other predators. When snow piles on fields, larks, buntings, and longspurs ingest weed and grass seeds from roadsides that were plowed, baring the soil there. And they consume bits of chewed, but undigested, corn in livestock manure spread on the snow. These interesting birds, and other kinds, including geese, pigeons, and crows, scratch corn bits from manure and consume them when other seeds are buried in snow. It is interesting to know that some birds adapted to open habitats with little shelter. Life is durable and can survive in harsh conditions. Clyde McMillan-Gamber is a retired Lancaster County Parks naturalist.

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February 2021

Free Alzheimer’s and Dementia Webinars Scheduled Individuals who are interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s and dementia are encouraged to participate in upcoming free webinars offered by Penn State Extension. “Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor Visits, Legal and Financial Planning,” offered Feb. 4 at noon and at 6 p.m., will cover common decisions that are difficult to discuss with loved ones and tips that can assist in making those important conversations less stressful. To learn more or to register, visit extension.psu.edu/ dementia-conversations-driving-doctor-visits-legal-and-financial-planning. “Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research,” offered Feb. 11 at noon and at 6 p.m., is designed for individuals of any age who are interested in healthy living and aging well.

To learn more or to register, visit extension.psu.edu/ alzheimers-disease-healthy-living-for-your-brain-and-body. “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia,” offered Feb. 18 at noon and at 6 p.m., explores the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, explains the risk factors and the general stages of the disease, and offers helpful Alzheimer’s Association resources. To learn more or to register, visit extension.psu.edu/ understanding-alzheimers-disease. “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s,” offered Feb. 25 at noon and at 6 p.m., helps participants recognize common signs of the disease and know what to watch for in themselves and others. To learn more or to register, visit extension.psu.edu/10-warning-signs-ofalzheimers-disease.

Council on Aging Releases Interactive Health & Wellness Guide The Pennsylvania Council on Aging recently released an interactive guide with information and resources to help older adults cultivate a healthy mind, body, and spirit amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The guide, titled SOLO: Strengthening Older Lives Online, was produced by PCoA’s Risk Reduction Committee, which is made up of older adults and was formed in response to the council’s State of Older Adults Report in May. The interactive Are you 62+ or health and wellness 18 to 61 with guide is available in permanent disabilities? English at my.visme. Welcome to your co/view/4d8vmyqznew home! solo and in Spanish utilities included! at my.visme.co/view/ Look at all we have to offer ... mxr0069j-solo-espanol. Newly Renovated Units, The committee is an extension of the Fitness Center, Service Coordinator, and More ... Social Isolation Task Force, formed in Give us a call and check out 2019 to help mitigate social isolation our fabulous facilities. among seniors. We offer congregate meals to all residents, Mon.–Fri., at 11:30 a.m. “Social isolation is a problem that b’nai B’rith Apartments we already knew existed among seniors 130 South Third Street • Harrisburg and became more of an urgent concern (717) 232-7516

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February 2021

Service Stories

Robert Naeye

Animal Care Specialist Endured Close Calls in Vietnam, Part 1

Russell “Doc” Walters had one of the more “Weekend duty at the monkey house was unusual tours in Vietnam, working with Army no picnic, especially if a monkey escaped his scout dogs and combat tracker teams. First cage. That’s where I learned that a 17-pound trained as an animal care specialist, better monkey on the loose could kick my butt,” says known as a vet tech, his role in the war evolved Walters. “Taking care of puppies at the adjacent into dangerous combat missions. dog kennel complex was a lot more fun than Walters was born into a military family cleaning monkey cages, that’s for sure.” on Dec. 4, 1951, at a military hospital in After eight weeks of veterinarian training, Frankfurt, Germany. His paternal grandfather, Walters graduated in the vet tech class of ’69. Russell “Squirm” Walters, earned a Purple He was then sent to Fort Benning, Georgia, for Heart serving in France in World War II. temporary duty to become familiar with scout Walters’s father, Russell “Buck” Walters, dogs. The three-month course for dog handlers served for 20 years, first in the Army Air Corps included 60 Army soldiers, along with 18 and then in the regular Army. He was stationed Marines, who were “absolutely crazy,” according in the Aleutian Islands during World War II, to Walters. waiting for a Japanese invasion that never came. During his time at Fort Benning, Walters Walters with two beagle puppies during advanced The family has a tradition of giving assisted in providing medical care for hundreds individual training, 1969. nicknames to the children to avoid confusion. of German shepherds who were preparing for Doc Walters’s original nickname was “Bud,” scouting missions in South Vietnam. because he was his father’s little buddy. Even after being trained for obedience, the Growing up as an Army brat, Walters German shepherds could be aggressive, so they learned how to adjust to new surroundings as were usually muzzled before being treated by his father was transferred from base to base. veterinarians. Still, Walters was bitten three This included three transatlantic voyages on times during his tenure as a vet tech. ships and attending 23 different schools. One And, he says, “One wise-guy handler wanted of his fondest childhood memories was learning to know if I had all my shots up to date after his to ski in the French Alps when he was in sixth dog bit me. He didn’t want his dog catching any grade. diseases from me!” In the late 1960s, his father retired from After a final week of escape and evasion the Army and moved the family back to his training, Walters got two weeks’ leave to visit hometown of Lewistown, Pennsylvania. Walters his family in Pennsylvania. Then the Army sent graduated from Lewistown-Granville High him to Camp Gorvad in South Vietnam to School in 1969. Along with two of his fellow serve with the 1st Cavalry Division. students in physics class, Walters decided to He was assigned not to a scout dog unit but join the military. to a combat tracker platoon. He was part of four It was during a recreational basketball game that “I joined the Army for obvious reasons. I teams consisting of five men and a Labrador Walters, crouched here with the ball, earned his didn’t want my Army dad to kill me for joining retriever. Their job was to walk point, catch up nickname, “Doc.” any other branch of the service,” says Walters. with a retreating enemy, and reestablish contact. Walters wanted to be a medic, but the local While playing basketball on just his second recruiter told him that all the classes were full. When Walters replied that he day, his base experienced a sudden mortar attack. But Walters kept playing didn’t want to wait several months, the recruiter asked if Walters wanted to be while his fellow players scattered to the four winds, leaving him alone to make a canine medic. an easy layup while shrapnel flew by his head. Walters asked when he could leave for training. When the recruiter replied After the all-clear siren, his platoon mates returned and told him, “Hey, “next week,” Walters signed up, even though he was only 17. Doc, if you want to survive the rest of your tour in ’Nam, you better store the Walters went through basic combat rraining at Fort Jackson in South sound of incoming in that gray matter of yours for future reference.” Carolina. He then moved to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in The nickname “Doc” stuck, and it remained with him for his two years in Washington, D.C., for his advanced individual training. There, he had a Vietnam. chance opportunity to salute Gen. William Westmoreland, who had recently Conditions on base were primitive. Sometimes their water tanks went dry commanded all American forces in Vietnam. because the support battalion forgot to deliver their weekly resupply. Facilities Walters received his special veterinarian training at the Forest Glen Annex, for defecating, urinating, showering, and sleeping were far from ideal, to put it a 10-minute bumpy Army-bus ride into Maryland. There, the Army prepared mildly. mice, rats, guinea pigs, beagles, and rhesus monkeys — shipped in from the During off time, the men would play basketball and cards or watch their jungles of India — for government experimental research projects. please see SPECIALIST on facing page

February 2021

50plus LIFE

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Dear Pharmacist

The New Medications of 2020 Suzy Cohen

It’s time for my annual report about the novel medications that were approved in 2020. I’ve been writing this yearly article for more than 20 years! Many drugs in 2020 were fast-tracked in order to come to market faster. While you read this, keep in mind that I’m read worldwide, but I am only listing the American brand names, so please ask your doctor what the brand name is in your country. All are available via prescription only. Pizensy (lactitol), oral This medication is used for constipation, especially the unrelenting type that has no obvious cause (termed “idiopathic”). Lactitol is the active (generic) ingredient name, which is a common additive in many prescription drugs. It has been around and has been used as a sweetener for low-calorie foods. You may have heard of its cousins, which are also used so sweeten foods: erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol. Ayvakit (avapritinib), oral This medication is for stomach tumors, and it’s taken once daily on an empty stomach. The FDA fast-tracked approval for this medication based upon a nationwide test conducted on 204 patients with a metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) or one that could not be surgically removed. The drug seeks to shrink the tumor. Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw), IV injection This medication is given as an infusion to people with a specific eye problem caused by Graves’ disease. The disorder sometimes causes a person’s eyes to

bulge out, and Tepezza helps over time. It does not stop the autoimmune process. Tepezza seems to flare up problems for people who have preexisting inflammatory bowel disease. Nurtec ODT (oral disintegrating tablets), rimegepant, oral These quickly dissolving pills work for a day or two and help with symptoms of a migraine. In a study of 1,351 people, those who took the drug experienced improvement from light and sound sensitivity, as well as nausea at the two-hour interval (compared to the placebo group). This is a treatment, not a preventative agent. Sarclisa (isatuximab), injection Used for the treatment of resistant multiple myeloma, this newer agent is slightly easier to administer because it’s faster for patients. As part of its mechanism of action, it acts like a CD38 inhibitor, binding to myeloma cells and blocking growth or slowing spread. Before Sarclisa, one had to also take an FDA-approved CD38 inhibitor, such as daratumumab, along with other treatments. This new drug is not a first-line agent; it is for people who have not responded to other meds. Retevmo (selpercatinib), oral This treats people with either thyroid cancer or non-small-cell lung cancer. It’s in a category of drugs called “kinase inhibitors,” and it’s not like traditional chemotherapy. It is very targeted, so there are fewer side effects. This information is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat your disease. For more information about the author, visit suzycohen.com.

SPECIALIST from facing page Labrador retrievers run through a makeshift obstacle course. And, as Walters said, most of the men were either a “head” or a “juicer,” meaning they either smoked marijuana or drank alcohol (but only in the rear area and never during combat missions). But Walters was neither. Walters’s small veterinary clinic was open 24/7, with no appointment needed. He would treat dogs for worms, abscesses, pad abrasions, lacerations, fleas, ticks, and fungal infections. He also administered immunizations, took blood samples, and examined stool and urine samples. He also treated some of his platoon mates for gonorrhea, which required administering two large IM doses of penicillin, one for each buttock. “The biggest advantage of being treated for gonorrhea by me was that it never got entered into the soldier’s official medical records,” says Walters. www.50plusLifePA.com

“Contracting the ‘clap’ could result in official military discipline by the soldier’s commander.” The worst dog injury he treated at Camp Gorvad was a German shepherd hit with shrapnel fragments above the left eye. Walters had to perform the minor surgery using a local anesthetic to remove the metal fragments from the wound. “The dog healed nicely and was returned to duty soon after,” recalls Walters. “Doc” Walters’s story will continue in next month’s issue of 50plus LIFE. Robert Naeye is a Hershey-based freelance journalist. He also authored the vaccine article beginning on page 4. His website is robertnaeye.com.

50plus LIFE

February 2021

Traveltizers

By Andrea Gross

Door County, Where Keeping Healthy Means Eating Pie

The little girl behind me giggles, a deep, throaty “teehee-hee.” The woman next to me catches my eye, and we start laughing too. “Heather, sshh,” says the girl’s mother. But Heather finds the actions taking place on the stage in front of us hilariously funny, and pretty soon the entire audience is giggling along with her. Part of it is because the Door County, Wis., juts out into Lake child’s laugh is contagious; Michigan. part of it is because the play, a production of the American Folklore Theatre, is genuinely funny; and part of it is because we’re all just so darn glad to be here. “Here” is Door County, Wisconsin (doorcounty. com), a small poke of land that juts out from the eastern shore of the state into Lake Michigan, about 150 miles north of Milwaukee. Seventy miles long and less than 15 miles across at Small villages are filled with good places to its widest point, the narrow browse and shop. peninsula has more than 300 miles of coast, five state parks, and enough sporting adventures, picturesque villages, and recreational activities to satisfy the pickiest of people. We stop at a small, familyowned restaurant, where we’re served our first piece of Wisconsin cherry pie. The county has more than 2,500 acres of cherry orchards, and eating cherries is a major People can explore the cherry orchards on activity. foot or on wheels. At Orchard Country Winery and Market, the location of 70 of these acres, we walk through rows of lush trees laden with tart Montmorency cherries. Our guide hands us a brochure touting their benefits: • They contain antioxidants that are thought to prevent cancer and heart disease. • They contain melatonin, which may reduce the brain deterioration

February 2021

50plus LIFE

associated with aging. • They often relieve the pain of arthritis and gout. The list goes on, but that’s enough for me. If eating cherry pie can keep me healthy, I’m all for it. Over the next few days I devote myself to a health regime that includes a breakfast of cherry muffins and cherry chocolate With more than 300 miles of coast, Door coffee at the Door County County has plenty of beaches. Coffee & Tea Company, a lunchtime cherry sundae at Wilson’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor, and an afternoon snack of cherry chocolate clusters at Door County Candy. And, no matter where I eat dinner, I make sure to sip a glass of cherry chardonnay. In between sugar highs, I wander through the peninsula’s many shops and galleries. In Sturgeon Cherries are baked into muffins, placed atop Bay I’m captivated by the sundaes, and mixed into chocolate. museum-quality work of Stephanie Trenchard, who uses glass to create biographical sculptures. But for overall shopping fun, I head to Fish Creek, my favorite of the area’s quaint towns. It’s there, in the studio of local artists Tony and Renée Gebauer, that I find the perfect Door County take-home: a handsome, handcrafted, oven-safe pie plate! Meanwhile, my husband Folks can choose from a variety of theater eschews cherry-gorging experiences in Door County. (Note: This is the to indulge in other, more American Folklore Theatre.) familiar health-promoting activities — ones that involve exercise rather than eating. He passes on kayaking and sailing and chooses a morning bike ride and an afternoon Segway tour through — surprise! — cherry orchards. The next day he hikes to one of the peninsula’s 11 historic lighthouses and follows it with a please see DOOR COUNTY on facing page

www.50plusLifePA.com

Tinseltown Talks

Jacqueline Bisset’s Sizzling Career Nick Thomas

Now in her seventh explained. “But the decade as a film actress, diving crew on The British beauty Jacqueline Deep were amazing, and Bisset first hit the big I found it a beautiful screen in the mid-1960s experience, even though and was soon on her way the thought of drowning to becoming a household was still a daily worry. name after dramatic “I had a stunt double roles later in the decade for some underwater in films such as Bullitt shots, but she looked with Steve McQueen. nothing like me, so it Although her role meant I attempted more was small as McQueen’s stunts that I would Photo credit Warner Brothers-Seven Arts. Photo credit Columbia Pictures. sizzling love interest, and have liked. When you’re Steve McQueen and Jacqueline Bisset Nick Nolte, Robert Shaw, and she didn’t appear in the 90 feet under water, in a publicity shot for Bullitt. Jacqueline Bisset in The Deep. film’s action sequences, you have to solve any Bisset was on set to problem right there — witness some of the legendary driving scenes often performed you can’t just shoot to the surface.” by McQueen, a keen racecar enthusiast. In one scene, her character attempts precisely that after “Watching those cars jumping in the air on the streets encountering a moray eel (her stunt double did the eel of San Francisco was amazing,” Bisset recalled from Los sequence). Angeles. “There were also some scenes where I had to drive “It was complicated to film and very frightening — I Steve around in a yellow convertible and remember thinking, actually thought I was going to drown. The others didn’t ‘God almighty, I don’t want to mess this up with a racecar know if I was acting or in real trouble, which I was. I got driver next to me!’” through it, but even as I speak of it now, my throat tightens!” She says McQueen, a major star at the time, was “very With several films in postproduction for 2021, Bisset has patient with me, and we would go out for meals with the remained a busy actress throughout her career and in recent director and producer when we’d break for lunch. He didn’t years has tackled personal roles, such as 2018’s Head Full of like getting caught in crowds and would often just jump on Honey with its Alzheimer’s theme. his bike and get the hell out of there.” “My mother got dementia in her early 50s and lived with Also memorable for Bisset — and audiences for her wet it for 35 years, so it’s something I knew a lot about,” she says. t-shirt scenes — was The Deep a decade later. Noted for its “The film approaches the subject with a little humor because stunning underwater sequences, the actress still has mixed that can sometimes help families dealing with it. It’s painful Jacqueline Bisset in a recent feelings more than 40 years later when she speaks of the humor but can make it more bearable.” photo from her publicist. aquatic adventure. Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, “As a child, some stupid kids tried to dunk me, and Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for over 850 newspapers and ever since I’ve been fearful of the water and swimming around others,” she magazines.

DOOR COUNTY from facing page walk through Whitefish Dunes State Park, home to the highest sand dunes in Wisconsin. But while cherries are a main attraction during the summer months, Door County has become as much an autumn destination as a summer one. In fact, both Trip Advisor and Travel + Leisure have named Door County as one of the country’s top fall foliage destinations. As fall approaches, cherries are replaced by apples and pumpkins, both of which are rich in antioxidants and fiber. Therefore, folks can continue to enjoy guilt-free pie; they just have to choose a different filling. We also indulge in another Door County culinary tradition, a rousing fish boil at Rowley’s Bay Resort. Potatoes, onions, and locally caught whitefish are put in a large cauldron and cooked over an open fire until the fish reaches flaky perfection. www.50plusLifePA.com

Then the boilmaster — in our case, a gentleman with definite tendencies toward pyromania — douses the fire with kerosene. As he jumps back from the flames that flare 6-plus feet into the air, the fish oils overflow and leave behind an oil-free stew. Once again, healthy and delicious! After dinner it’s off to the theater. Door County has an impressive program of theatrical and musical productions, and during our stay we see serious drama as well as lighthearted comedy. But it’s at the American Folklore Theater, sitting on cushioned seats under the stars, where we have the most fun. This is where we meet Heather, the giggling 7-year-old, and we’re reminded that, when it comes to health, laughter is the best medicine of all. Photos ©Irv Green unless otherwise noted; story by Andrea Gross (andreagross.com). traveltizers.com

50plus LIFE

February 2021

On Life and Love after 50

Tom Blake

Do 65-plus Single Women Prefer to Live Alone?

Marillee emailed saying she had read that single women age 65-plus don’t want to live with a partner. She wanted to know if that was true. I asked my e-newsletter readers for their opinions. Fifteen women responded by email: Terry – “Humans our age are set in their ways. Sex is nice but not necessary (at least for women), separation of incomes is tricky, and sharing of living space — unless the space is huge — would be difficult.” Laurie Jo – “I have mixed feelings regarding being a couple under the same roof. My boyfriend of five years lives 90 minutes away. I am lonely a lot of the time. Living together is not an option for us; I have decided that for now, going back and forth for each of us on alternating weekends is OK.” Elizabeth – “I know many older women who want companionship but are worried about living together. Many are afraid of taking on household chores or losing financial independence.”

The help caregivers need to care for themselves and others! Features

Kaitte – “I’m an independent woman, not needing a man to take care of me — most men can’t handle that.” Susan, 78 – “I love having my own place.” Deanne, 67 – “I was happily married for 30 years and lost my husband six years ago. I want to live with a partner, to enjoy making a home together. I’m better as a partner than as a solo act.” Hamila – “I was married for 42 wonderful years and was a caregiver for the last six years of my husband’s life. I have no desire to live with another man. I enjoy male company, but I do not want to share my home.” Gail – “I would live with a man for a couple of days each week, plus on trips and adventures. But full-time? No thank you. I’m too independent and happy.” Lisa – “I moved last year to Tucson. While I would like to find a partner, the LAT (living apart together) arrangement describes my preference. I’d like to find someone to do activities with, share meals, and have sleepovers, but I want my freedom and independence too.” Arlene – “It’s a tradeoff! We get a roof; they get a slave. Not for me! My ex never cleaned his toilet. He never cleaned anything except his car every Sunday morning, which prevented him from churching with me.” Kathleen, 60 – “I would like having a male companion to spend time with, especially seeing concerts, plays, book readings, or even going out with for a meal, but living together, no thanks!” Dianne – “No. Once is enough. Can’t see how any man over 60 could offer anything that would make moving in worthwhile.”

• Directory of Providers

Bonnie – “While a man’s companionship is wonderful, being solo is also wonderful. Such an individual thing.”

• Books and Resources • Support Organizations

Alicia, 68 – “I stay busy with my hobbies. I would love to share a home with a man. I would hope the man would likewise have his hobbies, interests, and friends.”

• Articles

Mary Lou, 75 – “I can’t imagine living with someone today. I have turned into an independent senior woman, and I like my routine.”

Also online at www.BusinessWomanPA.com

Call for your free copy today! (717) 285-1350 22

February 2021

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Tom’s Summary Most single women age 65-plus would like a companion, but less than 25% of this group want to live with one. The word “independent” was mentioned often. Might women choosing to live alone be an emerging trend? How each relationship plays out is different. As Bonnie said, it’s “such an individual thing.” There is no right or wrong response. One thing this pandemic has taught us: We all need our space; we need time alone. But it’s still mighty nice to come home to that welcome hug from our mate. For dating information, previous articles, or to sign up for Tom’s complimentary, weekly e-newsletter, go to www.findingloveafter50.com.

www.50plusLifePA.com

Forum Addresses Racial Disparities in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Treatment The Pennsylvania Department of Aging recently hosted the 2020 Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Forum, with close to 250 stakeholders participating virtually. This annual forum is convened to assess progress on issues related to ADRD, strengthen partnerships and community support, identify how healthcare systems can work collaboratively within their communities, and discuss opportunities to help advance Pennsylvania’s State Plan on ADRD. This year’s forum focused on racial disparities and inequalities in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. It opened with messages from Gov. Tom Wolf and Secretary of Aging Robert Torres, both of whom emphasized the need to address the higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in ethnic communities. “Pennsylvania’s older adult population continues to grow and become more diverse, making the theme of this forum a very timely and important subject. We all need to better understand the implications of racial disparities and inequities on living with dementia so that we can work together in tackling the issues with effective interventions,” Torres said. Torres further noted that in Pennsylvania, according to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2020 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report: • Growing evidence suggests that Alzheimer’s disease disproportionately impacts racial/ethnic minority groups, such as Latinos, African Americans,

and Native Americans, in part due to higher rates of risk factors such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular risk. • Latinos with Alzheimer’s disease often experience a longer delay between recognizing signs and symptoms and receiving a diagnosis. • Based on the prevalence rate, the distribution of healthcare costs, and the growth and aging of the African American population, experts expect the costs of Alzheimer’s disease for African Americans to more than double by 2050. The Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Task Force was established in 2018, and its members represent a diverse group of individuals and organizations from across the commonwealth, including representatives from consumer-advocacy groups and long-term care organizations. Jennifer Holcomb, interim personal care home administrator at Cross Keys Village in York, serves as ADRD task force chair and provided an update during the forum on the activities of the task force. “The Pennsylvania ADRD State Plan Task Force is on a mission to positively impact those living with a neurocognitive disorder and their caregivers,” Holcomb said. “Together, we learn of best practices and collaborate to champion the goals of the state plan with a strong emphasis on inequities and making our communities dementia-friendly.”

please see FORUM page 24

Lancaster Senior Games POSTPONED Resource Directory A yellow-page pullout section of 50plus LIFE!

www.lancseniorgames.org “Exercising Body, Mind, and Spirit.”

Due to continuing COVID-19 concerns, and taking recommendation from the CDC, the 2021 Lancaster Senior Games have been postponed until 2022.

Now taking space reservations for companies in the York County region looking for effective advertising that helps people remember your name and services.

Ad space reservation for the York County edition closes May 28. Please contact your marketing representative or call (717) 285-1350 or email info@onlinepub.com to be included.

www.ResourceDirectoryPA.com www.50plusLifePA.com

The games were originally scheduled for May 3-7, 2021. The date for next year’s Senior Games will be

May 2–6, 2022

Questions can be directed to Lisa Paulson at paulsonl@co.lancaster.pa.us or (717) 299-7979.

50plus LIFE

February 2021

FORUM from page 23 The ADRD Forum, the fourth such forum hosted by the Department of Aging, is held annually each November to highlight National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and the commonwealth’s progress in implementing the recommendations of the state plan for Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Disorders.

“Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in Pennsylvania,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Alzheimer’s is one of many brain health issues that can affect individuals, especially our older Pennsylvanians.” For more information on the state plan for ADRD, visit aging.pa.gov.

Department of Aging Awards $2 Million in Grants to Senior Centers

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or educational activities along with the camaraderie and support that these centers offer,” said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. Each SCC will have the flexibility to spend the funding through June 30, 2022, on a variety of projects to best meet the needs of the center and their participants during the pandemic. Project types include COVID-19 mitigation, capital improvements and renovations, programs and services, technology, nutrition services, marketing and outreach, and rent and utilities. Senior community centers operated through PDA and its network of AAAs provide a variety of programs and services, such as nutritious meals, educational programs, fitness and well-being classes, transportation services, financial and insurance counseling, and volunteer opportunities.

About Us – The Lancaster County Office of Aging (LCOA) was established 45 years ago as a

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The Pennsylvania Department of Aging recently announced it has awarded $2 million in grants equally among 405 Area Agency on Aging-affiliated senior community centers for the fiscal year 2020-2021. Due to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SCCs across the commonwealth and the resulting needs, PDA deviated from a traditional competitive grant process and disbursed the funding to the 52 Area Agencies on Aging to allocate among all of its eligible centers. Each AAA will receive nearly $5,000 for each eligible SCC. The funding was appropriated by the General Assembly from the Pennsylvania Lottery. “Our senior community centers have faced challenging times, with many of them operating at limited hours, virtually, or not at all during the pandemic. As a result, participants have missed out on congregate meals and social

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

• • • • • • • •

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.

February 2021

50plus LIFE

www.50plusLifePA.com

Savvy Senior

Is Social Security Income Taxable? Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, I understand that a portion of my Social Security benefits may be taxable when I retire. Can you tell me how to calculate this? – Ready to Retire Dear Ready, Whether or not you’ll be required to pay federal income tax on your Social Security benefits will depend on your income and filing status. About 35% of Social Security recipients have total incomes high enough to trigger federal income tax on their benefits. To figure out if your benefits will be taxable, you’ll need to add up all of your “provisional income,” which includes wages, taxable and nontaxable interest, dividends, pensions, and taxable retirement-plan distributions, selfemployment, and other taxable income, plus half your annual Social Security benefits, minus certain deductions used in figuring your adjusted gross income. How to Calculate To help you with the calculations, get a copy of IRS Publication 915, Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits, which provides detailed instructions and worksheets. You can download it at irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-915 or call the IRS at (800) 829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy. After you do the calculations, the IRS says that if you’re single and your total income from all of the listed sources is: • Less than $25,000, your Social Security will not be subject to federal income tax. • Between $25,000 and $34,000, up to 50% of your Social Security benefits will be taxed at your regular income-tax rate. • More than $34,000, up to 85% of your benefits will be taxed. If you’re married and filing jointly and the total from all sources is: • Less than $32,000, your Social Security won’t be taxed.

• More than $44,000, up to 85% of your benefits will be taxed. If you’re married and file a separate return, you probably will pay taxes on your benefits. To limit potential taxes on your benefits, you’ll need to be cautious when taking distributions from retirement accounts or other sources. In addition to triggering ordinary income tax, a distribution that significantly raises your gross income can bump the proportion of your Social Security benefits subject to taxes. How to File If you find that part of your Social Security benefits will be taxable, you’ll need to file using Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. You also need to know that if you do owe taxes, you’ll need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS, or you can choose to have it automatically withheld from your benefits. To have it withheld, you’ll need to complete IRS Form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request (irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4v.pdf), and file it with your local Social Security office. You can choose to have 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22% of your total benefit payment withheld. If you subsequently decide you don’t want the taxes withheld, you can file another W-4V to stop the withholding. If you have additional questions on taxable Social Security benefits, call the IRS helpline at (800) 829-1040. State Taxation In addition to the federal government, 13 states — Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia — tax Social Security benefits to some extent too. If you live in one of these states, check with your state tax agency for details. For links to state tax agencies see taxadmin.org/state-tax-agencies. 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.

Puzzles shown on page 10.

Puzzle Solutions

• Between $32,000 and $44,000, up to 50% of your Social Security benefits

will be taxed.

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50plus LIFE

February 2021

Pet of the Month

Zen Hiya! I’m Zen, a laidback 7-yearold spayed female Cane Corso mix looking for my kindred spirit. Do you enjoy long strolls and long naps? Are you looking for a pal who can binge watch your favorite TV shows with you? Are you a part of a loving family who will be dedicated to my continued care? Well, am I the gal for you, or what? Adopt me today! Zen’s ID number is 227611. Please send your application to adoptlancaster@humanepa.org, or give the shelter a call at (717) 393-6551 to learn more.

February 2021

50plus LIFE

1 in 5 Adults is a Caregiver. All Need Products and Services to Help Them on Their Journeys.

Why advertise? •Y our focused message reaches its targeted audience. •M ulti-venue promotion — online, in print, and through social media platforms. •Y ear-round distribution — annual women’s expos and 50plus EXPOs, local offices of aging, and other popular venues.

Features: • Informative Articles • Directory of Providers • Ancillary and Support Services

View the 2020 edition online at www.BusinessWomanPA.com

Ad Materials Deadline — May 14, 2021 To be included in the July 2021 edition, please call 717.285.1350 or email info@BusinessWomanPA.com

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Time for Spring? Or More Winter? How did the Groundhog Day tradition start? Many historians believe that it’s related to Candlemas Day, a medieval Christian celebration that falls on Feb. 2. An old sailor’s saying from English lore states: If Candlemas Day is clear and bright, winter will have another bite. If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain, winter is gone and will not come again. Another possible source for the belief may be that the first official day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere’s western lands comes almost seven weeks after Feb. 2, while under the early Julian calendar, the spring equinox fell on March 16 — exactly six weeks after Feb. 2. Groundhog Day may reflect the confusion created by dueling calendars.

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Pet of the Month

Dartrix

Dartrix is a big boy with a big personality and is a staff favorite. This handsome fellow loves tennis balls. He carries them around in his mouth all the time. Dartrix walks great on a leash and enjoys going for walks and sniffing his surroundings. He loves treats and back rubs. Rolling around in a sunny yard is another delight. He is loving to his people and enjoys soft places to cuddle up. Dartrix would do best as the only fur kid in a home with older children. A generous donor is sponsoring his adoption fee. 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

February 2021

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