Lancaster County 50plus LIFE – November 2021 by On-Line Publishers, Inc.

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November 2021

Helping veterans heal through the power of music page 4

How to find a better medicare plan page 10

The rise of the ‘60s miniskirt page 21

Scenes from the Lancaster County (Fall) 50plus EXPO We were thrilled to be back in person for the 25th annual Lancaster County (Fall) 50plus EXPO on Sept. 29 at Spooky Nook Sports! Did you join us? If so, you might find yourself here! If not, see what you missed — and please, join us next time!

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November 2021

50plus LIFE

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Succeed in Your Career — at Any Age Things get harder as we age, and career progress is one of them. Ageism is a problem for older people in any industry, whether they’re looking for a new job, a promotion, or just the chance to try something new. Here’s some advice from the Business 2 Community website on how to overcome it: Shift your mindset. Don’t fall for the stereotypes yourself. You can learn new skills at any age, so stop thinking you’re too old to change. List all your skills, every job you’ve had, all your experiences, and the various problems you’ve solved in your career. This will remind you what you’re capable of doing, no matter your age. Network. Stay in touch with the connections you’ve made throughout your career. Check in often to let them know you’re still interested in doing new things. Make an effort to expand your network with fresh contacts by continuing to go to conferences, in-person or virtual, and seeking out interesting people in your industry — and out of it — to correspond with. This keeps your mind fresh and helps keep your name out there.

About Our Company

Create a personal brand. Develop a brand statement that distinguishes you from everyone else. This lets potential employers and others quickly see everything you have to offer. Include examples of your skills and specific expertise. Your brand statement should also let people know you’re active on social media and knowledgeable about the tech tools everyone needs these days to excel. Prepare for questions. Interviewers will want to know how much longer you plan to work, the schedule you expect, how adaptable you are, and the like. Be ready with answers that emphasize your enthusiasm for your career and your willingness to do what it takes to succeed. Enhance your résumé. Look for gaps to fill. You can start with a Google search for required skills in your industry. Then get the training you need to strengthen your résumé in appropriate areas, like social media, data analysis, Microsoft Office, and the like. This not only increases your expertise, but also shows employers that you’re willing and able to learn.

For more than 25 years, On-Line Publishers, Inc. has celebrated serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50-plus community of central Pennsylvania.

Publications 50plus LIFE is a monthly newsprint magazine touching on issues and events relevant to the 50+ community. Resource Directory is published annually in distinct county inserts inside 50plus LIFE. contains information from local businesses and organizations that meet the needs of caregivers, older adults, and disabled individuals. 50plus Living, an annual publication, is a guide to residences and healthcare options for mature adults in the Susquehanna and Delaware valleys. Caregiver Solutions is an annual magazine distributed throughout south-central Pennsylvania that includes products, services, and organizations that support caregivers. It also contains a directory of providers, book and resource recommendations, and helpful articles. All publications are available in print and digital formats.

Events OLP Events, our events division, hosts 50plus EXPOs, Women’s Expos, and the all-virtual Jobs610 and Jobs717 job fairs. 50plus EXPOs are held annually in Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster (two), and York counties. Entrance to the event, health screenings, and seminars held throughout the day are free to visitors. The Women’s Expo is a one-day event featuring exhibitors and interactive fun that encompass many aspects of a woman’s life. Generally, Women’s Expos are held in Dauphin and Lancaster counties in the spring and in Lebanon, Lancaster, and Cumberland counties in the fall. Jobs610 and Jobs717 are online job fairs during which jobseekers can view an organization’s information, website link, job vacancies, social media links, and contact info to connect one-on-one with company representatives.

For more information, call 717-285-1350 or visit www.onlinepub.com. www.50plusLifePA.com

50plus LIFE

November 2021

Cover Story

Helping Veterans Heal through the Power of Music Corporate Office

P.O. Box 8049, Lancaster, PA 17604 Phone (717) 285-1350 (610) 675-6240 Fax (717) 285-1360 Email address: info@onlinepub.com Website address: www.onlinepub.com

PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Donna K. Anderson

EDITORIAL Vice President and Managing Editor Christianne Rupp Editor, 50plus Publications Megan Joyce

ART DEPARTMENT Project Coordinator Lauren Phillips

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Senior Marketing Consultant Joshua Binkley Events Manager Kimberly Shaffer

ADMINISTRATION Business Manager Elizabeth Duvall

Member of

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50plus LIFE is published by On-Line Publishers, Inc. and is distributed monthly among senior centers, retirement communities, banks, grocers, libraries and other outlets serving the senior community. On-Line Publishers, Inc. will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which may be fraudulent or misleading in nature. Views expressed in opinion stories, contributions, articles and letters are not necessarily the views of the publisher. The appearance of advertisements for products or services does not constitute an endorsement of the particular product or service. The publisher will not be responsible for mistakes in advertisements unless notified within five days of publication. On-Line Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to revise or reject any and all advertising. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted without permission of On-Line Publishers, Inc. We will not knowingly publish any advertisement or information not in compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, Pennsylvania State laws or other local laws.

November 2021

50plus LIFE

By Gabriele Amersbach

2017. When he moved to Lancaster in 2018, he started another chapter in Lebanon.

A group of six vets are playing guitars as part of ‘We Are in This Together’ downtown Lancaster’s Music for Everyone FridayBowen explains the process. The veterans learn night art celebration. The audience smiles, taps their about the group through a referral from their feet, and hums along as the group plays a crowd primary healthcare provider affiliated with the favorite, John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Veterans Administration. Unfortunately, many have Roads.” to wait for a space to open up in a nearby chapter. Most are not aware they are watching veterans Once accepted, each vet receives a reconditioned who have learned to play the guitar as part of their acoustic guitar and an instruction book and begins healing from the trauma of war. one hour of lessons each week for 10 weeks with a From World War II to Vietnam and the more volunteer instructor. recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, many According to Bowen, “Our members learn a few veterans carry this trauma with them. Some are simple chords, so they in wheelchairs with can play their favorite spinal injuries and songs, but no theory. lost limbs; others They learn how to have brain injuries strum and to play from IUDs that have together as a team. limited their mental Our approach is that skills and caused we are all in this hearing loss. together. Then they Vietnam vets drive the whole family exposed to Agent crazy as they start Orange may now practicing.” endure neurological The classes are damage. Others have usually in the daytime respiratory problems so the participants from chemical and can take public ash exposure in David Bowen, center, with Guitars for Vets transportation to the fires. Some have no musicians performing in downtown Lancaster. VA activity center. outward physical Each vet learns to symptoms but feel play his or her favorite songs, from AC/DC to Garth depression and survivor guilt. All are welcome to Brooks, at whatever pace works best. Bowen helps participate in the Guitars for Vets program. to transpose these favorites into simple three-chord According to the group’s website (guitarsforvets. songs. org), more than 800,000 U.S. veterans struggle with physical injuries, PTSD, and other emotional At the chapter’s weekly meetings (before virus distress. The goal of the program is to engage restrictions), the vets come together to play guitar as veterans in a community so they don’t have to face a group and form friendships and community with the challenges of PTSD in silence or alone. peers who have had similar experiences. By learning to play guitar with other vets, Bowen explains that many participants build program participants start to recover from the confidence and become skilled and confident trauma through the healing power of music, enough to perform at local fundraisers, at “openexplains David Bowen, a Vietnam vet who has been mic” nights at local coffeehouses, in community active in the Guitars for Vets program since 2012. celebrations, and in church praise bands. The group was started by Patrick Nettesheim Some have even learned enough to participate in with his student and friend, Dan Van Buskirk, the program as volunteer instructors for other vets. a Vietnam-era Marine, in 2007. In just 14 years, Guitars for Vets has grown to more than 100 chapters throughout the United States serving both male and female vets. Bowen started a new chapter in Salem, Virginia, in 2012, where he remained as coordinator until

Amazing Changes Bowen has seen amazing changes after just a few months of participation. “Many of my fellow veterans are shy, look inward, www.50plusLifePA.com

and don’t want to step out of the box. The program gives them confidence and hope. I often have a spouse, friend, or child who takes me aside to say, ‘You’ve changed his or her life.’” Bowen describes an early participant who was “listless, slouched in his seat, and didn’t talk when we first met. The guitar and music took him out of his shell. Now he is writing his own songs, performing, and is even on YouTube.” According to Guitars for Vets website, the music program helps decrease anxiety, increase self-esteem, and reduce episodes of panic attacks, nightmares, and flashbacks. A research study of veterans in the program showed a 21% improvement in PTSD symptoms and a 27% decrease in related depression symptoms.

working on highly classified projects with intelligence agencies; managing mapping contracts for MapQuest; and reconstructing digital databases of water systems for New York City post9/11. Yet it is his dedication to Guitars for Vets that enlivens his retirement. It helps that his wife, Marsha, is also an instructor, musician, veteran, and retired Army nurse. Bowen, far right, leading a Guitars for “I’ve seen people’s lives improve,” Vets practice session in Lebanon. says Bowen. “Most vets are very grateful. When they get their selfconfidence back, it’s a testament to the program as well as to the other help they receive.” Since 2007, 4,500 vets have participated in the program throughout the United States. Whether they play in church, for family, or just on the porch, all experience the healing power of music. The Impact of COVID For further information about the Bowen is deeply concerned that program, check out the G4V website Veterans of all ages and walks of life benefit COVID-19 may continue to cut (guitars4vets.org/why-guitars); find from the Guitars for Vets program. off the veterans’ access to all VA the program’s Lebanon chapter on programs, including Guitars for Vets. Facebook; and watch Bowen’s 2019 “It worries me,” he says. “For many interview with Comcast Newsmakers vets, the VA is their only social outlet where they do art, write songs, play (comcastnewsmakers.com/videos/2019/10/30/david-bowen). ping-pong, or just BS in the snack bar.” Without vital social interactions that help veterans heal and reenter the wider community, the consequences may be dire. Bowen notes many chapters closed down instruction and meetings during 2020 and into this year. “Now, with the delta variant, it’s dicey,” he explains. “The national folks are pushing us to do virtual lessons. It’s efficient, but it’s hard to show how to put your fingers on the fret board. You just can’t reach through the screen.” He does teach virtual classes and stays in touch even when the lessons are over. “My students are absolutely fantastic, but learning over Google Classroom – Or renew an existing subscription! – is not the same as going to a meeting or a gig. When they play together, even students who are not strong will join right in and learn from each other. You can’t do that virtually,” says Bowen.

Give someone you love the gift that entertains, informs, and inspires, month after month!

Support for the Program Bowen notes that the VA has been “110% behind this program, offering meeting space and providing administrative support, publicity, and referrals.” Where chapters face the greatest challenge is raising funds to purchase acoustic guitars for the students. Each chapter receives some administrative and monetary support from the national organization. “However, we are responsible to raise funds and seek donations from the local community,” says Bowen. “I often check out flea markets, eBay, and music stores for old guitars. “I’ve been very lucky. Local vet organizations have been very supportive. And the people at Music for Everyone (music-for-everyone.org) have donated 15-20 new guitars.” As semiprofessional musician, Bowen also publicizes the program at his gigs and on his website, Acoustic Reset (acousticreset.com). Bowen has had a remarkable career that includes teaching at West Point; commanding an Australian Cartographic Squadron in Bendigo, Australia, as an exchange officer from the National Imagery and Mapping Agency; www.50plusLifePA.com

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50plus LIFE

November 2021

Nursing & Rehabilitation Centers Listings with a screened background have additional information about their services in a display advertisement in this edition.

This is not an all-inclusive list of agencies and providers. These advertisers are eager to provide additional information about their services.

Aventura at pembrooke

Bethany Village – The Oaks

1130 West Chester Pike • West Chester, PA 19382 610-692-3636 • www.aventuraatpembrooke.com Number of Beds: 180 Rehabilitation Unit: Yes Alzheimer’s Unit: Yes Skilled Licensed Nursing: Yes Therapy: Speech, Occupational, Physical Short-Term Care: Yes Long-Term Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes 24-Hour Medical Care: Yes

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325 Wesley Drive • Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717-766-0279 • www.bethanyvillage.org Number of Beds: 69 Rehabilitation Unit: Yes Alzheimer’s Unit: Yes Skilled Licensed Nursing: Yes Therapy: Speech, Occupational, Physical Long-Term Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes 24-Hour Medical Care: Yes

Recreational Activities: Yes Scheduled Entertainment: Yes Private Rooms Available: Yes Semi-Private Rooms Available: Yes Pet Visitation Allowed: Yes Beauty/Barber Shop: Yes Medicare: Yes Medicaid: Yes Accreditations/Affiliations: CARF, Eagle, LeadingAge PA Comments: Maplewood Assisted Living also available.

Homeland Center

1901 North Fifth Street • Harrisburg, PA 17102-1598 717-221-7902 • www.homelandcenter.org Number of Beds: 95 Rehabilitation Unit: Yes Alzheimer’s Unit: Yes Skilled Licensed Nursing: Yes Therapy: Speech, Occupational, Physical Long-Term Care: Yes Short-Term Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes 24-Hour Medical Care: Yes Recreational Activities: Yes

Scheduled Entertainment: Yes Private Rooms Available: Yes Semi-Private Rooms Available: Yes Pet Visitation Allowed: Yes Beauty/Barber Shop: Yes Medicare: Yes Medicaid: Yes Accreditations/Affiliations: AAHSA, LeadingAge PA (PANPHA), NHPCO, PHN, HPNA Comments: A beautiful, full-service continuing care retirement community with a history of more than 150 years of exemplary care.

If you would like to be featured on this important page, please contact your marketing consultant or call (717) 285-1350.

Social Security News

You can sign up for Medicare Part B online! If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part A and want to enroll in Part B during the special enrollment period, please visit our Medicare webpage at ssa.gov/benefits/medicare. From there, you can enroll in Part B by completing these forms: CMS-40B (Application for Enrollment in Medicare – Part B (Medical Insurance) and CMS-L564 (Request for Employment Information). You can also fax or mail the CMS-40B and CMS-L564 to your local Social Security office to enroll. You can find the fax number and address for your local office at ssa.gov/locator. Please contact Social Security at (800) 772-1213 — (TTY (800) 325-0778) — if you have any questions. Note: When completing the forms, state, “I want Part B coverage to begin (MM/YY)” in the remarks section of the CMS-40B form or online application. If your employer is unable to complete Section B, please complete that portion as best you can on behalf of your employer without your employer’s signature.

November 2021

50plus LIFE

Submit one of the following types of secondary evidence by uploading it from a saved document on your computer: • I ncome tax returns that show health insurance premiums paid •W -2s reflecting pretax medical contributions •P ay stubs that reflect health insurance premium deductions •H ealth insurance cards with a policy-effective date •E xplanations of benefits paid by the group health plan or large group health plan • Statements or receipts that reflect payment of health insurance premiums Please let your friends and loved ones know about this online, mail, or fax option. John Johnston is a Social Security public affairs specialist.

www.50plusLifePA.com

CROSSWORD

Puzzle Page

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“Y” Words

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29. Partitioned 32. Legal matter 34. Corn units 35. Not at home 36. Monroe of Some Like It Hot 38. Thickness 39. Family 40. Poetic contraction 41. Sea gull 44. Murphy Brown’s Bergen 46. Ice ___ 47. Exploit 49. Tokyo, formerly

50. Eagle’s nest 51. Lined charts 53. Opposite of 24 Across 55. Ventilate 56. Family dog, for short 58. Vote into office 61. Now, Voyager actress 65. Toboggan 67. Loafer, e.g. 68. Roman emperor 69. Shredded 70. Hither’s partner 71. Retain 72. Sicilian volcano

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43. Honey maker 44. Gown’s graduation partner 45. Psyches 46. All About Eve actress Holm 47. Burger side order 48. Uninhibited 50. Completely 51. See 18 Down 52. Blue 54. Fable writer 57. After river or piggy 59. Congeal

Down 1. Razor-billed bird 2. Knife 3. Blanched 4. Cheers actress Long 5. Modern surgical tool 6. ___ mode 7. Buddy 8. Fodder holder 9. TV’s Topper actress Anne 10. Mentalist Geller 11. Palpitation 15. Aspersions 18. Jabber 19. Periodontist’s deg.

Your ad could be here on this popular page! Please call (717) 285-1350 for more information.

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50plus LIFE

November 2021

Get Tested for COPD: Your Lungs Will Thank You If you’re often short of breath COPD doesn’t have a cure at during everyday activities, your chest the moment, but if you seek advice feels tight, or you cough a lot, you from a healthcare provider and get may be chalking it up to getting older, diagnosed early, you can slow down having allergies, or being a smoker this progressive disease. (now or in the past). During your appointment, your Fortunately, there’s a way to know provider will talk to you about your whether something more may be at symptoms and your medical history play. Consider getting a lung function and then listen to your breathing. He test to find out if you have a serious or she also may recommend one or condition called chronic obstructive more tests to help diagnose COPD. pulmonary disease, or COPD. Knowing the cause of your cough Spirometry: A Lung Function Test and breathing problems will not only The main test for COPD is help you manage your symptoms — called spirometry. During this test, it’ll help you feel better, too. a technician at your healthcare COPD includes two main provider’s office will ask you to sit conditions: emphysema and chronic down and put a clip on your nose, so November is COPD Awareness Month bronchitis. It’s usually caused by you can breathe only through your cigarette smoking or breathing in mouth. other irritants, such as dusts or The technician will then ask you to chemical fumes. put your mouth around a mouthpiece, In a small fraction of people, a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin which looks like the mouthpiece on a snorkel. It’s connected to a machine that (AAT) deficiency plays a role in causing COPD. measures how well you breathe. More than 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD, and The technician will ask you to take in a deep breath and then blow all of millions more have it but don’t know it, according to the National Heart, your air out as fast as you can. You’ll repeat that a few times. It’s painless, but it Lung, and Blood Institute. does take some effort.

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November 2021

50plus LIFE

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Your provider will use the test results to determine how healthy your lungs are, if you have COPD and how serious it is, or if asthma or other conditions are causing your symptoms. Spirometry can also help your provider know if you have COPD before you even have symptoms, so if you’re concerned about your lung health, consider getting a spirometry test. Ask for a lung function test if you: • Are over age 40 • Are or were a smoker • Feel out of breath often • Bring up a lot of mucus when you cough

• Have AAT deficiency • A re concerned about your lung health Another factor to consider when assessing your lung health is COVID-19. Unlike COPD, COVID-19 causes abrupt coughing and trouble breathing, so your healthcare provider may want to test you for it. If you have a chronic lung disease, such as COPD, and get infected with COVID-19, you are at higher risk of getting very sick. COVID-19 can affect your respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs) and possibly lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease. NHLBI’s “Learn More Breathe BetterSM” program provides free educational resources about COPD, videos on spirometry, and more. Find them at copd. nhlbi.nih.gov. (Family Features)

• Have already been diagnosed with a lung disease

The Bookworm Sez

First Friends Terri Schlichenmeyer

You’ve been best friends for ages — forever. Long World War I. enough to know your buddy like you know yourself, FDR’s BFF was a woman who was his social equal long enough to trust and be trusted. — and it wasn’t his wife, Eleanor. Loyalty, honesty, laughter, compassion, wisdom, Harry Truman was known to say anti-Semitic kindness … these things make a good friend — and things, though his best friend was Jewish. as in the new book, First Friends by Gary Ginsberg, JFK’s pal, David, was distantly related to the good friends make the man. president by marriage. Say you’ve got a sticky problem. You don’t know Nixon met his best friend because the guy owned a what to do, so whom do you ask? If you’re like a lot of boat. people, you’d seek a friend and you’d listen. And Bill Clinton’s BFF was Hillary’s friend first. For better or for worse, it’s no different when you Why do we like someone? Usually, it’s a natural sit in a swivel chair in the Oval Office, says Gary thing, sprung from mutual interests — or, as author Ginsberg. Gary Ginsberg shows, it can be an engineered feat. It’s been like that for centuries. In that respect, First Friends can be as chilling as it It’s no surprise, really, that Thomas Jefferson was is warm: Some of the “friendships” here are downright pals with James Madison: They had similar outlooks all wrong, and in certain chapters, Ginsberg gives on politics, and both were gentleman farmers your jaw plenty of reason to drop. and “proud sons of Virginia.” Theirs was a deep Most of the pairings inside this book consisted relationship, sometimes contentious, kept alive mostly of “powerful man plus private citizen who had the through letters. powerful man’s ear,” and that, as you’ll see, was Growing up with a father who owned a tavern, loaded with possibilities, both good and bad. Franklin Pierce naturally “wanted everyone to like Surely, those friendships could’ve altered history. him.” Can you imagine? First Friends: The Powerful, Unsung Alas, he was not the most popular, nor the most Then there’s that warmth: In each story here, hair(And Unelected) People Who Shaped well-regarded, president, though he bonded while raising or not, Ginsberg makes room for a soft aura of Our Presidents in college with the writer Nathaniel Hawthorne. humanness, reminders that a man might be a world By Gary Ginsberg Hawthorne stuck up for Pierce, even when their views leader, but he still needs a friend. C. 2021, Twelve on slavery were night-and-day divergent. This book is a peek double-deep inside the Oval 416 pages It’s been long-rumored that Abraham Lincoln and Office, and it’s the kind of history lesson you don’t his friend, Joshua Speed, were lovers, though most often get. For historians and president-watchers, First historians dispute this. Friends is the book you’ve needed for ages. In an astounding move that could never happen today, Woodrow Wilson placed a private citizen, his BFF, Edward “Colonel” House — an inexperienced 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 man whom Ginsberg says craved power and whom Wilson met just one year before his election — in several positions of power and decision-making during with two dogs and 14,000 books. www.50plusLifePA.com

50plus LIFE

November 2021

Dear Pharmacist

Folate Helps with Brain and Personality Suzy Cohen

Everyone knows how important B Did you know that certain drugs affect vitamins are, especially for energy and nerve your ability to absorb folate, as well as other health. One of the most famous vitamins is nutrients needed to make acetylcholine, B9, or what you see on store shelves as “folic your memory chemical? Folate is mugged acid.” by at least 178 different drugs, and probably This is a nutrient that’s required for more. proper spinal development in fetuses and is This is well documented in my world, very commonly suggested by obstetricians and I’ve studied and written a book about as a supplement for expectant mothers. it. A folate deficiency can change your Folic acid is a synthetic precursor personality. to natural folate, or 5-MTHF, which As for folate versus folic acid, the choice your body manufactures in a complex is clear to me. Take the biologically active biochemical process. form (folate, which is also called 5-MTHF) Now there’s a new scientific paper and spend the extra money to buy the bodythat shows folate can help your brain. ready form of it — otherwise, you won’t get Researchers examined a bunch of clinical optimal effects. Don’t believe people who November is National Alzheimer’s studies in what’s called a “meta-analysis” tell you that your body will convert the folic Disease Awareness Month and discerned from all the data (across all acid to folate. 60 studies/publications) that folate can help Most people are not short on folate. with Alzheimer’s disease. But if you are, then you should be The article is published in Frontiers in Neuroscience. More specifically, they supplementing with the very best and eating foods rich in folate like salads, found that folate levels (tested via blood) were lower in Alzheimer’s patients leafy greens, peas, broccoli, and hummus. compared with healthy controls. If you would like to read the longer version of this article and find out more Alzheimer’s is a memory disorder that affects more than 6 million about other herbs that can support your brain function and cognition, please Americans, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. sign up for my free newsletter at suzycohen.com. On an interesting side note, I can’t help but question how many people This information is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat your disease. For more with memory disorders are suffering from the “drug mugging” effect of other information about the author, visit suzycohen.com. medications they started a few years ago.

Savvy Senior

How to Find a Better Medicare Plan Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, Is it important to compare Medicare Part D prescription drug plans every year? My pharmacist highly recommends it, but it’s such a hassle sorting through all those different plans. Is there an easier way to shop and compare Medicare drug plans? – Lazy Beneficiary Dear Beneficiary, Because Medicare’s prescription drug plans can change their costs and benefits from year to year, comparing Part D plans every year during the open enrollment

November 2021

50plus LIFE

season (which is Oct. 15 – Dec. 7) is always a smart idea. Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, there may be other plans out there that you’re not aware of that offer better coverage at a lower cost. You never know until you look. Here are some tips to help you shop and compare Medicare drug plans. Medicare Online If you have internet access and are comfortable using a computer, you can easily shop for and compare all Medicare www.50plusLifePA.com

drug plans in your area and enroll in a new plan online if you choose, and it only takes a few minutes. Just go to Medicare’s Plan Finder Tool at medicare.gov/find-a-plan, and choose the type of coverage you’re looking for. Enter your ZIP code and financial assistance (if you receive any), select the drugs you take and their dosages, and choose the pharmacies you use. The plan finder does the math to identify the plan in your area that covers your drugs at the lowest cost. This tool also provides a five-star rating system that evaluates each plan based on past customer-service records and suggests generics or older brandname drugs that can reduce your costs. When you’re comparing drug plans, look at the estimated drug costs plus premium costs that show how much you can expect to pay over a year out of pocket. Also, be sure the plan you’re considering covers all of the drugs you take with no restrictions. Most drug plans today place the drugs they cover into price tiers. A drug placed in a higher tier may require you to get prior authorization or try another medication first before you can use it. Any changes to coverage you make will take effect Jan. 1, 2022. If you take no action during open enrollment, your current coverage will continue next year.

Financial Assistance If you’re lower-income and are having a hard time paying your medication costs, you may be eligible for Medicare’s “Extra Help” program. This is a federal low-income subsidy that helps pay Part D premiums, deductibles, and copayments. To be eligible, your income must be under $19,320 for single people or $26,130 for married couples living together, and your assets (not counting your home, personal possessions, vehicles, life insurance policies, or burial expenses) must be below $14,790 for singles or $29,520 for married couples. For more information or to apply, call Social Security at (800) 772-1213 or visit ssa.gov/extrahelp. 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.

Need Some Help? If you need some help choosing a new plan, you can call Medicare at (800) 633-4227, and they can help you out over the phone. Or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provides free Medicare counseling. They also conduct seminars during the open enrollment period at various locations throughout each state. To find a local SHIP counselor, see shiptacenter.org or call (877) 839-2675.

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NOVEMBER 11 – DECEMBER 23 Call 717-898-1900 • Order online at DutchApple.com 510 Centerville Road • Lancaster, PA 17601 www.50plusLifePA.com

50plus LIFE

November 2021

The Beauty in Nature

Native American Farming Clyde McMillan-Gamber

Beside hunting, fishing, and gathering, Native Americans living in eastern forests had a unique, interesting, and ingenious way of growing crops in small fields in those shaded woods. Their only tools, before the coming of European settlers, were stone axes and sharp-pointed sticks. Many forest trees in those long-ago days were huge and impractical to cut down. But forest Indians knew that taking sheets of bark off the trees, all the way around each tree (girdling), would kill those stillstanding giants, allowing sunlight to reach the ground when their dead leaves fell off their twigs. While some Native people girdled tall, stately trees, others gathered dead limbs from the forest floor and burned them in piles under the girdled trees. The burnt ashes helped fertilize the ground. Slabs of bark cut from those large trees were used to build longhouses. Those sheets were tied to flexible poles cut from young trees to make sides and roofs on those houses. Holes were cut in the roofs to let out smoke from house fires.

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

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American Indians used pointed sticks to plant corn, bean, and pumpkin seeds in many clusters among the dead, but stillstanding, trees. Cornstalks grew tall and supported bean vines reaching for sunlight. Bean plants took nitrogen from the air and deposited it in the soil, promoting the growth of all crops. And pumpkin vines reached across the ground where their big leaves provided shade, retarding the growth of weeds and the evaporation of water in the soil. Seeds from those crops were stored for winter food. Probably children chased marauding crows, rabbits, squirrels, deer, and other kinds of wildlife out of the fields. And, perhaps, freeloading deer, bears, and other creatures in those fields were killed and eaten by the Native people. But Native Americans and wildlife generally lived in harmony. Fields were minimal because of small populations of people. Several kinds of woodland and edge birds had easy traveling from sheltering woods to those little fields to eat insects and weed seeds. The people’s practice of killing trees to raise crops in abundant sunlight created homes for certain kinds of birds. Woodpeckers chipped into the dead wood to make nurseries to raise young on insects. Some abandoned woodpecker cavities provided homes for other kinds of forest birds, including house wrens, titmice, chickadees, and others, all of which feed on insects. After several years of cultivation, the soil became unproductive and was abandoned. But years of wind-blown fallen leaves and other forest debris decaying in the poor soil enriched it again. Meantime, squirrels buried nuts in the former fields, and berry seeds in bird droppings and windblown seeds in those fields resulted in forests recovering their own where the fields once were. Forest replaced the Native American fields as if they were never there.

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

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VA’s Family Caregiver Program Extends Eligibility The Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program is extending eligibility through Sept. 30, 2022, for veterans who are legacy participants or legacy applicants and for their family caregivers participating in the Program of Comprehensive November is National Family Assistance for Family Caregivers Month Caregivers. This extension applies to veterans who were participating in PCAFC before Oct. 1, 2020; individuals who applied for PCAFC before Oct. 1, 2020; and those who were accepted into the program after Oct. 1, 2020. The extension will provide VA an additional year to conduct required reassessments of this cohort. PCAFC offers enhanced clinical support for family caregivers of eligible veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty and meet other eligibility criteria. Benefits under PCAFC include education and training, enhanced respite care, counseling, a monthly stipend, CHAMPVA (if eligible), and certain travel expenses, among others. All legacy participants, legacy applicants, and their family caregivers will be reassessed based upon the new eligibility criteria resulting from the final rule, which became effective Oct. 1, 2020. “During this one-year period, approximately 19,800 legacy participants, legacy applicants, and their family caregivers will be reassessed,” said VA Caregiver Support Program Executive Director Colleen M. Richardson, Psy.D. The department will initiate a large-scale effort to complete reassessments for this cohort starting this fall. The earlier VA conducts reassessments, the sooner it will be able to assist with discharge planning for PCAFC participants who do not qualify under the new eligibility criteria. Discharge planning may include engaging the veteran and family caregiver in other services to include participation in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services, which provides caregivers with education, training, peer support mentoring, coaching, and self-care courses. Questions about PCAFC should be directed to local VA facility Caregiver Support Program staff or the Caregiver Support Line, toll-free at (855) 2603274. Find a Caregiver Support team or Caregiver Support coordinator using the online facility locator at caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.asp.

Pet of the Month

Nixy Nixy is the name, and making biscuits is my game. I’m a 2-year-old spayed female with plenty of love (and biscuits) to go around. When I think of my forever home, I think of a place that has soft beds to snuggle up in, a food bowl that never empties, a warm lap to snuggle on, and my favorite person to keep me company. Do I sound like the cat for you? Well, hurry to the Humane League to scoop me up today! Nixy’s ID number is 228740. Please send your application to adoptlancaster@humanepa.org, or give the shelter a call at (717) 393-6551 to learn more.

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November 2021

The History of Ordinary Things

Tramp Art and Hobo Bottle Washers Doris Montag

In the collector’s world, there is a category known as “tramp art,” which includes wire kitchen utensils with a unique bottle-washer end. These were handmade by tramps, or hobos, who rode the railcars circa the 1930s. There were two periods in American history when men camped and traveled by railcar, even though it was illegal and extremely dangerous. The first period started after the Civil War. Many rail lines had been built to transport war supplies and troops, primarily in the North. Returning soldiers hopped freight trains to get home, and many, facing the shame of unemployment

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and poverty at home, pursued work on the American frontier. Men joined crews building the transcontinental railroad, which was completed in Promontory, Utah, in 1869. The second period of freight hopping, as it was called, was during Some handmade wire wisks the Depression era of featured intricate designs. the 1930s. Unemployed men decided to crisscross the country on the freight trains looking for work wherever they could find it. Most hobos would hide along the tracks outside the railyard. They’d run along the train as it gained speed, grab hold, and jump into open boxcars. They risked being thrown off by sudden turns or stops. This train-hopping lifestyle had a social caste system of hobos, tramps, and bums.

RMENT

Lancaster County Office of Aging This project was supported, in part by grant number 90SAPG0059-02-00 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

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• Hobos were migratory workers. There were hobo camps along the tracks, and men moved from job to job with some extended breaks. • Tramps were men who did not seek work but would make and barter crafts. The hobos and tramps were the creators of the bottle-washer utensils. • Bums were men who did not work, nor barter. Often the drunkard, they rode the rails to get out of town. During the 1889 National Hobo Convention, an ethical code of conduct was created, setting forth laws to govern the nationwide Hobo Body. It included: 1. Always try to find work, even if temporary, and always seek out jobs nobody wants. By doing so, you not only help a business along, but you also ensure employment should you return again. 2. When no employment is available, make your own work by using your talents at crafts. This takes us to the wire kitchen utensils, tramp art, which were bartered with the housewife for a meal, money, or perhaps a night’s rest in the barn.

Two pieces of medium-gauge wire were folded in half and formed into a spoon, or spatula, on the folded end. The four exposed ends of the wires were held with a wire collar that would slide to open, or lock, the wire “fingers” that gripped a rag for washing bottles or lamp chimneys. A wire-twisting gadget existed during this period that must have been used to produce the tight and consistent wrapping of the wire handle. The quality of the work varied, from primitive to finely crafted pieces. It is rare to find a handmade wire bottle washer today. If you see one, check that there is no soldering, as the hobos and tramps did not have the ability to solder in the rail camps. Soldering could be a later repair or the telltale sign of a reproduction. As a side note, over 250,000 adolescent boys rode the rails in the 1930s to escape poverty or troubled families or to seek a grand adventure. Society’s attitude was that the boys should be encouraged to return home, and thus people would not give them work or assist them. These artifacts are material evidence of hard times in our American history and yet remind us of the ingenuity of the human spirit under duress. Doris Montag is a homespun historian and an exhibit curator who researches and displays historical collections of ordinary things, such as can openers, crochet, toy sewing machines, hand corn planters, powder compacts, egg cartons, and more. Contact or follow her on Facebook, HistoryofOrdinaryThings.

The Reel Deal

Ghostbusters: Afterlife Randal Hill

In 1984, Ghostbusters was unleashed in theaters This is a sequel that understands how to pay adequate throughout the U.S. The supernatural comedy generated homage to the original while also being able to stand rave reviews and became a cultural phenomenon as one alone as its own film. of the most successful laugh-fests of the ’80s. There are enough iconic Ghostbusters moments here A sequel — Ghostbusters II — followed five years later to satisfy the longtime fans, as well as fresh and unique but saw fewer ticket sales and a tsunami of negative twists and turns that a new moviegoing generation will reviews. enjoy. It’s the done-right follow-up that sci-fi fans have Now, more than three decades later, comes been waiting for. Ghostbusters: Afterlife. The story this time focuses on To wit: Movie critic James Preston Poole seemed Callie (Carrie Coon), a single mother, and her children to be barely able to contain his enthusiasm when he Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace). recently proclaimed, “It’s the best of the series … Evicted from their home, they move into a rundown Stupendously well written, not leaning too hard on Oklahoma farmhouse they have inherited from Callie’s nostalgia, and telling a story better than even the father. Before long, they discover the dilapidated original could muster. A winner in every sense.” building houses an assortment of Ghostbuster gear, and Nearly all of the key players from the 1984 classic unsettling occurrences soon become commonplace. return here: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney In time, the children learn of their mysterious Weaver, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts. (Harold grandfather’s secret legacy and his involvement with the Ramis died in 2014.) original Ghostbuster gang. The movie, which was shot mostly in Calgary, Ghostbusters: Afterlife — the third offering — was Alberta, Canada, was scheduled for a summer 2020 directed by Jason Reitman, the son of Ivan Reitman, release, but the ongoing pandemic forced schedule Images © Sony Pictures or related entities. Used for publicity and promotional purposes. who brought the original blockbuster to life. (The changes until now. It’s rated PG-13 for some scary younger Reitman also joined forces with Dan Aykroyd images and a bit of suggestive language, but overall this and Gil Kenan to create the Afterlife script.) should be a great choice for everyone from tweens to seniors. This time, the kids move about in a world of childhood innocence — think Look for the release around the Thanksgiving holiday. Steven Spielberg’s earlier offerings — in occasional conflict with Stephen-KingRandal C. Hill enjoys getting sneak peeks of forthcoming movies from his home on scariness in the form of CGI monsters that could come roaring out of the the Oregon coast. He can be reached at wryterhill@msn.com. darkness at any time and conjure moments from the 1984 original. www.50plusLifePA.com

50plus LIFE

November 2021

Grief Relief

I’m Alone; Now What? Victor M. Parachin

“My partner has died; my children are grown and gone. Now what?” That question reflects the deep void and accompanying loneliness that many people face as they age. However, actions can be taken to ensure that anyone can live a meaningful, purposeful life after the death of a partner and after the children are grown and gone. Here are 10 suggestions.

Alan Bennet notes: “The best moments in reading are when you come across something — a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things — which you had thought special and particular to you. Now here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out and taken yours.”

2. Nurture the habit of reading. Follow your interests: read fiction, nonfiction, self-help, biography, etc. This will keep your mind active and your spirit expansive.

4. Develop a hobby. Consider something you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time — photography, coding, art, writing, golf. The opportunities are endless, as author Nicolas

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

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1. Invite people for dinner. This will get you busy planning, shopping, and preparing and will bring energy and vitality into your home. Food is something we all have in common. Everyone must eat, and most people find food pleasurable. Entertaining over a meal provides you a great opportunity to work with new recipes.

3. Go to school. One 67-year-old widow enrolled in a yoga teacher training program. After graduating, she began offering the first yoga classes in her community. Going to school doesn’t necessarily mean attending a building on a campus. There are many other options, including online education, vocational trainings, and certifications in areas such as Pilates, personal training, nutrition, etc.

R RMENT • P

Lancaster County Office of Aging Maintaining the independence and quality of life for Lancaster County’s aging population through information, protection, services, and community support.

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.

November 2021

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Sparks observes: “It can be coins or sports or politics or horses or music or faith ... the saddest people I’ve ever met in life are the ones who don’t care deeply about anything at all. Passion and satisfaction go hand in hand, and without them, any happiness is only temporary, because there’s nothing to make it last.” 5. Contribute to social welfare. Volunteer at a temple, school, or hospital. Become a mentor to a young person. Writers at the Mayo Clinic Health Letter cite the following as health benefits of volunteering: decreasing risk of depression, gaining a sense of purpose, learning new skills, remaining physically and mentally active, living a longer life, meeting others, and developing new relationships. 6. Cultivate your spiritual side. This may be the best time in your life to attend a spiritual retreat or seek spiritual direction from a teacher. Take your spiritual life to a higher level by joining a spiritual group, which could be a church, synagogue, temple, mosque, meditation center, yoga class, or a local group that meets to focus on spiritual issues. There you will gain the additional benefit of social support. Also, having a spiritual community to turn to for fellowship and guidance can provide a sense of belonging and support. 7. Simplify your life. Become a minimalist. How many pairs of socks do you really need? How much furniture is really necessary? Do you really have to have all that “stuff” in your home? Clear up the clutter, and keep your life as simple as possible. “We go on multiplying our conveniences only to multiply our cares. We increase our possessions only to the enlargement of our anxieties,” is the insight offered by writer Anna C. Brackett.

Consider downsizing. This will take careful research, planning, and creativity on your part. 9. Offer to foster cats or dogs. There is an enormous need for places where unwanted and abandoned animals can live safely while waiting for a permanent family. Sharing your home with a four-legged companion brings both happiness and companionship. 10. Join a gym or health center. You will not only tap into a wide array of group classes and exercise opportunities, but you will also make some new friends. Victor M. Parachin, M.Div., is a grief counselor, bereavement educator, and author of several books, including Healing Grief.

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8. Downsize your house. Living alone in a large house that comes with serious property management may not be desirable at this point in your life.

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For more information, call Kimberly Shaffer at 717-285-8123 or email kshaffer@onlinepub.com

50plus LIFE

November 2021

Tinseltown Talks

Advice from Susan Sullivan Nick Thomas

Best known for her “The benefits to extensive television strength, memory, career that includes balance, and overall starring roles in well-being from shows such as Falcon exercise are well Crest, Castle, and known. Of course, Dharma and Greg, the difficulty is Susan Sullivan is staying with it, and I always keen to offer find the mantra ‘just advice to others, and show up’ helps,” she that includes sharing said. with seniors her “I know this family’s experience sounds simplistic, with health issues. but a little self-talk ABC publicity. CBS publicity. “Exercise!” she is encouraging. You Cast of the ABC sitcom Dharma and Greg that began Robert Foxworth and Susan Sullivan from the '80s declared from her see, I am also giving airing in the late '90s. Susan Sullivan at left. CBS primetime soap Falcon Crest. home in Los Angeles. rather annoying “I’m 78, and about advice to myself on a five years ago Connell (her longtime partner) was suffering from back issues, daily basis.” and we began a program of high-intensity interval training. A lot of our health Her passion to counsel was highlighted on-screen earlier this year in issues were relieved. What Friends Do (#Expendables), a story she wrote and acted in with several

Are you getting your share of the

SILVER ECONOMY? Which buyers make up the Silver Economy? • 962 million men and women over the age of 60 • A group with 11 times more wealth than millennials • Persons with a life expectancy in the U.S. is about 78.87 years • Persons who prefer in-person contact when possible • A group that wants to age at home as long as reasonable

Why Newspapers?

84%

of Baby Boomers have taken action as a result of seeing an ad in a print newspaper in the past 30 days.2

Why do you want to reach these buyers? • They are free of many economic burdens • They like to take care of themselves, be active, eat well, be fashionable, and have fun • They have more free time • They are looking for products and services to help them age well

What sectors are on the rise? The obvious:

The not-so-obvious:

• Home improvements/renovations • Tourism and leisure activities tailored for them • Caregiver solutions • Financial products geared for seniors • Retirement living

• Security technology – mobile apps, sensors, wearable devices, smart clothing, etc. • Pet care – pet sitting, walking, grooming, food, accessories, etc. • Gardening/lawn services combined with snow removal • Mobile esthetic and concierge services – hairstylist, manicurist, massage, facials • Personal services – running errands, shopping

What are you waiting for? 51% of people aged 52-70 spend fewer than 11 hours a week online. While businesses need an online presence, print adds power to a media campaign. Most boomers and seniors are open to and love classic media.

50plus LIFE—Covering Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties—is an excellent venue!

Call to learn how we can help you reach our 150,000+ readers of 50plus LIFE! 717.285.1350 or email info@onlinepub.com

November 2021

50plus LIFE

Because in print or online, newspapers are

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longtime friends and veteran colleagues for “While we should acknowledge our Smartphone Theatre, a livestream digital parents for their positive role in our lives, performance platform presented via Zoom very often we need to forgive a parent and created during the early pandemic for what they didn’t give us. Has the months (free to watch at smartphonetheatre. relationship enriched you or has it created com). an obstacle for you? During the 25-minute story, the “Even people in their 70s and 80s may characters (portrayed by Sullivan, plus be still unable to forgive the shortcomings Kathryn Leigh Scott, Mitchell Ryan, and of a parent, a sibling, or even a slight David Selby) banter back and forth with from a former boss. Perhaps my story will Sullivan’s art-imitating-life character offering encourage others to write their own and advice aplenty. release some resentments, the biggest killers “I wrote this play about being a senior of love. Let them go. Oh, there I go again.” Susan Sullivan, with Mitchell Ryan, David Selby, and Kathryn and getting back into life,” she explained. With Thanksgiving approaching, I asked Leigh Scott, in the Smartphone Theatre 2021 production of “Like many people, I wasn’t working after Sullivan if her own holiday memories of What Friends Do (#Expendables). the pandemic hit and was faced with two growing up were difficult. choices. Part of my brain told me to just collapse “Our family holidays were usually chaotic,” she into myself — stay home, sleep late, and reread my admitted. “So, there aren’t a lot of good memories favorite books. to share. But I will share what gets me up in the “But another part urged me to remain engaged morning if you want to hear it.” with friends and to keep my mind active. Fortunately, Naturally, I did. I listened to myself. And trust me, I don’t always.” “It’s basically three things,” she began. “I need Her experience with the Smartphone Theatre to have something to do, something to love, and production inspired Sullivan to continue writing, something to hope for. These, and a good cup of delving into a personal issue many will recognize. coffee, allow me to show up and get on with the “My father was an alcoholic, and I’ll be doing an extraordinary business of being alive!” upcoming Zoom monologue about our relationship,” Photo provided by Susan Sullivan. Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at she said. “He comes back as a dog to give me advice Susan Sullivan promoting the TV series The Montgomery in Alabama and has written features, — obviously a family trait!” Kominsky Method in 2019. columns, and interviews for numerous magazines and Her hope, she says, is to encourage people to newspapers. See getnickt.org. explore difficult relationships they have with others, including parents.

You know a good story when you hear it. Think you or someone you know would make an interesting profile story for 50plus LIFE? We are looking for central Pennsylvanians over age 50 who have a unique hobby, passion, or history of volunteer work, or who are a part of an interesting local club. Ideal story candidates are willing to talk about themselves and to be photographed. Your name: _______________________________________________________________ Your address: ____________________________________________________________________ Your phone: ________________________________________ Email:_____________________________________________ Nominee’s name (if not self): ____________________________________________________________________________ Nominee’s town of residence: ___________________________________________________________________________ Nominee’s phone: __________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________ Why they would make a great story: _____________________________________________________________________ Note: Please get your nominee’s permission before submitting them!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please email story submissions to Megan Joyce, editor, at mjoyce@onlinepub.com or send via mail to 50plus LIFE, P.O. Box 8049, Lancaster, PA 17604. www.50plusLifePA.com

50plus LIFE

November 2021

Essential Self-Defense Tips for Older Adults Going out in public places or crowded areas does not have the same safe feeling it did years ago. A quick Google search will tell you that assailants have no problem assaulting people anywhere and at any given time. It is important that older adults not only train in self-defense, but also learn safety and awareness skills that can help prevent finding themselves in a dangerous situation. Below are a few tips to help citizens protect themselves. Refresher on the basics. It’s vital to follow basic safety tips when going out for a walk around the neighborhood or park or while simply going about your day. Wear reflective gear or brightly colored clothing, avoid going out during early-morning and late-evening hours, and stay in well-lit areas that are near houses or stores in case you need to yell for assistance — these steps can all help keep you safe. Keep your guard up. It is easy to fall into a comfortable groove with the same routine or taking the same route every day, but assailants can choose any day to attack. Never get too comfortable, stay aware of your surroundings, and trust your intuition if something feels off. It also helps to mix up your routine and take a different, but safe, way to work or for a jogging route.

November 2021

50plus LIFE

Exude the right body language. Confident body language that signals you are a tough target can deter an attack before it begins. Hold a posture with your back straight and chin up. Keep a balanced stance, and walk with a sense of destination. Make eye contact to show that you are aware of who/what is around you. And, keep your hands out of your pockets. Use assertive verbal skills. This reinforces confident body language and strength and draws attention from bystanders. It can be accomplished by using short, clear, declarative statements. Volume can range from speaking firmly and clearly to yelling, depending on the situation. Physical training is ideal. Practicing how to fend off an attacker will help you feel empowered, strong, and confident, and the more often you can train, the better. There are specific classes available for beginners or older adults that can help you learn the basics. Training not only gives you the physical skills necessary to defend yourself against attacks, but also increases the effectiveness of your body language and verbal skills. Krav Maga Worldwide is a global leader in personal defense training. For more information, check out kravmaga.com, see the Facebook page (Krav Maga Worldwide), follow on Instagram @krav_maga_worldwide, or call (800) 572-8624.

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Sixties Flashback

Skirting the Issue Randal C. Hill

Puzzles shown on page 7.

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Miniskirts were not born, as many of us believe, happy to outfit them in ribbed poor-boy sweaters, during the U.K. youthquake (as it was called) of the fishnet gloves, patterned stockings, and, due to frenzied ’60s. increasing demand, coquettish miniskirts that Over the years, archeologists have unearthed measured up to 10 inches above the knee. short-skirted European figurines created between Quant’s skirts were often worn with flat Mary 5400 and 4700 BC. Some ancient Egyptian frescos Janes or zip-up knee-high boots and thick, brightly have depicted female acrobats wearing them as well. colored tights. During the 20th century, the “flapper” era Thanks to such fashion icons as Twiggy and saw entertainer Josephine Baker shock Parisian Jean Shrimpton, miniskirts quickly captured the audiences with a miniskirt made of bananas when zeitgeist of ultra-hip London during the Beatles she performed in the Folies Bergère. era, and before long, the fashion trend surfed the Sci-fi movies of the ’50s, such as Flight to slipstream of the British Invasion to seemingly Mars and Forbidden Planet, also featured the become mandatory dress for ladies worldwide for controversial clothing. A decade later, Mexico City years to come. fashionistas were wearing skirts that stopped far To its wearers, the miniskirt wasn’t only above the knee. “groovy,” it also showed support for female Modern cultural historians, though, have given liberation — something long overdue in the hearts British fashion designer Mary Quant much of the of many. Women’s movement pioneers such as credit for this worldwide clothing revolution. Gloria Steinem and Marlo Thomas tacitly endorsed Since 1955, she and husband Alexander Plunkett the skirts when they made public appearances in Greene had operated Bazaar, an upscale boutique them. in the Chelsea area of London. (Bazaar was one The short-dress trend lasted throughout the of only two such shops there that catered to the remainder of the decade, thanks in part to Goldie young.) Quant initially offered the short dresses to Hawn. She prolonged the fashion fad as a popallow wearers to run for city buses more quickly. culture phenomenon on TV’s Laugh-In, with young The term “miniskirt” was derived from Quant’s women often embracing Hawn’s signature skirts. favorite British car, the popular Mini Cooper. The fashion world is ever-changing, of course, (In 1988, Quant would design the interior of and by the end of the ’60s, hemlines fell to the a limited-edition Mini. Of the 2,000 built, each ankles in a style dubbed the “maxi,” with skirt featured black-and-white-striped seats with red lengths becoming the longest since World War I. Credit: Jac. de Nijs / Anefo, CC BY-SA 3.0 NL trimming, red seatbelts, and Quant’s signature on No problem for Quant, though; by then, she had The “Diabolo” minidress, modeled with sheer the driver’s and passenger’s seats. These rare vehicles created another fashion rage: short shorts. Or, as pop socks, at a Mary Quant fashion show in have now become coveted collector’s items for they came to be known, “hot pants.” Utrecht, Netherlands, in March 1969. certain nostalgia buffs.) Although Randal C. Hill’s heart lives in the past, the By the ’60s, Chelsea was emerging as a place rest of him resides in Bandon, Ore. He can be reached at wryterhill@msn.com. of beatnik joints, cellar music clubs, and fashion shops. Young women who shopped there became known as Chelsea girls, and Quant was more than

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50plus LIFE

November 2021

Willing to Wander

Drive-in Theaters That Are More than That Victor Block

From time to time, residents of the little town of Farmington, Maine, gather to attend events ranging from a craft fair and flea market to a band concert and Catholic Mass. At a site in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the attractions Credit: John Norton include an arcade, In Driggs, Idaho, the Spud Drive-in’s screen car museum, and sits alongside a vintage flatbed truck supporting swap shop. a giant potato. Rather than being seated in an elegant concert hall in New York’s Lincoln Center, guests attending last year’s prestigious New York Film Festival watched the entrants while seated in their family car. These seemingly disparate places and performances have one thing in Credit: Norman Plant Rear view of the Beverly Drive-In Theatre, common: their Hattiesburg, Miss. location at drive-in movie theaters. Once scattered about the country, these throwbacks to the past today are few and far between. Yet they still exist and have much to offer those who seek them out near where they live or when traveling farther from home. As the number of venues where people watch motion pictures from the comfort of their car has dwindled, the variety of activities they offer has mushroomed. In an effort to keep old-time customers and attract new ticket buyers, drivein theaters have become much more than that. Some offer a choice of things to see, do, and enjoy that extends well beyond their original appeal. That wasn’t always the case. When the first drive-in opened in Pennsauken, New Jersey, in 1933, patrons watched silent films. By the end of World War II, about 150 “outdoor movies” were operating throughout the country. This was followed by rapidly rising car ownership and the growth of the suburbs, which combined to support an explosion of drive-ins to a total of about 4,150 in 1951. That number is estimated to have plummeted to no more than 300 today, and their operators are fighting to remain viable against the proliferation of entertainment options. Some are stressing the nostalgic charm of what they offer, while others augment showing films with an array of other options.

November 2021

50plus LIFE

Credit: Michele Hassinger

Children play while waiting for a movie at the Cumberland Drive-In, Newville, Pa.

Credit: Abe Ezekowitz

The marquee and rear of the projection screen of the Route 66 Drive-In in southwestern Missouri.

The activities can offer more, sometimes much more, than watching a film. One example is the Narrow Gauge Cinema in Maine. Along with opportunities to shop, listen to music, and even pray, it allows people attending concerts to pitch a tent and spend a night under the stars. The Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop & Drive-in Theater is said to include on its 89acre site the largest daily flea market in the world. It’s also home to a museumquality collection of rare Ferraris and other cars, along with automobile memorabilia and trophies. The complex claims to be the second-biggest tourist attraction in

a state that’s packed with them. The Lincoln Center wasn’t the only film-festival site to move its festivities outdoors during 2020. In Maine, the Skowhegan Drive-in hosted that state’s International Film Festival, which showcases motion pictures from around the world with a focus upon Maine- and New England-themed productions. Other drive-in theaters also offer some surprises. Fundraising events, Halloween trick-or-treat activities, and a wedding have taken place at the Cumberland Drive-in located in Newville, Pennsylvania. In New Hampshire, the Northfield Drive-in has hosted business conferences, comedy shows, and concerts. Some bands even launch drive-in movie tours, traveling around the country to perform outdoors when films aren’t being shown. During this time of closed auditoriums and stadiums, outdoor theaters in Bridgton and Madawaska, Maine, have served as alternative venues for high school graduation ceremonies. Those who like to reminisce about the heyday of drive-in theaters have much food for thought as their minds tiptoe through the past. For example, they may recall that when the Beverly Theater in Forrest County, Mississippi, was constructed in 1948, the original owners built their

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family home beneath the main screen. That cinema has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. So has the 66 Drive-In near Carthage, Missouri, which is one of the few historically intact drive-in theaters still operating along historic Route 66. It looks and feels much as it did when it opened for business in 1949. While many early outdoor theaters that occupied fields and pastures outside of towns have been engulfed by suburban sprawl, the 66 Drive-In remains in its original rural setting. Most of the features have been retained. The 66-foot-high, steel-framed screen structure continues its dual role: One side supports the movie screen, while the other is a huge billboard displaying the 1949 message, “66 DRIVEIN THEATRE, CARTHAGE, MO.” Also remaining from when the theater opened are a playground, concession stand/projection booth, and the ticket cubicle, whose Art Deco and Streamline Moderne styling provided an up-to-date, cutting-edge feel at the time. Other outdoor theaters offer different but no less intriguing throwbacks to earlier times. The National Register of Historic Places pays homage to the Spud Drive-in, which is located in a potato-farming region of Idaho. The entrance sign features a giant potato on a 1946 Chevrolet flatbed truck. The Spud offers overnight accommodations, and guests may watch movies from their front porch or an outdoor hot tub, and then enjoy the blanket of stars that fills the night sky. For a list of drive-in movies around the country, log onto driveinmovie. com and driveintheatre-ownersassociation.org. After gallivanting around the world, Victor Block still retains the travel bug. He believes that travel is the best possible education. A member of the Society of American Travel Writers, Victor loves to explore new destinations and cultures, and his stories about them have won a number of writing awards.

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50plus LIFE

November 2021

Why you need dental insurance in retirement. Many Americans are fortunate to have dental coverage for their entire working life, through employer-provided benefits. When those benefits end with retirement, paying dental bills out-of-pocket can come as a shock, leading people to put off or even go without care. Simply put — without dental insurance, there may be an important gap in your healthcare coverage.

When you’re comparing plans ... f Look for coverage that helps pay for major services. Some plans may limit the number of procedures — or pay for preventive care only. f Look for coverage with no deductibles. Some plans may require you to pay hundreds out of pocket before benefits are paid. f Shop for coverage with no annual maximum on cash benefits. Some plans have annual maximums of $1,000.

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Even if you’ve had quality dental work in the past, you shouldn’t take your dental health for granted. In fact, your odds of having a dental problem only go up as you age.2

Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones. The best way to prevent large dental bills is preventive care. The American Dental Association recommends checkups twice a year.

Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need. Consider these national average costs of treatment ... $217 for a checkup ... $189 for a filling ... $1,219 for a crown.3 Unexpected bills like this can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.

1 “Medicare & You,” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2021. 2 “How might my oral and dental health change as I age?”, www. usnews.com, 11/30/2018. 3 American Dental Association, Health Policy Institute, 2018 Survey of Dental Fees, Copyright 2018, American Dental Association.

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