50plus Life Lancaster County – June 2022

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Complimentary | Lancaster County Edition

June 2022

age 23. p n o t s ou Check u

Just breathe ... and then move page 4

African american music appreciation month page 3

how to get help as an elder orphan page 20

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717-898-1900 • DutchApple.com 510 Centerville Rd. Lancaster, PA 17601

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June 2022

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Appreciating African American Music This Month

By James Patterson

African American music to keep teens dancing. The popularity of such performers as Checker, Johnny Mathis (b. 1935), James Brown (1933-2006), and other African American musicians In April, singer Nat King Cole’s 1961 version of “The contributed to the end of racial segregation across the country.

Christmas Song” was added to the Library of Congress’s 2022 Reportedly, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) was a National Recording Registry. Cole (1919-1965) had one of the fan of legendary blues singer B.B. King (1925-2015). Alabama smoothest voices of all singers. saw difficult times during the struggle for Civil Rights Other great African Americans on the 2022 National in the 1960s. B.B. King helped the Civil Rights cause in Recording Registry include Duke Ellington (1899-1974) for Birmingham, Alabama. his 1956 jazz album Ellington at Newport; Louis “Satchmo” Celebrate African American Music Appreciation Month Armstrong (1901-1971) for his 1938 “When the Saints Go by listening to your favorite songs by African American Marching In”; and Mississippi opera star Leontyne Price (b.

1927), et al., for 1965’s Aida (album).

Singer Dinah Washington, 1962. artists. Expand your appreciation by listening to other African American musicians across musical fields, such as opera, folk For a full list of the 2022 selections for the National Recording Registry, see loc.gov/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/ music, international pop music, etc.

Another way to celebrate African American Music Appreciation Month is to recording-registry/complete-national-recording-registry-listing. write to our older African American artists. In your letter, extend your or your During African American Music Appreciation Month, music lovers might family’s appreciation for the artist’s contribution to America’s music. enjoy reading about the careers of their favorite musicians. For example, many Many mailing addresses for these older artists can easily be found on the African American musicians had roots in Alabama. internet, and many older artists sell autographed photos personalized for their fans.

Alabama’s list of African American musicians is long; it includes Cole, W.C. If you include a gift with your letter of appreciation, consider a book of Handy (1873-1958), Dinah Washington (1924-1963), Percy Sledge (1940-2015), postage stamps or other practical items. Include return postage on a selfWilson Pickett (1941-2006), Martha Reeves (b. 1941), Big Mama Thornton addressed envelope if you want a reply.

(1926-1984), and Lionel Ritchie (b. 1949).

During African American Music Appreciation Month, stay mentally, socially, Ritchie recently received the Library of Congress’s Gershwin Prize for Popular and physically active. Enjoy music with friends. Dance away stress. Our senior Song. days are as happy as we make them.

Pennsylvania’s famous African American musicians include Chubby Checker Dance your way to happiness? Give it a try! (b. 1941), Billie Holliday (1915-1959), Ethel Waters (1886-1977), Marian Anderson (1897-1993), Patti LaBelle (b. 1944), Solomon Burke (1940-2010), and others.

James Patterson is a Washington, D.C.-based writer and speaker.

In the 1950s and 1960s, AM radio stations provided a steady stream of

Pets of the Month

Laurel, Harpo, and Harriet This Pet of the Month is a triple feature! Laurel (231561), Harpo (231563), and Harriet (231562) are three 2-year-old female rats who are looking for their forever homes.

Sweet Laurel loves to be handled and is as gentle as can be. Tiny Harpo enjoys finding a cozy spot for a snooze and prefers to observe her surroundings.

Chunky gal Harriet has made the biggest turnaround: from being extremely fearful and spending her days huddled under her blankets, she now enjoys spending time with a new friend she’s made here (especially when they give her a tasty treat).

Are you interested in giving these special girls their second start? Visit them today!

Please send your application to the Humane League of Lancaster County at adoptlancaster@humanepa.org, or give the shelter a call at (717) 393-6551 to learn more. www.50plusLifePA.com

The ultimate resource for boomer and senior living and care options.

26th Annual Edition

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50plus Life

June 2022

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Cover Story

Just Breathe ... and then Move

By Lynda Hudzick 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

Awards

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.

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June Smith Center provided a safe, comforting, and unique educational program for students with special needs.

Sally McKinney, or “Miss Sally” as she’s perhaps “We were able to assure better known these days, has the families that their always wanted to make a children have skills and positive impact on others in will make progress,” she whatever way she can. said. “Interacting with the Even in the midst of a parents was as important as pandemic, McKinney found interacting with the kids.” a way to do just that by Fast-forward to 2020 and connecting virtually with McKinney, though having friends of all ages. Although recently retired, was asked she admits she is “not at all by several of those parents if skilled with technology,” she could do something to she is thrilled when anyone stay in touch and “keep their acknowledges the difference kids engaged and learning” her online presence has made during the pandemic, she in their lives. said.

A Lancaster native and “I decided to read a book daughter of self-employed … and post it on Facebook florists, McKinney spent her and Instagram.” childhood surrounded by She opened each book“warm, sunny greenhouses reading segment by engaging and the smell of sweet peas, the children with her “breath carnations, gladiolas, and ball,” which she said helped many more.” the children “calm down and She remembers helping focus before being asked to with the business as a kid sit and listen to the story and alongside her brother. look at the pictures.”

“We were examples of The infamous “breath ‘take your kids to work day’ ball,” which McKinney used every day,” she said. in her classroom during A graduate of Pequea her teaching days as a Valley High School, calming strategy, is simply she received both her an expandable ball that she undergraduate and graduate opens while inhaling and degrees in elementary closes while exhaling. education from Millersville “It caught on, and soon I University. She is also the had adults, including parents proud mother of two adult and grandparents, saying, daughters.

‘I love your breath ball and McKinney spent her breathe with you when you teaching career as a preschool do your online story time … special needs teacher for ages where can I buy one? I need 3-6 at the S. June Smith McKinney’s many story-time videos one!’” McKinney said.

Center for 42 years. have earned her a devoted following Her reading videos provide “It wasn’t a chosen career,” among area preschoolers. a great opportunity for she said. “It happened to be grandparents to connect with something I applied for, and their grandchildren. it sounded like fun!”

“It’s fun to sit together for some quality time and McKinney found those years both rewarding read and learn — I go to the library a lot to get and challenging and particularly enjoyed good books,” she said. interacting with families who were “sending their And with so many options to choose from, children who had unique and special needs, many McKinney said “you can definitely get lost in complex, to school, for the first time.” books at any age. I saw a billboard that said, ‘You McKinney is proud that her work with the S. www.50plusLifePA.com

can’t buy happiness, but you can buy books.’ I wish I had thought of that because it is so true!”

As much as she encourages reading, McKinney also believes in the importance of getting up and moving, and it is that belief that led her to work on the creation of some “movement” videos for adults of any age.

“I absolutely believe that movement is medicine and the key to a better, happier life,” McKinney said. “I’ve posted a few simple fitness videos that guide people and give instructions to move … movement can be done anywhere, anytime, with family, friends, kids, by yourself … just do it!”

During the quarantine, McKinney and her daughters took that movement idea on the road, visiting nursing homes and sharing dances they had created with the residents, while safely remaining outdoors.

“We brought some joy to the isolated residents by walking around to their windows outside and blasting our music … even getting them to get up and move a bit,” she said. “I think it was as therapeutic for us as it was for them.”

McKinney is excited that people are enjoying her story-time and fitness videos and has actually been recognized a few times when out and about.

“Kids will say to their parents, ‘There’s Miss Sally from TV,’ or ‘Miss Sally, do you have any books, and where is your breath ball?’” McKinney said. “I love sharing, and I want to make an impact … I am so happy when anyone acknowledges my contribution.”

As has always been her wish, McKinney continues to make a very positive difference to those around her.

Soni Dimond, host/producer of the “Vibrant Living” segment series on abc27 WHTM-TV’s Good Day PA, recently featured McKinney on the program and found her inspiring.

“I am convinced we need Miss Sally in our lives!” Dimond said. “Adults and all generations love her!”

You can connect with Miss Sally via Instagram on instagram.com/ sallyemckinney or on Facebook at facebook.com/smckinney21.

Working together and sharing information and resources strengthens our community.

Resource Directory delivers information about essential local resources, including: health and wellness, legal, financial, home improvements, leisure, and, In Print & Online! of course, living and care options.

Help them find you be being included in Lancaster County’s premier annual directory of resources for members of your community.

Why Newspapers?

84%

MAKE SURE YOU’RE THERE!

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

t More information than ever is available to consumers. This publication zeroes in on a targeted market rather than using blanket advertising. t

is a collection of businesses that understands the mindset, special needs, and wants of older adults and who are willing to personalize their approach to the consumer.

t

is not comprehensive: Because there are fewer organizations listed than in the Yellow Pages or on the internet, you are more likely to get noticed.

t The directory is cross-promoted in 50plus Life and in On-Line maximum Publishers’ other publications, giving exposure.

Because in print or online, newspapers are

Ad closing date: June 24, 2022

of news and information among all age groups.1

Contact your marketing consultant or call 717-285-1350 now to be included in this vital annual directory.

the most trusted source To advertise your products and services, call 717-285-1350 or email info@onlinepub.com

t JOGP!POMJOFQVC DPN t XXX POMJOFQVC DPN

Sources: 1Coda Ventures; 2NAA

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50plus Life

June 2022

5

Assisted Living Residences/ Personal Care Homes

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

Bethany Village — MapleWood

325 Wesley Drive • Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 • 717-766-0279 www.BethanyVillage.org • jyockin@asbury.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 100 Assisted Living Licensure: Yes Personal Care Licensure: No Private Rooms: Yes Semi-Private Rooms: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease/Respite: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes Outdoor Areas/Walking Paths/ Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes

Telemedicine Available: No Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Featuring private accommodations with aroundthe-clock assistance to help you stay active and engaged.

evergreen estates retirement community

1600 East King Street • Lancaster, PA 17602 • 717-394-2208 www.evergreenestatesrc.com • john@evergreenestatesrc.com Total AL and/or PC Beds: 125 Assisted Living Licensure: No Personal Care Licensure: Yes Private Rooms: Yes Semi-Private Rooms: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease/Respite: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes Outdoor Areas/Walking Paths/ Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes

The Hickman friends senior community of west chester

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 125 Assisted Living Licensure: No Personal Care Licensure: Yes Private Rooms: Yes Semi-Private Rooms: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease/Respite: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes Outdoor Areas/Walking Paths/ Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes

400 North Walnut Street • West Chester, PA 19380 484-760-6300 • www.thehickman.org

Telemedicine Available: No Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: The Hickman is a senior living community located in the heart of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Guided by Quaker principles and tradition, The Hickman provides individualized care and assistance to older adults who seek a safe and affordable living environment.

Homeland Center

1901 North Fifth Street • Harrisburg, PA 17102 717-221-7727 • www.homelandcenter.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 56 Assisted Living Licensure: No Personal Care Licensure: Yes Private Rooms: Yes Semi-Private Rooms: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease/Respite: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Outdoor Areas/Walking Paths/ Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes

Homewood at Plum Creek

On-call Medical Service: Yes Telemedicine Available: Yes Health Fee-for-Service Available: No Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No

Moravian Manor Communities

300 West Lemon Street • Lititz, PA 17543 • 717-626-0214 moravianmanorcommunities.org • info@moravianmanor.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 55 Assisted Living Licensure: Yes Personal Care Licensure: Yes Private Rooms: Yes Semi-Private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease/Respite: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes Outdoor Areas/Walking Paths/ Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes

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June 2022

On-call Medical Service: Yes Telemedicine Available: Yes Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No – visiting pets only.

Comments: To schedule a personal appointment, please call Cindy Redinger at 717-625-6126.

50plus Life

Telemedicine Available: Yes Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Providing exemplary care in a beautiful environment for more than 150 years. Our continuum of care includes therapy services, skilled rehab, 24-hour medical staffing, plus Hospice, HomeHealth, and HomeCare outreach programs. All-private rooms include a full bath and kitchenette.

Landis Homes

425 Westminster Avenue • Hanover, PA 17331 717-637-4166 • www.homewoodplumcreek.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 93 Assisted Living Licensure: No Personal Care Licensure: Yes Private Rooms: Yes Semi-private Rooms: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease/Respite: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Outdoor Areas/Walking Paths/ Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes

On-call Medical Service: Yes Telemedicine Available: No Health Fee-for-Service Available: No Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes

1001 East Oregon Road • Lititz, PA 17543 • 717-844-9766 www.LandisHomes.org • admissions@landis.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 97 Assisted Living Licensure: No Personal Care Licensure: Yes Private Rooms: Yes Semi-Private Rooms: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease/Respite: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Walking Paths/ Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes

On-call Medical Service: Yes Telemedicine Available: Yes Health Fee-for-Service Available: No Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Attached to wellness center and pool without going outside.

vibralife senior living

707 Shepherdstown Road • Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717-591-2100 • www.vibralife.net • amilburn@vibralifemc.com Total AL and/or PC Beds: 46 Assisted Living Licensure: No Personal Care Licensure: Yes Private Rooms: Yes Semi-Private Rooms: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease/Respite: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes Outdoor Areas/Walking Paths/ Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes

On-call Medical Service: Yes Telemedicine Available: Yes Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: No Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No

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CROSSWORD

Puzzle Page

Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 22.

SUDOKU

WORD SEARCH

Rivers of the U.S.

Across 1. Concludes 5. Lackawanna’s lake 9. Wistful word 13. Writer Ephron 14. Do penance 15. Singer Falana 16. Black stone 17. Hare 19. Letters of distress 20. Columbo star Peter 21. Jewish scholar 22. Successor 24. Stir-fry pan 26. Yang’s counterpart Down 1. Son of Seth 2. Faux pas 3. After dinner drink 4. Woodwind instrument 5. And others, for short 6. Stone 7. Octopus’s defense 8. Always, in verse 9. Jessica of Dark Angel 10. Foyer 11. Excuse 12. Gown material 14. Open slightly 18. Biblical boat

27. Amphitheater 29. Droop 30. Most painful 32. Eight furlongs 34. Wager 37. Gob 38. Douglas fir, e.g.

40. Harem room 41. One of Alcott’s Little Women 42. Kind of exam 43. Farm horse 45. Draw 46. Liabilities

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Split pea Electric fish Depend ___ artery Feathery scarves Barbecue site Craziness Former Yugoslav leader Band member Actor’s forte From scratch Bouquet Consider Doctrines

20. Debacle 23. Compass pt.

24. Homeless child 25. Looked amorously 27. Hammett hound 28. Drift 29. Photog’s request 31. Bakery offering 33. Wears away 34. Hair holders 35. Blue-pencil 36. Beach shades 39. Brad 44. Actress Barbara ___ Geddes

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Repeat For all to hear Oblivion Author Umberto Beams From a distance Well (It.) Provo neighbor News bit Pulls Ancient Fish story Mai ___

Your ad could be here on this popular page!

Please call (717) 285-1350 for more information.

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June 2022

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Cataract Surgery Linked with Lessened Dementia Risk Cataracts affect most older adults at input after cataract surgery, which might risk for dementia, and now researchers are have a beneficial effect in reducing the risk finding strong evidence that cataract surgery of dementia. is associated with a lower risk of developing “These results are consistent with the dementia. notion that sensory input to the brain is Based on the longitudinal data of over important to brain health,” said co-author 3,000 Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) Dr. Eric B. Larson, a principal investigator study participants, researchers have now of the ACT study and senior investigator found that subjects who underwent at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health cataract surgery had nearly 30% lower risk Research Institute. of developing dementia from any cause Lee said another hypothesis is that after compared with those who did not. cataract surgery, people are getting more Study results were reported in JAMA blue light.

Internal Medicine earlier this year.

“Some special cells in the retina are The ACT study is a longstanding, associated with cognition and regulate Seattle-based observational study at Kaiser sleep cycles, and these cells respond well to June is Cataract Awareness Month Permanente Washington of more than blue light,” she said. “Cataracts specifically 5,000 participants older than 65. block blue light, and cataract surgery could Results showed this lowered dementia risk reactivate those cells.” persisted for at least a decade after surgery. Cataract surgery was also associated The study results highlight a strong case for further research on the eye-brain with lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease dementia specifically. connection in dementia.

Lead researcher Dr. Cecilia Lee, associate professor and Klorfine Family Previous studies by Lee’s group at the UW have shown a strong link endowed chair in ophthalmology at the University of Washington School between other retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, and of Medicine, said the observational study adjusted for a number of potential the development of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. confounders, yet still yielded a strong association.

Subjects with macular degeneration or other retinal degenerative diseases are “This kind of evidence is as good as it gets in epidemiology,” Lee said. “This more likely to develop dementia. is really exciting because no other medical intervention has shown such a Further understanding the connection between the aging eye and brain may strong association with lessening dementia risk in older individuals.” offer insights and potential therapies to slow or prevent age-related dementia.

Researchers hypothesize that people may be getting higher-quality sensory

The Heimlich Maneuver Saves Lives

By Nancy J. Schaaf, RN

swallowing food without chewing adequately, or curious children putting objects in their mouths.

Death from choking is more common among the If you see someone clutching their throat, coughing, elderly, with food most often responsible for such gagging, or wheezing, would you know what to do? incidents. Choking is also hazardous among young When food or other foreign objects become stuck in children, as they can choke on food and small objects, the airway, they can cause choking. Choking prevents such as toys with small parts or coins. oxygen from getting to the lungs and the brain, and lack We can prevent choking in adults by cutting food of oxygen for more than four minutes may cause brain into small pieces; chewing food slowly and thoroughly, damage or death. especially if wearing dentures; and avoiding laughing and We should recognize and know how to handle choking talking while chewing and swallowing. at home and in public places. Experts recommend the Specific preventive measures for infants and children Heimlich maneuver, or abdominal thrusts, to dislodge include keeping small objects and other hazards out of objects and prevent suffocation. reach; cutting their food into small pieces, especially National Heimlich Maneuver Day is June 1. Dr. round foods such as hot dogs and grapes; avoiding hard Henry Heimlich invented the maneuver in 1974 when he candy; and supervising while children are eating and discovered the remaining air in a person’s lungs could be National Heimlich playing. used to dislodge a foreign object from the esophagus.

However, despite precautions, choking may occur. We This method is essentially an abdominal thrust where Maneuver Day: June 1 should use the Heimlich maneuver if a person is conscious we place our fist slightly above the navel of a person who but choking. is choking. Then, with our other hand, we grasp our fist We can usually tell a person is choking if they cannot speak, breathe, or and shove it inward and upward to expel the object causing the person to choke. cough. Ask the person, “Are you choking?” They may cough but cannot talk In 2020, around 5,000 choking deaths occurred in the United States. to ask for help. The universal choking symbol, holding your hands up and Choking is not always related to an underlying health condition. It may clutching your throat, is often used. be caused by eating or drinking quickly, talking with food in the mouth,

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June 2022

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www.50plusLifePA.com

Do not attempt the Heimlich maneuver if a person The Heimlich Maneuver can speak, cough, or breathe.

Encourage the person to • Stand behind the victim with one leg keep coughing. Sometimes forward, between the victim’s legs. a strong cough can free the • For a child, move down to their foreign object. Only perform level, and keep your head to one side. the Heimlich maneuver if a person’s life is in danger.

• Reach around the abdomen and A different technique is used locate the navel. in infants and small children, • Place the thumb side of your fist so discuss the proper first-aid against the abdomen just above the choking technique with a navel. healthcare provider.

How can we learn the • Grasp your fist with your other hand correct way to help someone and thrust inward and upward into who is choking? Using the victim’s abdomen with quick abdominal thrusts is often jerks. taught during first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation • Continue thrusts until the victim (CPR) classes. Contact a expels the object or becomes local chapter of the American unresponsive.

Red Cross or American • Even after choking stops, seek Heart Association or a local medical attention. hospital or healthcare facility for a class schedule and more information.

National Heimlich Maneuver Day is important, as awareness can save many lives. We all can make a conscious decision to learn more about the method and educate others so that we are prepared the next time an unfortunate choking situation occurs.

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50plus Life

June 2022

9

On Life and Love after 50

Tom Blake

Why High School Reunions are Good Places for Singles to Meet

In a recent e-newsletter, I wrote about a couple who started dating after reuniting at their high school reunion in 2018. The woman lives in Illinois; the man lives in California, near his three daughters, seven grandchildren, and 96-year-old mom.

The woman is frustrated because they live so far apart. She wonders if she’s wasting her time with him. Readers responded, including a woman named Althea, who wrote: “Your recent article inspired me to share this high school reunion story with you. My half-brother, Ray, who is now 89, was married for over 50 years to Shirley and was widowed in March 2010 at the age of 77.

“In 2011, there was a summer high school class reunion in our hometown of Foxboro, Massachusetts, which he attended. He was living in South Carolina.

“At that reunion, he met Diane, a woman he had known in high school, who graduated a year after he graduated. He knew her through a family member of hers. She is a retired nurse and a widow with five kids, and Ray also

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 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

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June 2022

50plus Life

has five kids.

“Diane lived in Ohio. Ray visited her there, and she visited him in South Carolina. Plus, between visits, they spent a lot of time talking over the phone.

“Ray and Diane married a year after Shirley died. I thought it was crazy and disrespectful to his wife of 50-plus years until I talked to him and my nephew, his oldest son, about it. They both said that Shirley wanted Ray to be happy and not be alone for the rest of his years.

“Even though Ray and Diane married quickly, they are still together and happy, now living in Ohio in an assisted living facility.

“The key to senior relationships is honest and upfront communication. The woman from your most recent article needs to have communication with the California guy if they are to be a forever couple who met at a high school reunion.”

I’ve written about two of my high school classmates — Phil and Sue — who hadn’t seen or communicated with each other since graduation. At our 50th Jackson, Michigan, high school reunion in 2007, they spent 20 minutes talking to each other. Both were married at the time.

Five years ago, Phil became a widower. He heard from another classmate that Sue was divorced. He lived in California; Sue lived in Michigan. He contacted her and asked if he could visit her. She said yes.

When they were together in Michigan for a week, they realized they had special feelings for each other. After he returned home to California, he proposed to her over the phone. They were married two weeks later in California. Sue moved there to be with Phil.

These two reunion stories illustrate four reasons why high school reunions are good places for older adults to meet potential partners: 1. The number of singles attending increases. As we age, more and more people who attend reunions are single again. Often widows and widowers attend because they know the people and feel more comfortable among them.

2. A single person might see someone they had secretly admired in high school who is also now single. Why not spend some time together?

3. When people who have known each other for years share memories and experiences at class reunions, they often have much in common, which is an important factor in compatibility.

4. Sometimes, people from different graduating classes also attend reunions, which means even more singles are there. You might meet someone older or younger whom you didn’t even know before.

When you receive that reunion notice, don’t just toss it aside. An unexpected meeting could happen.

For dating information, previous articles, or to sign up for Tom’s complimentary, weekly e-newsletter, go to findingloveafter50.com.

www.50plusLifePA.com

Your primary care provider is a partner in your health.

Dr. Chinwendu Opara

WellSpan Family Medicine, Roosevelt Ave

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June 2022

11

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June 2022

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The Beauty in Nature

Tree-Nesting Shorebirds Clyde McMillan-Gamber

Solitary sandpipers and Bonaparte’s gulls are unusual shorebirds in their respective families.

Each kind diverged from the nesting norms of its relatives to take advantage of resources in niches where their cousins don’t venture, thus eliminating competition for food and shelter with them.

Solitaries and Bonies are unrelated species that have characteristics in common because of their converging into the same summer habitat that Solitary sandpiper shaped their bodies and behaviors.

In summer, these attractive species hunt invertebrates around ponds, lakes, and swamps when raising young in spruce/fir forests of Canada and Alaska, where few other kinds of sandpipers and no types of gulls nest.

Most other kinds of sandpipers rear offspring on the ground in the open Arctic tundra, and most gull species nest on the ground of treeless shorelines.

Every April and May, I am happy to see these interesting, migrating species stop to rest and feed here in southeastern Pennsylvania, as they do across much of the United States.

I enjoy their dainty, buoyant flight at local waterways and impoundments, where they fatten up on invertebrates. Solitaries get that food from mud under shallow water and Bonies from the air and on deeper water. Those invertebrates will sustain the next lap of their long trip north.

The lovely solitary sandpipers have a graceful, fluttering flight on deep wing strokes, which is an unusual sandpiper flight pattern. Other sandpipers have a powerful, speedy flight over open ground. And solitaries don’t migrate in groups, as other kinds of sandpipers do.

The handsome Bonaparte’s gulls are smaller and more petite than most gulls.

And they have orange-red legs, black heads in summer, and an intriguing, uniquely bounding flight.

Perhaps because there is little open ground in woods, solitaries and Bonies hatch young in the safety of trees near bodies of water in Canadian and Alaskan forests, which is a departure from how their respective relatives hatch offspring.

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

www.50plusLifePA.com

Each female solitary lays four eggs in an abandoned cradle of an American robin, blue jay, or blackbird in a tree. The newly hatched chicks jump from the nest and scamper off to ingest invertebrates.

Unlike other North American gulls, each female Bonaparte’s gull builds a twig, grass, and moss nursery in a coniferous tree near a lake. There she lays three eggs. The babies stay in their nest until they can fly. Their parents feed them Bonaparte’s gulls invertebrates and small fish.

Solitary sandpipers and Bonaparte’s gulls diverged from their relatives to get food and space, free of competition from their relatives. But these two unrelated species converged with each other because of the niche they share.

Yet they share in slightly different ways, which reduces competition for necessities between them.

Clyde McMillan-Gamber is a retired Lancaster County Parks naturalist.

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50plus Life

June 2022

13

Retirement Diary: The First 7 Seconds

By Peter Merkl I accomplished my main retirement goal within the first seven seconds of the first day.

At precisely 5:30 a.m., as it had for 40 years, my despised alarm clock blared Mondaymorning mayhem into my slumbering skull.

Eyes still closed, I reflexively reached over to spank the snooze button when I realized with a start that this day was different.

Today, this work dog had slipped the leash: I was free!

Free to do whatever I wanted for the whole day. Free in a way I’d never been in my entire life. No parents, no boss telling me where I had to be and what I had to do.

Free as an eagle sailing an updraft over a high mountain lake. Free as a lion slinking through the tall grass on a broad African savannah. Free as a dolphin leaping along big surf off a black Hawaiian beach.

Free! Living for the pure joy of it.

No longer waking every weekday and having my first thought be, “Is there any excuse I can use to get out of going to work today?” Not tethered by midyear reviews, yearly evaluations, customer ratings, puny raises, or my boss’s scowl.

Never again, while driving to work, ruminating on all my long-overdue projects while praying I wouldn’t get sidetracked by the crisis du jour, only to get hit as I stepped into the office by two hellish crises du jour.

Not looking over my shoulder at computer-savvy younger employees or an ambitious subordinate. No longer one email away from disaster. Free of the weight of my boss’s expectations and my own petty ambitions.

No longer having to make good impressions each time I interacted with every single person up my supervisory chain. Free of the burden of having to always say the politically correct thing and of constantly editing my speech to avoid giving any, even dimly perceived, offense because that was absolutely verboten.

No more awkward small talk with my fellow nobodies as we waited for the important people to show up late for meetings. Not having to make everyone laugh at some half-witticism during and, most critically, at the end of meetings.

No more pretending that something of great consequence had been

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accomplished during a meeting and solemnly discussing it with another employee as we exited the conference room.

No more spreadsheets. No more PowerPoints. Never again having to sit through any presentations of any kind. No more charts. No more fiscal years.

Never again having to live under the tyranny of a supervisor’s moods. Never again counting to 10 before responding to a provocative email.

No more heart palpitations as I frantically search my crashing computer for the CYA email that will exonerate me from responsibility for some misbegotten project that has finally exploded into the flaming fiasco it was always destined to be.

No more weekends and holidays ruined by a work crisis. Never again staring forlornly out my office window at sultry summer, crisp autumn, snowy winter, and balmy spring days.

No more Microsoft Office updates. No more searching for lost files and documents. Never again fearing the last thing I’ll see in this beautiful world are life-sucking fluorescent lights as I’m gurneyed feet-first out of my office.

No more thermostat wars.

Never again feeling my heart thud against my chest when I’m suddenly ripped from the deepest REM sleep by the horrifying realization that I screwed up something crucial at work in some unfixable way.

No more human resources, accounting, IT, or legal. No more impatiently waiting for vacation requests to be approved. Being free to drink a beer with lunch — or breakfast. Not having to answer calls I don’t want to take.

Never again filling with dread while watching the lengthening shadows of another mournful Sunday sundown as I pondered whether this will be the week my ineptitude will finally do me in at work.

As I lay in bed with my hand poised over the snooze button, all these memories and more swept over me in a tsunami of regret — and pride — because, even when weighed in the scales of the Old Testament, 40 years is a long time to persevere through suffering.

And so, on the seventh second of my retirement, I fumbled in the dark for the alarm clock’s power cord and gave it a yank. Then I slowly rolled over and dreamed my way into the Promised Land.

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50plus Life

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‘A Community in Itself’: The Lancaster Senior Games Returns

By Megan Joyce They hadn’t all been together since 2019.

Like a lot of public events, the COVID19 pandemic shut down the Lancaster Senior Games in both 2020 and 2021. But the weeklong event and the local athletes who look forward to it each year finally sprung back to life May 2-6.

Most games were held at Spooky Nook Sports in Manheim; a few, such as golfing and bowling were held offsite.

“With us having missed two years, we seemed to get in the groove pretty fast,” Lisa Paulson, senior center program director for the Lancaster County Office of Aging, said. “The participants were very happy that we held the games again.”

Since 1989, the Lancaster Senior Games has welcomed county athletes age 55 and over for five days of undeniable athleticism and friendly competition, as well as the inevitable camaraderie that often results.

“I think it forms a community in itself,” Paulson said of the games. “People enjoy seeing each other at the events. Some people know each other from high school and only reunite once a year at the games.”

The oldest participant this year was 98, Paulson said.

“The event also promotes people staying active all year long, which helps with quality of life for seniors.”

Their enthusiasm was evident in the numbers: Despite the two-year hiatus and lingering COVID concerns, the 2022 Senior Games comprised 807 athletes, down just 100 from average.

The county office of aging’s Senior Games Planning Committee coordinates the annual games with the help of more than 325 volunteers, who are essential to the organization, planning, and staffing of the nearly 30 scheduled indoor and outdoor events.

These included a wide range of activities, from weightlifting, table tennis, swimming, and bocce to Wii games, pinochle, basketball, and Frisbee, softball, and football throws.

New offerings for 2022 were acrylic painting, tai chi for arthritis, Move Your Body, Bingocize, SilverSneakers fitness, and drumming.

“These events allow people who are not competitive something to do. They were well attended,” Paulson said.

Unfortunately, the outdoor events are always at the mercy of Mother Nature, and she was not www.50plusLifePA.com

entirely cooperative this year.

Rain caused the track events to be canceled Wednesday, and Friday’s golf events succumbed as well. Golfers will receive a voucher from the golf course to use another time, Paulson said.

Senior Games staff and volunteers receive constructive feedback from participants throughout the course of the week; Paulson said most was very positive.

“We always welcome suggestions! We just ask that people understand that we’re not a large sporting-event company that puts on the games,” she said. “Most of us are volunteers and have limits to what we can do.”

Observations and collected feedback will be put to quick use, Paulson said, as plans for 2023 will soon begin.

“We did see some areas that need to be changed and are going to start working on those in June,” she said.

Her favorite takeaway from her involvement in the Senior Games, Paulson said, is the connections she gets to watch form, amongst both onetime friends and former strangers.

One participant was interviewed by a local newspaper; an old friend saw the story and came to the games so they could reconnect.

“I absolutely love the stories of how participants met other people and formed friendships!” Paulson said. “It’s so important to our mental health to have other people in our lives, and as we get older, it gets harder to meet people.”

She recounted another story of six people who met the first day of the games, “became friendly, and ended up staying together the entire week.

At the end, they exchanged phone numbers so they can keep in contact.”

For more information on the Lancaster Senior Games, call the Office of Aging at (717) 299-7979 or visit the Lancaster Senior Games website (lancseniorgames.org).

For a complete list of 2022 results, visit lancseniorgames.org/rankings.

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

50plus Life

June 2022

15

The History of Ordinary Things

Burma-Shave Highway Signs Doris Montag

Do you recall the series of six red advertising signs along the country highways?

In 1925, Clinton Odell and his brother, Allan, installed these sequential road signs to market Burma-Shave, a brushless shaving cream. In the early 1920s, their father had started the Burma Vita Co. to manufacture and sell a liniment for pain.

Unsuccessful with liniment, he enlisted a chemist, Carl Noren, to create a brushless shaving cream. The 143rd formula, when aged, resulted in a stable cream that supplied a fine shave. He called it Burma-Shave.

Selling a brushless shaving cream required men to give up their badger-hair brush and shaving mug, a time-honored barbering tradition. Burma-Shave touted convenience, especially when traveling. You didn’t have to pack a wet brush that would mildew and smell. It was faster to use and “modern.”

Allan Odell proposed a set of signs to promote Burma-Shave. With $200, he bought used boards, sawed them into 36-inch lengths, and painted them red with 4-inch white Gothic letters. A five-sign

Photo credit: Peter Merholz, licensed under CC-BY-SA-2.0.

Display of Burma-Shave advertising slogans.

jingle was followed with Burma-Shave on the sixth sign.

Set 100 paces apart, they were designed to be read at 35 mph, the cruising speed in the 1920s. The first sets were put on U.S. Highway 65 from Minneapolis to Albert Lea, Minnesota, and U.S. Highway 61 from Minneapolis to Red Wing, Minnesota.

Orders from the drivers on these roads started coming in.

The jingles used a mix of folk humor and wit, wordplay and pun, slang and colloquialism.

The corny humor was much needed in the postDepression era.

The public associated the comfortable style with friendly business folks. Initially written by the Odells, by the 1930s, the jingles were selected from entries to annual contests that paid $100 for selected jingles.

These jingles are excerpted from The Verse by The Side of the Road: The Story of the Burma-Shave Signs please see SIGNS on facing page

! r a e r u o y s u d n e L

50plus Life and Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania have partnered to bring you weekly audio readings of 50plus Life’s editorial content!

Listen to the livestream Thursdays from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at www.vrocp.org!

The program will repeat 3 times that day and Saturdays from 11-11:30 a.m.

This audio broadcast is one of the many ways Vision Resources facilitates independence, enriches quality of life, and empowers individuals in our community who are visually impaired.

And it’s one more way 50plus Life and On-Line Publishers are continuing 25 years of serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community.

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

16

June 2022

50plus Life

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Farmers Market Nutrition Vouchers Available In cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Lancaster County Office of Aging will begin distributing 2022 Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers to eligible individuals in June at local senior centers.

The nutrition vouchers valued at $24 can be exchanged for Pennsylvania-grown fruits and vegetables through November at participating farmers markets and roadside stands.

To be eligible, an individual must be at least 60 years of age, reside in Lancaster County, and have an annual household income of less than $25,142 for one person or less than $33,874 for two.

Those living in nursing homes or other residential facilities where meals are provided are not eligible for this program.

People unable to pick up the vouchers may have a representative pick up vouchers on their behalf but need to have a completed, signed application form presented at the time of distribution. A 2022 application is posted on Lancaster County Office of Aging’s website, lancoaging.org.

To receive an application by mail or email, contact any Lancaster County Office of Aging senior center listed below or call the Office of Aging at

SIGNS from facing page and Jingles by Frank Rowsome Jr., printed 1965-1972.

HIS FACE WAS SMOOTH AND COOL AS ICE AND OH LOUISE! HE SMELLED SO NICE BURMA-SHAVE (1935) Burma-Shave themes were flirty-but-clean sex themes with many boy-girl jingles.

HE HAD THE RING HE HAD THE FLAT BUT SHE FELT HIS CHIN AND THAT WAS THAT BURMA-SHAVE (1934) IF YOU THINK SHE LIKES YOUR BRISTLES WALK BAREFOOTED THROUGH SOME THISTLES BURMA-SHAVE (1935) Other themes were public and highway safety and preventing forest fires.

Often the theme admonished one to avoid substitute brands.

GIVE THE GUY THE TOE OF YOUR BOOT WHO TRIES TO HAND YOU A SUBSTITUTE BURMA-SHAVE (1932) www.50plusLifePA.com

(717) 299-7979.

All distribution sites will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Distribution dates and locations are: June 14: SACA Senior Center, 545 Pershing Ave., Lancaster, (717) 295-7989 June 14: Elizabethtown Area Senior Center, 70 S. Poplar St., Elizabethtown, (717) 367-7984 June 15: Lancaster Neighborhood Senior Center, 33 E. Farnum St., Lancaster, (717) 299-3943 June 15: Lancaster Rec Commission Senior Center, 525 Fairview Ave., Lancaster, (717) 399-7671 June 16: Lititz Senior Center, 201 E. Market St., Lititz, (717) 626-2800 June 15: Next Generation/Solanco Senior Center, 184 S. Lime St., Quarryville, (717) 786-4770 June 20: Millersville Senior Center, 222 N. George St., Millersville, (717) 871-9600 June 22: Columbia Senior Center, 510 Walnut St., Columbia, (717) 684-4850 June 22: Ephrata Rec Center, 130 S. Academy Drive, Ephrata, (717) 7381167 Burma-Shave signs expanded across Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin in 1926. Ultimately, over 7,000 sets were posted across 43 states.

Only four states were without official signs. Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico didn’t have enough traffic, and the roads in Massachusetts were considered too windy, and heavy foliage blocked the view of the series.

Initially, the red/white signs were alternated annually with orange signs with black print. Surveys showed no one recalled the orange/black signs. The red/ white prevailed, saving money on steady replacements across the country.

DOES YOUR HUSBAND MISBEHAVE GRUNT AND GRUMBLE RANT AND RAVE SHOOT THE BRUTE SOME BURMA-SHAVE (1930) At their peak, Burma-Shave was the second-highest-selling brushless shaving cream in America. The road signs had worked in the 1930s-1940s, perhaps because of the lighthearted and often corny humor. It was a novel and captivating approach to advertising.

By the late ’40s, the heyday of Burma-Shave signs was over. What happened?

Certainly, highways and interstate roads diverted the traffic patterns, with fewer folks driving the country roads.

But ultimately, TV reached more people and could quickly tell the story of your product. The corny signs could not compete.

Burma Vita Co. explored print, radio, and TV marketing but announced a sale to Philip Morris, Inc. in 1963. It became a division of American Safety Razor Products, who shifted marketing dollars to TV. The classic signs and manufacturing ended in 1966. (In the 1990s, the nostalgic Burma-Shave brand was reintroduced with a line of shaving cream, razors, and accessories.)

The Burma-Shave signs impacted whole generations of country drivers. What are your memories?

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.

50plus Life

June 2022

17

Bob’s Tech Talk Extra

The Brave New World of Tap-to-Pay Bob DeLaurentis

There are newer, more secure, and more convenient choices available to make payments at most cash registers. Secret PIN codes and signatures are making way for methods like tapto-pay plastic cards and smartphones.

Savvy consumers can take advantage of these methods to reduce the likelihood their credit and debit card numbers could be stolen. Even better, the new methods are faster and easier to use.

After years of swiping cards, signing receipts, and entering PIN codes, the new methods may seem awkward at first. But with a little practice and patience, you’ll soon be breezing through the process.

Credit card fraud is a serious problem. I have had my card information stolen several times. The experiences have left me poorer but wiser.

But what really influenced my thinking was a job working on software that processed credit card transactions. I had a front-row seat to fraud and the damage it causes.

So now, I prefer paying by the most secure method possible at cash registers.

The new technology behind these transaction methods is known as near

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field radio communication. There is a chance you might see the acronym NFRC (or RFID), but the most commonly used descriptions are “tap-to-pay” or “contactless payments.” The latter gained prominence for obvious reasons during the COVID era.

These names, along with others, often appear alongside large graphic symbols that denote tapto-pay.

Even in my small town, no two point-of-sale terminals work the same way. Yet the basic steps needed to pay are the same.

Once the terminal is ready to accept payment, you place either a smartphone or contactless credit card within a couple inches of the terminal for a few seconds. You do not actually have to tap anything; just pause a moment until the terminal beeps a confirmation.

After the beep, you may still be asked to sign a receipt or perhaps add a tip, but overall the process is quick and easy — once you try it a few times.

Understanding why it is better requires a bit of backstory. With traditional please see PAY on facing page

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June 2022

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Submissions should be 200 words or fewer and photos are encouraged.

Email preferred to mjoyce@onlinepub.com or mail nominations to 50plus Life, Volunteer Spotlight, P.O. Box 8049, Lancaster, PA 17604.

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Volunteer Spotlight www.50plusLifePA.com

Dear Pharmacist

What an Intracranial Headache Feels Like Suzy Cohen

Having a headache is common, and up to 75% of adults worldwide have experienced one in the last year, according to the Cleveland Clinic. There are all sorts of headache disorders, such as migraines and tension, hormonal, and cluster headaches.

Popular medications can induce a headache, including the very effective blood pressure pills known as ACE inhibitors. You probably have heard of the ACE receptor; that’s what coronavirus binds to as it enters human cells.

But what about intracranial headaches due to high pressure on the brain? It’s a serious problem, and I think it is important to understand what that type of headache feels like. It’s also critical to distinguish this from a migraine, which often has an aura.

Probably the most common symptom of intracranial hypertension (aside from the headache itself) is eye trouble! There is no aura. You may have blind spots, poor peripheral (side) vision, blurry vision, double vision, and temporary bouts of vision loss. Left untreated, many people experience permanent vision loss.

An intracranial hypertension headache happens when there is increased intracranial pressure in the brain. Normally this occurs if a person has a traumatic brain injury, car accident, sports injury, or a disease involving the spinal cord.

It wasn’t that common except in the elderly population with high risk of a stroke, hydrocephalus, or aneurysm. Nowadays, I get questions about severe, moving headaches frequently, so I’ve been researching the cause of these.

The hallmark symptom, of course, is a severe headache, one that might even

move quickly around your head! It may be sharp and severe or may feel like a dull, aching pressure that makes your eyes hurt.

You may feel less alert and a bit confused, but also possibly restless. As the pressure rises in your brain, you may become less able to speak normally and more weak.

It may feel like it’s a little bit harder to breathe. These symptoms can come on in minutes and wake you in the middle of the night.

This is not a headache you can treat at home; this is a medical emergency, in many cases, because it could mean impending stroke or blindness.

There are, however, a number of cases where individuals can walk around and sort of function in life with mild ICP. And this may be you if you’ve been to dozens of doctors for your weird, unrelenting headaches.

The condition can be diagnosed with a lumbar puncture that assesses the pressure of your cerebrospinal fluid. A visual examination looking for papilledema is critical as part of the fundamental workup.

I hope this article has been helpful in enlightening you to the new type of headache we are seeing. I hope it helps you to have learned the symptoms today in case you or a loved one experiences this.

For more information, visit the Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation at ihrfoundation.org.

PAY from facing page

One of the best features of using your smartphone is more information. I usually get a notification on my phone about a completed transaction while I am still standing at the cash register.

My phone records the date, time, and location of each purchase, as well as allowing instant access to my account balance and transaction history.

However, paper receipts are still important, especially to dispute a charge or return an item.

So far I have described tap-to-pay transactions in a general way. Next, I want to describe a specific restaurant purchase I made a few weeks ago to illustrate what is possible.

I used Apple Pay, although Google Pay is similar. (It also depends on how your smartphone is configured and which payment processor the restaurant uses.)

When the bill arrived at the table, I did not hand my card to the server, only to watch it be carried away.

Instead, I opened the smartphone camera and pointed it at the receipt.

A “pay now” button appeared. It took a few seconds to add a tip and finish paying the bill.

These kinds of transactions will become more widespread in the future, but the security and convenience of simple “tap-to-pay” transactions is already here.

credit cards, the number embossed on the card identifies the account. Other numbers, including the expiration date, the number on the back of the card, and the PIN code were added over time to make fraud more difficult.

I still remember the days when complete credit card numbers and expiration dates appeared on printed receipts, making them prime sources for thieves.

Those were not the good old days, although they do help me explain this next part.

The reason tap-to-pay methods are more secure is in how the numbers are handled.

Compared to previous methods, your card number is invisible. Rather than depending on a permanent number, a single-use number is created on the fly and used instead. The overall effect is that your actual card number never appears anywhere, and your personal information is used in a more secure way.

My advice is simple: Whenever you have the option to use some form of tapto-pay, use it.

There is still more security and convenience available if you choose to use a smartphone rather than a tap-to-pay credit card.

When configured properly, your smartphone only unlocks for you. A thief cannot use someone else’s smartphone to complete a transaction. Private details, such as PIN codes and expiration dates, are password protected as well.

Some banks only issue a physical credit card on request. A card that does not exist is much harder to counterfeit. www.50plusLifePA.com

This information is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat your disease. For more information about the author, visit suzycohen.com.

Bob has been writing about technology for over three decades. He can be contacted at techtalk@bobdel.com.

50plus Life

June 2022

19

Savvy Senior

How to Get Help as an Elder Orphan Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, I need to find someone honest and reliable to look after my estate, health, and long-term care when I’m no longer able to do it myself. I’m a 67-year-old recent widow with no children and one sibling I rarely talk to. Any suggestions?

– Solo Ager

• A “durable power of attorney” that allows you to designate someone to handle your financial matters if you become incapacitated • A n “advanced healthcare directive” that includes a “living will” that tells your doctor what kind of care you want to receive if you become incapacitated

Dear Solo, This is big concern for millions of older Americans who don’t have a spouse, children, or other family they can depend on to watch out for their well-being.

While there’s no one solution to this issue, here are some tips and resources that can help you plan ahead.

• A “healthcare power of attorney,” which names a person you authorize to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to

Essential Documents If you haven’t already done so, your first step, before choosing a reliable decision maker, is to prepare a basic estate plan of at least four essential legal documents. This will protect you and make sure your wishes are carried out if you become seriously ill or when you die.

These essential documents include:

• A “will” that spells out how you’d like your property and assets distributed after you die and requires you to designate an “executor” to ensure your wishes are carried out To prepare these documents, your best option is to hire an attorney, which can cost anywhere between $500 and $2,000.

Or, if you are interested in a do-it-yourself plan, Quicken WillMaker & Trust 2022 and LegalZoom.com are some top options.

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

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Lancaster County Office of Aging Maintaining the independence and quality of life for 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.

• 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.

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• Long-term living assessments

June 2022

50plus Life

• Senior center services

• • • • • • • •

Adult daily living services Caregiver support Employment Ombudsman services Transportation Legal services Health and wellness programming Volunteer opportunities

For more information, please call us Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 717-299-7979/1-800-801-3070, visit our website at www.lancoaging.org, or email aging@co.lancaster.pa.us. www.50plusLifePA.com

It Was 50 Years Ago Today

‘The Candy Man’ Randal Hill

“It’s horrible. It’s white bread, it’s ‘cute-ums.’”

The Candy Man, oh, the Candy Man can Sammy Davis Jr. couldn’t imagine singing lyrics that The Candy Man can ’cause he mixes it with love included such cloying phrases as “groovy lemon pies.” But And makes the world taste good Davis was being pressured to record “The Candy Man” by both his manager and Mike Curb, the 26-year-old hotshot Woods did a serviceable job on the tune, but Newley president of MGM Records. hated the rather stiff rendition and felt that Woods’s version Curb was convinced the song had “hit” written all over could easily doom a potential hit single. Newley decided to it — but only if done by Davis. Before he approached the record his own interpretation, but Mike Curb got the jump legendary vocalist, Curb recruited his 16-member recording on him. group — the Mike Curb Congregation — to tape a Eventually, Davis capitulated, still fearing this could childlike background for “The Candy Man.” become a regrettable decision. Focused on a forthcoming Now if only Davis could be convinced to lay down a trip to Vietnam to entertain the troops, he hurried through vocal track …

“The Candy Man” in two takes.

As a member of the legendary Rat Pack, Davis had When he listened to the playback in the recording studio, earned celebrity by performing for sophisticated adult Davis moaned, “This record is going straight into the toilet, audiences. Was he willing to risk his reputation now by and it may just pull my whole career down with it.” recording a featherweight kiddie ditty?

To his amazement (but not Curb’s), the single caught the Photo credit: NBC Television Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was the classic nation’s ear when music fans of all ages embraced the joy Sammy Davis Jr. performing on 1971 movie based on the 1964 book Charlie and the the television program The Perry that Davis offered here. “The Candy Man” shot to No. 1 on Como Show.

Chocolate Factory by children’s writer Roald Dahl.

Billboard’s chart and even earned a Grammy nomination.

In Dahl’s novel, the main character is Charlie Bucket, In time, the 45 topped playlists worldwide.

“The Candy Man” who, along with four other juveniles, visits a candy factory “There are lots of regional hits, but rarely does a record

By Sammy Davis Jr. owned by the eccentric chocolatier Willie Wonka (played to become an international hit,” Davis explained later, June 1972 perfection by Gene Wilder). probably with a smile and perhaps a slight feeling of guilt.

British entertainment partners Anthony Newley and “With a 5% royalty, I made half a million dollars.”

Leslie Bricusse had created the music for the film’s soundtrack. The first tune heard is “The Candy Man.” Who can take tomorrow, dip it in a dream Sung by actor Aubrey Woods as the neighborhood candy-store owner named Separate the sorrow and collect up all the cream?

Bill, the shopkeeper enthusiastically extols the magical properties of Wonka’s The Candy Man. Oh, the Candy Man can seductive sweets: Who can take a sunrise, sprinkle it with dew Cover it with chocolate and a miracle or two?

ORPHAN from facing page Choosing Decision Makers and Helpers Most people think first of naming a family member as their power of attorney for finances and healthcare or executor of their will.

If, however, you don’t have someone to fill those roles, you may want to ask a trusted friend or associate, but be sure to choose someone who is organized and younger than you who will likely be around after you’re gone.

Also be aware that if your choice of power of attorney or executor lives in another state, you’ll need to check your state’s law to see if it imposes any special requirements.

If, however, you don’t have a friend or relative you feel comfortable with, you’ll need to hire someone who has experience with such matters.

To find a qualified power of attorney or executor for your will, contact your bank, a local trust company, or an estate planning attorney.

If you need help locating a pro, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (naela.org) is a great resource that provides online directory to help you find someone in your area.

Another resource that can help you manage and oversee your health and longwww.50plusLifePA.com

Randal C. Hill is a rock ’n’ roll historian who lives at the Oregon coast. He may be reached at wryterhill@msn.com.

term care needs as they arise, and even act as your healthcare power of attorney, is an aging life care manager.

These are trained professionals in the area of geriatric care who often have backgrounds in nursing or social work. To search for an expert near you, visit aginglifecare.org.

Or, if you need help with bill paying and other financial/insurance/tax chores, there are professional daily money managers (see aadmm.com) that can help.

Aging life care managers typically charge between $75 and $200 per hour, while hourly rates for daily money managers range between $75 and $150.

It’s also important to note that if you don’t complete the aforementioned legal documents and you become incapacitated, a court judge may appoint a guardian to make decisions on your behalf.

That means the care you receive may be totally different from what you would have chosen for yourself.

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.

50plus Life

June 2022

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The Cautious Consumer Guy

Our Ancestors Drove Electric Cars Arthur Vidro

The gradual switching over of gasolineBut the game changed in 1912, when powered cars to electric cars doesn’t General Motors introduced the batterybother me, even though I generally oppose reliant electric starter. This innovation did technological change and have been called, away with the need for the dreaded handnot unfairly, a curmudgeon. crank, which pretty much required strength I’m not bothered because electric cars are to use and tended to cause injury. not a new technology. The majority of folks With the electric starter, women could nowadays think electric cars are an invention drive solo too, and so could non-muscular of the 21st century. Far from it. They go back guys. Since then, cars with internalth th to the 20 century. And even the 19 . combustion engines have reigned.

At the dawn of the automotive era, three This vying for supremacy is a pattern not versions of cars fought for market share: unique to automobiles. In the late 1970s steam, electric, and gasoline. All three types and for most of the 1980s, I can recall two competed in 1898 in a hill-climbing contest competing formats for videotapes, VHS in France; the electric car won. and Betamax, duking it out. VHS won the Morrison electric carriage.

When 1900 came along, 40% of U.S. videotape battle, but eventually they both lost automobiles were powered by steam, 38% by the war to DVDs. electricity, and 22% by gasoline. But the steam engine proved complicated Some of us remember that electric cars attempted a comeback in the and extremely thirsty, and the gasoline engine was unreliable, noisy, and late 1990s when General Motors mass-produced its EV1 vehicle. This prone to excessive vibration. experimental electric car was leased but not sold. Users were, by and large, Thus, the electric car emerged as the winner. At least for a while. very happy with their electric cars.

The gasoline car is often credited to Carl Benz, who drove his first internalBut once the leases expired, General Motors made the startling decision combustion vehicle — a three-wheeler — in early 1885. to demand the return of all the cars and consigned them to the trash At a public showing later that year, he forgot to steer (I wonder if he was compacter. Almost all were crushed. One functioning specimen still resides posing for the press) and smashed the vehicle against a brick wall surrounding in the Smithsonian, and a few nonfunctional ones have scattered off to other his estate. It’s probably the first car crash caused by distracted driving. museums.

When did the electric car come into being? It dates back to circa 1890 And now electric cars have begun their ascendancy anew. They seem to when William Morrison of Des Moines, Iowa, built a car powered by be the wave of the future. For instance, municipal law in Atlanta, Georgia, electricity. Electric cars became the most popular car in America during the requires all newly built homes to accommodate electric vehicles. late 1890s and early 1900s.

It looks like electric cars will become the champs again in 15-20 years.

They were easy to operate, ran quietly, and did not emit smelly fumes.

Yet it’s possible that future advances in internal-combustion cars — such as But they were limited in speed (about 20 miles per hour, tops) and needed finding a way to get 200 miles from each gallon of gasoline — could wrest recharging about every 50 miles. the championship belt back from electric cars.

Despite those limitations, electric cars were king of the hill by 1912, with Arthur Vidro worked for a decade in the stock industry. Before and after, he wrote more than 33,000 such cars registered in the United States alone. newspaper articles and edited a few books. He has served as treasurer of theater and Eventually, the first automobile to exceed 60 miles per hour would be an library organizations. He’s been cautious with money ever since a dollar was worth a electric car.

Puzzles shown on page 7.

Puzzle Solutions

dollar.

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