50plus Life Chester County – December 2023 by On-Line Publishers, Inc.

Complimentary | Chester County Edition

December 2023

Life on the ice page 4

Orthopedics & Pain special focus page 10

social security benefit increase announced page 17

Nurse Nancy

Nancy J. Schaaf

Detecting Pneumonia and Treating its Symptoms

Anyone can get pneumonia. It is a common illness, with millions of people diagnosed yearly in the United States. Of those, pneumonia leads to about 55,000 deaths. Pneumonia, caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, is a lung infection resulting in inflammation and fluid or pus forming. Pneumonia can affect one or both lungs. People experience different symptoms depending on whether the cause is viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Bacterial pneumonia tends to be more common and severe than viral pneumonia and is likely to cause a stay in the hospital. Viral pneumonia causes flulike symptoms and is more likely to resolve independently. It can be challenging to tell the difference between the symptoms of a cold, the flu, and pneumonia; only a physician can diagnose you. Pneumonia can range in seriousness from

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mild to life-threatening. It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems. The signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection and your age and overall health. Signs and symptoms include: • Chest pain when you breathe or cough • Cough, which may produce phlegm • Fatigue • Fever, sweating, and shaking chills • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea • Shortness of breath • In those over 65 and with compromised immune systems, confusion or changes in mental awareness and lower body temperature

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December 2023

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�ank You, Columnists! We at On-Line Publishers would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the editorial contributors of 50plus Life. It is through the varied interests and considerable talents of our contributors and freelance writers that such a range of informative and entertaining content is available to read each month. The pages of 50plus Life are enriched by your contributions! Tom Blake (On Life and Love after 50)

Bill Levine (Booming Voice)

Kimberly Blaker

Clyde McMillan-Gamber (The Beauty in Nature)

Victor Block (Willing to Wander)

Jim Miller (The Savvy Senior)

Fred Cicetti (The Healthy Geezer)

Doris Montag (The History of Ordinary Things)

Suzy Cohen (Dear Pharmacist)

Melinda Myers (Melinda’s Garden)

Jonathen J. David (Legal Ease)

James Patterson

Bob DeLaurentis (Bob’s Tech Talk)

Nancy Schaaf (Nurse Nancy)

Randal C. Hill (Sixties Flashback It Was 50 Years Ago Today The Reel Deal)

Terri Schlichenmeyer (The Bookworm Sez) Dr. Lori Verderame (Art and Antiques) Arthur Vidro (The Cautious Consumer Guy)

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High-risk groups are:

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• Children younger than age 2 with signs and symptoms

Mentos

• Adults older than age 65 • People with an underlying health condition or weakened immune system • People receiving chemotherapy or taking medication that suppresses the immune system

Meet Mentos! Mentos is described as being dogfriendly and enjoys playing with her doggy friends. Come on over today and please bring any other dogs (and humans) in the home for a meet-and-greet with Mentos today. She can’t wait to see you! If you are interested in meeting Mentos, stop by our West Chester location at 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. This amazing senior sweetheart qualifies for our Sponsored by Simba program’s Seniors-for-Seniors offer: no adoption fee for any pet 8 years and up by an adopter 65 years and older. For more information, call (484) 302-0865 or bvspca.org.

• For some older adults and people with heart failure or chronic lung problems, pneumonia can quickly become life-threatening Home Symptom Management Over-the-counter medications and other at-home treatments can help you feel better and manage the symptoms of pneumonia, including: • Pain relievers and fever reducers • Cough suppressants • Breathing treatments and exercises • Using a humidifier • Drinking plenty of fluids Prevention The best way to prevent pneumonia is to vaccinate against bacteria and viruses that commonly cause it. Additionally, there are precautions to help reduce the risk of pneumonia. Two types of vaccines prevent pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria. These vaccines will not protect against all kinds of pneumonia, but if contracted, it is less likely to be severe. Pneumococcal vaccines – Pneumovax 23 and Prevnar 13 protect against pneumonia bacteria. They are each recommended for specific age groups or those with increased risk for pneumonia. Vaccinations against viruses – Certain viruses can lead to pneumonia, so getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu can help reduce your risk of getting pneumonia. Healthy Habits to Reduce the Risk of Pneumonia Wash your hands with soap and water before eating or handling food and after using the restroom. If soap isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Eat a healthy diet, exercise, and get enough rest. Get treated for any other infections or health conditions you may have. These conditions could weaken your immune system, increasing your chance of pneumonia. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, as it changes the lungs and makes you more susceptible. With so many causes and varying symptoms, pneumonia can feel confusing. It can be worrying to wonder if your symptoms mean something more serious is happening. A high fever, bloody or unusually colored mucus, chest pain, and shortness of breath are symptoms you shouldn’t ignore. Don’t hesitate to get medical attention when your body tells you something is wrong. Nancy J. Schaaf, a retired RN, worked as a school nurse, a nurse supervisor at a men’s prison, and a health educator. She earned her BSN at Edinboro University. She is a freelance writer whose health articles appear in magazines throughout the U.S. and Canada. She can be reached at nancyjschaaf@gmail.com.

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50plus Life

December 2023

Cover Story

Life on the Ice 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

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

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did ballet for off-ice training, working on posture, grace, and flexibility.” That may seem like too It all started because of her much to handle for a young sister. girl, but “not for me,” this “She was upset when I natural athlete said. “I loved went to kindergarten, so my it and wanted to do it. I was mom enrolled her in skating also lucky to be able to play lessons,” Cindy Ginkinger field hockey and lacrosse Mulholland said. “Of course, after school.” She also tried then I wanted to do that too, the piano, violin, and guitar so that’s where it all began.” in her “spare” time. What started out as “To be a successful a whim born of sisterly competitor, you really have jealousy has now turned into to excel in all the avenues a lifelong love of ice skating of skating,” Ginkinger for this Harrisburg resident. Mulholland said. “You “Skating just gets in your probably have heard about blood,” she said. skaters getting up in the Ginkinger Mulholland wee hours of the morning or recalls that she became skating late into the night? serious about competitive That’s because they have to! skating when she was about The only way to get really 7 years old after a skating good is ice time, ice time, ice instructor took an interest in Ginkinger Mulholland, 13, executing a time.” her and her natural talent. mazurka, a small jump skaters use to Her talent and dedication “My mom allowed me to connect steps together, 1970. to the sport helped her take two 15-minute lessons a make it to sectionals every week,” she said. “Very little year, except for her last year compared to the kids these as a senior, due to injury. days. But anyway, I was then Each time she competed, off to the races!” she placed among the top Early on, she participated nine skaters participating in in both dance and freestyle Eastern Sectionals. competitive skating, but soon “Sectionals is comprised of it became evident there was the competitors who qualify only time for one, so she by placing in the top three chose freestyle. of their respective regional Ginkinger Mulholland competitions,” Ginkinger gives a lot of the credit for Mulholland explained. her success to “a really good “I never made it to … teacher, Maude White. She nationals, but I’m still happy guided me, my sister, and my with my success.” mom through the ropes,” she After high school said. graduation, Ginkinger The commitment for Mulholland decided that competitive skating, as with “college was the way to any sport in which an athlete go,” so she stopped skating wishes to excel, is a big one. competitively and headed Those initial 15-minute Ginkinger Mulholland, age 12, and to Penn State, where she lessons turned into many partner Steve Balbus competing in a graduated with a Bachelor of hours on the ice, honing her bronze-level ice dancing competition Science degree in health and skills every day before and at the former Old York Skating Club in physical education. after school. Cheltenham Township, Pa., in 1969. “I decided to start teaching “Not to mention before ice skating as opposed to church on Sundays,” teaching in a school setting,” she said. Ginkinger Mulholland said. “Summers were also Enjoying a successful and rewarding career spent at the rink for an all-day camp, and I also www.50plusLifePA.com

throughout her young adulthood, Ginkinger Mulholland didn’t marry until she was 50, and said that for her, that is proof that you never give up hope because you don’t know what’s around the corner. “I ended up marrying a good friend of mine who I had known for over 20 years,” she said. And as for her unusual middle name? “My maiden name was Ginkinger, and I didn’t want to lose that name, as that was the only name all of my skating cohorts knew me by. So I decided to make it my middle name.” Today, Ginkinger Mulholland teaches at Twin Ponds Ice Rink at the Hershey Arena and at the Ginkinger Mulholland proudly Giant Center. It’s something holding the trophies from an annual that she finds very rewarding, Philadelphia-area competition, her and of course it helps that she name now engraved with all past understands the skating world winners, 1969. so completely, having been immersed in it for much of her life. “My teaching philosophy is simple,” she said. “I believe in building a strong foundation. It really doesn’t matter what the long-term goals of the students are. If you build the foundation correctly, the rest will fall in line.” The bottom line, no matter whether a new student wants to pursue figure skating or play hockey, is that they have to learn to skate. There are many options, from private lessons to group lessons or clinics, but Ginkinger Mulholland does believe that “if you can find a quality teacher, you will be better off,” she said. “Not all teachers are created equal. “Competitive skating is weird — any skater will tell you that,” Ginkinger Mulholland explained. “Choreography is a collaborative event. In my day, it was usually just the student and coach, but now kids might have more than one coach, one just for choreography.” Ginkinger Mulholland works with students of all ages, from 3 years old up through adults, and she does teach both figure skating and skating for ice hockey. “All of them are rewarding in their own way,” she said. “But basically the chance to see any student progress and reach their own individual dreams is what makes it rewarding to me.” Although it might seem like a sport for the younger crowd, Ginkinger Mulholland said that “it actually is a lifetime sport; you can do it at all levels and ages.” Many retirees enjoy the sport and often skate during the day. “It’s less crowded, and the comradery is fantastic,” she said. “It can be a low-impact sport, so muscle injury is rare.” Of course, any adult student can always go further and push themselves to higher heights if the desire is there. “There are many teachers who would love to help adults improve, no matter what level they are at,” she said. Just as important as learning the physical skills needed to be a safe and successful skater are the lessons learned in other ways that can be applied off the ice, Ginkinger Mulholland believes. “Skating teaches poise and self-confidence,” she said. “Just think, these kids go out and skate in front of an audience all by themselves. It teaches them how to use their time wisely … for example, get their homework done so they www.50plusLifePA.com

From left, skating coach Amy Henderson; Learn to Skate mascot Snowplow Sam; skating assistant Annie Donachie; and Ginkinger Mulholland, 2015.

can skate.” Learning to respect others both on and off the ice is an important lesson as well, Mulholland said. “They have to talk and listen to judges … they learn to win and sometimes, more importantly, how to lose gracefully. The life lessons are immeasurable.” Ginkinger Mulholland boasts a long list of students with success stories that she is proud to have helped write. “I have students that have gone on to teach skating themselves,” she said. “They have also become schoolteachers, pharmacists, Eagles cheerleaders, mothers, and fathers … too many paths to mention. I firmly believe skating helped them each and every one.”

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December 2023

Savvy Senior

Jim Miller

Misleading Medicare Advantage Ads: What to Look Out For

Dear Savvy Senior, I’m currently enrolled in original Medicare but have been thinking about switching to a Medicare Advantage plan during the open enrollment period. Many of the Medicare Advantage ads I’ve seen offer lots of extra benefits beyond what traditional Medicare offers and no monthly premiums. What are your thoughts? – Considering a Switch

that plan’s network, or you may end up paying out-of-pocket for medically necessary care. This past September, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services began cracking down on these ads, but you still need to practice selfdefense. Here are some tips to help you make a good decision.

Dear Considering, Be very leery of the Medicare Advantage ads on TV, radio, and social media and that come in the mail. While many of these ads may tout free vision, hearing, dental, and other benefits with zero monthly premiums, they aren’t always what they claim to be. Advantage Basics Medicare Advantage or MA plans (also known as Medicare Part C) are government-approved health plans sold by private insurance companies that you can choose in place of original Medicare. The vast majority of Advantage plans are managed-care policies, such as HMOs or PPOs, that require you to get your care within a network of doctors in a geographic area. You can sign up for one of them during open enrollment season from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. MA plans have exploded in popularity in recent years as insurers have flooded the airways with advertisements, often by celebrity pitchmen, that promote low-cost options with lots of extra benefits. But be aware that the federal government has deemed many claims in MA ads fraudulent and misleading. Some ads imply that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services endorses or prefers a specific plan. Others promise more cost savings than you really get. And if you choose the wrong plan, your doctor may not be a member of

PROUD MEMBER OF NAMPA For advertising information: (717) 285-1350 info@onlinepub.com 6

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Cover your needs: When evaluating MA plans, make sure the ones you’re considering cover the doctors you like and the healthcare facilities you normally go to. Also, make sure all of the prescription medications you take are on the drug plan’s formulary. To help you compare plans, a good first step is to call the office managers of the doctors you use and find out which Advantage plans they accept and which ones they recommend. Then go to the Medicare Plan Finder tool at medicare.gov/plan-compare to compare plans in your area. Understand the details: Some MA plans promote no monthly premiums, but the reality is that you are still responsible for your original Medicare costs, including your Part B premium and deductibles and copays for covered services. Moreover, you may have to pay more out of pocket if you see a doctor outside the network. Also, if the plan is an HMO, it generally doesn’t cover non-emergency care out of network, so an individual may be responsible for full costs. A PPO, on the other hand, allows people to go out of network, but they generally have to pay more to do so. Do some digging: Many MA plans tout free vision, hearing, and dental benefits that are not covered by traditional Medicare, but these benefits are often limited. For example, a plan that offers free dental coverage may cover only cleanings and x-rays. Extensive procedures, such as root canals or caps, may not be covered, or the plan may limit the dollar amount it pays. Find out the coverage details so you’re not surprised later. Get help: Reach out to your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at shiphelp.org or call (877) 839-2775. These are nonprofit programs that provide unbiased, one-on-one Medicare counseling and assistance. You can also report any misleading MA claims to the Senior Medicare Patrol Resource Center at smpresource.org or by calling (800) 447-8477. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

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46. Road shoulder 49. Agree out of court 50. Stun gun 51. Burgundy grape 52. Hamlin’s ___ Oop 53. Western director Sergio 54. Borscht vegetable 55. Outward flow 56. Aerial maneuver 57. Missile housing 59. Vermin 61. Nobleman 63. Ultimate ending 65. Shade tree

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December 2023

Art & Antiques by Dr. Lori

Childhood Holiday Vehicles: Sleds & Wagons Lori Verderame

No matter your age, getting a new vehicle as a holiday gift is always exciting. Automobiles, motorcycles, or bikes are tried-and-true holiday offerings that will thrill a close friend or family member. While these vehicles stir the senses, two other modes of transportation say “holiday” like no other. What are the vehicles that prompt both childhood and holiday memories? Sleds and wagons.

Painted sleds boasting hand-colored images of running horses, reindeer packs, or Santa Claus debuted in the Victorian era, circa mid- to late 1800s. These handsome sleds were used for fancy winter trips for children and adults. Around 1800, a sled for the purpose of carrying people was invented. Known as a cariole, it featured enclosed sides, a sturdy back, and a partially covered top or hood. On the secondary antiques market, special 19th-century examples of cariole sleds and handSleds for Snowy Fun painted sleds with metal runners range in value For centuries, sleds were among the most from $250 to $2,500. efficient ways to transport loads in snowy parts Over time, sleds were used for recreational Photo credit: Staff of www.drloriv.com of the world. Distinguished by their long and purposes with variations on the basic form. One Steiff wagon with logo, circa 1950-60s. narrow runner blades, sleds reduced friction and of the first sled patents was obtained by the S.L. were able to carry heavy loads across the miles. Allen Company of Philadelphia in 1889. Today, sleds are not used as much anymore for transport, but they are When it comes to the engineering behind recreational sleds, most had flat a symbol of wintry fun. More likely, sleds are used by students on snowrunners until about 1907, and then wooden bumpers emerged. cancelation days or are transported from the garage to the front porch as part An articulated bumper for steering was introduced in 1928, and straight of a winter-welcoming decoration for the house’s exterior. runners were all the rage until the mid-1930s. One model, the Lightning

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!

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Speedster, had a rounded wooden front for easy turning by children during its time of manufacture, circa 1939-1942. By the mid-20th century, speed was king. The Speed King and Radio Flyer sleds were all about fast-moving wintertime fun. In the American suburbs of the 1950s through the 1970s, many companies introduced cool sleds for hilltop exhilaration. For instance, in the 1970s, the Radio Flyer Company marketed the Ski Sled, which was intended for adults. The sled had a hand brake for safety, which made parents happy (but which kids rarely used), and two skis beneath the raised seat for a ride that simulated skiing. The two skis allowed for edge turns, and the sled gave a ride that was like experiencing the giant slalom.

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Photo credit: Staff of www.drloriv.com

Vintage oak sled, circa 1960s-70s.

Wagons for Winter Travel Where sleds offered speed, wagons provided comfort. Wooden wagons were some of the most inviting vehicles for children of the 20th century. Wagons allowed kids to carry their most important treasures with them wherever the holidays took them. Toys, security blankets, teddy bears, and even baby sisters were hosted in a child’s new and preferably red holiday wagon. First originating in the early 1900s, Radio Flyer’s little red wagons remain a favorite with kids. The company was started by Antonio Pasin, an Italian immigrant, with the introduction of the Liberty Coaster wagon, named for the Statue of Liberty. His firm grew throughout the 20th century to make Radio Flyer wagons known to millions of children. Today, they show up at yard sales, estate sales, and auctions and bring good market value from collectors and sentimental shoppers. By the 1950s, the red wagon became an iconic American toy vehicle. At that time, Radio Flyer wagons were marketed to specialty audiences like the Mouseketeers from the Mickey Mouse Club or adventurous kids who wanted to ride in a Davy Crockett-style wagon. Steiff, the popular German toy and teddy bear manufacturer, manufactured wagons featuring their teddy bear logo to accommodate every child’s holiday gift haul of toys. This marketing strategy helped the collectibles market for the wagons, prompting many collectors to add them to a long list of must-haves. By the end of the 1960s, Radio Flyer had turned 50 and introduced the Skat Racer to a dedicated audience. The Skat Racer was a new children’s vehicle that offered innovations where the earlier pedal cars fell short. Kids of the trendy 1960s and 1970s could, in a Skat Racer, enjoy a lightweight design, a safe ride, and a sleek new look. This vehicle was a perfect addition to the host of cool toys parked in many suburban America garages. Move over, pedal cars: Sleds and wagons are making a comeback. Happy holidays! Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning media personality Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide and appears on Netflix’s King of Collectibles and History channel’s The Curse of Oak Island and Pawn Stars Do America. Visit drloriv.com, watch videos at youtube.com/drloriv, or call (888) 4311010.

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Keystone Military Families, a PA-based nonprofit, encourages you to brighten the holidays for our troops overseas by sponsoring a care package!

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December 2023

Orthopedics & Pain Osteoporosis Pain Can Arise Sooner than You Think Susan Fuschino, an elementary school teacher in Pennsylvania, experienced early menopause and, at 47 years old, was forced into early retirement after suffering from extreme back pain. She initially attributed the back pain to being on her feet every day while teaching; however, the pain was excruciating to the point that Fuschino couldn’t walk. She was ultimately diagnosed with compression fractures caused by osteoporosis and became dependent on her daughter to handle daily tasks. “There are so many things I can’t do on my own anymore,” said Fuschino. “Emptying the dishwasher, doing laundry, picking up items off the floor, really any activity that causes pain or puts me at risk of falling.”

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December 2023

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70s or 80s to get osteoporosis.

Despite being a major public health problem for women worldwide, Fuschino had never heard of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) before her injury. Many people mistakenly assume that osteoporosis (OP) symptoms, like low back pain and fractures, are typical signs of aging and first learn they have OP after breaking a bone. “You may not know that you even have osteoporosis until it’s too late — until you have a break or two,” Fuschino explains. Many women are unaware that bone loss begins at menopause, and you don’t have to be in your

An Unmet Need OP is a common and serious disease, and about half of women 50 years and older will sustain an osteoporotic fracture, according to the Mayo Clinic. The clinic also found that for U.S. women 55 years and older, the hospitalization burden of osteoporotic fractures is greater than that of many other serious diseases combined. Even after a bone break, many women are not appropriately diagnosed, and about 80% of women are still not treated for OP, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation. Unfortunately, many healthcare systems lack a systematic approach to identifying or treating patients for their OP-related issues. Don’t Wait to Treat Decreasing the risk of osteoporotic fractures is important. Some steps women can take to beef up brittle bones include: • Ensure calcium and vitamin D are incorporated into your daily diet to maintain bone mass • Participate in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises to strengthen bones • Talk with a doctor about getting a bone density test to learn about personal risk for OP and discuss if OP treatment might be right for you If you’ve already suffered an osteoporotic fracture, you may be five times more likely to fracture again within a year, according to a study published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases. Treatment Options Bring Hope OP is a serious condition, but there is hope with appropriate treatment, please see OSTEOPOROSIS on facing page

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Orthopedics & Pain Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen

How 5 Simple Strategies Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune condition that leads to joint damage. A complete workup, physical exam, and medical history are important because blood tests have shortcomings. Here are the two main tests: Rheumatoid factor. Measuring levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) is important, but despite the name, it is nonspecific to RA, meaning that other disorders can cause a positive result. People with diabetes, endocarditis, or cancer may have increased RF levels in the absence of rheumatoid arthritis. You can see why that makes this test problematic for diagnosing. The anti-CCP antibody test. This antibody test is good, but it may be elevated in other autoimmune disorders like lupus and Sjogren’s syndrome, so it’s not specific. It stands for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides. If it’s high, but you’re not symptomatic, then it could be predictive of the future if you don’t try to lower it now.

For that matter, many studies have proven that low D increases autoimmunity for other diseases, not just rheumatoid. Give your liver a break by avoiding alcohol, nicotine, weed, junk food, and refined sweets. 3. Collagen supplementation may help, but it must be the right type. There have been some positive benefits seen anecdotally with collagen supplementation. It makes sense because that’s where the attack is targeted. The problem is that people take the wrong type of collagen for their cartilage. The joints, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage can only take a very specific type of collagen, notably Type II. You can avoid a mistake by learning more. Read the longer version of my article, which you can receive by email after signing up for my free health newsletter at suzycohen.com. 4. Employing TNF alpha blockers. The use of TNF-blocking medications for RA is common. These are called DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs). But there are two potent, natural TNF blockers: black seed oil and EGCG supplements.

As for staying well, and feeling better, there are many interventions today that can keep you strong and healthy. Now let’s go over five strategies to help rheumatoid arthritis:

5. Doing yoga or tai chi. These types of exercise and movements help stretch your muscles and keep you in good shape, not to mention reducing inflammatory cytokines.

1. Vitamin D is helpful. If your vitamin D levels are low, try to figure out why. Low D levels correlate with elevated anti-CCP levels and a potential misdiagnosis of rheumatoid! Supplementation with D may reduce anti-CCP in some cases.

In closing, having a complex disorder like rheumatoid arthritis is a challenge. Advice to reduce stress, stretch, and eat right is certainly wise. Many people suffering from the pain of arthritis find comfort and relief from stiffness by taking a warm bath and integrating supplements into a clean diet and healthy lifestyle.

2. Improving liver function may help. Your liver health determines how well you activate the sunlight-derived vitamin D. And vitamin D is critical for rheumatoid patients.

OSTEOPOROSIS from facing page according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Now 51 years old, Fuschino, with the help of specialists, found treatment options that helped her improve bone density. She continues to share her story to raise awareness in hopes of helping other women impacted by this disease. www.50plusLifePA.com

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

If you or a loved one has osteoporosis and is at high risk of fracture or have already suffered an osteoporotic fracture, speak with your doctor about possible treatment plans. Visit osteoporosis.foundation and understandop.com to understand treatment options, find resources, and learn how to start a conversation with your doctor. (BPT)

50plus Life

December 2023

Orthopedics & Pain Pain in Your Foot or Ankle? It Could Be Arthritis Arthritis in the feet and ankles can produce swelling and pain, deformity, loss of joint function, and loss of mobility. Whereas previous generations had to accept this as a normal part of aging, an explosion of new therapies and surgical treatments is offering patients today both hope and relief. For best results, however, foot and ankle surgeons urge early intervention. “When it comes to arthritis, it’s important not to tough out symptoms or bear the pain,” says Danielle Butto, DPM, FACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon and fellow member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. “Earlier treatment is not just about alleviating symptoms sooner. In many cases, we can even slow the progression of the symptoms and use less invasive procedures to treat the condition than we would otherwise.” Understanding the early warning signs of arthritis, the progression of different forms of

the disease, and the new treatments available is important for getting the proper treatment and managing your symptoms.

Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition characterized by the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. One common area where osteoarthritis occurs is the big toe. The big toe makes it possible for you to walk and run upright, absorbing forces equal to nearly twice your body weight when walking. With all it endures, it’s no surprise that overuse can erode cartilage, causing serious pain and even physical deformities. Nevertheless, many people confuse big toe arthritis, also known as hallux rigidus, with bunions. Early signs of hallux rigidus include pain and stiffness during use or during cold, damp weather; difficulty with activities like running and squatting; Photo source: (c) Staras / iStock via Getty Images Plus and swelling and inflammation around the joint. Additional symptoms may develop over time, including pain during rest, bone spurs, limping, and dull pain in the hip, knee, or lower back due to changes in gait. Conservative treatments like shoe modifications, orthotic devices, and physical therapy may prevent or postpone the need for surgery. If you have mid- to end-stage arthritis in your foot or ankle, you may require next steps, such as cartilage regeneration treatment, implant surgery, or the surgical removal of damaged cartilage and spurs, all of which have quick recovery periods. “People with this disorder tend to suffer much longer than they need We at On-Line Publishers, Inc. are grateful to our dedicated staff, loyal to,” says Butto. “They’re often pleasantly surprised when they find out their readers, and supportive advertisers who have all enabled us to continue our problem can be fixed.”

Happy Holidays mission to serve the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50+ community in 2023. We wish to thank each of you for helping to make 50plus Life a fun, interesting, and unique source of information and entertainment for our readers in central Pennsylvania. At this special time of giving thanks and reminiscing, the staff of On-Line Publishers wishes you, our friends, warmest holiday wishes.

December 2023

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which certain cells of the immune system malfunction and attack healthy joints. Foot problems caused by RA commonly occur in the ball of the foot near the toes, although RA can also affect other areas of the foot and ankle. The most common signs and symptoms are pain, swelling, joint stiffness, and difficulty walking, as well as a range of deformities, including rheumatoid nodules, dislocated toe joints, hammertoes, bunions, heel pain, Achilles tendon pain, and flatfoot ankle pain. As part of a team that includes a primary doctor or rheumatologist, your foot and ankle specialist can develop a treatment plan aimed at relieving associated pain, which may include orthotic devices, accommodative shoes, aspiration of fluid build-up, and steroid injections. When RA produces foot pain and deformities are not relieved through other treatments, surgery may be required. “With today’s scientific advances, treatment can reduce pain and restore you to your previous mobility, strength, and functionality,” says Butto. For more information on foot and ankle arthritis, visit FootHealthFacts.com. (StatePoint) www.50plusLifePA.com

The History of Ordinary Things

Holiday Ornaments and Festive Decorations Doris Montag

Decorations like wreaths, candles, and evergreens are mentioned in descriptions of the Roman feast of Saturnalia, which originated in the fifth century BC and was held in mid-December to honor Saturn, the god of agriculture. Later, these evergreen adornments were associated with pagan rituals and were scorned by Christians until sixth-century Pope Gregory the Great brought green boughs into the church’s celebrations. Locally available holly, ivy, and mistletoe were adorned with candles and often homemade food and sweets. The modern tree tradition was a Christian ritual from 16th-century Germany. Small evergreen trees were used as “paradise trees” in church plays. They were decorated with candles, apples, nuts, and berries. Over time, decorated trees were brought into homes during the holiday season. In the mid-1800s, Queen Victoria was depicted with her German-born husband, Prince Albert, around a large, decorated evergreen tree. This created a fashionable trend across Europe. Public notice from 1659 in Boston regarding In early America, circa the banning the celebrations of Christmas: 1800s, the Puritans and “The observation of Christmas having been Calvinists had dropped deemed a sacrilege, the exchanging of gifts Christmas as a holy season. and greetings, dressing in fine clothing, Christmas observances were feasting and similar satanical practices are seen as inconsistent with hereby forbidden with the offender liable gospel worship. to a fine of five shillings.” Presbyterians, Baptists, Quakers, and other Protestants regarded Dec. 25 as a day without religious significance, a day for normal business. This is associated with the Industrial Revolution, which emphasized work, work, and work; thus, employers gladly discontinued traditional holidays. German immigrants brought their tree traditions to America in the 1800s. Early ornaments were made of whatever items families had available: fruit held over from fall, nuts, strings of popcorn and cranberries, paper streamers, candles, and metal foil. The German traditions were rejected by Puritanical religious groups for their historically pagan connotations. This began to change as a new understanding of family life and the needs of children appeared by mid-century. Childhood started to be seen as a time in which greater protection, sheltering, training, and education were needed. In this light, the season began to be tamed, turning toward shops, gifts, and home and holiday decorations. Inventive entrepreneurs soon realized the ornament’s commercial potential. www.50plusLifePA.com

The Industrial Revolution produced affordable, mass-produced toys, gifts, and decorations, turning Christmas into the festival we know today. Enter F.W. Woolworth, an American retail mogul who imported large quantities of glass baubles (balls) and stars produced by family workshops in Germany. Alongside these came paper garlands, decorative Christmas stockings, and painted tin toys. Tinsel, also introduced in Germany, was originally fine, sparkling strips of silver to catch the light. Later, tinsel was mass produced from cheaper metals, and then plastic. Another decorating invention, “fairy” lights, arrived with electric lighting Photo credit: “Christmas bauble” by in the 1890s. David Singleton, licensed under CC-BY-2.0. By the 1900s, Woolworth’s Department Store was selling $25 million a year in German-imported ornaments made of lead and handblown glass. Families created homemade ornaments, but the wealthy wanted extravagant sparkle for their festivities. Unique Keepsake ornaments were introduced by Hallmark in 1973. The Keepsake designation created the sense that the decorations had “collectible value.” Under this successful marketing strategy, Hallmark Illustration for the article “Putting Up has produced over 8,500 the Christmas,” Once a Week magazine, ornaments past and present. November 1860. Some have been valued up to $300 online. Dig out those boxes of happy treasures. It is that time again! 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.

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50plus Life

December 2023

Survival Guide for a Stress-Free Holiday Season By Kimberly Blaker Do you dread the hustle and bustle of another holiday season? Between shopping, wrapping, baking, holiday cards, parties, and many other obligations and tasks, surviving the season can be a feat, let alone finding the time to enjoy it with your family. This year, why not make a pact to eliminate stress by following these tips? Early Planning First, close your eyes and think back to the last couple of years and how hectic and stressful they felt. What percentage of holiday activities and tasks would you need to eliminate to make the season truly enjoyable and relatively stress-free? During this process, don’t think about what you can’t remove. Just determine the percentage of reduction you need to make. Next, make a list of everything you need to do during the holiday season, to which parties you’ll be invited, and how much money you’ll spend. Now cross off the least important, least necessary, and least popular events and tasks. Then review the list, and calculate how much time and expense you’ve shaved off. If you haven’t reached your predetermined reduction, go through your list again. Once you’ve decided which parties you’ll attend and the commitments you’ll make, plan how you’ll say no to all the others, so you’re not caught off guard.

1 in 5 Adults is a Caregiver. Find All the Local Products and Services You Need for Your Journey.

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Share in the Preparation Enlist your family to help prepare for the holidays, and divvy up the tasks. Don’t expect perfection from yourself or your family. Remember, you probably don’t notice or mind the imperfections in others’ holiday gatherings. They’re just as unlikely to see any in yours. Also, keep in mind the holiday season isn’t the time to be head cook. Plan potluck gatherings. Then, either suggest what each person should bring or, to avoid duplicates, ask guests to let you know what they’ll bring. Holiday Time-and-Energy Savers Save time in gift-wrapping by setting up a station in a spare room or the basement. Or stock a large box or basket with wrapping paper, ribbon, bows, tags, tape, scissors, and pens, so everything is stored in one place. Have extras of everything on hand. Keep cleaning to a minimum during the holidays. Dismiss unused areas guests won’t see or use, and clean only the obvious in rooms that will be seen. The barely visible layer of dust on your baseboards is unlikely to be noticed with all the holiday decorations and festivities. Make everyday meals quick and easy throughout the season. Soups, sandwiches, fresh fruit and vegetables, cottage cheese, precut veggies and dip, and other prepared or semi-prepared healthy foods will suffice for one month please see GUIDE on facing page

! r a e r u o y s u d Len 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 Wednesdays 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.

View the 2023 edition online at www.BusinessWomanPA.com 14

December 2023

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It Was 50 Years Ago Today

‘Time in a Bottle’ Randal Hill

One night, Ingrid Croce sat her husband down at the kitchen table on their Pennsylvania farm. For five years, the two had tried in vain to have a child. That night, though, Ingrid had good news: They were about to become parents. Jim Croce was so overcome with emotion that he composed “Time in a Bottle” on the table that night, telling how he wished that fleeting moment of euphoria could last forever:

working construction, and teaching middle school to make ends meet while waiting to make music his full-time occupation. “Time in a Bottle” ended up on Croce’s first successful album, You Don’t Mess Around with Jim. The title track on ABC Records had been a rollicking Top 10 novelty hit, but “Time in a Bottle” ended up being buried on the second side of the LP. Nobody at ABC Records ever thought of it becoming a 45 someday. If I could save time in a bottle Fast-forward a couple of years, and Croce had become The first thing that I’ d like to do a musical superstar. In September 1973, he and his small Is to save every day till eternity passes away backup band were headlining shows at various college Just to spend them with you campuses in the South. All were scheduled to fly from a venue in Louisiana to another in Texas, but their small Of course, as we all know, life doesn’t work that way, chartered plane struck a tree on takeoff from a regional and we are given only a certain number of days together: airport, and everyone on board perished. Adrian Croce had turned 2 years old just eight days Jim Croce in concert, 1973. But there never seems to be enough time earlier. To do the things you want to do Coincidentally, one week before the crash, ABC-TV had once you find them aired a now-forgotten Movie of the Week. It was called She Lives! and starred I’ve looked around enough to know Desi Arnaz Jr. in a story of a young woman stricken with cancer. That you’re the one I want to go The film’s producers had come across “Time in a Bottle” from Croce’s first hit through time with album and had secured permission to add it to the movie’s soundtrack. The following day, radio stations were bombarded with callers asking to hear Their blessed event was a boy. The happy couple named him Adrian. the heartbreaking tune again. ABC Records quickly issued “Time in a Bottle,” Jim Croce was a struggling singer/songwriter who first performed with his which raced to the peak of the Billboard chart and became Croce’s signature wife. In 1966, the two recorded an album — Facets — and released it on their single. own Croce Records label. The disc went nowhere. Randal C. Hill is a rock ’n’ roll historian who lives at the Oregon coast. He may be Three years later, they signed with Capitol Records, but their Jim and Ingrid reached at wryterhill@msn.com. Croce LP met the same fate, and Capitol dropped them. Croce decided to try his luck as a solo artist, in the meantime driving trucks,

GUIDE from facing page of the year. Do your holiday shopping early in the day on weekdays while your energy is high and crowds are small. Shop online or by catalog. If an item lacks details, search for a manufacturer’s website to get the information you need. Give gift cards. Hard-to-shop-for recipients will appreciate something practical. Gift cards to restaurants, department stores, sporting good outlets, and specialty shops or for a massage, pedicure, or round of golf make great gifts. Don’t overdo the baking. Your guests will likely have had their fill of holiday treats long before your gathering arrives. As for the warm gesture of taking a plate of baked goodies to friends or neighbors, instead, show they’re in your thoughts by visiting or calling them to wish them a happy holiday season. Money Saver Does your gift list grow each year? Decide with whom it’s essential to exchange gifts. Then talk to extended family, friends, coworkers, and others about forgoing gift exchanges, putting a www.50plusLifePA.com

cap on the price, or doing a drawing instead. You’ll likely learn many feel the same as you do. Care for Yourself Enjoy holiday treats in moderation. High-fat and sugary foods and the lack of healthy meals can lead to tiredness and stress. Keep goodies stored in the freezer where they’ll be less of a temptation. Have plenty of convenient, healthy snacks such as raw vegetables and nuts on hand. Prepare low-fat meals that won’t bog you down. Pace yourself, and don’t try to do everything in one day. Finally, give yourself a break. Get plenty of exercise, such as a brisk walk in the fresh air, and set aside time for relaxation, like a long bubble bath. Finally, remember the holiday season should be a joyful time for everyone, including yourself, to join in the good cheer with family and friends. Maximize ways to ease your stress to keep the “happy” in your holidays! Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera; and more at sagerarebooks.com.

50plus Life

December 2023

Assisted Living Residences/Personal Care Homes 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.

Bethany Village — MapleWood

Country meadows retirement community

325 Wesley Drive • Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 • 717-766-0279 www.BethanyVillage.org • eltorres@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.

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 696, across 5 communities 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: No Outdoor Areas/Walking Paths/ Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes

evergreen estates retirement community On-call Medical Service: Yes Telemedicine Available: Yes 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

1901 North Fifth Street • Harrisburg, PA 17102 717-221-7901 • www.homelandcenter.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 56 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: 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

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 Outdoor Areas/Walking Paths/ Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes

Spiritrust lutheran, the village at kelly drive

December 2023

Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes Telemedicine Available: No 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

50plus Life

Spiritrust lutheran, the village at Shrewsbury

750 Kelly Drive, York, PA 17404 717-854-5010 • www.spiritrustlutheran.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 60 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: No Outdoor Areas/Walking Paths/ Fitness Center: 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: Yes Comments: Providing exemplary care in a beautiful environment for more than 155 years, our continuum of care includes therapy services, skilled rehab, and 24-hour medical staffing, plus Hospice, Palliative Care, HomeHealth, and HomeCare outreach programs. All 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: 95 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

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: Family owned and managed for over 35 years and now proudly led by the third generation. Tenured co-workers providing quality care and service.

Homeland Center

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

Communities in Hershey, Mechanicsburg, Wyomissing, and two in York • 800-322-3441 www.countrymeadows.com • countrymeadows@ countrymeadows.com On-call Medical Service: Yes

800 Bollinger Drive, Shrewsbury, PA 17361 717-227-3000 • www.spiritrustlutheran.org 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: No 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: No Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No

www.50plusLifePA.com

Assisted Living Residences/Personal Care Homes 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.

Spiritrust lutheran, the village at Sprenkle drive

Spiritrust lutheran, the village at utz terrace

1802 Folkemer Circle, York, PA 17404 717-767-5404 • www.spiritrustlutheran.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 56 Assisted Living Licensure: Yes Personal Care Licensure: No Private Rooms: Yes Semi-Private Rooms: Yes Private Pay: Yes Short-term Lease/Respite: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Outdoor Areas/Walking Paths/ Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes

2100 Utz Terrace, Hanover, PA 17331 717-637-0633 • www.spiritrustlutheran.org 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 Short-term Lease/Respite: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Outdoor Areas/Walking Paths/ Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes

St. Anne’s Retirement Community 3952 Columbia Avenue West Hempfield Township, PA 17512 717-285-1404 • www.stannesrc.org

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 75 Assisted Living Licensure: No Personal Care Licensure: Yes Private Rooms: Yes Semi-Private Rooms: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: Yes Short-term Lease/Respite: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes Outdoor Areas/Walking Paths/ Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes

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

Social Security Announces 3.2% Benefit Increase for 2024 Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 71 million Americans will increase 3.2% in 2024, the Social Security Administration announced recently. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by more than $50 per month starting in January 2024. More than 66 million Social Security beneficiaries will see the 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Increased payments to approximately 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on Dec. 29. Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $168,600 from $160,200. Social Security begins notifying people about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December. Individuals who have a personal my Social Security account can view their COLA notice online. They can set up text or email alerts when there is a new message — such as their COLA notice — waiting for them in my Social Security (ssa.gov/myaccount). Information about Medicare changes for 2024 will be available at medicare. www.50plusLifePA.com

gov. For Social Security beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, their new 2024 benefit amount will be available in December through the mailed COLA notice and my Social Security’s Message Center. The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated; the act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. To read more, visit ssa.gov/cola.

Information and support whenever you need it View online at: www.onlinepub.com (under supplements)

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December 2023

Bob’s Tech Talk

Bob DeLaurentis

Music Subscriptions and Purchases, iPhone Camera Tricks

Q. What is the best way to enjoy music on my smartphone or tablet? A. Digitizing audio CDs and copying them to a smartphone is still supported on desktop computers, but as more people move to a smartphone-only lifestyle, this may no longer be an option for you. There are two major ways to get music on a smartphone: purchases and subscriptions. Of the two, subscriptions are the simplest to manage over time. The leading services are Apple Music and Spotify, both of which are available on all the major platforms, and both cost about $10 a month. Subscribers have access to millions of songs, along with other features such as radio stations, music recommendations, exclusive content, live lyrics, and karaoke modes, just to name a few. When it comes to choosing between the two, my advice is to try the free trials. See for yourself which one fits best into your life. One caveat: Once you have used a service for a while, it becomes difficult to switch. If you love music, a music-service subscription will put the largest record collection in the world in your pocket. Q. Apple Music and Spotify are not good options for me. Are there others? A. Yes. There are many different options, and they can be less expensive than a subscription if you maintain a modest music collection. If you just want a few albums or a playlist of favorite music, the individual songs and albums can be purchased. On Apple devices, use the iTunes Store app. The purchases will show up in the same app used by Apple Music. For Android, you can purchase MP3 music directly from Amazon’s website. This requires an extra step of manually downloading the purchases

Do you know a 50+ volunteer who gives selflessly to others? Tell us what makes him or her so special and we will consider them for 50plus Life’s Volunteer Spotlight! 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.

December 2023

Time is a Priceless Gift

Volunteer Spotlight

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and installing them on the Android device. On the plus side, the purchases can also be installed on Apple devices. There are also a couple of other subscription services to consider. However, except for the catalog offered with Amazon Prime, the prices are similar to Apple Music and Spotify. Amazon Music may work better for you, especially if you use Echo or Fire devices. They offer a “free” catalog bundled with Prime, as well as an unlimited plan. When Google Play Music shut down, their services were folded into YouTube Music, another premium-priced subscription service. For some users, purchasing is a good alternative. Amazon Prime Music catalog is a good deal if you already use Prime. But most users will find the best value with either Apple Music or Spotify subscriptions or by purchasing their favorite songs. Q. The iPhone camera is my all-time favorite camera. It takes excellent photos, but I feel like I am missing out on some of its features. For example, what do the icons that appear on the image itself mean? A. You are correct that your iPhone camera has many tricks up its sleeve besides making images. Some of the info in the viewfinder is there to help compose the photo — for example, tools like lens choice, a horizon indicator, and exposure adjustments. But the composition controls barely scratch the surface. If you point the camera at a barcode the phone understands, such as a QR code, a yellow button will appear. That button will open a website or an app. Many restaurants use QR codes to display menus, and some codes can process payment for the check. The iPhone camera also understands text. If a small square icon appears in the lower right corner of the image, the camera has detected text it can read. Tap the square icon, and the text is highlighted. If the text is not in the phone’s default language, it may offer to translate it with another button marked “Translate.” I have seen text recognition and translation work on everything from giant traffic signs to the tiny text on a laundry label. Keep a sharp eye out for other icons, like a paw print or a leaf. These indicate that the camera can label a plant species or a specific dog breed. Some of these features appear in the viewfinder before the shutter is tapped. Existing photos have image recognizers as well. In the Photos app, look for a small icon, a circle with a lowercase letter “i” and a small star. It will appear blue in the bottom menu if the recognizer identified something. For details, see support.apple.com/en-us/HT213088. Bob has been writing about technology for over three decades. He can be contacted at techtalk@bobdel.com.

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Melinda’s Garden

Must-Have Gifts for Your Favorite Gardener Melinda Myers

great for moving soil, and one with a bow head makes it easier to adjust the depth. For something different, consider an auger bit available in a variety of lengths and bit diameters. Attach this to a cordless drill, and you have the perfect tool for planting bulbs and small transplants, aerating soil, and vertically mulching planting beds. Perhaps you’re just looking for a few stocking stuffers. Safety glasses are a must but are often overlooked. Help them protect their eyes from stray branches and debris when in the garden. Tinted ones will also protect eyes from UV light, providing an added layer of safety when gardening in the bright sunlight. Make it easy for them to keep their tools sharp with the gift of a tool sharpener. Sharp tools make cleaner cuts and require less effort, allowing them to garden longer. A small sharpener with a cap allows them to keep it handy in their tool caddy or scabbard. If they have easy access, they are more likely to use it to keep their tools in the best cutting order. Drop a pair of snips in their stocking, and they are sure to thank you any time they deadhead a flower, snip off a wayward or dead stem, or harvest herbs and flowers. This is another tool gardeners appreciate duplicates of — one for the kitchen and one for the garden. Keep them gardening longer throughout the day and for years to come. Gift a kneeling pad or knee pads that protect young and old joints while kneeling in the garden to plant, weed, and more. Tools make a wonderful gift that will provide years of enjoyment and benefit. Whatever gift you select, your favorite gardener is sure to thank you each time they head to the garden. Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books and hosts The Great Courses’ How to Grow Anything instant video and DVD series and Melinda’s Garden Moment TV and radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by True Leaf Market for her expertise to write this article. melindamyers.com

Puzzles shown on page 7.

Puzzle Solutions

Every gardener, new or experienced, appreciates tools to help them better enjoy their hobby. Some may be looking for ergonomically designed tools to help them garden longer, while newbies may need some basic tools as they are getting started. A peek in their shed may help you decide which must-have tool to give them this holiday season. Every gardener needs a bypass pruner for deadheading, trimming, and pruning stems between one-quarter and 1 inch. Bypass pruners have two sharp blades like scissors, making a clean cut that closes quickly. Bypass loppers allow your gift recipient to cut larger-diameter branches and long handles for greater leverage and long reach. The extra reach makes it easier to prune all parts of small trees, shrubs, and roses. Consider gifting one with a compound cutting action that boosts cutting power with less effort. If your favorite gardener doesn’t have one, your gift of a weed knife, also known as a Hori Hori knife, will soon become a favorite tool. It is useful for cutting through sod and roots, planting small bulbs, digging weeds, and so much more. Select one like Corona’s Hori Hori Garden Knife with a ComfortGel grip (coronatoolsusa.com) to help reduce muscle fatigue. The metal runs all the way through, providing added durability and leverage. Include a sheath so they can keep this universal tool handy whenever working in the garden. Digging small holes for planting in containers and garden beds is a seasonal reality, and a hand trowel is the perfect tool for the job. Gift a new, durable trowel or upgrade the existing one. Look for one that is sturdy and lightweight and has an ergonomic grip. A long-handled pointed shovel is a versatile tool. You can plant, transplant, dig holes, and more. Look for one with a foot pad to help reduce foot fatigue and shoe damage. Avid flower gardeners may prefer a short-handled spade that makes working in tight spaces easier. Perhaps your gift recipient needs both. With an expandable leaf rake, you can adjust the width of the teeth, allowing you to reach into tight spaces or cover larger areas. An iron rake is

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