Senior Lifestyles 2026

Olean Senior Center offers more than just activities

OLEAN — The Olean Senior Center, located at 112 N. Barry St., in the John J. Ash Community Building, is more than just a place for Olean residents over the age of 60 to play bingo, have lunch or practice Tai Chi; it’s also a gathering place that offers companionship and facilitates the forging of friendships.

Chris Crawford, a volunteer assistant to the director, is enthusiastic about the variety of activities the center offers.

“We have just a lot of activities going on, we have Tai Chi and chair yoga classes. Every day is something. ...We have bingo the first Thursday of the month, and that’s free,” she said. “We have congregate lunches here. People can get lunch to go. Also they have the Meals on Wheels program oper-

ating out of our building.”

The socialization begins early each day. From 9 to 11 a.m. each morning, seniors can gather for coffee and conversation.

Terry Shaw, director of the center, says that an average of 2,300 people per month attend programs, and he emphasizes that the benefits of the center go beyond just the programs themselves.

“A lot of these people don’t have anybody around here. Their kids moved away, and they’re alone. So they come here and they find conversation, coffee, camaraderie and exercise. It might be the only meal they really get, you know?” said Shaw.

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Olean Senior Center

“It’s a place they can gather, feel safe,” he added. “A lot of friendships and relationships started here. Couples have found each other that lost the other half. It keeps them active, and keeps their mind sharp.”

Activities for the week of Feb. 23 are:

Monday

• 9 a.m. Coffee

• 9 a.m. Tai Chi

• 11:30 a.m. Lunch

• 12:30 p.m. Game day

Tuesday

• 9 a.m. Coffee

• 10 a.m. Laser Golf $5

• 11:30 a.m. Lunch

• Noon Laser Golf $5

Wednesday

• 9 a.m. Coffee

• 10 a.m. Tai Chi with Betsy

• 11:30 a.m. Lunch

• 12:30 p.m. Line dancing (beginner) $3

• 1:30 p.m. Line dancing (advanced) $3

• 6 p.m. Jr./Sr. meeting

Thursday

• 9 a.m. Coffee and snacks

• 10 a.m. Video chair exercise

• 11:30 a.m. Lunch

Friday

• 9 a.m. Coffee

• 10 a.m. Tai Chi with Betsy

• 11:30 a.m. Lunch

• 12:30 p.m. Game day

Generations will be performing from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28.

The center is also available for rent. If you need a hall for a party, call for information at 376-5670.

The center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and programs are for people age 60 years and older and are sponsored by the City of Olean Parks and Recreation Department and the Planning Committee on Problems of the Aging.

Specialized behavioral health services for seniors

DuBOIS — Many seniors ages 60 and older have special physical and mental health needs. While some people suffer from dementia and cognitive decline, others face life changes that can lead to grief, depression, anxiety and loss of independence. Often seniors can benefit from mental health services provided by geriatric behavioral health experts.

“While certain situations such as the loss of a spouse, moving out of a home or loss of physical mobility may contribute to symptoms of depression and anxiety, some physical health issues including but not limited to stroke, Parkinson’s disease, COPD, diabetes or chronic heart disease, may also trigger mental health conditions such as depression,” explained Dr. Benjamen

Gangewere, associate medical director of Behavioral Health and Psychiatry Residency Program director at Penn Highlands Healthcare.

Watch for signs or symptoms

Family, friends and caregivers should be observant for the following signs that behavioral health intervention may be needed:

• Cognitive changes: Confusion, severe memory loss, inability to concentrate, paranoia and delusions.

• Emotional changes: Anxiety, agitation, depression, prolonged sadness and severe mood swings.

• Social changes: Withdrawal from social situations, isolation, wan-

Behavioral Health Services

dering and verbal or physical aggression.

• Physical changes: Sleeplessness or increased sleep, weight fluctuation, neglect of personal hygiene, failure to comply with medical advice.

• Safety factors: Suicidal thoughts, self-harm, severe agitation.

Available treatments

Geropsychiatrists specialize in providing compassionate behavioral health care for adults ages 60 and older who are dealing with mental health issues. Programs can focus on stabilization, medication management and/or therapy that are provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

Treatments may include:

• Geriatric psychiatric treatment: Focusing on conditions such as late-life depression and anxiety.

• Memory care service: Specialized support for issues related to Alzheimer’s and dementia.

• Inpatient care: Provides stabilization for people considered highrisk of agitation or self-harm.

• Outpatient programs and therapeutic care: May range from individualized to group therapy as well as family support.

“Treatment may include medication management, intensive psychotherapies, nursing and educational services, which aim to re-establish emotional and cognitive stability, enhance self-confidence and instill and reinforce coping capabilities,” Gangewere said. “We work with each patient to initiate a post-hospital care plan that will allow them to complete and sustain recovery.” For more information, visit phhealthcare.org/seniors.

Hobbies to get seniors out and about

The threat posed by social isolation has been known to medical researchers and health care professionals for years, but the issue gained wider attention during the pandemic. Restrictions on social gatherings during the pandemic opened millions of people’s eyes to the ill effects of social isolation, and while that threat proved temporary for the majority of people across the globe, many seniors continue to live largely isolated lives.

According to the Mayo Clinic, depression, anxiety, increased risk of suicide, and various chronic health problems are some of the outcomes associated with loneliness. That’s a troubling assessment that becomes even more disconcerting when considering a general decline in socialization as evidenced by the 2021 American Perspectives Survey. Survey participants indicated they have fewer close friendships than they once did, speak with their friends less often and rely less on friends for personal support. That’s challenging for adults of all ages, but it can be especially difficult for aging adults, who may be dealing with the loss of a spouse or other close confidantes they would otherwise rely on when confronting personal problems. Hobbies that promote socialization can help aging adults reestablish friendships and build new ones, paying dividends that can have a profound impact on their overall health. With that in mind, adults who feel as though their social circles are shrinking in mid-life or in retirement can look to these activities as means to rebuilding their social lives.

• Book club: A book club offers multiple benefits to adults. Book clubs are inherently social and tend to bring like-minded individuals together, which can help build new and lasting friendships

that extend beyond weekly discussions. A 2021 study published in the journal Neurology also linked regular reading to a lower risk of developing dementia.

• Sports: Sports provide another avenue to socialize with like-minded individuals. Golf is not a team sport, but it is typically played in groups of two or four, making it an ideal activity for adults with free time on their hands to get out and about and meet other people. Leagues for softball, bowling and pickleball also provide opportunities to socialize, and many adults are participating in such leagues for that very reason. A CivicScience study released in 2025 found that 49 percent of adults who planned to participate in adult recreational sports leagues were doing so for social interaction and the chance to make friends.

• Travel: Travel can provide another means for aging adults to make friends. Group tours to foreign countries, day trips to local attractions arranged by township recreational offices or even overseas trips with friends you’ve fallen out of touch with can be a great means to build new friendships and reinvigorate old ones, all the while getting you out of the house.

These are just some ways for men and women to get out of the house and socialize with others their age, a worthy endeavor that can be highly beneficial to adults’ overall health.

How to determine your financial needs in retirement

No one knows what the future holds. Despite the mystery shrouding the future, it’s still vital that people plan for the years ahead, particularly in regard to saving for retirement. Advice abounds regarding how much money retirees will need to live comfortably in retirement. One common approach suggests retirees should aspire to replace 70 to 80 percent of their pre-retirement income, while another strategy urges retirees to save twelve times their final pre-retirement income, meaning someone making $100,000 in the year they retire will need at least $1.2 million in retirement savings to maintain their lifestyle. Each of these approaches are just strategies, and how much a person actually needs in

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Retirement Financial Needs

retirement will depend on a host of variables unique to each individual, including the age a person retires, his or her health status at the time of retirement and personal goals for their golden years. For example, those who hope to retire at 65 and travel extensively in retirement will likely need more savings than someone who hopes to retire at 70 and travel less frequently.

Though variables unique to each person will help to determine how much to save for retirement, there are some additional ways to identify how much you might need to live comfortably after calling it a career.

• Identify your ideal retirement age. Arguably the most significant variable related to saving for retirement is the age at which a person hopes to retire. Some may have the luxury of choosing their own retirement date, while others’ personal health or employers may make that choice for them. But it’s good to remember that the longer a person continues to work, the less retirement savings that person will need. When trying to determine how much to save for retirement, first identify your ideal retirement age and then go from there, recognizing that this important variable can change over time.

• Identify the lifestyle you hope to live. If the romanticized ideal of a jetsetting retirement lifestyle

appeals to you, then you’re likely going to need to save more for retirement than someone whose vision of life after working is less glamorous. It’s possible for many retirees to live their ideal lifestyle in retirement, but those whose ideal is marked by expensive pursuits like regular international travel will need to start earlier and save more than someone who envisions occasional trips but more time at home.

• Don’t overlook health care costs. Health care costs for retirees are heavily dependent on individual health. But even the healthiest retiree might experience a sudden and potentially costly medical issue, so it’s best for everyone to plan for sizable health care expenses in retirement. The Employee Benefit Research Institute estimates that couples will need to have saved at least $188,000 to have a 90 percent chance of covering their health care expenditures in retirement. That figure is subject to variables unique to each individual, but it can serve as a useful measuring stick as adults try to determine how much they need to save for retirement.

Financial needs in retirement depend on the individual. However, some key planning strategies can help individuals determine how much they might need to save to live comfortably in retirement.

How seniors can cultivate a new hobby

Retirement is often characterized as a carefree time in life when adults who spent years in the workforce get to enjoy the fruits of their labors. But upon retiring, many retirees find themselves fighting boredom. A recent study from Indeed found that, as of March 2022, 3.2 percent of workers who retired a year earlier had already reentered the workforce. No two retirees are the same, and a host of variables, boredom among them, likely compelled recently retired professionals to go back to work.

Retirees who like the freedom of not working but are confronting a good bit of boredom can consider these tips to cultivate a new hobby that can help them pass the time in a rewarding and engaging way.

• Identify new (or old) interests. Many retirees discover new pas-

sions in retirement, while others turn back the clock and revisit favorite hobbies from their youth. A good way to begin cultivating a new hobby is to jot down a list of activities you always found interesting but never had the time to learn or became too busy to fully invest in. Some seniors hit the links for the first time in retirement, while others return to school to study subjects they find interesting but did not engage with during their college years. The options are endless, and jotting down a list of new or old interests is a great way to get the ball rolling.

• Embrace new ways to engage a passion. Virtual resources like online courses and book clubs conducted over Zoom with fellow readers across the nation and

possibly even the globe are a great way to cultivate a new hobby in retirement. Virtual resources can be especially beneficial for seniors with mobility issues.

• Consider locally based resources. Community parks departments and libraries may offer an array of free or affordable opportunities for seniors to engage with a new hobby. Parks departments may offer anything from cross country skiing tutorials to age-based hiking excursions, while libraries may offer weekly crafting sessions or wellness programs to local residents. In addition to providing fun ways to discover and cultivate a new hobby, programs offered through parks departments and local libraries are great ways to meet fellow retirees.

• Put your experience to use. Retirees with years in their field don’t have to go back to work to make use of their professional expertise. Contact local youth organizations or outreach programs sponsored by churches, libraries or local law enforcement agencies and offer to share your expertise with young people. Such opportunities allow retirees to continue to engage with their professions and help a younger generation of aspiring professionals gain valuable insight into fields they’re interested in.

There’s no shortage of ways for seniors to overcome retirement boredom and cultivate rewarding hobbies.

A home-buying guide for empty nesters

The day a child leaves home can be bittersweet for parents. Although a son or daughter being successful and mature enough to move on to new opportunities can be a source of pride, parents typically lament the quiet that comes from empty rooms and a change to the daily routine they’d grown accustomed to when the kids were around. After some time, some couples decide to downsize to a home more befitting the empty nester lifestyle.

Downsizing presents an option for homeowners whose kids have left the nest. New analysis from a survey of 2,500 empty nesters commissioned by Regency Living found that 30 percent of empty nesters choose to downsize and move from their original family homes. When retirement is just around the corner, many professionals shift focus to how they want to live and where. Moving to a new home presents plenty of opportunities for older adults, including a chance to choose

a home based on what’s right for them in this stage of life. There are questions homeowners can ask themselves as they ponder if downsizing is right for them.

1. How much upkeep can I handle? A lifelong family home may be well-loved, but chances are it requires significant upkeep and repairs. Empty nesters may choose to move on to a home that offers lifestyle benefits like less maintenance. Homes in lifestyle communities or those overseen by a homeowners’ association tend to have certain maintenance built into a monthly fee.

2. Is this layout still a fit? Many empty nesters may not immediately feel the effects of aging, but before selecting a next home, individuals should think about aging in place and any unique needs they may have. Opting for a single-level home, or at least one with the owner’s suite on the main level, can be advantageous.

3. Can I make due with less square footage? A cavernous home with many rooms often isn’t desirable for empty nesters. All of that square footage requires heating, cooling and maintenance. Rattling around inside a big, empty house may precipitate the decision to downsize. Downsizing also can free up home equity, which can be used to fund retirement needs.

4. Which features do you desire? Many empty nesters want the next home to focus on some luxury items they may have bypassed in the first home when priorities lay elsewhere. Upscale environments like gourmet kitchens, spalike bathrooms and outdoor living spaces may be in the budget when moving into a home with a smaller footprint.

5. Will my home be secure while I

travel? Empty nesters might want to choose homes in gated communities or condominium complexes for safety reasons. Should they opt to spend a portion of time at a vacation rental or second home as snowbirds, secure communities enable residents to leave their primary residence with the peace of mind that those homes will be less vulnerable to thieves.

6. 6. Does this home have enough light? The American Optometric Association says many adults start to have problems seeing clearly beginning at age 40. Homes with more light from large windows and artificial lighting can reduce accident risk.

Moving to a smaller home is a consideration for many empty nesters. Various features offer benefits to adults who want to age in place.

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How nutritional needs change with age

The human body undergoes an assortment of changes over the course of a lifetime. Some of those changes are visible to the naked eye, but many more are not. The body’s changing needs in regard to nutrition is one alteration that people cannot see.

A nutritious diet can be a building block of a long and healthy life. Nutritional needs change as the body ages, and recognition of those changes can help people rest easy that their diets are working in their favor and not to their detriment.

Calorie needs

What to eat

The American Heart Association notes aging adults’ calories should come from nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meat, and low-fat dairy. This recommendation aligns with adults’ declining calorie needs, as nutrient-dense foods contain ample amounts of protein, vitamins and/ or minerals but do not contain a lot of calories.

The body requires fewer calories as individuals reach adulthood. That’s because muscle mass begins to decrease in adulthood while fat increases. The National Institutes of Health notes that muscles use more calories than fat throughout the day, so it makes sense that a body experiencing a decline in muscle mass will require less calories than one in which muscle mass is on the rise. No two individuals are the same, and some adults exercise more than others. So it’s best for adults to consult their physician to discuss their own calorie needs and then adjust their diets based on such discussions.

Water needs

It’s vital for aging adults to make a concerted effort to drink water each day. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion notes that the sensation of thirst declines with age. Aging adults who are unaware of that unique biological reality may be risking dehydration because they are not compelled to drink water throughout the day. The Cleveland Clinic notes that dehydration can contribute to dizziness, weakness and lightheadedness, among other symptoms.

Those symptoms can be particularly menacing for older adults, who are at increased risk for potentially harmful falls even if they are not dehydrated. The body still needs water as it ages, and seniors taking certain medications may need more than usual due to medication-related fluid loss.

These are just some of the ways nutritional needs change with age. Adults are urged to pay greater attention to diet as they age and make choices that can counter age-related changes in their bodies.

The Importance of Buying and Selling Home Estates: An Auction Company Perspective

The buying and selling of home estates plays a vital role in preserving value, honoring legacies, and efficiently transitioning personal property from one generation to the next. From an auction company’s point of view, estate sales are not just transactions—they are carefully managed processes that require experience, trust, and an understanding of both market demand and sentimental value.

When a home estate needs to be liquidated—whether due to downsizing, relocation, or the passing of a loved one—many families feel overwhelmed by the volume and variety of items involved. This is where professional estate buyers and auction companies step in. Their role is to assess, organize, price, and market items in a way that maximizes return while minimizing stress for the seller.

A successful estate sale begins with

evaluation. Professionals examine everything from antiques and collectibles to everyday household items, vehicles, tools, jewelry, and firearms. What may seem ordinary to a homeowner could be highly desirable to a collector or niche buyer. Auction companies understand current market trends and know how to identify value that might otherwise be overlooked.

The next step is deciding the best method of sale. Some estates benefit from a direct purchase, while others perform better through auction—either in-person, online, or a hybrid of both. Auctions create competitive bidding environments, often driving prices higher than traditional resale methods. This approach is especially effective for unique, rare, or high-demand items.

A strong example of this model is McKean County E-Sales, an independent resale and estate-buying business

located on Main Street in Smethport, Pennsylvania. With decades of experience, the business specializes in purchasing and auctioning entire estates as well as individual high-value items. Their inventory spans antiques, collectibles, firearms, precious metals, jewelry, vehicles, and more—demonstrating how diverse a single estate can be. From an auction company’s perspective, transparency and trust are critical. Sellers need clear explanations of value, fees, and timelines. Buyers rely on accurate descriptions and ethical business practices. Licensed professionals, particularly when dealing with regulated items like firearms or precious metals, ensure compliance with state and federal laws—an often overlooked but essential part of estate liquidation.

Another major advantage of working with an established estate buyer or

auction house is reach. Modern estate sales no longer rely solely on local foot traffic. Online platforms allow items from a small town estate to reach national and international buyers, dramatically increasing exposure and potential profit. Businesses that have adapted to online marketplaces are able to list hundreds of items monthly and tap into a global customer base. Ultimately, estate buying and selling is about creating smooth transitions. For families, it means peace of mind. For buyers, it means access to unique and valuable items. And for auction companies, it is the responsibility of handling someone’s life possessions with professionalism, respect, and expertise. When done correctly, estate sales benefit everyone involved—turning what could be an overwhelming process into an organized and valuable opportunity.