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Mountain View News Saturday, January 4, 2025


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SENIOR HAPPENINGS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …JANUARY BIRTHDAYS*

Maria Decker, Nancy Dorn, Prudence Levine, Pat Karamitros, Joan 
Hufnagel, Mary Alice Cervera, Carol Horejsi, Helen Reese, Levon 
Yapoujian, Toni Buckner, Lottie Bugl, Sheila Wohler, Nan Murphy, Eleanor 
Hensel, Sylvia Curl, Elizabeth Levie, Gayle Licher, Cindy Barran, Melissa 
Stute, Hanna Jungbauer, Sheila Woehler. 

 * To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 
626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required 

 
BRINGING IN THE NEW YEAR FOR SENIORS: 

 A YEAR OF JOY AND CONNECTION IN 2025

As 2025 unfolds, seniors have a wonderful opportunity to embrace the year with positivity, connection, 
and well-being. Rather than focusing on big parties or extravagant celebrations, the new year 
can be about reflection, small joys, and meaningful connections. Here are a few ways seniors can 
make the most of the year ahead.

1. Embrace New Hobbies and Interests

The start of the year is an ideal time for seniors to explore new hobbies or revisit old interests. 
Whether it's learning a new craft, taking up gardening, or trying a new form of exercise like yoga or 
swimming, engaging in activities can boost both mental and physical health. Seniors may find that 
dedicating time to a new interest not only keeps them engaged but also provides opportunities to 
meet new people and form bonds.

2. Connect with Loved Ones

One of the greatest joys of life is connection. In 2025, seniors can make a conscious effort to 
strengthen relationships with family and friends. Whether it’s regular phone calls, weekly video 
chats, or simple handwritten letters, staying in touch with loved ones provides emotional support 
and combats loneliness. These connections can also be an anchor of joy throughout the year.

3. Focus on Health and Wellness

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for seniors, and the new year provides a perfect opportunity 
to prioritize wellness. This might mean regular check-ups with doctors, taking prescribed medications 
as directed, or incorporating a daily walk into one’s routine. For many seniors, participating in 
local fitness programs or senior wellness groups can also promote both physical health and a sense 
of community.

4. Reflect and Set Personal Goals

As the year progresses, seniors can take time to reflect on their personal achievements and goals. 
Whether it’s adopting a more positive outlook, learning something new, or simply spending more 
time in nature, setting small, attainable goals helps foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

5. Create Meaningful Traditions

Rather than focusing on grand gestures, seniors can create their own traditions that bring comfort 
and joy. This might include sharing a favorite book with a grandchild, organizing a monthly coffee 
date with a friend, or reflecting on happy memories. These rituals can become a cornerstone of the 
year, giving it structure and meaning.

For seniors, 2025 is a chance to live with intention, embrace well-being, and cherish relationships. 
By focusing on small but significant moments, the year ahead can be one filled with happiness, 
growth, and connection.


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder

ACHES, PAIN AND ANOTHER YEAR OLDER

It’s hard to believe another year has already started. How many of 
these new years can a person have without going crazy?

That’s my explanation to The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage 
about why I am crazy. She believes I am crazy, but she doesn’t accept 
my reason for thinking I’m crazy.

The past year was rather challenging. I had some health issues, not too serious, but 
aggravating all the same. I’ve seen my doctor more than my wife this past year. Believe 
me, I’m not too excited in seeing my doctor. He must be related to Dracula 
because he always wants my blood.

However, when I have a physical issue, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage makes 
sure I see my doctor. I tell her that I’m okay and don’t need to see a doctor. She smiles 
at me and says, “I didn’t hear what you said, but you’re going to see the doctor.”

I’m not complaining; I do have some health issues, but I sure don’t have anything 
serious in the health department. I have some friends that are really sick and some 
that are in the hospital, and so I pray for them and thank God that I’m not that sick.

As this year begins, I’ve noticed that I am achy with pain in just about every area of 
my body. I can’t remember ever having this kind of pain before but there it is.

I used to make fun of my father when he was complaining about some of his pain. I 
just wish he were alive so that he can see I’m going through the same kind of pain as 
he went through and then he could laugh at me.

I don’t know who’s laughing at me because my hearing isn’t 100%. I have my 
suspicions.

Every once in a while, I have trouble with my right leg, and it seems to pass out or 
something. I have a hard time walking when my leg is like that. It is not really serious 
just aggravating.

I’m not to the point where I need a walking cane, let alone a wheelchair.

A relative of mine who is about one year older than me is in a wheelchair and cannot 
walk at all.

My doctor has prescribed a lot of medication for me, and The Gracious Mistress of 
the Parsonage ensures I take my medicine daily. If I didn’t know better I would think 
I was a drug addict.

Keep this a little secret between you and me, but sometimes, The Gracious Mistress 
of the Parsonage forgets to give me my medicine. Being the crazy guy that I am, I 
never remind her of that. I just snicker on the inside and count it one victory for me.

In the many years of our marriage, I have discovered that what the wife doesn’t know 
doesn’t hurt the husband.

My wife’s memory is 150%. But there are times when she forgets my medicine because 
of her busy schedule, and who am I to tell her about it?

I don’t get away with very much, but when I do get away with something I’m thrilled.

Once in a while The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage will come into my office and 
see me smiling and then say, “Okay, what did I forget to do?”

Even when she forgets something, she remembers that she forgot something. There’s 
no winning in this situation.

I was complaining about my body aching in various places, and I looked at my wife 
and said, “I think I’m going to go to a body shop and get some parts replaced. Do you 
have any recommendations?”

Without skipping a beat, she replied, “I know an antique store you could go to.”

I pretended not to hear that, but she knew I heard it. It’s interesting that there are 
a lot of things that I can’t hear, but then there are things that I can hear, and it’s 
aggravating.

One thing I have discovered is that when I walk with a cane people will hold the door 
open for me and let me go through. At first I was a little embarrassed by that. But 
then one day I was standing in line at McDonald’s I happened to have my cane along 
for some reason I’m not sure why, and because I was walking with a cane they let me 
go to the front of the line.

I’m beginning to see some good aspects to getting old. This year, my New Year’s resolution 
is to find all of these good aspects and cash in.

My father used to say, “When life gives you a lemon make some lemonade.” At the 
time, I didn’t quite understand what he was saying, but now that I have reached this 
age, I do understand what he meant. Next week I’ll set up a lemonade stand.

It doesn’t pay to complain; rather, it pays to find out how to look on the positive side 
of things.

In my devotions I read some scripture that was encouraging.

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that 
the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that 
ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4).

My focus this year must not be on my pain, but on the One who gives me strength 
everyday to life for Him.

Dr. James L. Snyder lives in Ocala, FL with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. 
Telephone 1-352-216-3025, e-mail jamessnyder51@gmail.com, website www.jamessnyderministries.
com

DOES MEDICARE 
COVER TALK THERAPY 
SERVICES?


Dear Savvy Senior:

What types of mental health services does Medicare cover? I struggle with anxiety and depression, 
and my primary care provider recommended I see a therapist or psychiatrist.

Anxious Annie

Dear Annie:

Medicare actually covers both outpatient and inpatient mental health care services and programs 
to help beneficiaries with anxiety, depression and many other mental health needs. Here what you 
should know.

Outpatient Coverage

If you’re enrolled in original Medicare, your Part B coverage will pay 80 percent (after you’ve met 
your annual $257 Part B deductible) for a variety of counseling and mental health care services 
that are provided outside a hospital, such as in a doctor or therapist’s office, hospital outpatient 
department or community health center. These services can also be received via telehealth.

You, or your Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policy, is responsible for the remaining 20 percent 
coinsurance. 

Medicare also gives you the expanded option of getting treatment through a variety of health 
professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical nurse specialists, clinical social workers, 
nurse practitioners, physician assistants, marriage and family therapists and mental health 
counselors.

To get this coverage, you’ll need to choose a participating provider that accepts Medicare assignment, 
which means they accept Medicare’s approved amount as full payment for a service.

If you choose a nonparticipating provider who accepts Medicare but does not agree to Medicare’s 
payment rate, you may have to pay more. And if you choose an opt-out provider that does not accept 
Medicare payments at all, you will be responsible for the entire cost.

To locate a mental health care professional in your area that accepts Medicare, go to Medicare.
gov/care-compare, click on “doctors & clinicians” and type in your location, followed by “clinical 
psychologist” or “psychiatry” in the Name & Keyword box. You can also get this information by 
calling Medicare at 800-633-4227.

Inpatient Coverage

If you happen to need mental health services in either a general or psychiatric hospital, original 
Medicare Part A covers this too, after you’ve met your $1,676 Part A deductible. Your doctor 
should determine which hospital setting you need. If you receive care in a psychiatric hospital, 
Medicare covers up to 190 days of inpatient care for your lifetime. And if you use your lifetime 
days but need additional care, Medicare may cover additional inpatient care at a general hospital.

Additional Coverage

In addition to the outpatient and inpatient mental health services, Medicare also covers yearly 
depression screenings that must be done in a primary care doctor’s office or clinic. Annual depression 
screenings are covered 100 percent.

And if you have a Medicare prescription drug plan, most medications used to treat mental health 
conditions are covered too.

Medicare Advantage Coverage

If you get your Medicare benefits through a private Medicare Advantage plan, they too provide the 
same coverage as original Medicare does, but may impose different rules and will likely require 
you to see an in-network provider. You’ll need to contact your plan directly for details.

For more information, call Medicare at 800-633-4227 and request a copy of publication #10184 
“Medicare & Your Mental Health Benefits,” or you can read it online at Medicare.gov.

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.

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com