66 
Mountain View News Saturday, January 31, 2026Mountain View News Saturday, January 31, 2026 
66 
Mountain View News Saturday, January 31, 2026Mountain View News Saturday, January 31, 2026 
SENIORS TAKE TO THE SKIES, 
NAVIGATING NEW REALITIES 
OF AIRLINE TRAVEL 

As the population ages, more seniors are 
choosing to travel by air, whether to visit 
family, explore long-postponed destinations, 
or enjoy retirement adventures. Airline travel 
offers speed and accessibility, but for older 
passengers it also brings unique challenges 
and changing expectations. 
Many seniors value the convenience of flying, 
especially as long road trips become tiring. 
Nonstop routes, senior discounts, and loyalty programs make air travel attractive, while improved 
aircraft design has increased overall safety and reliability. For retirees with flexible schedules, midweek 
flights and off-season travel often provide a calmer, more affordable experience. 

Still, navigating modern airports can be daunting. Larger terminals, longer security lines, and digital-
only check-ins may pose difficulties for travelers with limited mobility or unfamiliarity with smartphone 
technology. Carry-on restrictions and crowded cabins can add physical strain, particularly for 
those with arthritis or balance issues. 

Airlines and airports have begun responding to these concerns. Wheelchair assistance, early boarding, 
clearer signage, and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening accommodations 
help ease the journey. Some carriers now offer more accessible seating options and improved customer 
support for passengers with medical needs. Travel experts also encourage seniors to request 
assistance in advance, arrive early, and choose aisle seats for easier movement. 

Health considerations are another key factor. Seniors are advised to stay hydrated, move during longer 
flights to reduce circulation risks, and consult physicians before extended or international travel. 
Travel insurance, once optional, has become a common safeguard. 

Despite the hurdles, seniors continue to fly in growing numbers. For many, the rewards outweigh 
the inconveniences. Airline travel enables independence, connection, and discovery—qualities that 
do not diminish with age. As airlines adapt and awareness grows, the skies may become even more 
welcoming for older travelers seeking to make the most of their golden years. 

HOW TO NAVIGATE INHERITING AN IRA FROM A PARENT 

Dear Savvy Senior,
What are the rules regarding inherited IRAs? 
My brother and I recently inherited our father’s 
IRA when he passed away late last year 
and would like to know what we need to do 
to handle it properly.
Oldest Sibling 

Dear Oldest,
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your father, but you’re smart to be planning ahead. Inheriting an 
IRA from a parent comes with a unique set of rules. Understanding them can help you make the 
most of the money you inherit and avoid an unpleasant surprise at tax time. Here are some basics 
you should know. 

Setting It UpMany people assume they can roll an inherited IRA into their own IRA, but that’s not allowed for 
most beneficiaries. If you inherit an IRA from a parent, sibling, or anyone other than a spouse, 
you cannot treat the account as your own. Instead, your share must be transferred into a newly 
established inherited IRA, properly titled in the deceased owner’s name—for example, John Smith, 
deceased, for the benefit of Jane Smith. 

If your father named multiple beneficiaries, the IRA can be split into separate inherited accounts. This 
allows each beneficiary to manage withdrawals independently, as if they were the sole beneficiary. 

You can open an inherited IRA at most banks or brokerage firms, although the simplest option is 
often to set it up with the firm that already holds your father’s account. 

The 10-Year Withdrawal Rule 
Under the SECURE Act, signed into law in December 2019, most non-spouse beneficiaries must 
withdraw all the money from an inherited IRA by the end of the 10th year following the original 
owner’s death. This rule applies if the owner died in 2020 or later. 

If your father had already begun taking required minimum distributions (RMDs), you generally 
must continue taking annual RMDs while also emptying the account within 10 years. If he had not 
yet started RMDs, annual withdrawals aren’t required, as long as the entire IRA is withdrawn by the 
end of the 10-year period. 

You may take withdrawals faster if you choose, but distributions from a traditional IRA are taxable 
as ordinary income in the year taken. Roth IRA withdrawals, however, are usually tax-free, provided 
the account has been open at least five years. 

If you fail to take a required RMD, or don’t withdraw enough, the penalty is 25 percent of the 
amount you should have taken. That penalty can be reduced to 10 percent if the mistake is corrected 
within two years. 

Exceptions to the RuleSeveral beneficiaries are exempt from the 10-year rule, including a surviving spouse, a minor child, 
a disabled or chronically ill beneficiary, or someone who is within 10 years of age of the original IRA 
owner. These beneficiaries may be allowed to stretch withdrawals over a longer period. 

Minimize Your Taxes 
As tempting as it may be to cash out an inherited IRA in a lump sum, or take large withdrawals 
over just a few years, proceed carefully. Doing so could trigger a hefty tax bill. Withdrawals from a 
traditional IRA are generally taxed as income at your regular tax rate. 

For many heirs, spreading distributions over the 10-year period can help manage taxes and reduce 
the risk of being pushed into a higher tax bracket. Other strategies may make sense if your income 
fluctuates or you’re nearing retirement. 

To help navigate these decisions, consider working with a financial advisor. If you don’t have one, 
you can find a fee-only, fiduciary financial planner through the National Association of Personal 
Financial Advisors at napfa.org. 

Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, 
Norman, OK 73070. 


SSttaarrtt wwiitthh aann IInnssppeeccttiioonn WWee’’llll AAnnsswweerr YYoouurr CCaallll 2244//77 
Exterior 
House 
Painting 
New Roof, 
Re Roof, 
Roof Repair 
Attic and 
Wall 
Insulation 
Pre Painted 
Seamless 
Gutters 
SENIOR HAPPENINGS 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …JANUARY BIRTHDAYS* 

Maureen Daniels, Gerald Day, Mary Tassop, Judy Webb-Martin, 
John Johnson, Mary Bickel, Marlene Enmark, Shirley Wolf, Ross 
Kellock, Ruth Wolter, Sandy Thistlewaite, Bobbi Rahmanian,
Fran Syverson, Joy Painter, Judy Zaretzka and Becky Evans. 

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

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder 

PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL IS NO 
POLITICIAN....OR IS HE? 

Growing up in Pennsylvania, one of my yearly attractions was Punxsutawney 
Phil. According to the legend, Punxsutawney Phil could predict 
the future. If he sees his shadow and returns to his hole, it means 

he has predicted six more weeks of winter-like weather. If Phil doesn't see his shadow, he has 
predicted an early spring. 

I don't know who came up with this story, but it started on February 2, 1887. It's hard to believe 
people would get advice from some animal. But then again, we often take advice from 
politicians. 

Punxsutawney Phil changes his prediction every year, just like politicians do, making it hard 
to trust either one consistently. 

The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage grew up in northern New York. She had no experience 
with Punxsutawney Phil, so I filled her in on what it was all about. When I explained 
to her that Punxsutawney Phil can predict the weather, she looked at me with one of 'those 
looks', clearly skeptical about the weather-predicting groundhog. 

She cleared her throat and said, "You don't really believe that nonsense, do you?" That put 
me into a predicament. If I say I did, she's going to think that I don't know what I'm talking 
about. So, I just replied by saying, "I'm just saying what other people are saying. I don't have 
any clear proof." 

I paused and said, "According to the statistics, Punxsutawney Phil has been right almost 60% 
of the time." 

"Well," she replied firmly, "this Punxsutawney Phil you talk about has been right more times 
than you have. Is that really true?" 

There are times in life when you should respond to someone, and times when you should not. 
I had to decide whether to respond. You can guess which one I chose this time, and you can 
guess why. 

Someone once told me, "You can tell when a politician is lying by their lips moving." I'm not 
going to comment on that, but it might have some element of truth to it. 

Thinking along these lines, I wondered how nice it would be if the politicians did what Punxsutawney 
Phil did. They could make a declaration, and then go back into their hole. I'm not 
very political, but I just can't understand how politicians can do what they do. How can they 
say one thing one year and in two years say something exactly the opposite? But they never 
go into a hole. 

When Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, he makes a prediction and goes back into his hole. 

I should learn from that. Everything that Punxsutawney Phil says is based on a shadow. I 
think that's rather interesting. He sees a shadow and then makes a declaration. I'm not quite 
sure what his shadow has to do with predicting the future, but it's interesting. 

After supper, my wife said, "Do you think Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow? How much 
are you willing to bet on it?" 

There's no way that I'm going to bet against The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Later, as 
I thought about it, it did seem like an interesting proposition. Because what if I win? That one 
win would last for the rest of my life. Imagine beating her on some bet. 

Although it was tempting, I declined for several personal reasons. 

While researching Punxsutawney Phil, I realized how much influence we give to animals and 
politicians, often trusting what they say without question. 

In giving this some thought, I realized how vital honesty is. Without it, most people would 
have little to say, and that thought makes me value sincerity more. As a high school student, 
I put a lot of trust in him. I assumed that what they said about Punxsutawney Phil was absolutely 
correct. Why would people lie about something like this? 

I realized how important lying is for some people. If it weren’t for lying, most people wouldn’t 
have anything at all to say. 

I know I have been caught up in some lies. Some of them are unintentional, but there's also a 
side of lying that helps you get out of trouble. At least I think it will. 

I have tried Punxsutawney Phil's strategy on The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Although 
he can get away with lying, I have yet to get away with lying. Lying to The Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage opens the door for some unfortunate times. She does not like lying 
and usually does something to the person who is lying… Me. 

I'll take a cue from Punxsutawney Phil and hide in a hole before I say anything, because sometimes, 
silence is the best way to avoid trouble and keep things right. 

I was reminded of what the Apostle Peter said along this line. 

“For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips 
that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it” 
(1 Peter 3:10-11). 

As a Christian, I have a serious responsibility to “refrain his tongue from evil.” I am the only 
one who can control my tongue. If it’s out of control, I will suffer tremendously, and I have 
only myself to blame. 

Not only will my tongue create evil for me, but also those people around me. I must be aware 
of the damage I can do to family and friends. 

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. 

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