Mountain View News Saturday, July 4, 2026 88 THE GOOD LIFETHE GOOD LIFE Mountain View News Saturday, July 4, 2026 88 THE GOOD LIFETHE GOOD LIFE 
CELEBRATING 
INDEPENDENCE 
DAY SAFELY AND 
MEANINGFULLY 

As we celebrate the Fourth of 
July and our nation's 250th 
anniversary, it's a wonderful 
time to reflect on the freedoms 
we enjoy and the generations of 
Americans who helped build 
the country we call home. For 
many seniors, Independence 
Day brings back cherished 
memories of family barbecues, 
neighborhood parades, fireworks, and time spent with loved ones. 

While the holiday is a time for celebration, it's also important to keep safety in mind. Southern 
California's summer heat can quickly lead to dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of water 
and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. If you're attending an outdoor event, wear a hat, 
apply sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade whenever possible. 

Fireworks are beautiful to watch but can pose serious risks. The safest way to enjoy them is by 
attending a professional community fireworks display rather than using fireworks at home. 
If loud noises or large crowds become overwhelming, consider watching a televised event or 
gathering with family in a quieter setting. 

The Fourth of July is also a perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends, neighbors, and 
family members. A simple phone call, shared meal, or visit can brighten someone's day, 
especially for seniors who may be spending the holiday alone. Small moments of connection 
often become our most treasured memories. 

Finally, take a moment to celebrate your own independence. Whether you're living at home, 
with family, or in an assisted living community, maintaining your health, making informed 
decisions, and planning for the future are all part of preserving your independence. 

From all of us at Safe Path for Seniors, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful, safe, 
and meaningful Independence Day. May your holiday be filled with gratitude, wonderful 
memories, and the company of those who matter most. Happy Fourth of July! 


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder 

GETTING OLD IS NOT AS BAD AS I THOUGHT 

I was celebrating and eating an only travel I can afford these days is to my doctor's 
Apple Fritter. I'm not sure what offices. I did not know how many doctors I was 
I was celebrating at the time, but supporting. 
it doesn't matter as long as I'm 

I've seen so many doctors in the last several years that

celebrating with an Apple Fritter. 

I probably qualify for some doctoral degree.

Life has its way of opening up 

doors of celebration. 

When I see how some older people struggle to walk

While I was in this celebratory mood, I happened to 

or talk, I feel thankful for my health and grateful for 

remember that I turn 75 years old this month. 

the family that supports me every day. 
Just the thought of that surprised me and made me 

I remember a month or so ago, I was sitting in the 

pause while eating my Apple Fritter. I did not think 

doctor's waiting room when I noticed people walking

I was that old, but reflecting on my journey filled me 

past me. At the time, most of them were older people,

with gratitude and appreciation for how far I've come. 

and some were walking very slowly with canes. I 
noticed that most people, if they weren't older than

But 75? That has to be old. I never thought I would 

me, at least looked and acted older than me.

get old. 

I let out a sigh of relief and said to myself how lucky I

As a teenager, I often made fun of my grandparents 

was not to be "that old."

because they were so old. Both my grandfathers 
experienced significant hair loss, while my 

As I finished my Apple Fritter, I continued thinking

grandmother's hair was turning gray. I can’t tell you 

about my age and the benefits I have of being as old

how many times I laughed at them, of course, it was 

as I am. 

always behind their back. I always wanted to keep in 
good standing with my grandparents. First, I'm retired, and I don't have to go to work every 
day. For about 50 years, I pastored churches, which

As a young person, I always thought getting old was a 

meant I was at church every day of the week. Now I'm 

terrible experience, and I was going to do everything 

retired, and I don't have to go to any office. My office

in my power to avoid it. 

is at home. 
As I watched my grandparents and saw all the 

Also, I have Social Security and a retirement fund, so

difficulties they experienced with old age, I promised 

I don't have to worry too much about a weekly salary. 

myself I wasn't going to walk down that same 

I'm not rich, but I have enough to live on for the rest 

pathway. I was going to enjoy life to the very end. Of 

of my life as long as I live frugally. 

course, I had no idea what the end was. 
But there is another benefit to getting old that I

I must say that I have enjoyed my life every step of 

hadn't thought about. That benefit boils down to 

the way. My birthday was just something I celebrated 

grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. I have 

once a year and had nothing to do with my getting 

nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren at 

older. Occasionally, I forget what birthday I was 

my disposal. I mean, what can be better than that? 

celebrating. 
All I have to do is tell them Grandma has fresh

Often, when scammers call and want to help with my 

cookies, and they come right over. 

medical insurance, they ask me how old I am. Usually, 
I answer, "I'm not quite sure how old I am because my 

I haven't celebrated my 75th birthday yet, but in a 

age changes every year and I just can't keep up." 

few weeks, I will, and I'm going to celebrate as I've 
never celebrated any birthday in my life. I just hope I

Then I hear the magical "click," and they are gone. 

remember it. I am happy to be as old as I am, and I'm

Hallelujah! 

not sure how much older I'll get, but I'm always going 
However, as I look ahead to my 75th birthday, I must to walk down that happy path. 
admit that getting old hasn't been nearly as bad as I 

As I was thinking about my upcoming birthday, I

had thought. When I was in my 20s, I assumed that 

remembered a very interesting verse in the Bible. 

when I got to my 70s, I would be in some nursing 
home and not even know where I am or who I am. 

“The glory of young men is their strength: and the 
beauty of old men is the grey head” (Proverbs 20:29).

As I continued munching on my Apple Fritter, I just 
thought about my life, and here I am, soon to be 75, 

The older I get, the more wisdom I will have. There 

and I have everything I want. 

is no time in life where wisdom is more appropriate 
Yes, there are times when I can't walk as strongly as I than old age. I’m going to examine my grey hair and 
used to. Sometimes my hip gives away a little bit. The see how much wisdom I have. 


SENIOR HAPPENINGS 


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …JULY Birthdays* 

Nina Bartolai, Mary Lou Caldwell, Louise Neiby, Betty Hansen, Melinda Rogers ,
Christine Durfort, Shahrzad Azrani, Jeanne Borgedahl, Janet Cox, DorothyMontgomery, Bess Pancoska, Janet Swanson, Barbara Watson, Pat Alcorn, Karma 
Bell, Alice Clark, and Betty Dos Remedios, Bonnie Diener, Jan Greteman, Linda 
Heller * To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 

626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required 


HOW TO 
SAVE ON 
PRESCRIPTION 
EYEGLASSES 

PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES CAN BE EXPENSIVE, ESPECIALLY 
FOR SENIORS ON MEDICARE. HERE ARE SMART WAYS TO 
SAVE ON FRAMES, LENSES, AND EYE EXAMS. 

Dear Savvy Senior, 

What tips can you recommend for finding affordable prescription eyeglasses? I currently have vision 
coverage through my employer’s insurance plan but will lose it when I retire in a few months and sign 
up for Medicare. –Nearsighted Nancy 

Dear Nancy,
You’re wise to plan ahead. Eyeglasses can be expensive. A basic pair often runs $150 to $300, and 
bifocals or progressive lenses can easily double or triple that. The good news is that with a few 
strategies, you can keep costs manageable once you retire and transition to Medicare. 

Medicare & insurance 
Original Medicare and Medigap plans generally do not cover routine eye exams or eyeglasses, except 
after cataract surgery, when Part B helps pay for corrective lenses. But many Medicare Advantage 
plans, also called Part C, do include vision benefits. These plans, offered by private insurers, 
must cover everything original Medicare does and often include extras like dental, hearing and 
prescription drug coverage. 

That said, I would not choose a Medicare Advantage plan just for vision coverage alone, but it is 
worth understanding what is available. To compare plans in your area, visit medicare.gov/plancompare 
or call 800-633-4227. Be sure to check the details to confirm coverage for routine eye 
exams, frames and lenses. 

You can also buy a stand-alone vision insurance plan. Major carriers like Humana, Blue Cross Blue 
Shield, Aetna and UnitedHealthcare, along with specialty providers like VSP and EyeMed, offer 
plans with premiums typically ranging from about $10 to $30 per month. Before enrolling, compare 
the costs and benefits to make sure the savings on exams and glasses outweigh the premiums and 
copays. 

Discount stores 
Buying glasses from discount retailers can save you a substantial amount. Warehouse clubs like 
Costco Optical and Sam’s Club Optical offer eye exams typically ranging from $80 to $130 depending 
on location, with basic prescription glasses starting around $120. You will need a membership, but 
the savings can often justify the cost. 

Other good options include Walmart Vision Center, Target Optical and independent optical shops.
Prices vary, so it pays to shop around and ask about package deals or seasonal promotions. An 
AARP membership can also provide discounts at retailers like LensCrafters, Target Optical and 
Visionworks. 

Buy onlineOrdering glasses online is another excellent way to save, often cutting costs significantly compared 
to traditional retailers. Reputable sites like Warby Parker, EyeBuyDirect and GlassesUSA offer single 
vision glasses starting around $70, with progressive lenses typically ranging from $120 to $200 
depending on features. 

You will need a current prescription and your pupillary distance, which may be included on your 
prescription or can be measured by your provider or even at home. Many online retailers offer 
virtual try on tools so you can see how frames will look before you buy. 

Also pay attention to lens options such as anti-reflective coating, scratch resistant coating and blue 
light filtering. For most people, a basic pair with durable coatings is usually sufficient. 

Low-income assistance 
If your income is limited, local clinics may offer free or reduced cost eye exams and eyeglasses. Your 
local Lions Club is another excellent resource. Many chapters sponsor vision programs or can direct 
you to nearby services. You can find your local club at lionsclubs.org/en/start-our-approach/clublocator. 


The nonprofit New Eyes also provides eyeglasses through a voucher program for people in financial 
need, working with participating providers to supply frames and lenses at little or no cost. 

With a little planning, you can keep your vision sharp without overspending. Between Medicare 
options, discount retailers, online shopping and community programs, there are plenty of ways to 
find quality eyeglasses at a price you can afford. 


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