At 82, Clara Montone sees tough times ahead.
The Carbondale resident faces rising medical costs, transportation to appointments, post-retirement expenses, decreased mobility and missing companionship. Some retirees, like Mrs. Montone, spend time at area senior centers, but not all have that option.
An aluminum pan of food, a half pint of 2 percent milk and slice of white bread are the only items connecting some homebound seniors to the outside world.
The provisions delivered through the Meals on Wheels program offer some elderly folks in Lackawanna County their only interaction of the day, according to Jean Barnes, 75, Scranton, who is a volunteer driver.
"I think loneliness is a very big issue," she said.
She has made deliveries in Dunmore and Scranton for about two years, bonding with the seniors on her route.
She worries when seniors tell her they don't have rides to appointments and can't fill other needs.
"She didn't know who to call," she said of one woman, adding that she tries to help the seniors beyond her Monday drop-off when she can. "I think everybody who volunteers for Meals on Wheels does the same thing."
In addition to her volunteering gig, she has seen friends deteriorate living alone. When her best friend started to develop Alzheimer's, the signs weren't realized immediately.
"I think there are people who live alone and that happens and no one picks up on the signs," she said.
For others, like Mrs. Montone, senior centers offer comfort, a meal and a variety of useful services. The former chef says the Carbondale Senior Center helps to keep her mind sharp. Donning a bright, purple hair bow and electric blue nail polish, she said there are troubles, but she tries to look on the bright side.
"We have to grow old gracefully," she said.
There are bumps in the road though, particularly when adjusting to life after retirement.
"I found out a couple of times I didn't have enough to pay a bill," she said. She has since developed a careful budget.
There is an added difficulty for widowers, added 69-year-old Marge Riley, Carbondale, whose husband passed away five years ago.
"Living without your spouse - it's tough," she said. "You're making your own decisions."
More and more seniors now stay at work beyond retirement age or return to work for the additional income. Some continue working for fear of slowing down.
"You have all of your lifetime to decide when to retire," Michael Figliomeni, 77, Childs, said. "Half of the people I know retire and don't know what to do."
Trudie Steiger, 90, said it would be nice to return to work again. She worked as a stenographer at Ellis Island before moving to Pennsylvania. She can type, but she's unfamiliar with computers, a skill she'd like to learn.
Her eyes creased with laughter as she added, "Actually, I wouldn't like to go back to work."
"With the money I have, I find I get along fine," she said. "That's mainly because of family up here."
She lives in Jermyn with her daughter, who is able to take her to appointments and take care of other needs. When seniors don't have family or friends to support them though, they are more vulnerable.
Betty Fedak, 83, Carbondale, worked in housekeeping for 15 years at the Marian Community Hospital in Carbondale before retiring. She still drives, but she worries about peers who encounter health problems who don't.
"I hope they bring a hospital back to Carbondale," she said. "I don't like that it's so far away."
"I'd rather see a hospital than a hotel," she added.
Joe Curcerello, 68, Carbondale, agrees the 16-mile drive to Scranton worries him. He also questions health-care options and state budget cuts.
"They cut back on us," he said, adjusting his hat. "That's who needs it the most."
Mr. Figliomeni agreed.
"Seniors, what do we last, a few years?" he said. "Who do they cut first? Us."
The men referred to the state budget, as well as limiting the Carbondale Senior Center to two days a week. It used to be open five days, which they all missed.
"I live with my daughter, so I like to be with people around my own age," Mrs. Steiger said.
For seniors who don't drive, the center can be a life line for companionship and a hot meal.
"When you don't drive, half of your life is shot," Mr. Figliomeni said, pointing to his thick eyeglass frames. "I was never used to depending on anybody."
"We need to have five days a week," Ms. Fedak said emphatically. "(Seniors) can hardly wait to get out."
"A lot of the people have no place to go. We don't have the mobility we would like," Mrs. Montone chimed in, nodding at a cane she uses.
Despite their concerns and the hurdles that lie ahead, the group agreed that facing down the golden years was easier with a good attitude. After listing his concerns, Mr. Figliomeni spent the last ten minutes before the center served lunch sinking billiards balls.
"Enjoy every day," Mr. Figliomeni said. "If you can make a person smile, that's the best."
Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter