Tue, Jun 14, 2016 at 05:00 AM

Program for seniors gives freedom to travel without trouble

Frances Foust loves to travel, but she isn’t so crazy about working out all the details required to go on a trip.

Her husband Tommy also likes to visit new places but he doesn’t want to do a lot of driving.  Enter GoldCare55+, a program for seniors that takes all the work out of traveling.

“Everything is well planned,” says Foust, of Blountsville. “My husband loves not having to drive.”

Marshall Medical’s program for seniors was created with people like the Fousts in mind. A variety of trips are offered each year – from day outings to international travel, from sights in Alabama to jaunts that remain a mystery until you arrive. Anyone aged 55 or over is eligible to sign up for a trip either alone or with a spouse, friend or relative.

“It’s really nice to be with other people close to your age,” says Foust, who is 66.

When the GoldCare55+ program was created in early 1993, its goal was to save seniors time and money while promoting a healthy lifestyle and better quality of life. Now it has grown to more than 3,500 members and is best known for its fun trips and get-togethers.

"Sometimes just having something to look forward to can make a huge difference in our emotional well-being which, in turn, affects our physical health," says Shirley Holland, director of the GoldCare55+ program.  “We try to assist by planning fun events and informative luncheons, a chance to meet new friends and gain the information needed to make informed decisions concerning health. Safe travel options and our summer and Christmas parties give our GoldCare55+ members something to look forward to all year.” 

There is still time to sign up for several of this year’s excursions:

Grandparent trip to Ruby Falls – Thursday, July 21.

Grandparents and their grandchildren ages 3-12 welcomed.

Adult: $105 per person

Child: $95 per child age 3-12

FULL PAYMENT DUE AT REGISTRATION

 

Football Fantasy Tour – Thursday, August 11.  

First stop at The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in Birmingham to see more than 5,000 square feet of sports artifacts. Lunch at The Cypress Inn on Lake Tuscaloosa then a tour of Paul W. Bryant Museum. A local tour guide will share highlights and

history.  Visit Bryant-Denny Stadium to see larger-than-life bronze statues of former and present coaches, and historic plaques honoring players from the beginning. Cost: $99 per person

 

Historic Savannah-Jekyll Island - September 19-23.

Spend five days exploring the art, culture, festivals, history,

beauty and charm of this beloved city founded in 1733.

Four nights stay in the historic district at The Hilton Garden Inn-Savannah.

Dinner cruise, guided tour, dinner at Paula Dean’s Lady & Sons Restaurant, dolphin cruise, trolley tour of Jekyll Island and Savannah Theatre.

Double: $969 per person

Triple: $939 per person

Single: $1369 per person

$100 deposit due at registration with balance due by July 1, 2016

 

 

To sign up for a trip or to get membership information, call Shirley Holland at (256)571-8025 or email shirley.holland@mmcenters.com.