Geisinger 65 Forward keeps him strong at 72
Here’s how this father of two and grandfather of three benefits from all 65 Forward has to offer.
Amilcar Arroyo, 72, is always on the go. Putting in 12-hour days as a magazine publisher and community leader, he counts on the Geisinger 65 Forward program to help keep him going.
“My daily life is very active,” says Mr. Arroyo, publisher of El Mensajero, a local Spanish magazine. “But I’m old, so I get sick.”
The way he sees it, if he doesn’t have good health, he won’t be able to do what he loves to do: serve his neighbors and be with his family. That’s where Geisinger 65 Forward comes in.
Making connections at 65 Forward
Mr. Arroyo is a member of West Hazleton’s Geisinger 65 Forward, which opened in 2020.
“The doctor and staff at 65 Forward help keep me active in my daily life,” Mr. Arroyo says. “They give me an appointment the same day. The facility is very nice, quiet and clean. People are very friendly,” he says. “The best part is, I can spend as much time as I need with my doctor.”
A father of two daughters and abuelo to three grandchildren, Mr. Arroyo was born and raised in Peru. He came to Hazleton with $10 in his pocket 32 years ago for a job packing tomatoes. As the area’s Latino community grew, he became involved in immigration and housing issues and started publishing the magazine in 2003.
What is Geisinger 65 Forward?
Geisinger Gold (Medicare Advantage) members like Mr. Arroyo can take advantage of 65 Forward’s comprehensive healthcare options, including:
- Lab services
- X-ray
- Community support services
- Nutrition counseling
- Pharmacy services
- Social and fitness activities
“People enjoy that everything is in the same building,” says Yamilet Olvera, certified medical assistant at the West Hazleton facility. “They can come in for arts and crafts or work out in the gym and use the treadmill. Some just want to come down and hang out. A lot of patients are lonely and come here to chit chat.”
She adds, “It’s a different environment than what patients are used to.” And to people who go to 65 Forward, that difference is welcome. They appreciate that staff members get to know them.
Mr. Arroyo says he recommends 65 Forward to his friends. “The services are great,” he says. “I love Geisinger. They’re a big part of the community.”
Next steps:
Read and watch more stories
Learn about Geisinger 65 Forward
Learn about Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage
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