Ask Joan: Caregivers need to tap many ‘lists’
Q. Earlier this year, my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She has her good days and her bad days and recently agreed to join my family in our home. I treasure my time with my mother. At the same time, I find that most of the work needed to keep her safe falls on…
Ask Joan: Laughter is the Best Medicine
Q. One of the reasons I really enjoy summer is that school is out and I get to spend so much more time with my grandchildren and great grandchildren. They bring me joy and I smile a lot more when they are around. I also think I feel better physically after spending an afternoon of…
Ask Joan: Lifelong Learning
Q. I’ve been in classrooms all my life, first as a student, then as a teacher for more than 40 years. I have some health issues and made the decision to retire a few years ago. While I don’t regret retirement, I miss being around students and others who love to learn. When I was…
Ask Joan: Spiritual Wellness
Q. My sister was recently diagnosed with cancer and our whole family is pulling together to help her. We give her rides to her regular treatments, help with chores around the house, and do all her weekly grocery shopping and cooking. At her most recent medical appointment, her doctor mentioned the power of “spiritual wellness”…
Ask Joan: Genealogy
Q. I come from a large family and have relatives all over the world, including South America and Europe. I have lots of stories about our family and have been doing my best to pass them down to my children and grandchildren. Recently, my granddaughter shared some good news: I’m going to be a great-grandfather!…
Ask Joan: Technology & Innovation
Q. My 70-year-old neighbor recently sold her home because she wanted to move into a smaller apartment in town. When I went to visit her, she gave me a tour and seemed so happy in her new space. She described her place as a “smart home.” What exactly does that mean and why is it…
Ask Joan: Financial Wellness
Q. It seems like the costs of everything is increasing these days: food, clothing, transportation and so many other things. It’s difficult to keep my own household finances in place and now I’m trying to help my aging parents manage their expenses. Not only are they having a difficult time making ends meet, but I’ve…
Ask Joan: Home Care Services
Q. My brothers and I take turns calling and checking on our parents on a daily basis. Our parents are both in their 80s and have some health issues. We have started to notice that they may not be able to continue to stay in their home without some assistance. One of my brothers lives…
Ask Joan: The need for age-friendly communities
Q. I’ve lived in Massachusetts my whole life and can’t imagine living anywhere else. I feel a real “sense of community” in my town, where we work together to keep our neighborhoods safe and welcoming. As I get older, I’m noticing things that make staying in my town difficult. There isn’t convenient transportation for people…
Ask Joan: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15
Q. I live a few hours away from my great-aunt, so I don’t see her often. Lately, I have been concerned about her safety and wellbeing. The last time I saw her she had some bruises that she didn’t want to talk about. When I brought it up with the neighbor lady who looks in…
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