Hoarding is about the person, not the ‘stuff’
Hoarding is not about the stuff someone has in their home. Hoarding behavior is a complex issue and more common than the public might think. The “stuff” is a result of underlying issues. A high percentage of people with hoarding behavior have underlying mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Friends, neighbors,…
What to know about long-term care insurance
Q. I am still working full time, but I am starting to plan for life after retirement. I have heard about long-term care insurance, but I’m not sure if it’s right for me. Do you have any information about it? A. Long-term care insurance covers nursing-home care, home health care, and personal or adult day…
February and heart health
February is National Heart Health Month and recent news stories have also turned a spotlight on cardiac arrest and the importance of CPR to save lives. One-third of people who died in 2020 in the U.S. were killed by heart disease. High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels in the blood, and smoking all elevate your…
Healthy aging: Embracing life after menopause
When it comes to healthy aging, menopause doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. We’ve all heard jokes about hot flashes and night sweats, but life after menopause (defined as 12 months without a menstrual cycle) is often the start of a different journey. In fact, the average woman could potentially live up to 40…
Caring for caregivers… resources from AgeSpan
Caregiving is a journey that is simultaneously overwhelming and rewarding. It can dominate or even consume your schedule, becoming your entire world. Yet only 46 percent of caregivers asked for help, according to a recent AARP survey. Many felt obliged to give it their all because they viewed it as their calling or assignment, believing…
Looking for senior LGBTQ+ social groups
Question: I am a gay man in my mid-70s who is looking to meet new friends. Many of my peers have retired and moved south, and I don’t want to drive to Boston to attend events or spend more time online. Do you have any suggestions? Answer: The good news is many local senior centers sponsor…
How to cope with anxiety
Question: I have been experiencing what my wife believes to be anxiety when commuting in heavy traffic to Boston. This problem seemed to come up suddenly. Do you have any suggestions about handling this kind of stress? Answer: Many of us struggle with occasional feelings of anxiety. But people with anxiety disorders experience frequent, excessive anxiety, including…
How to keep healthy in winter months
Question: Besides dressing warmly, being careful on icy surfaces, and eating well, what advice do you have for getting through the winter? Answer: Here are some handy suggestions from the Cleveland Clinic for avoiding winter health issues: Let there be light! The darkness that comes with shorter days can make some of us feel less…
The benefit of volunteering for volunteers
Question: I am recently retired, in excellent health and full of energy. When I mentioned the possibility of doing some volunteering, one friend was surprised, saying, “You’ve given so much to your family and career. You should do something for you!” What’s your reaction? Answer: That’s a great option. Volunteering does a lot for the volunteer. In…
Be mindful of Medicare scams
Scammers don’t take a break during the holidays. They are as common as the seasonal music we hear in our favorite department stores, according to the Senior Medical Patrol (SMP), which helps Medicare beneficiaries, and their families avoid fraud, waste, and abuse. Three widespread scams now flourishing are connected to COVID-19 testing, pharmaceutical programs, and…
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