Ask Joan: Volunteering is healthy for you, your community
Volunteers are part of the lifeblood of our organization. We couldn’t do what we do without them, and I feel fortunate our agency benefits from their generosity. We’re not the only ones who benefit from their hard work. The people we serve in our communities certainly do, and the volunteers themselves get much satisfaction from…
Ask Joan: October 7 is Ageism Awareness Day
For the past few months, we’ve been promoting ageism awareness with the slogan “Aging: So cool everyone’s doing it!”And everyone is!As the saying goes, time waits for no one, and aging happens to all of us, every day. We shouldn’t view aging as an ongoing series of losses but be aware of the possibilities and…
Ask Joan: Long-term care ombudsman advocates for residents
Q: For several years, my mother was able to remain in her own home with the help of private pay aides. It became clear this would not be an option long term due to cost and her physical deterioration, so I moved her into an assisted living facility. I have since noticed some issues –…
Honoring a son and friend at the Golf Classic
For one foursome at the 27th Annual AgeSpan Golf Classic, the tournament means more than a chance to participate in a worthy cause. It’s also a chance to honor a lost friend.Since 2015, a group of North Reading High School graduates has gathered from across the country as a tribute to their dear friend, Thomas…
Ask Joan: Fear of falling can leave seniors at home alone
Question: About a month ago, my mother fell and hurt herself. Nothing serious, just a slight bruise, but now she’s apprehensive about leaving the house because she’s afraid she’ll fall again, and it might be more serious. I’m not sure what I can do to ease her fears. Do you have any suggestions? Answer: I’m so glad…
Ask Joan: Look for blue envelopes from MassHealth for renewals
Question: I received something in the mail asking me to renew my MassHealth coverage. I know there have been a lot of health-care scams targeting older people. I just wanted to check to make sure this is legitimate before I do anything about it. Do you know if this is for real? Answer: This is…
Aging Unbound: Rhina Espaillat
It’s safe to say Rhina Espaillat, a self-proclaimed Trekkie, has lived long and prospered in the literary world. Over nine decades of writing, the Newburyport resident has published 21 books, won numerous awards, and later this fall, Boston College will dedicate a room in its library to her works. At 91, she is just as…
Ask Joan: Plenty going on at your local senior center
Q. I am almost 60 and I’ve heard a lot of good things about my local senior center. I’m a little apprehensive about going because I’ve always thought of senior centers for “older people” and I’m struggling to think of myself that way. What is there for someone like me? A. There’s a lot to…
Ask Joan: It’s time for Feast of the Three Saints
Each year, as August winds down, it means more than just a new school year. Labor Day weekend means it’s time for the Feast of the Three Saints, a beloved annual celebration here in Lawrence. This year, the Feast will hold special meaning for me. Not just because it’s the 100th anniversary of the event,…
Ask Joan: Varied diet a good starting point
Q: My husband and I have both vowed to eat healthier. We’re retired and living on a fixed income, so we are cautious about how much we spend. Do you have any suggestions for what we can do? A: Good for you! A varied diet is one of the key s to healthy aging. I know I…
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