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…
Ask Joan: When should you contact our agency? Sooner than you may think.
Our best advice is don’t wait until there is an emergency. You don’t have to be over 65, either. It may come as a surprise that not all of our services are for people over the age of 65. In fact, we have programs for younger adults, family members, and people with disabilities. Our agency’s…
Aging Unbound: Grace Gullotti
Have you ever heard the one about the two women who met at the quilting museum? If not, we’ve got you covered. This is the story of Grace Gullotti, co-founder of the Billerica Spools Quilting Club and dedicated civil servant. At 88, she continues to give back to the town as a volunteer at the…
Ask Joan: Being alone doesn’t have to be a struggle
Q: My wife of 43 years passed away some time ago, but I am still struggling with being alone. We had done so much together for so long, and I often don’t know what to do. I’m concerned I am becoming removed from my regular life. Do you have any suggestions for someone in my situation?…
Aging Unbound: Leslie Dube
Leslie Dube got a later start in the world of volunteering, but maybe that’s because she was waiting for her perfect calling. It just so happens that calling came shortly after she moved into North Village, part of the Chelmsford Housing Authority, about 11 years ago. “I inherited it,” said Dube, 77. “It’s really great,…
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