Ask Joan: Consuming alcohol as we age is common but may come with new risks
Q: My husband and I usually drink a few glasses of wine each week along with the occasional beer, but I’ve heard different things about risk factors around drinking and aging. We are in our early 70s – what should we know? A: Drinking alcohol is common among older adults, and nearly half of adults aged 65…
Difficult to gauge the level of need for seniors
Q: My siblings and I have begun to notice our parents are no longer able to manage living on their own. While they have some health issues, it doesn’t seem serious enough for a nursing home, but they do need help. What options are there? What do we need to know before we approach them? A: It…
Meals on Wheels a vital connection to seniors
Across the United States, 1 in 4 older adults lives alone and feels lonely. Meals on Wheels is a vital program that delivers more than a daily, hot meal. Our trained, volunteer drivers provide a meal, a friendly visit, and a daily safety check for adults aged 60 and older who aren’t able to leave…
Seeking SHINE volunteers: Your chance to help others
You know your community best. That’s why we want your help to support your neighbors as they enroll in Medicare for the first time, review plan options, or troubleshoot problems. Your local SHINE program (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone on or eligible for Medicare) has an opportunity for you to train to be…
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…
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