Ask Joan: Breaks in routine can be unsettling for some
Q. My wife was diagnosed with dementia about a year ago and an incident over the holidays has me worried. We were both looking forward to having my daughter and her family visit, but while they were here, my wife tried to get in the car and leave. She gave up driving long ago, so…
Add a new podcast to your list of new year’s resolutions
Looking to try something new in 2026? Why not check out a new podcast? Like a radio show that you can listen to whenever you want, podcasts are a great way to learn something new, find inspiration, or simply enjoy being entertained. If you’ve never listened to a podcast before, this might be the year…
The Caregiver Mentor Program: Finding Strength in Shared Experience
Over the years of caring for her adult daughter, 60-year-old Ann always had her husband Dave to lean on. When he passed away suddenly in the summer of 2024, she found herself at a loss. That’s when she learned about the AgeSpan Family Caregiver Support Program and started working with a support specialist, who later…
Ask Joan: It’s the perfect time to reassess your finances
Q. It seems like every week I get invited to another free financial seminar. I’ve never gone to one, but I have always been curious. Are they a good way for a retiree to get good financial advice? I want to keep better track of my investments in the new year. A. January is National…
Ask Joan: As the year closes, much to be grateful about
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank you for spending part of your year with me here in this column. Over the past 12 months, we have explored topics from fraud prevention to the joy of having a pet. We’ve talked about maintaining our health, protecting our finances,…
Ask Joan: Winter safety tips can ease the challenges
Q. My parents are in their 70s and still living in my childhood home. They’re very independent but I do worry about them more during the winter months, when it might be harder for me to get to them if they need help. Are there ways that we can be more prepared for an emergency?…
Pfizer Volunteers Deliver Joy through Holiday Wish Project
Holiday cheer was in the air at AgeSpan’s Lawrence headquarters, as employees from Pfizer delivered hundreds of gifts for older adults and their families. For more than a decade, the Holiday Wish List Project has been providing gifts for those who might otherwise be forgotten during the holidays. This year, 145 older adults and children…
Ask Joan: Surviving our feelings during the holidays
Q. My mom is in her 80s and has always loved the holidays. This year, she says she’s just not in the mood to celebrate. Should I be concerned about this? How should I handle it? A. The holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration, but it can also bring up feelings…
A Tablet, a Team, and Peace of Mind: E. C. Davis’ AgeSpan Journey
Now that the winter months are here, E. C. Davis knows she’ll be spending more time at home. At age 90, she is careful about venturing outside when the weather might be slippery. But she’s not worried about staying entertained because she has puzzles and games that she can play on the tablet she received…
Ask Joan: Lifelong learners deserve plenty of applause
We had a wonderful celebration of lifelong learning at our recent AgeSpan Annual Luncheon and Inspiring Lifelong Learning Awards event – honoring five remarkable older adults from the Merrimack Valley and North Shore. I always enjoy having the opportunity to gather with volunteers, partners, staff, and supporters to recognize the work we’ve done together and…
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