Breath easier by taking safety precautions around home oxygen, cigarettes
Question: My brother, 72, is in the early stages of emphysema. He has been trying to quit smoking for some time and is making substantial progress, gradually cutting down on the amount he smokes. He just returned from a brief stay in the hospital, and his discharge plan calls for him to use oxygen as needed….
It’s time to get walking
Question: I’m a retiree recovering from knee surgery, and the warmer weather is giving me spring fever. I’d like to start walking outdoors but feel a little uneasy about it. Do you have any advice? Answer: Of course, the bright sun, flowers blooming, and trees budding inspire us all to take advantage of this very welcome season…
Join us to celebrate Older Americans Month
Older adults play vital, positive roles in our communities. They are our family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more. They are veterans who served our country in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East. They offer a wealth of wisdom gained from decades of experience. Every person…
How to reframe aging
Aging—everyone is doing it. 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 opportunities it presents. However, many people see aging in a negative light. They make assumptions about what older adults can…
What help is available for lonely LGBTQ seniors?
Question: I am concerned about my cousin. He is a 70-year-old gay man who lives alone in an apartment building. While his neighbors are quite friendly, he doesn’t feel any strong connection with them. I call him often and have noticed he sounds very depressed. Are there any resources that could help him? Answer: Even before the…
Resources for grandparents raising grandchildren
Question: A neighbor of mine was recently awarded full custody of her two young grandsons. She is a loving, devoted grandparent, but sometimes she seems overwhelmed by her responsibilities. A friend suggested your agency might offer some assistance. Is this something you do? Answer: An estimated 3 million grandparents are raising more than 7 million grandchildren in…
A thank you for National Volunteers Month
April is National Volunteers Month, and we want to thank all the generous people who give their time, compassion, and creativity to AgeSpan. This past year, more than 250 volunteers have donated thousands of hours of assistance to our agency and those we serve. They volunteered for SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone…
What are housing options after retirement?
Question: I am 66 and newly retired. I planned on staying in my apartment but am struggling to afford it because I live on just Social Security and a small amount of savings. I’m pretty independent and would like to be around other people my age. What housing options are there? Answer: Many people look…
What to do when a friend may not be eating enough
Question: I have a friend, 82, who has been eating less and less because he reports that as he gets older, he has “no appetite.” He seems to be surviving on just cereal and dry toast. Could he be becoming malnourished? Answer: First and foremost, your friend should discuss this with his physician to determine the best…
How to age gracefully solo
Question: I am a widower, aged 75, living alone in a condo. My wife and I had no children, and we have no relatives in the area. Many of my friends have family nearby, but others, like me, are alone. How common is my situation? Sometimes, it can feel a bit frightening. Answer: More and more people…
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