Shoveling Sand Against the Ocean: Marian LeBlanc’s Struggle with Homelessness
When 71-year-old Marian LeBlanc stood at the podium at the Massachusetts Statehouse and told her story, she hoped it would reach people who could bring about change – for herself and the growing number of others like her. The former teacher and grandmother joined other AgeSpan clients at this year’s Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless…
Ask Joan: When the Doctor Suggests Strength Training
Q. At my most recent checkup, my doctor suggested I start doing strength training. I am in my late 60s and consider myself pretty active. I go for walks, either by myself or with friends, several times a week. Do I really need to start lifting weights at my age? A. First, congratulations on staying…
Bradley Cooper’s Caregiving: A Beautiful, Heartbreaking Look at America’s Invisible Workforce
The story of caregiving in America is everyone’s story. That’s how one expert sums up Caregiving, the powerful new documentary that premiered on PBS in June. Produced by actor Bradley Cooper following his own experience caring for his father as he battled lung cancer, the documentary shines a spotlight on work that is universal and…
Ask Joan: Tips for Staying Cool this Summer
Q. My 80-year-old mom lives by herself in an older home that doesn’t have central air conditioning. She does have window units in her bedroom and family room, but she rarely uses them because she is worried about the cost of her electric bill. This summer has been so hot, I have been worried about…
Anchored in Purpose: Building Community at Heritage House
At the age of 96, Paul Tremblay has finally fulfilled a lifelong dream – showing his collection of handcrafted model boats as an exhibited artist in a museum. A resident of the Heritage House senior living community in Newburyport, Tremblay has been designing and building intricate model boats since he was 17. His exhibit, entitled…
AgeSpan Welcomes Jim Santiago as New Chief Information Officer
Information technology should not be a barrier, but a set of tools and systems that make it easier for AgeSpan staff to do their important work supporting the mission. That’s the philosophy that Jim Santiago is bringing to his role as the new Chief Information Officer at AgeSpan. “Everything should revolve around our mission,” Santiago…
Ask Joan: Including Elderly Relatives on Family Vacations
Q. Now that summer is finally here, I am planning a vacation with my husband and two teenaged children. We decided to ask my in-laws to join us. They are in their late 70s and we have never traveled with them, but they are both very active. What should we think through to make sure…
Ask Joan: Having those Difficult Conversations
Q. My aunt and uncle live out of state, so I don’t see them very often. On a recent visit, I noticed that my aunt was having trouble remembering specific words. She also asked me the same questions a few times. My uncle and cousins have also noticed these things, but don’t know how to…
Ask Joan: Real ID Deadline Creates Opportunities for Scammers
Q. My husband and I got our REAL IDs years ago when it was first announced that we will need them to fly on a plane. But recently, I received an email saying that my REAL ID was canceled and that I needed to go online and fix the error. I told my husband about…
Ask Joan: Some Medications can Impact Sun Sensitivity
Q. Now that the weather is getting warmer, I am spending more time out in my garden. My daughter keeps telling me I should be careful about being in the sun, but I have spent every spring and summer in my garden for years. Do I really need to start worrying about the sun now? …
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