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Q. It feels like every day there’s a new online scam targeting my parents. Do you have any tips on how they can stay safe? A.  Scammers are becoming increasingly crafty, and older adults are particularly vulnerable, especially during the holiday season. While we may think we’re immune, no one is completely safe from falling…

Q. As the days get shorter and the cold sets in, I find myself struggling to stay motivated. I want to stay active and make the most of the time with my family during the winter months. Do you have any advice for staying engaged and upbeat? A.  The winter months can be tough for…

Q.  I know how important it is to be grateful during this time of year, but are there actual health benefits to practicing gratitude year-round? A.  Absolutely! Gratitude is much more than a holiday tradition—it’s a powerful habit that can significantly enhance both your mental and physical health. Research reveals that regularly focusing on the…

Q.  I am a caregiver for my mother. Are there any resources available that can help assess her overall well-being and quality of life? A.  It’s wonderful that you’re thinking about your mother’s overall well-being, not just her health. As we age, our quality of life is influenced by far more than physical health—it’s about…

Q. My husband, a veteran, and I recently relocated to the area to be closer to family. What resources are available locally to support veterans? A.  Our region is home to a vibrant and supportive network for the nearly 32,000 veterans in the community. Whether your husband needs help navigating benefits, finding career opportunities, or…

Q. I’ve been caregiving for my parents for several years, helping them stay in their home by cooking meals, shopping, assisting with bathing, managing their medications and medical appointments, and offering emotional support. Despite all my efforts, I can’t shake the feeling that it’s never enough. How can I manage this guilt? A. It’s normal…

Usually, I respond to your questions in this column. This time, however, I have some questions for you. Every four years, AgeSpan partners with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment. It is an important opportunity for me to hear from older adults and caregivers in the communities we serve…

Q. Before my husband passed last year, he and I spoke frequently about our health care wishes and decisions. Now that he is gone, I’m worried about who will help me with those decisions if I should become too sick to do it on my own. During a recent hospital stay, my doctor strongly encouraged…

Q. I’ve found that I’m becoming more anxious lately, and some of my friends have recommended meditation. I don’t know a lot about it but have heard it’s becoming more popular. Is this something worth exploring? A. We’ve heard from many people who are dealing with anxiety and looking for good tools to help manage…