Joan Hatem-Roy, CEO 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...
Seeking SHINE volunteers: Your chance to help others
Joan Hatem-Roy, CEO 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...
Hoarding is about the person, not the ‘stuff’
Joan Hatem-Roy, CEO 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...
What to know about long-term care insurance
Joan Hatem-Roy, CEO 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...
February and heart health
Joan Hatem-Roy, CEO 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...
Caring for caregivers… resources from AgeSpan
Joan Hatem-Roy, CEO 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...
Looking for senior LGBTQ+ social groups
Joan Hatem-Roy, CEO 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...
How to cope with anxiety
Joan Hatem-Roy, CEO Question: I have been experiencing what my wife believes to be anxiety when commuting in heavy traffic to Boston. This problem seemed to come up suddenly. Do you have any suggestions about handling this kind of stress? Answer: Many of us...
How to keep healthy in winter months
Joan Hatem-Roy, CEO Question: Besides dressing warmly, being careful on icy surfaces, and eating well, what advice do you have for getting through the winter? Answer: Here are some handy suggestions from the Cleveland Clinic for avoiding winter health issues: Let...
The benefit of volunteering for volunteers
Joan Hatem-Roy, CEO Question: I am recently retired, in excellent health and full of energy. When I mentioned the possibility of doing some volunteering, one friend was surprised, saying, “You’ve given so much to your family and career. You should do something...