Ask Joan – Weekly Q and A Column

Question: I’ve just turned 55, but I’ve always been a planner. What can I do now to prepare my house for living in once I retire? Answer: Many of us want to age in place, to remain living in our own homes for as long as possible. But what if our homes are not the best place…

Question: When I was younger, I was an avid sun worshiper because I thought I looked better with a tan. After having several skin cancers, I cut back my time in the sun. Now that I’ve reached my 70s, I find that heat waves leave me feeling wilted. They never bothered me before, so I’m…

Question: My parents are getting older, and I would love to record an oral history. However, I don’t know where to begin and don’t want to seem too intrusive. Have you got any suggestions? Answer: It’s a recent trend in books and magazines to sum up subjects or periods of history by discussing a series of carefully—or…

Question:  I have been driving for more than 50 years, but recently noticed that my parallel parking skills are not what they used to be. I also tend to avoid driving at night, especially in the rain, because the reflections in the puddles on the road distract me. Should I consider giving up my car?…

Question: I owe a sizable amount on several credit cards. This past year, I was hospitalized and had to charge my deductibles and some medications. In addition, I had to replace the transmission on my car. I can afford to pay only the minimum amount due on these credit cards. I have never been in…

The Americans with Disabilities Act has made a world of difference for millions across our country since it was signed into law in 1990. As we celebrate its 31st anniversary, we can see how it has changed our physical environment for the better. We see its effect every day in the ramps that make it…

Q: For the past several years, I was the primary caregiver for my elderly parents before they died. Now my husband has become wholly reliant on me for his care. I am exhausted and getting deeply discouraged. I keep hearing the same thing from people, that I’ve got to take better care of myself. But…

Q: I have a casual acquaintance I’ll call Sarah. Together, we go out to dinner or attend social events. When we pick Sarah up, I am never invited into her home. A mutual friend described the apartment as extremely cluttered, with piles of newspapers, magazines, and clothes covering almost every surface. My friend is convinced…

Q: We recently lost our wonderful dachshund, Gretchen, who died at the age of 12. Our children have moved away, and some of our friends just don’t understand the scope of our loss and the role this small dog played in our lives. Do you have any suggestions about how to cope? A: I didn’t have…

This weekend, communities around the country will recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, an important annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Many of us were taught in school that slavery ended with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Unfortunately, in many parts of our country, the practice continued. On June…