Q: I’ve been looking to make some lifestyle changes this New Year, and I’m curious about Dry January. I’ve heard my friends mention it, but I don’t know a lot about it. Can one month really make a difference? What are your thoughts? A: I’ve heard of a lot of...
Ask Joan: Staying active in winter
Question: This time of year, I often become restless. I want to exercise more to work off that energy, but the winter weather makes it harder to do that outdoors. Do you have any suggestions? Answer: I know the feeling! When it's cold outside, it can be hard to get...
Ask Joan: Dispelling myths about aging
Q. I feel like I am living a pretty active and independent life, but I am uncomfortable when some family members mention my age (79) and assume I soon won’t be able to do certain activities or live alone. To me, age is just a number – is it wrong to think that way? A....
Ask Joan: Simple ways to manage holiday blues
Q. I do love the holiday season, but since my wife passed away a few years ago, I sometimes struggle and feel a bit depressed. A friend of mine called it the “holiday blues”, but it seems wrong to feel sad when everything is supposed to be joyful. Do you have any...
Ask Joan: Your gift gives others the choice to stay at home
The holidays are just around the corner. It’s the time of year when we decorate our homes, enjoy holiday traditions, and cook our family’s favorite meals. It’s also time to celebrate with family and friends. and celebrate is exactly what AgeSpan is going to do as we...
Ask Joan: Find the sweet alternatives this holiday season
Q: I've been living with diabetes for many years and find I tend to struggle during the holidays. I want to celebrate with loved ones but also stay on track with managing my disease. Do you have any tips for what I can do? A: The holidays bring lots of joy and...
Ask Joan: Sharing the Joy of Thanksgiving
Q: With so much happening in the world today, it sometimes feels hard to keep a positive outlook. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays. Do you have any advice to share about ways we can foster the joy of Thanksgiving? A: Thanksgiving is not...
Ask Joan: What you need to know about Open Enrollment
Q: I have been receiving mailings and flyers almost daily from insurance companies promoting their Medicare plans. I usually toss them in the trash without even looking over the information. I have good insurance through my husband’s retirement benefits package, so...
Ask Joan: Grandparents raising grandchildren need help
Question: My close friend was recently awarded full custody of her two young grandsons. She is a loving, devoted grandparent and shared with me that she is sometimes overwhelmed by her responsibilities. A friend suggested your agency might offer some...
Ask Joan: Seniors benefit from the power of pets
Question: When my husband died seven years ago, I got my dog, Lily, for companionship. I’m retired now and living on a fixed income. I’m worried I won’t be able to afford to keep her, and that would just be devastating to me. Is there a program out there that might be...