The desire to help others was instilled in Jo Leary at a young age. When she was a child, Leary would go out with her mother to visit some of the older adults in her neighborhood. They’d check on these friends (some of whom were younger than her mother) to make...
Ask Joan: Celebrating the joy pets bring to our lives
Q. Now that our kids have grown up and have families of their own, my husband and I are considering getting a dog. It’s been several years since we had a family pet, but we both agreed we miss having a four-legged friend around the house. We’ve thought about...
Ask Joan: Traveling alone doesn’t have to be lonely
Q. I have so many fond memories of our family’s vacations, and since I’ve been on my own, I have taken some road trips with friends. While I’m no world traveler, I enjoy getting out and visiting new places. In fact, I’m thinking about taking a trip by myself. I...
Ask Joan: Older adults in the workforce
Q: I’m 67, and lately people have been asking when I am going to retire. I am happy working full time and see no reason to stop. I enjoy getting up each day and spending time with my coworkers and clients. Is that so unusual? Should I have to think about...
Ask Joan: Learning how AI can help in daily life
Q. I’ve been hearing a lot about artificial intelligence in the news, and it sounds a lot like something out of science fiction movies. My kids recently gave me a digital assistant (a voice-activated device connected to the internet) for my home and told me it may be...
Aging Unbound: Larry Giordano
What do you get when you take a foster kid from Everett, put him in the Air Force, and send him to Germany where he develops a passion for the martial arts? You get Larry Giordano, a person filled with discipline, respect, and a strong sense of civic duty. His...
Ask Joan: Some advice for dating later in life
Q. I was divorced two years ago after a long marriage. Lately, I have been thinking about what it might be like to be in a relationship again. My friends are encouraging me to get out there and date, but at 67, the thought of starting over makes me nervous. I’ve...
Aging Unbound: Jackie Stern
Jackie Stern's journey into advocacy took root years ago, inspired by a personal experience while living in Pennsylvania. Faced with a medical emergency requiring an ambulance, she was taken aback when the subsequent bill deemed her situation non-emergent, leaving her...
Ask Joan: AgeSpan seeks submissions for “50 Over 60”
This year marks a significant milestone for AgeSpan, as we proudly celebrate 50 years of service to older adults and helping them stay independent and live their best lives! I’m proud to have been part of this organization for more than 35 years and while much has...
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....