Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. Last winter, my beautiful wife of 54 years passed away suddenly. I miss so many things about her and am trying hard to adjust to my new life. My wife was an amazing cook, so I never wanted for a meal. Now, I’m struggling...
Ask Joan: You too can go ‘for the gold’
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. This summer, I enjoyed watching the Olympics and seeing so many athletes do remarkable things. Whether it was gymnastics, swimming, archery, or anything in between, I was inspired seeing people “go for the gold.” I know my...
Ask Joan: Caregivers need to tap many ‘lists’
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. Earlier this year, my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She has her good days and her bad days and recently agreed to join my family in our home. I treasure my time with my mother. At the same time, I find...
Ask Joan: Laughter is the Best Medicine
Q. One of the reasons I really enjoy summer is that school is out and I get to spend so much more time with my grandchildren and great grandchildren. They bring me joy and I smile a lot more when they are around. I also think I feel better physically after spending an...
Ask Joan: Lifelong Learning
Q. I’ve been in classrooms all my life, first as a student, then as a teacher for more than 40 years. I have some health issues and made the decision to retire a few years ago. While I don’t regret retirement, I miss being around students and others who love to learn....
Ask Joan: Spiritual Wellness
Q. My sister was recently diagnosed with cancer and our whole family is pulling together to help her. We give her rides to her regular treatments, help with chores around the house, and do all her weekly grocery shopping and cooking. At her most recent medical...
Ask Joan: Genealogy
Q. I come from a large family and have relatives all over the world, including South America and Europe. I have lots of stories about our family and have been doing my best to pass them down to my children and grandchildren. Recently, my granddaughter shared some...
Ask Joan: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15
Q. I live a few hours away from my great-aunt, so I don’t see her often. Lately, I have been concerned about her safety and wellbeing. The last time I saw her she had some bruises that she didn’t want to talk about. When I brought it up with the neighbor lady...
13th Annual LGBTQ+ Elders Conference goes global online
Join others from across the globe for the 13th annual virtual conference: LGBTQ+ Elders in an Ever-Changing World. AgeSpan is hosting this popular event in partnership with Good Shepherd Community Care, the LGBTQIA+ Aging Project Fenway Health, and the Salem State...
Ask Joan: Taking care of our mental health
Q. Lately, I have been feeling more and more overwhelmed and anxious, and I’m concerned something more serious might be happening. I am 79 and caring for my husband, who has been seriously ill for several months. I don’t mind caring for him, but some days are pretty...