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: Technology & Innovation
Q. My 70-year-old neighbor recently sold her home because she wanted to move into a smaller apartment in town. When I went to visit her, she gave me a tour and seemed so happy in her new space. She described her place as a “smart home.” What exactly does that mean...
Ask Joan: Financial Wellness
Q. It seems like the costs of everything is increasing these days: food, clothing, transportation and so many other things. It’s difficult to keep my own household finances in place and now I’m trying to help my aging parents manage their expenses. Not only are they...
Ask Joan: Home Care Services
Q. My brothers and I take turns calling and checking on our parents on a daily basis. Our parents are both in their 80s and have some health issues. We have started to notice that they may not be able to continue to stay in their home without some assistance. One of...
Ask Joan: The need for age-friendly communities
Q. I’ve lived in Massachusetts my whole life and can’t imagine living anywhere else. I feel a real “sense of community” in my town, where we work together to keep our neighborhoods safe and welcoming. As I get older, I’m noticing things that make staying in my...
Ask Joan: Understanding the warning signs of Alzheimer’s
Q. My father is 79 and is generally in good health. However, I’ve noticed he is sometimes forgetful and doesn’t always remember where things are around the house. Just last week, he was confused about what day it was. I don’t want to assume something more serious is...
Ask Joan: Help with arthritis pain, management is available
Q. I have been recently diagnosed with arthritis. Sometimes it’s hard for me to stand, and my husband is having a harder time helping me around the house. Are there other resources that can help people in a situation like mine? A. I am so sorry to hear you are in...
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...
Celebrating Older Adults With “50 Over 60” List
AgeSpan’s mission has always been to amplify the voices of older adults and ensure everyone has the opportunity to live their life to the fullest in the community of their choice. This year, we mark our milestone anniversary, “50 Years of Inspiring Aging: Celebrating...