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...
Aging Unbound: Linda Vieira
A broken elevator and nine flights of stairs in the summer would be a deterrent to some people. Not to Linda Vieira, who week after week made sure her Meals on Wheels recipients still received their daily lunch, a wellness check, and a smile. “Some of them told me to...
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: Getting a good night’s sleep
Q. My wife and I have many things in common, but getting a good night’s sleep is not one of them. She never seems to have any issues falling asleep and then staying asleep. However, I find it harder and harder to go to sleep or stay asleep all night. I have heard...
Ask Joan: Intergenerational activities benefit us all
Q: A friend and I recently attended an arts program at a local senior center that brought together older adults and high school students. It was such a great experience, and it made me realize how lucky I am to regularly spend time with my own grandchildren. Some...
Ask Joan: Thousands of older adults served by Meals on Wheels
Dinner each evening is often a time to gather with family, catch up on our day and enjoy a delicious meal. For others, mealtime can be stressful and lonely, especially for those of us who don’t have enough to eat. In fact, many people find themselves choosing between...
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: Communicating with your health care providers
Q. I’ve been diagnosed with some complicated health conditions and have many appointments with both my primary care doctor and other specialists. Lately, I’ve been very frustrated because it takes so long to make an appointment and then I have to wait months to be...