Q: I am 76 years old and try to be mindful about my health. There is a history of heart disease in my family, so I walk with friends and watch what I eat, but I hear more and more about the negative effects stress has on us. I know there’s no way to avoid it, but what...
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: Dry January gaining traction
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...
Aging Unbound: Maxa Schutzbank Berid
Maxa Schutzbank Berid, 81, has explored the vastness of our world with an unwavering passion. Her travels have taken her to exotic destinations such as Tibet, Bhutan, and much of Africa. From traversing European landscapes to hiking mountains in the Annapurna Circuit,...
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: 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...
Aging Unbound: Glenn Stewart
When Glenn Stewart embarked on his post-retirement journey in 2003, he had no intention of becoming just another runner. He aspired to be the very best, not only in his personal running achievements but also in making a positive impact on his community. A...