Q: My husband and I have both vowed to eat healthier. We’re retired and living on a fixed income, so we are cautious about how much we spend. Do you have any suggestions for what we can do? A: Good for you! A varied diet is one of the key s to healthy aging. I know I...
Ask Joan: When should you contact our agency? Sooner than you may think.
Our best advice is don’t wait until there is an emergency. You don’t have to be over 65, either. It may come as a surprise that not all of our services are for people over the age of 65. In fact, we have programs for younger adults, family members, and people with...
Aging Unbound: Grace Gullotti
Have you ever heard the one about the two women who met at the quilting museum? If not, we’ve got you covered. This is the story of Grace Gullotti, co-founder of the Billerica Spools Quilting Club and dedicated civil servant. At 88, she continues to give...
Ask Joan: Being alone doesn’t have to be a struggle
Q: My wife of 43 years passed away some time ago, but I am still struggling with being alone. We had done so much together for so long, and I often don’t know what to do. I’m concerned I am becoming removed from my regular life. Do you have any suggestions for...
Aging Unbound: Leslie Dube
Leslie Dube got a later start in the world of volunteering, but maybe that’s because she was waiting for her perfect calling. It just so happens that calling came shortly after she moved into North Village, part of the Chelmsford Housing Authority, about 11...
Ask Joan: Beware of phone calls about Medicare, free services
Q. I cannot tell you how many phone calls (on my landline and cell phone) I get from scammers about Medicare, free services, etc. My friends and I try to let each other know when we hear about a new scam, but it seems like it is never-ending. What can older...
Ask Joan: Housing Options
Question: I retired a few years ago and planned on staying in my apartment. However, I am having some difficulty being able to afford it. I would like to remain as independent as possible, but I live on Social Security and a small amount of savings. What housing...
Ask Joan: Connecting with others this Fourth of July
Q. I don’t have a lot of family living near me, but I have a few good friends that I can always rely on for support, help when I need it, and for having fun. As we were making plans for the July Fourth holiday, we thought about those that may not have family or...
Ask Joan: Elder Index shows a high cost of living for seniors
Q: I am a 79-year-old woman who lives alone on a fixed income, and I have some ongoing health issues. It’s been a struggle in recent months to afford things like groceries, gas, and some of my bills. What options are available to help someone like me?...
Ask Joan: June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a cause we are strong advocates for here at AgeSpan. In the U.S., 10 percent of people aged 60 and over have experienced some form of abuse, according to the National Council on Aging. Elder abuse is a serious problem that...