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...
Ask Joan: Tips for helping to prevent dementia
Q: I read the other day that every three seconds someone develops dementia, and nearly 50 million people in the world are living with the disease. As I get older, I worry about developing Alzheimer’s disease. What can I do to keep my brain healthy? A: This...
Ask Joan: Register for the 12th LGBTQ+ Elders Conference
AgeSpan is excited to team up with several community partners for the 12th annual LGBTQ+ Elders in an Ever-Changing World Conference. The virtual conference is June 15 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The theme is “Forward is a Fluid Motion: Aging with Hope, Positivity, and...
Ask Joan: It’s Arthritis Awareness Month – how to cope with aches and pains
Q: Now that the weather is nicer, I’ve started taking my dog on the longer walks we used to do in the fall, before the snow and freezing temperatures. I’ve noticed shortly after we get home my knees start to feel like they’re swollen, get stiff, and I have...
Ask Joan: Resources to assist older adults
Question: I am trying to gather information for my next-door neighbors who are in their 80s. Over the past year, they seem to be struggling to take care of their home and get out to do their grocery shopping and run errands. I help when I can, but they need much more...
Ask Joan: Spring has finally sprung!
Joan Hatem-Roy, CEO of AgeSpan Spring has finally sprung!The trees are blooming, the grass is green, and the temperatures are above freezing for the most part. If you’re like me, you’re glad to get out of the house and soak up some sunshine.Since April showers have...