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...
Ask Joan: Options counseling for caregivers
Q. I am 76 years old and the primary caretaker of my wife, who has Alzheimer’s. While I love my wife and want to help her, there are days when I am exhausted and struggling, especially when I’ve been up all night with her. Our doctor suggested trying an adult day...
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: 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...
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...
Ask Joan: Tips for easing, aiding the grief process
Q: I was my wife’s primary caregiver for three years during her illness. While it could be difficult some days, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else for her. She passed away recently, and I am struggling with how I feel and am unsure some days what to do with...
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...