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...
Ask Joan: The Power of Pets
Earlier this month, we celebrated National Pet Day, which reminded me how much the animals in our lives mean to so many of us. Joan Hatem-Roy, CEO of AgeSpan I see “Dog Mom” and “I Love My Cat” bumper stickers everywhere. Those are just reminders that, no matter...
Ask Joan: Protecting your passwords from scammers
Q: I try to keep up with technology and be smart about sharing personal information online, but every day it seems I read stories about hackers and scammers stealing data. What advice do you have about staying safe online? Joan Hatem-Roy, CEO of AgeSpan A: So much of...
Ask Joan: Consuming alcohol as we age is common but may come with new risks
Q: My husband and I usually drink a few glasses of wine each week along with the occasional beer, but I’ve heard different things about risk factors around drinking and aging. We are in our early 70s – what should we know? Joan Hatem-Roy, CEO of AgeSpan...