Senior Advocate

Q:  I usually see my elderly neighbor almost every day checking his mail. For several days I did not see him, and I was worried. He has come out again and let me know he had been sick. It got me thinking: what should I do if I cannot reach him again and I [...]

Q:  I know I need to be an advocate for my mother who is having medical problems, but I am not sure what that means. How can I be the best advocate for her? A:  I commend you for stepping up to advocate for your mother and her medical needs. In recent years I [...]

Q:  Why do people say older adults are more vulnerable in the heat? What do I need to know to protect myself? A:  Studies show that it is difficult for older adults, even healthy ones, to notice the signs that they are too hot or dehydrated. It is interesting to really understand how our [...]

Q:  My mom is turning 80 and I feel like I have already exhausted all the usual gift ideas.  What are some meaningful gifts that I can get her that she will appreciate? A:  It can be challenging to think of gifts when we put a lot of pressure on their meaning. No doubt [...]

Q:  I just retired and moved by myself to live closer to my children so I can be near them as I age. How can I make a new community for myself and find new friends at this stage of life? A:  I was recently at an event where they talked about how although childhood [...]

Q:  My father was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, but he still lives alone and insists he does not need any help. I care about him and am worried. How do I know when I need to get more involved? A:  I am sorry to hear your father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It [...]

Q:  My mom’s doctor recommended that she use a walker, but she refuses. How can I convince her she needs to use the walker? A:  Many people are in the same situation as you. They can see their loved one would be safer with a walker, but that person just absolutely refuses. Often this leads [...]

Q:  I am considering going to therapy, but I have never been before. How can I know what to expect and if it will help me? A:  I commend you for doing something good for yourself and your mental health. Start by being proud of yourself for wanting to take this step towards your own [...]

Q:  What legal documents do I need to have in place as I age or if my spouse or I become ill? A:  Every adult should think about and put documents in place for their advance care planning. This means preparing for future decisions to be made about your medical care and assets if you [...]

Q:  I often find myself worrying about things I cannot control. How can I stop myself from worrying all the time? A:  Worrying and anxiety can be a normal part of our lives. In fact, some worrying helps ensure we get things done. We worry about bills being paid, or about traffic, and that anxiety [...]