Senior Advocate

Recently my father had emergency surgery in another state, and I had to find ways to support him and my mother from afar. I learned a few things from this experience that may be useful to others going through similar situations. When someone does not ask for help, it can be difficult to know how [...]

Q:  I have not traveled since the pandemic, but I think I am ready to go on a trip. I am much older now and worried about the stamina needed to travel. How can I plan a trip that I will enjoy and will not exhaust me? A:  Traveling can be an amazing experience. It [...]

Q:  I am caring for my husband who has dementia and I am exhausted. How can I better take care of myself while caring for him? A:  Caring for a loved one is a beautiful and loving thing to do, and it is also exhausting. It can be both things at one time and [...]

Q: Where can I find free tax preparation this year for seniors? A:  Free tax preparation services are available for seniors aged 60 or older, and to anyone with income of $60,000 or less, regardless of age. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has operated a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for over 50 [...]

Q:  My mother has Alzheimer’s disease and we recently moved her in to live with my family and I. She gets very agitated with me. How can I help her feel calmer at my home? A:  First, I will say thank you for moving her into your home and taking on the role of [...]

Q: My doctor thinks some of my physical complaints are because of anxiety. How can I know if anxiety is causing my pain? A: Anxiety often has physical symptoms, and yet many people do not realize the impact that your emotions can have on physical health. Studies have reported that 60–80% of visits to [...]

Q: My mother remarried 10 years ago and now I have an adult step sibling. My step sibling does not agree with me on how to help our parents as they age. How can I better work with him as our parents need more help? A: It is not uncommon for siblings to disagree [...]

The benefits of exercising as we age are tremendous. It helps reduce fall risk, control joint swelling, improves mood and stamina and has many more health benefits. And yet for most people, inactivity increases as they age. By age 75, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports about one in three men [...]

Q: My biggest fear is losing my independence as I age. What can I do now to help keep my independence longer? A: Losing independence is one of the top fears people experience as they get older. We live in a society that values independence, being self-sustainable and not needing to rely on anyone [...]

The holiday season may bring joy, excitement, anticipation, and busy schedules. For others, it may include feelings of loss, sadness, and stress. No matter what you feel, chances are it is a time filled with emotion. When it ends, it can often be met with a sense of letdown. For me, the day after New [...]