Senior Advocate

I was recently on a family trip, and I ended up ordering way too much food. I had misunderstood the portions, and we sat at the table surrounded by a feast. As my family laughed about my order, I reminded them that my father would have been proud. I [...]

Q:  I am caring for my husband, and I am always so worried about what will happen next. How can I stop worrying so much about the future? A: Most caregivers understand the feeling of worry and never know what is around the next corner. They always carry their [...]

I recently heard a new term: micro-interactions. I was sharing with my co-worker the topic of my column that appeared last week on how to meet new people and make friends as an older adult. I shared the story of the 95-year-old man who enjoys conversations with the barista [...]

Q:  I am unsure how to meet new people now that I am retired. Do you have any tips on how to make new friends as an older adult? A: Meeting new people and putting yourself out there to create relationships is easier for some than for others. When [...]

Q: This will be the first Father’s Day since my dad passed away. How should I spend the day and support my mom through it? A: This will be the second Father’s Day since my father passed away. I had not discussed it ahead of time with my other [...]

Q:  I struggle to stay active and fit. What are some tips for getting my energy up as I age? A:  I imagine everyone has times when they struggle with their energy. We usually know what we should be doing, like getting exercise, eating healthy, and staying engaged. But [...]

Q:  What is this year’s theme for Older Americans Month? A:  Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by a federal agency, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to [...]

Q: My father passed away after a difficult time with dementia. People keep saying it was for the best because he is not suffering anymore, but it does not feel that way to me. How can I tell them to stop saying that? A: First of all, I am [...]

Q: I am in the process of hiring a caregiver for my husband, who has dementia. How can I be sure they do the things that I want while they are working here? A: Setting expectations and creating task lists when hiring a caregiver is important and helpful. I [...]

Q: What is an Adult Day Care Center? A: Adult Day Care programs are licensed care facilities that provide social and personal care services to adults during the day in a group setting. This means the person can live at home and go for part of the day to enjoy [...]

Every year, Senior Concerns hosts a Caregiver Recognition Day event to honor family caregivers. As we prepare for this year’s event, I am again reminded of our community’s incredible strength and compassion. I often write about issues that family caregivers manage every day. While each person’s needs are unique, [...]

I recently heard Doctor Karen Gorback talk about standing up to ageism. I have written about this topic before and felt it deserved more attention as it is an ongoing issue in our community. Dr. Gorback shared that it is important to recognize the problem, understand why it is [...]

Q: What is the Dial-A-Ride program, and where is it available? I have heard  many different things about this transportation program and would like to know more. A: Dial-A-Ride (DAR) is a transit program that provides paratransit and senior origin-to-destination transportation service to those who cannot use the fixed-route [...]

Q: My mother refuses to have her hearing tested even though we keep telling her she is missing out on our conversations. How can I convince her to get hearing aids? A: When one person in a relationship notices hearing loss in the other person, it can often lead [...]

Q: I was surprised to hear the price of hiring in-home care. How do people afford to pay for care at home?A: The cost of hiring a caregiver through an agency is at an all-time high. It can seem very overwhelming if you are not familiar with the industry. Rates [...]

Q: I was surprised to hear the price of hiring in-home care. How do people afford to pay for care at home?A: The cost of hiring a caregiver through an agency is at an all-time high. It can seem very overwhelming if you are not familiar with the industry. Rates [...]

Q: This is the first Valentine’s Day since my father passed away, and I want to do something special for my mom. What can I do that will help her get through this day?A: The first holidays after a loved one passes are often the most difficult. It is very [...]

Q: How can I manage my anxiety when there is so much uncertainty in the world? A: It is normal to feel some anxiety around times of uncertainty. Anxiety is when we have excessive or persistent worry and fears. We may experience it physically with a fast heartbeat, sweating, [...]

Q: I hear from friends how stressful and confusing hospital visits can be. How can I better prepare myself in case my husband or I need a hospital stay? A: A hospital stay can be stressful and often not what we expect. People frequently call Senior Concerns when their [...]

Q: I like to start the new year by cleaning out and organizing my home. What should I focus on this year? A: An annual home cleanout is a great way to help stay organized. It also can make you feel clearer and more ready to start the year [...]