Articles written by Karen Casanovas
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Sleuthing to solve your medical mystery
Q: I have seen an internist and a gastroenterologist, but still have unexplained chronic ailments. What else can I do? A: With advances in internet searches and artificial intelligence (AI), it is tem...
Why take aptitude tests at my age?
Q: I am feeling stuck in life. A counselor recommends I complete aptitude testing to help gauge my interests, preferences, etc. I’m skeptical since I’m in my 60s. How would it benefit me? A: When...
Home modifications for wheelchair users
Q: My mother will soon be using a wheelchair in her home. What should we be considering as she makes this transition? A: This is a really great question because there are several adjustments to be...
I'm divorcing at age 77. What can I do?
Q: My wife recently moved out, and I am unsure how to begin life over at age 77. She wants a divorce and I cannot imagine my life without her. A: While not knowing the details of your situation, I...
Finding steady answers to trembling uncertainties
Q: Lately, I’ve been experiencing hand tremors and it’s been quite puzzling for me. Would you have any insights? A: Hand tremors can be a concerning and disruptive condition, causing...
Feed Jake: A best friend until the end
Q: I will be moving to a smaller apartment soon and am not sure if I should take my dog with me. What do you think? A: Our relationship with animals is an interchangeable one, as they can provide a...
How I met my life (while writing it down)
Q: When I was younger, my uncle gave me a copy of his manuscript detailing his life. Now in my advanced years, I am thinking about writing my own life summary. Where do I start? A: Chronicling your...
Grandparents raising their grandchildren
Q: My daughter has recently gotten divorced and previous occasional visits with grandchildren has now turned into full-time care, due to an absent father and a daughter who cannot afford to care for...
Too old to learn something new?
Q: Getting older makes me feel less sharp. Why don’t I catch on to things as quickly as I used to? A: Faster. Better. Younger. Smarter. Not necessarily. By definition “latent learning” can...
'Overtreatment': Avoiding unnecessary care
Q: My grandfather went in to get one tooth repaired and came away with several thousand dollars of dental work performed. Is there anything I can do? What actions can prevent this from happening again...
Bring art into your life, and so much more
Q: As my health declines it is harder to have good days. How can I adapt to my changing life? A: The American Psychological Association (APA) defines resilience as “the process of adapting well in...
New year, new mentor opportunities
Q: In the new year I am looking for volunteer opportunities. Any ideas? A: Mentoring can be an incredibly rewarding experience, both for the mentor and the mentee. If being mentored, it is one of the...
What to do if your health prevents travel
Q: It’s the time of year when many people take trips to see their loved ones. What could I do over the holidays if I can’t travel to visit family because of my health? A: Health prevents travel...
What to do with your unneeded items
Q: I own too much stuff, and it is daunting when deciding what to do with everything. None of my children nor grandchildren want my memorabilia, collections, furniture, or vintage kitchenware. Any...
What you need to know about paying for long-term care
Q: Why aren’t assisted living costs covered by my health insurance program? A: When people think about assisted living, they often presume costs are covered by their medical plan. However, as a...
You are not hearing what I am saying
Q: When I am with others, I occasionally feel dismissed and that my point of view doesn’t matter. How do I get others to listen to what I have to say? A: When we are with others that are of differen...
Managing pain and fatigue from injuries
Q: I was recently treated in the emergency room for falling when stepping out of a boat. One week later, my ankle is still painful to touch and I am tired. A: Thankfully you were treated by medical...
Adapting to transition is an ongoing process
Q: Due to a change in my health and physical capabilities, I moved to assisted living away from close friends. I’m not happy about this new situation. I feel lost and alone. A: Starting a new phase...
The good, bad and ugly of family caregiving duties
Q: My wife’s brother refuses to pitch in and help their father, who needs assistance with grocery shopping, bill paying and bathing. The brother lives closest to Dad’s house. We are thousands of...
Many rewards to be found in volunteerism
Q: I am the leader of a youth group who is looking for volunteer activities. Are there young-person friendly organizations where we can lend a hand to seniors? A: Yes, there are. May is Older American...
How to manage when grieving returns
Q: It’s been several months since my loved one passed away. I have been through the stages of grief and have finally reached acceptance. But then - out of nowhere - I find myself plunged back into...
Older workers coming into their own
Q: What are my chances of finding work over age 60? A: Amid the disruptive loss of jobs brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been one counterbalancing force: An urgent demand for older...
Alaska seniors' struggles with behavioral health conditions lead to higher mortality rates
Q: Seniors in Alaska have a higher mortality rate due to behavioral health conditions. What are some of the leading causes of death among seniors in Alaska, and how we can work to improve behavioral...
Identifying vulnerable adults and options for reducing threats
Q: What threats do older adults face, and what increases people's exposure to threats? How can I help? A: The concept of vulnerability first emerged in the environmental sciences, specifically in...
Concern for a loved one's medication use
Q: I have been watching the TV series “Dopesick” about opioid addiction. How do I talk to my mom‘s doctor about whether or not the medication she is on needs to be adjusted as she ages? A:...
