Senior Voice -

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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:...

Q: Today I read about a San Francisco couple who had $363,000 stolen from their bank accounts by their caregiver. How do I protect myself so this doesn’t happen to me? A: I read about that incident...

Q: Why am I always the one everyone expects to take care of Uncle Joe? Just because I don’t have a family, it doesn’t mean there aren’t work or personal demands on my time. A: Demands of...

Q: How do I tell family and friends I’m struggling with depression? A: While depression is common amongst older adults, it is not a normal part of aging. Life transitions, isolation, death of a...

Q: How can I maximize time with my neighbor who is living with cancer? A: I am so glad we are talking about this important topic. It must be incredibly difficult for you. You have taken the first...

Question: My granddaughter’s good friend is a young woman she used to work with. They spend a lot of time together and have come to visit me. It is apparent they are a couple. I’m not sure how to...

Q: How do I get my aunt who stays with me to do some form of exercise? I know it will help her and I’ve even offered to exercise with her so she isn’t alone, but she is still resistant. A:...

Question: How do I find the right senior housing? Answer: In the search for aligning housing to individuality, maintaining dignity, and what's best for your needs, it's important to find a place that...