Critter Corner: Is My Mother Depressed? 

Dear Angel, I talk to my mother a couple times a week. She would never tell me, but I think she could be lonely and depressed. This particularly came to mind when I read your article on positivity. I’d love to introduce some … [Read more...]

Second-Term U.S. Surgeon General Vows to Combat Senior Loneliness and Isolation

Dr. Vivek Murthy, second-term U.S. Surgeon General, is the grandson of a poor farmer in India. He remembers something his grandfather told him when he was younger, that “(w)e are responsible for each other.”In his travels … [Read more...]

How to Enjoy Thanksgiving in a Different Way this Year

Every year, Melissa and her family drive to New Jersey to spend Thanksgiving with her mother, a widow who lives alone. This year, with the kids still playing sports and Melissa and her husband still going into the office … [Read more...]

Keeping Seniors Safe as Things Reopen

Q. My granddaughter, Hailey, called the other day and she sounded happier than she has been in months. Her small business and other stores and restaurants in the DC Area are beginning to reopen starting today (Friday, 5/29). She … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: “Grandkids on Demand” Help with Loneliness

Dear Magic, Maury, a man I used to work with, is in his 90’s and lives alone. I touched base with him recently over the phone, and I can tell he has been lonely during the pandemic. He always told me how he wished he had gotten … [Read more...]

Should Nursing Homes Reopen to Visitors?

Q. My mother, Betty, is in a nursing home in Richmond. Although she has advanced dementia, I could tell that she always enjoyed our family’s visits. Her face always brightened when she saw me, my wife, and her grandchildren. She … [Read more...]

When a Pandemic Makes You Feel Like an Inmate

Mark, 82, moved into assisted living a month ago, just before the coronavirus pandemic. He needed more help than could be provided in his home by his daughter. He also wanted his daughter to have the opportunity to go back to work … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: A Friendship Line for Lonely Seniors

Dear Ernie and Janette,My father died earlier this year and my mom lives alone. She has friends she sees sometimes, but I can tell she is lonely. I talk to her as much as my schedule allows, but unfortunately, that’s not … [Read more...]

Miss Your Grandmother?. . . Then Rent One!

Anna's mother died when she was six, and she was raised by her grandmother, Betty. Anna had a close relationship with Betty and has many fond memories of their time together. Betty lived a long life and died at the age of 92. Anna … [Read more...]

They Never Visit, and It’s Killing Me!

Q. I live an hour away from both my daughters and their families, but they never visit me. I am aware that they are busy with soccer games and other activities, but I wish they could make the time to come see me once in a … [Read more...]

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