Dear Kiwi and Mango, Recently, Mr. Farr wrote an article about a check-in service for seniors to combat loneliness and keep those who are aging in place safe. I was wondering if there are any similar programs specifically for Veterans. Thanks for your help! Buddy Chequer — Dear Buddy, You are correct. Mr. Farr recently […]
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 of those ideas into her life so she is happy and positive, […]
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 across the United States and in his important role as surgeon general, Dr. Murthy found “people in pain […]
“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 married, so he could have children and grandchildren […]
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 would smile when we looked through old photo albums, listened to her favorite songs, or […]
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 full-time, as he knew she really wanted to do. The decision seemed like […]
Is Planned Suicide Different Than Dying with Dignity?
Q. My neighbor, Sam, is a ninety-year-old widower who has lived alone in his home for several years. His health has deteriorated over the past few months and he frequently comments about how much he misses his wife. His daughter lives far away and only visits on holidays and special occasions. Sam barely manages to […]
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 enough. Is there a place that you know of that she can call […]
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 while. It’s true, I live in a senior community […]
When A Senior Neighbor Needs Your Help
Q. My neighbor, Sam, has lived alone in his home ever since his wife died three years ago. He used to come outside and greet us and attend neighborhood events. Now, he goes days on end without speaking to anyone. His son, who lives an hour away, used to stop by twice a week to […]
U.S. Life Expectancy Has Declined for the First Time Since 1993
Last Wednesday, The Economist’s “Business of Longevity” conference took place, attracting world-renowned experts in aging. One of the main themes of the conference was the need to change the way we think about longevity, as we are living longer, more productive lives. Coincidentally, on the same day the conference began, a study was released that […]
Is Mom Okay? Things to Look Out for When You Visit for the Holidays
Q. My siblings and our families are going to spend Christmas this year with our mother at our family home in Virginia Beach. She lives alone with her dog, Rascal. Since Thanksgiving, the last couple of times I called her, she seemed a little out of it, but insists everything is okay. I checked with […]
Helpful Advice for Seniors Living Alone
Dear Angel, My father lives in our family home in Southwest Virginia, all by himself. My mother is deceased and I am an only child. He doesn’t have any family around and not too many friends. I visit him whenever I can, but it’s not often enough due to my work schedule. At this time, […]
Helping Seniors with Winter Hazards
Dear Baxter, The forecast calls for a huge snowstorm, and my mother lives alone. She is having a tough time with the bitter cold weather as it is, and the snow that they are calling for can be dangerous. Do you have any suggestions to help her deal with the winter hazards? Thanks for your help, Warry Duboutter —- Dear […]
Cats for Seniors Who are Allergic
Dear Angel, My mother loves pets, especially cuddly cats like you. She enjoys coming to Mr. Farr’s office to see you, but she needs to take an allergy pill every time. She is lonely and would really like a cat of her own, but is unwilling to take allergy pills every day or get allergy […]
Beating the Winter Blues
Dear Saki and Alley, I get depressed at this time of year, ever since my husband passed away. I had a full house for the holidays and everything seemed great, but now that it is over and the tree and decorations are gone, I am sad. I have physical and financial limitations that keep me […]