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 […]
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 occasionally, they thought it would be a bad idea to make the trip and possibly expose […]
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 told me that the stay-at-home order has been lifted and that several malls and restaurants will […]
“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 […]
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 […]
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 misses her grandmother immensely and is sad that her children will […]
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 […]
Pets to Help Solve Loneliness
Dear Ribbit, My father lives alone, more than 1,000 miles away. He can be stubborn sometimes and although we offered to move him into our home, he wants to stay put. We are thinking of getting him a pet to keep him company. Do you think this is a wise idea? Is there any research […]
Our Top 10 Scariest Articles of 2017 (Be Very Afraid!)
Halloween is today, so it’s the ideal day to present you with this year’s scariest articles. From parents being kidnapped by a professional guardian to people getting Alzheimer’s at 40, we uncovered some scary ground. To celebrate Halloween, we’ve ranked our scariest articles from least to most scary (but you be the judge) for […]
This Can Be as Damaging to Your Health as 15 Cigarettes Per Day
Erica and her husband, Russ, go to the local diner sometimes for breakfast. The past couple of times they were there, they noticed a senior man sitting alone. The man proudly wore a WWII veteran hat. One morning, Russ, who is a history-buff, struck up a conversation with the veteran. He and Erica introduced themselves […]
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, […]
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 […]
Overcoming Loneliness and Depression
Rest in Peace Robin Williams Q. I was absolutely devastated to hear about Comedian Robin Williams’ suicide. My family is still in shock. I have an uncle who has suffered bouts of depression over the years, and I worry about him frequently, especially since my aunt died last year and now my uncle lives alone. […]