It’s hard to believe it, but we are once again at the end of another year. Since this will be my last Ask Joan of 2023, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the year we’ve spent together. In this column, we’ve talked about everything from caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s to the joy of pickleball.
You’ve read about the power of pets to cure social isolation and the value of volunteerism to do good for yourself and others. and we’ve shared important information about health care scams, Medicare open enrollment, and long-term care insurance. I hope that each of you found columns that were informative and helpful.
I’ve had the pleasure of writing Ask Joan for several years now and every week, at least one reader stops me at the grocery store, in church, or out in the community. Sometimes, it’s to thank me for answering a question they had, or for pointing them in the direction of resources they need. Other times, it’s just to say “hello” and to let me know they look forward to reading this section of the Eagle-Tribune each week.
Many times, you give me advice about future columns or about AgeSpan in general. I enjoy and am grateful for all these interactions. They help me stay connected to the communities we serve, and they inform the work we do. Thank you.
2024 is an important year for AgeSpan. We’ll be celebrating 50 years of helping older adults stay independent and live their best lives. More importantly, we’ll be celebrating you — the older adults and family caregivers who make the Merrimack Valley and North Shore such a vibrant place to live and age. I can’t wait to share more about our plans in 2024!
Albert Einstein once said, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” As we turn the page on 2023, I’m looking forward to answering more of your questions and to continuing the work we do at AgeSpan. Thank you for being an important part of that work, happy holidays, and here’s to a wonderful, peaceful, and prosperous new year for all of us!
Do you have questions for Ask Joan? Are you caring for an older adult or need help locating healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org for more information. You can also call us at 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the Chief Executive Officer of AgeSpan.