When Gloria Nadeau was 17, taking the civil service exam, it never occurred to her the state job she was hoping to get would still be her livelihood 35 years later. Taken to Augusta by her parents because she couldn’t yet drive, Gloria took the test on the… Read More
I’ve always thought of attics as special, wondrous places that harbor long forgotten, untold treasures. The All Saints Catholic School thrift shop – known as the Attic – is a perfect example. Nestled unassumingly at 170 Center St., Bangor, the small store is brimming with a variety of… Read More
Have you ever peered at the night sky and wondered what was really going on up there? Does all the technology of today leave you feeling a little lost? Do you want to know more about home efficiency and options? These are just a few… Read More
During a chat with Jason Johnson, public education officer for the Bangor Fire Department, I learned something about smoking that surprised me. We all know it’s a dangerous habit, but seniors who smoke face one particular risk more often than their younger counterparts. Smoking is… Read More
For most children a trip to visit their grandparents is laced with fun, special treats and a chance to get a little spoiled. But some youngsters call their grandparents’ house home. The reasons these children no longer live with their parents are varied. Substance abuse,… Read More
They wear blue uniforms that sport eagle logos and lug large bags brimming with envelopes. Six days a week, in rain, sleet and dark of night – well, you know the rest – these dedicated postal workers, known as letter carriers, can be seen walking through neighborhoods delivering… Read More
January is here and with it comes winter weather. If Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, take heart. There are a few things you can do to survive the season and keep warm without taking your own nip. “When the temperature dips, wearing a… Read More
“Life begins at 50,” or so I’ve heard from people who have recently reached the half-century mark. On the other hand, I have been told, “Well, it’s all downhill from here,” by less optimistic folks who are planted firmly in that decade or beyond. Not… Read More
Practice makes perfect – or so they say. If that’s true, Arline Smiley’s piano playing must be close to perfection by now. The 80-year-old musician has been tickling the ivories for more than seven decades. “I started taking lessons when I was 10 years old… Read More
The Maine Discovery Museum, in downtown Bangor, is aptly named. While visitors of all ages are scouring the exhibits and learning new things, the volunteers are making a few discoveries of their own. “When I pair up volunteers, I like to put a teenager with… Read More
Now that Thanksgiving has safely passed – even though there may be remnants of the holiday feast occupying space in the back of your refrigerator – it is time for some serious Christmas spirit. Said spirit is not in short supply if all it takes… Read More
One person in eight will be hearing impaired by age 50. Typically, this person will spend another seven years in denial before getting a hearing aid, said Amanda Samoluk, audiologist for the Warren Center for Communication and Learning in Bangor. “It is too bad because… Read More
Roberta Marsh, 84, is always in a jam. But, after winning 105 ribbons, mostly first place, for her canning skills, she wouldn’t have it any other way. In fact, 12 entries in the Bangor State Fair last summer netted her 11 blue ribbons. Her only… Read More
When Julie Mallett comes to work in the morning, she is never sure what the day will bring. The staff attorney for Legal Services for the Elderly, Mallett is certain of one thing: She and staff paralegal Eleanor Bruchey will be helping elderly people who often have nowhere… Read More
I have always loved Halloween. OK, I have always loved candy. Who can resist chocolate kisses and miniature candy bars in bright, autumn-colored wrappers? (Actually, any wrappers, but I digress.) Halloween is also significant because, at least for me, it is the official start of the holiday season. Read More
Halloween is creeping up on us. Next week, ghosts, goblins and assorted other characters will be prowling the streets in search of treats. Creepy little creatures, lurking in shadows, banging on doors and begging for sweets can be a scary proposition – especially if you run out of… Read More
Getting up five or six times a night to use the bathroom was becoming increasingly frustrating for Ann, 76. The sleep interruptions were making her feel lethargic during the day. It wasn’t until she faced knee surgery that she decided to do something about her incontinence. Read More
Every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m., a group of about 20 women gather at the Issac Farrar Mansion in Bangor, to talk, laugh, and share personal experiences. While their ages and lifestyles vary widely, there is a common bond. They all have had breast cancer. Some… Read More
When the topic of preplanning funeral arrangements was suggested to me, I wasn’t sure I wanted to tackle it. But the information is certainly important, and talking to friends who are confronting the issue has convinced me that making these plans can provide a measure of relief. Read More
Walk into the main entrance of St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor, and chances are someone wearing a maroon top will greet you. Make your way to central registration and someone else clad in maroon will guide you to your next destination. No, the employees are… Read More
A few short years ago, it was just an empty room at the YMCA in Old Town. The walls were stark and the floor bare. Today this room, which serves as the Active Older Adults room, is bustling with seniors having a grand time. Laughter can be heard… Read More
Autumn is almost upon us. It is the season of craft fairs, apple picking, football and planning for the holidays. Cool nights are followed by clear, crisp days. But, while you’re breaking out all your warm sweaters in preparation for fall, there is something else you should be… Read More
When a loved one enters a nursing home, it can be traumatic for all involved. Regardless of how much research is done, there may still be nagging fears: “Am I doing the right thing? How can I be absolutely sure what kind of care is being given?” It… Read More
Time travel has never been easier. Take a few steps inside the Old Town Museum and be instantly transported back to the days of horse-drawn carriages and birch bark canoes. The elaborate displays demonstrate how vastly different our lives are from our ancestors’, and tell… Read More
“May I take your order?” is a question Cathy Larkin has been asking at Miller’s Restaurant for the last 38 years. On Aug. 9, her 65th birthday, she asked it for the last time. Larkin is hanging up her apron and putting down her order… Read More
Home repair can be daunting for anyone, but for senior citizens who can no longer do even minor work themselves, it may be overwhelming. It’s hard to know where to turn for help. “Unscrupulous people hoping to defraud homeowners, most often choose the elderly,” said… Read More
Just the word retirement conjures up visions of traveling, fishing, golfing, gardening or any other activity that could be done endlessly if one didn’t have to work. For some seniors, this portrayal of their golden years is not accurate. Some find that all that leisure… Read More
Pumping iron, weightlifting, strength training. Call it what you will, but a group of senior ladies is doing it twice a week at the YWCA in Bangor and are having the time of their lives. Angela Potter, fitness trainer for the Y, facilitates the class,… Read More
Remember last February when it was snowy and icy cold and we dreamed of the day summer would arrive? Well, it’s here with a vengeance. We all know how hard cold weather is on the elderly, but extreme heat can be just as dangerous. Hyperthermia,… Read More
In the grocery store recently, I noticed an older woman searching the aisle intently for a certain item. The shelves had her full attention as she drifted ever farther away from her shopping cart and her purse, which was in the child seat. It occurred… Read More
Amy Cotton loved nursing long before she entered the profession. Cotton’s grandmother, Clarice Gooch Hoyt, a nurse in Down East Maine who made house calls on horseback, was a constant source of inspiration. Cotton calls her “a pioneer.” “I have a tape of her talking… Read More
If you’re reading this column over breakfast, good for you. Katherine Musgrave would be pleased. Last week, Musgrave, registered dietitian for the Diabetes and Nutrition Center at St. Joseph Healthcare, emphasized the importance of breakfast for seniors. The body needs glucose in the morning, she… Read More
We have all heard the old adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While this simple rhyme may not be completely accurate, the message behind it is clear. Good nutrition is essential for good health. This is true at every age, but especially so for seniors. Read More
Eastern Agency on Aging is the best source of information, options and services for people as they grow older. Have you heard or read that sentence before, but wondered exactly what it meant? You’re not alone. Recently I have been meeting people who, while familiar… Read More
There is a unique bond between a grandparent and grandchild, but sharing a bloodline is not required for making this relationship special. The Penquis CAP Foster Grandparent Program unites senior citizens with disadvantaged or handicapped children and youth in Head Start and day care centers,… Read More
Imaging taking a day trip with some good friends, but not knowing the destination until you arrive. Ever thought of making May Baskets for shut-ins? How about entering an Easter bonnet contest? These are just a few of the activities the ladies of the Carmel-Etna… Read More
“Take me out to the ballgame, take me out for some fun. Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks, I don’t care if I ever get back …” rang through the large room as the residents of Ross Manor in Bangor drummed fingers, tapped toes and sang along… Read More
“Due to the aging of our population and the increasing demands on law enforcement and social service agencies, it’s important that these agencies and law enforcement work together to address the growing needs of senior citizens,” said Charlie Sias, chairman of the Penobscot County Area TRIAD. “I don’t… Read More
At the age of 56 most people are thinking about retirement. Not Eileen Cox – she was just entering the work force. It was July 1978 when Cox began her career at Eastern Agency on Aging. “I saw the ad in the paper and on… Read More
There is nothing quite like curling up next to a purring cat. The day’s stresses can melt away with the monotone sound and soft vibration. (I have personal experience on this matter.) I’m sure anyone with a pet can relate to the joys of having… Read More
May is Older Americans Month. It is a time to honor and celebrate the lives and contributions of our older citizens. “The May Festival: A Celebration of Generations,” running May 1-4, is being put on by the University of Maine Center on Aging as a… Read More
“Thank you for making my day so much better,” said one elderly Telecare participant to the volunteer who called to check on her. “Sometimes we are the only contact an elderly person will have all day,” said Jeem Trowbridge, 88, who has been a volunteer… Read More
It’s like having the world at your fingertips. Well, almost. Rosscare Lifeline, a program of Eastern Maine Healthcare, provides medical emergency response, friendly support, and a sense of security, literally at the touch of a button. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
Everyone should have a basic knowledge of first aid, but it is especially important for the elderly and their caregivers. “Older people – simply because their bodies have slowed down, and their eyesight may be failing or their agility is lessened – have unique issues… Read More
Jim was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease about three years ago. At first, his memory problems were not severe, but frustrating to both him and his wife – and sole caregiver – Mary. As his memory worsened to the point that he was unable to maintain focus on his… Read More
Imagine these scenarios: Your elderly parent is being released from the hospital. Living alone is no longer an option, or more care is required than the spouse or you can provide. What do you do? Maybe your parent is having trouble living alone. Nutritious meals… Read More
Some older people volunteer because they want to remain useful or keep busy, while others say they like how volunteering makes them feel. And then are those who simply want to make changes in the world around them while doing some good for someone else. Read More
They have been called points of light, the backbone of our country, and heroes. They are volunteers. Eastern Agency on Aging is very proud of and grateful to the more than 700 individuals across four counties who give up their time to help someone in… Read More
Last week we talked about the best ways to be prepared for a snowstorm. It occurred to me that winter is more than the random nor’easter. We still must contend with cold temperatures, less sunlight, and icy roads and walkways. Meteorologists are probably more popular… Read More
Winters in Maine are not for the faint of heart. The wind howls, the snow flies and suddenly, with only a couple of flickers as a warning, you find yourself sitting in the dark. While this can tax the steadiest of nerves, it can be particularly hard on… Read More
“It takes just one person to make a difference … Two to make friends,” reads the cover of the Phone Friends volunteer handbook. Phone Friends is a program of Eastern Agency on Aging that links a volunteer, who is willing to make a regular phone… Read More