Overwhelming. All-consuming. Stressful. Those are just some of the words that people often use to describe their experience as unpaid caregivers for family members, friends or neighbours. Here in Rhode Island, it’s estimated that nearly 160,000 people – more than 22% of adults – play the role of unpaid caregiver. Whether it’s a parent or […]

It’s a simple truth: music holds the power to reach us in the most difficult times and the darkest places. During the pandemic, many good news stories have involved music in some way. Take the singing hospital housekeeper, who uses his vocal talents to uplift and inspire patients and staff alike at South County Hospital. […]

“You’re never too old to learn,” the saying goes. The pandemic has provided an opportunity for many of us to learn new skills and take up new hobbies. One activity that exploded in popularity here in Rhode Island – and indeed, right around the world – is bike riding. With many recreational activities cancelled, folks […]

It’s long been known that volunteering is good for the mind and body. As we’ve discussed previously, older people who volunteer live longer, have better strength and energy, and report less isolation and less depression. And soon, seniors’ wallets may also benefit from benevolence. For seniors who volunteer in Rhode Island, there should soon be […]

Did you know that food insecurity is a serious problem in Rhode Island? Feeding America defines food insecurity as “having limited access to enough nutritious food due to a lack of money. Food insecurity is strongly associated with income, but it is not limited to people living in poverty.” The latest State of Senior Hunger […]

A recent article on Psychology Today looked at a question that’s common for seniors as they age, and for the people who love them. How can you tell what’s normal age-related forgetfulness versus what may be a sign of something more serious, possibly dementia? The writer describes an example that neuroscientist and author Lisa Genova […]

There are a number of different scams taking place in Rhode Island this spring. Sadly, some of them are even directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this post, we’ll look at some of the scams being reported in our state, and how we can protect ourselves against falling victim to them. Gift Card Scams […]

Spring is here! The days are getting longer, the sun is out more often, and many of us have gotten our COVID vaccinations or will soon be able to. The world is certainly looking brighter than it was a year ago. For many people, the pandemic has shown that the simple act of going for […]

Some great news was announced last week: Rhode Islanders who are 75 years and up can now register to get the COVID-19 vaccine. As of this past Monday, those 65 years and up can also register. The Department of Health reminds us that vaccines are voluntary, “safe, effective, and very important tools in the fight against […]