September is a month of back to school, crisp morning air, changing colors, and the time of year we dedicate to raising awareness about Fall Prevention. This year’s Fall Prevention Awareness week will take place September 21-25, and LifePath is excited to announce that we will once again be participating in the 8^th Annual Step Challenge by the Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE).

Last year, as one of the smallest Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth, LifePath earned an honorable mention from AGE for reporting a total of 7,258,580 steps! We are so grateful for the enthusiastic participation of our staff, volunteers, family, friends, and community members.

This year, AGE is stepping up their goal from 75 million to 100 million cumulative steps for the month of September, and we hope to generate motivation throughout our community to contribute to that goal.

Impact

In Massachusetts, falls are the number one cause of injury-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits for residents 65 and older. A fall can negatively impact an older adult’s quality of life and ability to live independently in the community. Prevention is the best strategy available, as having a fall can double your risk of falling again. While there are a multitude of factors that can lead to a fall, most falls can be prevented by assessing individual risk factors and using evidence-based interventions.

Risk Factors

The following are individual risk factors:

• Environmental factors such as poor lighting, throw rugs, cluttered spaces, and unmet assistive equipment needs (i.e. grab bars, shower chairs).
• Chronic conditions: Diabetes, chronic heart failure, and arthritis are among some of the conditions that can increase the risk of falls due to neuropathy, pain, and other complications that affect walking and balance.
• Medications: Certain medications and/or medication combinations can affect your balance and ease of mobility.
• Poor vision: Adults with vision impairment are at almost double the risk of falling as those without vision concerns.
• Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can lead to muscle weakness and bone loss. Weight-bearing exercise stimulates bone building, which increases bone density.
• Low bone density/osteoporosis: Bone density diminishes as you age, making bones weaker and more susceptible to fracture. Common osteoporosis-related breaks occur in the hips, wrists, and spine.
• Drinking alcohol and/or smoking cigarettes: Alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding and may also impair your balance and judgment, leading to an increased chance of falling. Smoking reduces the blood supply to your bones and impairs production of bone-building cells.
• Being a female over age 50, or a man over age 70: Osteoporosis is four times more likely to develop in women than men. Women lose up to 25% of their bone mass as their estrogen levels drop during menopause. Men begin losing testosterone around age 70, which also leads to a loss of bone mass. After age 50, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men will have a fracture related to osteoporosis.

Aging in a Rural Community

As those of us who live in Franklin County and North Quabbin know, living in a rural area can come with unique challenges. According to a 2024 study, rural older adults are at higher risk for falls than urban older adults. Contributing factors may include physical environment, lifestyle activities, social issues, and limited access to health-related services and resources.

Access to care becomes far more sparse in rural areas, and many vendors and providers do not travel to remote areas. Resources like public transportation are limited, which can make it difficult for older adults to leave their house for appointments and basic needs, leading to increased isolation and feelings of helplessness. Living in a remote location can also present challenges with home repairs, cell phone and internet service, and ability to access services such as snow removal and heating maintenance. As we age, these limitations become more significant, threatening our autonomy and desire to stay in our homes as long as possible.

Home Care Support in Rural Communities

The Home Care program at LifePath provides support for helping to prevent falls. At least twice a year, your Case Manager or a Home Care Nurse will ask you during a home visit about how many recent falls you’ve had and if you were injured. The CM/RN will also discuss fall interventions and prevention strategies with you based on the reasons you are falling.

Common interventions include getting set up with a Personal Emergency Response button (PERS), ordering safety equipment for your bathroom or other areas of your house, recommending you talk with your doctor about your medications, and encouraging the use of your Personal Care or Homemaking Aide to do tasks for you that may increase your risk of falling.

All of these interventions are included in your Home Care copay if you have one. If you are not enrolled in the Home Care program, you can call LifePath to discuss your eligibility. Support around falls is one of the benefits of being a Home Care consumer.

Where Can I Get More Information and Resources?

The National Council on Aging’s Falls Free CheckUp is a tool that can be used to calculate fall risk based on a 13-question questionnaire. Links to resources are made available to those who may benefit from them. If you have trouble navigating the internet, many senior centers offer technical assistance. Call your local senior center for more information. If you choose to, you can share your results with your primary healthcare provider at your next appointment. Your results can serve as a useful source of information for your primary health care provider to consider when directing and planning your care to meet your long-term goals.

The American Bone Health Fracture Risk Calculator is a tool offered by the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation that calculates your risk for fracture based on the answers to an 18-question questionnaire. This tool is designed for those over 45. An alternate quiz is also available on this site for those under 45 years old. You will need to enter your name, email, and zip code to view results.

The CDC Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults is a printable brochure that is organized by category and has check boxes next to common household hazards. Categories include: stairs and steps, floors, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. Checklist items under the category headings ask questions like “When you walk through a room, do you have to walk around furniture?” and offers suggestions such as “Ask someone to move the furniture so your path is clear.” This is an excellent tool for older adults and their families who want to identify and eliminate preventable environmental hazards that can lead to falls.

I hope this information helps you to prevent falls. Remember to log your steps for the month of September at LifePath Falls Prevention Awareness Week 2026!

This article is a bit different than some of our The Good Life content in that we are asking for support for and providing information about a program that is not a LifePath offering. It’s run entirely by the City of Greenfield, and LifePath doesn’t administer it. The program is important, though, and something worth calling attention to.

So why am I writing about this tax fund? Because it’s a great idea, it’s aimed at some of the most vulnerable people in our community, and right now it needs your help. This is a fundraising appeal as much as it is an informational piece. The program runs entirely on voluntary donations, and without those donations, there’s nothing to give out. I’ll get to how you can pitch in a little further down, but first, let’s talk about what the fund actually does.

What It Is

The City of Greenfield’s Elderly and Disabled Tax Fund, sometimes called the Taxation Aid Fund, is a program developed by Greenfield’s City Council. The program provides elderly and disabled homeowners in Greenfield with an opportunity to apply for assistance with their property tax bills. It’s a simple idea that can have a real impact: Qualified homeowners with limited income and modest assets can apply to receive help paying their property taxes, funded entirely by donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations right here in our community.

It is important to note that this program is only available to Greenfield residents. If you live elsewhere, I’d encourage you to check whether your own community offers similar programs.

Who Qualifies

The eligibility rules are specific. To be considered “elderly,” an applicant must be age 60 or older. To be considered “disabled,” the standard follows the Americans with Disabilities Act definition: a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, including the ability to work.

Applicants also need to have owned and lived in their Greenfield home for at least five consecutive years and be the titled owner or hold a life estate in the property. There are income limits too, based on household size: a single-person household is capped at $46,950 in annual income, scaling up to $162,450 for a household of eight. Assets, not counting the home’s value, can’t exceed $100,000.

The committee gives extra weight to applicants who show the greatest need, especially those who don’t already qualify for other tax exemption or deferral programs, and priority goes to homeowners who are behind on their taxes and at risk of falling into “tax title” status, where the city of Greenfield holds a legal claim against the property, which accrues higher interest rates (often 16% in Massachusetts) and can eventually lead to foreclosure proceedings in Land Court if the balance and current taxes are not paid or resolved through a payment agreement.

Why This Matters Beyond the Tax Bill

When a longtime homeowner on a fixed income falls behind on property taxes, the end result can be a tax lien and, eventually, foreclosure. That’s not just a loss for the individual; it’s a loss for the whole neighborhood. Every home that slips into tax-based foreclosure means a family uprooted and often a property that sits vacant or gets sold off to an outside buyer. Programs like this one are, in a real sense, a form of community preservation. Helping elderly or disabled neighbors stay in their home helps keep the whole fabric of the neighborhood intact.

How the Process Works

Applications open September 1 and close December 1 each year. This year, that window runs from September 1, 2026, through December 1, 2026. The review committee begins its work in January and aims to notify applicants of a decision by March 15. Any assistance awarded gets applied directly to the fourth-quarter tax bill, which goes out April 1.

Assistance is granted year-to-year, not permanently, so individuals need to reapply annually. Applications, along with the required documentation, are kept strictly confidential. The applications are reviewed by the committee out of public view.

You can find the application on the City of Greenfield’s website, or you can pick one up in person at the Assessor’s Office.

How You Can Help

Because this fund is rebuilt every year through donations, the amount available shrinks or grows depending on how generous the community is. There’s no dedicated tax revenue behind it; it’s simply neighbors helping neighbors.

To kick off the fund, join your community for the “Help Your Neighbors Stay In Their Homes” benefit. It will be held on Sunday, September 27, at LAVA, 324 Main Street, Greenfield. The benefit will take place between 4 PM and 6 PM, with music by the Farley String Band, along with a cash bar.

There are also three easy ways to contribute. Add a voluntary donation right on your municipal bill when you pay your property tax, personal property tax, or water and sewer bill. Write a check payable to the City of Greenfield, with “Elderly and Disabled Tax Fund” in the memo line, and mail or drop it off at City Hall, 14 Court Square, Greenfield, MA 01301. Or donate online through the city’s website. Donations are tax-deductible under section 170(c)(1) of the tax code.

If you value keeping our elderly and disabled neighbors safely in their homes, please consider supporting this fund. Many small gifts can add up to make a difference for our neighbors.

For questions about eligibility or the application process, contact the City of Greenfield Assessor’s Office directly at (413) 772-1506.

Are you taking care of someone in your home? Are you interested in providing care for someone in your home?

LifePath has been providing Adult Family Care (AFC) services to caregivers and members since 1985. This program helps older adults and individuals with disabilities live in the community while getting the support they need. LifePath provides Adult Family Care throughout Franklin, North Quabbin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties. LifePath is accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Adult Family Care is available to eligible MassHealth Standard, CommonHealth, Senior Care Options (SCO), and One Care members age 16 and older who need help with at least one activity of daily living. This can include things like bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, and mobility. Some people need hands-on help or cueing and supervision throughout the activity.

The caregiver lives in the same home as the member and provides the day-to-day support they need. LifePath staff then work with both the caregiver and the member to make sure things are going well. The caregiver is provided with a tax-exempt daily stipend, paid monthly. They are also provided with initial training and ongoing monthly training.

A member of our staff makes a home visit every month and are always available to members and caregivers who have questions or concerns in between visits. Caregiving can be rewarding, but it isn’t easy. Having support from LifePath and receiving a daily stipend can make it easier.

One mother has been caring for her son who has a disability through LifePath’s Adult Family Care program since 2009. When asked what having the program in her life has meant to her, she replied, “Having LifePath in our life is a lot like having the air around me freed up and allows me to breathe easier. It makes life easier to live and enjoy my son.”

Many of our caregivers are already taking care of someone in their home when they learn about Adult Family Care. It may be a son or daughter caring for a parent or a parent caring for an adult son or daughter, a family member caring for another family member, or someone who has already taken on a caregiving role for someone outside of their family.

LifePath is also an Aging Services Access Point and has relationships with the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and other community organizations. Many of the people we serve receive services from more than one agency. We are able to help coordinate services with other agencies and make sure everyone is working together for the benefit of the member and the caregiver.

If you have an extra room in your house and are willing to open your home to someone who needs support, the Adult Family Care program is here for you. If you are not sure you are ready to be a full-time caregiver, you could be an Alternative Caregiver. This gives you a chance to see if it’s a good fit for you. As an Alternative Caregiver, you provide care to a member in your home for up to 14 days when the Primary Caregiver is not available.

LifePath also has opportunities through our Companion Program for people who would like to be a companion to individuals who receive services through DDS. Companions spend a few hours a week with an individual doing activities they both enjoy. This could mean doing arts and crafts, taking nature walks, going shopping, going to fairs, or just getting out into the community. The Companion Program is a great way to make a positive difference in the quality of life of another community member. All caregivers and companions must be at least 18 years old and complete required background checks.

If you are already caring for someone in your home, have an extra room and are interested in becoming a caregiver, or have a few hours a week to spend as a companion, we would love to hear from you. To learn more, contact LifePath’s Information and Caregiver Resource Center at 413-773-5555 or info@lifepathma.org.

Most of us expect that aging may one day require a cane, hearing aids, or medication. Far fewer imagine that something as ordinary as paying the electric bill could become the barrier between staying at home and losing our independence. Yet this is the reality for a growing number of older adults in Franklin County.

“When my eyesight started to go, a lot of my independence flew right out the window. I can’t drive and my mail was stuck at the post office. With all the scams it is scary who to trust. I don’t know if I’m signing away my house,” said a LifePath Money Management client from Orange. A trained LifePath volunteer now visits a few times a month, retrieves the mail, sorts it with her, and prepares checks for her signature. Together they make sure bills are paid on time and review the bank account to confirm all is in order. The volunteer is trained to look for any signs of exploitation and fraud.

Accepting help can mean the difference between remaining safely at home and running out of heating oil in January, or facing eviction proceedings because bills went unpaid.

At LifePath, the Money Management team of dedicated staff and trained volunteers work together to help older adults in Franklin County and the North Quabbin area remain living at home in a way that is safe, financially secure, independent, and connected to their community.

The LifePath Money Management program’s Bill Pay program matches older adults with volunteers who provide support by writing checks, sorting bills, balancing a checkbook, helping adhere to a budget, and more. Our volunteers are trained as they begin their service, as well as on a continual basis, not only in financial management, but HIPAA, confidentiality, and scam prevention as well. Volunteers receive ongoing supervision and oversight to protect clients and ensure compliance with Massachusetts program requirements.

Every client comes to us with a different story, but the challenges are often similar. Some are losing their sight and unable to read their bills, while others experience tremors from Parkinson’s disease that make it impossible to write checks. Some clients struggle to remember payment deadlines, and others feel overwhelmed and avoid the task altogether. As we age, our cognitive abilities change, and tasks that were once simple can become complicated, stressful, and unmanageable. “Without my LifePath volunteer’s help, I couldn’t do it. I’m upset that my mind won’t let me do it now,” says another grateful client.

Beyond the practical challenge of paying bills, many clients face even more serious financial and personal hardships. Issues of poverty, fraud, credit card debt, eviction, and domestic violence are common. “I was an overspender. I ripped up all my credit cards and haven’t had a late payment since working with my volunteer,” reports Joe from Greenfield. Having a trusted person to consult makes all the difference when dealing with credit card debt, possible fraud, or even the daunting task of opening the mail.

Today, advertisements often resemble bills; charitable donation requests can look like invoices; and sophisticated financial scams are increasingly targeting older adults. Having a trusted LifePath volunteer to help sort through mail, identify scams, and talk through financial decisions has a huge impact. Tracy Gaudet, Director of the Orange Senior Center, sees these types of needs regularly. She says, “We have some older folks who bring their mail in to the Senior Center so we can go through it together.”

Asking for help with personal finances isn’t easy. Inviting a volunteer into your home to help pay bills requires trust. However, accepting help can mean the difference between remaining safely at home and running out of heating oil in January or facing eviction proceedings because bills went unpaid.

Lexi Turner, a volunteer in LifePath’s Money Management program, confided, “I am so glad that I decided to volunteer with LifePath. I meet with my money management client every few weeks. My client is older, living alone and was finding managing her bills on a limited income, especially medical bills, stress inducing and overwhelming. With the regularity of our visits, now she feels more confident and less alone. It is really rewarding, and a reminder of how small acts to support our neighbors can make a big difference in all our lives.”

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a friend or family member who can help manage finances. That’s why LifePath’s Money Management program exists. During the past year, LifePath provided Money Management services to 55 older adults through the support of 20 trained volunteers. As the need continues to grow, LifePath is actively recruiting additional Money Management volunteers as well as Meals on Wheels drivers and other program volunteers.

If you would like to volunteer with our LifePath team or if you or anyone you know is in need of LifePath Home Care and Money Management services, please call 413-773-5555 or visit our website.

Growing older shouldn’t mean facing financial challenges alone or giving up on continuing to live at home. Sometimes the simple act of sitting at a kitchen table together, opening the mail, and paying a few bills is what allows someone to remain safely in the home, and in the community they love.

The Home Care program is focused on providing high-quality services and case management, but to do that, we also need to practice good collaboration. Good collaboration can happen between the Home Care Case Manager and our vendors, between Home Care and other LifePath departments, and between Home Care and external community supports.

To be eligible for the Home Care program, a consumer must be at least 60 years old (or they can be younger if they have an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis). Some consumers have already had years of bad experiences with human services organizations and feel defensive, defeated, and not open to anything new. This was the case for Leroy, a consumer who had been served by multiple agencies and services by the time Case Manager Jackie Cappuccio was assigned to him. She was unable to reach him by phone to schedule their first visit, so she called his homemaking aide to arrange to stop by his house when the aide would be there.

All of these actions for Leroy were made possible by the collaboration between Jackie and Leroy’s home care aide vendors, Mass Surgical Supply, TRIAD, and LifePath staff members Beth and Andi.

Jackie was nervous, but Leroy was welcoming. While he was less interested in adding more homemaking hours or personal care, Jackie noticed at her visit that he had a few items in need of replacement: his four-pronged cane was duct taped at the bottom, his chair that he slept in was broken, and his rollator walker was also broken. Home Care doesn’t always have the financial capacity to make large purchases, but we were lucky this past spring to be able to order Leroy a new lift chair from our vendor Mass Surgical Supply in Holyoke. His need for the cane and rollator was more urgent, so Jackie called the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office TRIAD program, a crime-prevention and wellness initiative aimed at protecting the safety and welfare of older adults, who were able to get him both of those items within a few days.

One of the goals of the Home Care program is to support our consumers with their goals. Leroy’s biggest goal was being able to leave his house, which he could do with the new cane and rollator. Leroy also has edema in his legs, so the lift chair helps to keep the edema more manageable.

Jackie told Leroy she would order these items to replace what was broken, she did it, and he received them: This completed verbal agreement meant the world to him, creating a foundation of trust in their relationship. It also created an in for Jackie to help Leroy get a new phone, as he would need to be able to receive a call from Mass Surgical Supply to coordinate delivery of his items. Leroy also received help from LifePath employee Beth Fogle, who was instrumental in helping Leroy to get the new phone and set it up. Beth was able to meet with Leroy more frequently than Jackie for this process, and she was able to help with Leroy’s care coordination in other areas too. Leroy was able to get some basic help from his homemaking aide on how to use his phone, including how to charge it, check voicemails, and pay his phone bill.

Leroy continued to open up to Jackie about needing more help, although he wasn’t always clear on what that help was. Jackie talked with him about adding some personal care to his services. He had been resistant in the past but was now open to it after seeing some other ways that Home Care could help him. Jackie conducted a case conference with one of the nurses in our Home Care Nursing department, Andi Baker. Andi then conducted a visit with Leroy, showing care and taking a person-centered approach, and she was able to determine the level of personal care that Leroy would need. It took some time to find a vendor with availability, but Leroy was able to get a second aide to help him with some personal care help.

Leroy continued to tell Jackie that he needed more help. He would share that his electric scooter was broken, but when Jackie tried to talk with him about ordering one, he would decline. Jackie continued to listen to him, and he continued to open up to her. He told her that his scooter’s battery had an issue and sometimes he would be stranded in the community in the scooter. He would become very fearful that he wouldn’t make it back home. Not having the scooter made it harder for him to get out, his primary goal. He loved running errands in his scooter, like going to the bank and the convenience store.

Eventually, Leroy confessed to Jackie that he felt ashamed to accept anything more, as she had already given him so much. He felt like he didn’t deserve something that he both needed and wanted for his quality of life. Jackie continued to talk with him, and eventually he agreed, and she was able to order him the scooter, also from Mass Surgical Supply. Leroy was so happy that he started calling Jackie weekly to thank her for helping him get the scooter. He shared with Jackie “If I didn’t have LifePath, who would I have? LifePath has helped me so much. I wouldn’t be here without LifePath.”

All of these actions for Leroy were made possible by the collaboration between Jackie and Leroy’s home care aide vendors, Mass Surgical Supply, TRIAD, and LifePath staff members Beth and Andi. Now Leroy feels empowered in other areas of his life. Jackie recently got a call from Leroy’s primary care practice reporting that he is more on board with their recommendations than he’s ever been before, and he is advocating for himself and focused on solutions, not just problems.

Leroy has learned that good things can happen for him when he asks, and it often takes people working together from different disciplines to make that happen. Jackie shared “LifePath really shines when we can collaborate,” and this story is a wonderful example of the positive change LifePath can help facilitate.

Starting Sept. 15, older adults in our community will have a new place to gather, enjoy a delicious meal, and connect with friends. The Senior Dining Club at Mahar offers people aged 60 and older the opportunity to enjoy a hot, nutritious lunch in a welcoming setting at Ralph C. Mahar Regional School in Orange.

The program is a partnership between LifePath, Ralph C. Mahar Regional School, and the Orange Council on Aging. It is funded through the Older Americans Act Title III Program, as administered by the Administration for Community Living and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence (AGE).

Enjoy a Fresh, Nutritious Lunch

Dining Club guests can enjoy the hot meal of the day along with the salad bar, all prepared by the Mahar nutrition team. The staff takes pride in serving delicious, nutritious meals made with locally grown produce whenever possible.

Guests will move through the cafeteria line just like students and staff. While the complimentary program includes the daily entrée and salad bar, additional cafeteria favorites such as sandwiches and pizza are available for purchase, if desired.

After picking up lunch, guests can dine in a designated senior dining area. Created by Mahar’s home economics students, the space features comfortable tables and chairs, tablecloths, and welcoming décor.

Program Details

Where:
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School
507 South Main Street
Orange, MA 01364
Main Cafeteria

When:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 12–1:00 p.m.
Beginning September 15, 2026 (except major holidays)

Who Can Attend:
Adults aged 60 and older and their spouse of any age.

Cost:
There is no charge for the meal. A voluntary donation of $3.50 per meal is appreciated but not required.

Registration:
No advance registration is necessary. Guests will be asked to sign in and provide some basic personal information upon arrival.

Easy Access for Everyone

Parking is available curbside along both sides of the access road near the cafeteria entrance. The site is fully accessible, with no steps, elevators, or steep inclines.

Need a ride? Transportation to and from the Dining Club is available through the Orange Council on Aging. Please contact the Council on Aging (978-544-3481) at least two days before you plan to attend to arrange transportation. 

Menu

To see what’s being served, contact the Orange Council on Aging or visit the Mahar Food Services webpage, where the current menu is posted in the gray box on the right side of the page. Recent menus include:

• Chicken Alfredo with Whole Wheat Elbows & Local Roasted Broccoli, Local Fresh Cucumber Wheels, Fruit Cup & Fresh Apple Slices
• BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich on a Whole Wheat Bun with Seasoned Roasted Potato Wedges, Fresh Local Garden Side Salad, a Fruit Cup & Fresh Melon
• Chicken & Vegetable Dumplings served with Sauteed Local Baby Bok Choy, a Homemade Cool Corn & Edamame Salad, a Fruit Cup & Fresh Orange Wedges
• Hamburger or Cheeseburger on a Whole Wheat Bun served with Local Lettuce & Tomato, Homemade Magenta Root Slaw made with Local Beets, 100% Fruit Popsicle & Fresh Melon

More Than Just a Meal

The Senior Dining Club is about more than enjoying a healthy lunch. It’s an opportunity to spend time with neighbors, meet new friends, and become part of the Mahar community in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Whether you stop by once a week or make it part of your regular routine, you’ll find good food and friendly faces waiting for you.

We hope you’ll join us this September and experience the Senior Dining Club at Mahar!

As I stood at the launch of the Athol Kindness Connection, the new Village project, I was inspired to witness the beginning of something very special and I was honored to be invited to speak at this wonderful celebration.

The Changing Landscape of Family Care

Families headed by the Greatest Generation, begun before 1945, were much larger than families begun later. Family size has decreased significantly over the years, from 6-7 children per family in the early 20th century to an average of just over two today. This shift has resulted in a growing elderly population with fewer younger family members to care for them.

In our area, many young adult family members have left to pursue other opportunities, leaving behind an aging population that requires support. The old model of care, where adult children would care for their elderly parents, no longer works as it used to.

The Role of Social Services and Villages

Social services organizations like LifePath can provide essential support, including home-delivered meals, home care services, and care coordination. The Senior Center offers information, social activities, and exercise programs. However, these services cannot replace the companionship, emotional support, and practical help that a good nephew or daughter-in-law can provide.

This is where neighbor-to-neighbor programs, also known as Villages, come in. Villages like the Athol Kindness Connection provide a platform for community members to help their neighbors in a way that is safer, easier, and more socially acceptable.

The Launch of the Athol Kindness Connection

Today, the Athol Kindness Connection becomes the 10th Village to launch in Western Mass, which has taken the lead in Village coverage in the state. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers and board members who have made this possible.

A Call to Action

As part of LifePath’s Age and Dementia-Friendly project, I have been working to communicate the value of Villages in solving difficult problems like transportation. Our area’s legislators have taken notice, and we have secured an earmark of $10,000 per Village to support their work. However, more advocacy is needed to ensure consistent, long-term funding for these vital programs.

I want to congratulate and thank everyone who has invested so much time and effort to make this day happen. I encourage every able-bodied Athol resident with a little bit of free time to sign on as a volunteer, to be ready to help out when needed. Also, please be sure to share your support of this program with friends, neighbors, and our elected leaders. This is a gamechanger for our community, and a vehicle for Athol to become a kinder, better place to age.

A well-functioning digestive system is key to our overall well-being, affecting everything from energy levels to mental health and immune defenses. While digestive issues are common across all age groups, older adults may experience more issues due to physical changes related to aging, impacts of chronic disease, and side effects from medications. Paying attention to digestion and resolving issues can improve quality of life and support healthy aging.

The digestive system is most known for turning the food you eat into energy and building blocks. It begins in your mouth and extends through your esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Along the way, your liver, pancreas, and gallbladder add digestive juices that break down the foods into nutrients. The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption happens. Its walls are lined with tiny, finger-like projections called villi that increase the surface area for absorbing vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Without proper digestion and absorption, even the most nutritious diet falls short of its potential. Your body simply can’t benefit from calcium for your bones, B vitamins for energy, or protein for muscle maintenance if they’re not properly absorbed.

Your digestive tract also houses about 70% of your immune system, with trillions of beneficial bacteria fighting off harmful pathogens, producing vitamins like vitamin K and some B vitamins, and communicating with your brain through the gut-brain axis.

The digestive system does more than break down food and absorb nutrients. For instance, your intestines produce hormones that regulate appetite and mood, and serotonin, the “happy hormone,” is primarily produced there. Your digestive tract also houses about 70% of your immune system, with trillions of beneficial bacteria fighting off harmful pathogens, producing vitamins like vitamin K and some B vitamins, and communicating with your brain through the gut-brain axis. A well-functioning digestive system helps fight infections, maintain energy, and support mental clarity.

However, natural aging, lifestyle changes, illness, and medication can disrupt the digestive system. Some older adults notice less saliva in their mouths, making it harder to chew and swallow comfortably. Many have low stomach acid, making it harder to break down food and absorb certain nutrients. Heartburn and acid reflux may occur more frequently as the valve between the esophagus and stomach weakens. Constipation, nausea, bloating, and gas are also common.

Fortunately, you can support your digestive health through diet and lifestyle choices.

Pay attention to your body’s digestive symptoms and triggers. Keeping a food diary, writing down when and what you eat, along with symptoms and bowel habits can help you explore how your body responds to certain foods. Paying attention to your bowel movements, including how often you poop and what it looks like, can help you detect problems. The Bristol Stool Chart, a reference guide that classifies poop into seven types based on shape and consistency, can come in handy to help determine if you might be dehydrated or constipated. Writing down notes about your diet, symptoms, and bowels can not only help you monitor your digestion but can help when talking with your doctor, so they can better understand your issues and help you resolve them.

Once you discover problematic foods that trigger discomfort, try to limit them. For example, common culprits for acid reflux include fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and spicy dishes. You don’t necessarily need to eliminate them entirely, but moderation may help.

Embrace fiber (unless you have an infection or flare-up). Soluble fiber dissolves in water and helps soften stools, while insoluble fiber adds bulk and promotes regular bowel movements. Both types feed beneficial gut bacteria. Try to include a variety of plant foods, including whole grains like oats and brown rice, fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds. If your body isn’t used to having fiber, increase fiber gradually; adding too much too quickly can cause bloating. Also make sure to drink plenty of water. Talk to a healthcare provider before taking fiber supplements, or if you have a medical condition that requires a low-fiber diet.

Stay hydrated. Water keeps things moving smoothly through your digestive tract and helps fiber do its job. It also helps in producing saliva and digestive juices. Most people need at least 8 glasses daily, more if you’re active or it’s hot outside. Herbal teas, broths, and water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and celery also count. If plain water feels boring, try adding lemon slices, cucumber, or fresh mint.

Choose probiotic-rich foods like yogurt with live active cultures, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and miso. These foods help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can improve digestion and boost immunity.

Eat mindfully. Slow down at mealtimes. Chew thoroughly and aim for 20-30 chews per bite. This not only helps by breaking down food and mixing it with saliva but also helps you enjoy your food more and recognize fullness cues. Eating in a relaxed environment, rather than rushing or eating while stressed, supports better digestion since stress can slow digestive processes.

Move your body. Regular physical activity stimulates intestinal contractions, preventing constipation. Even a short 10-minute walk, stretching, or chair exercises can make a difference. Movement also helps reduce bloating and gas.

Stress triggers and worsens digestive symptoms like cramping, diarrhea, or constipation. Find practices that help manage stress, whether that’s deep breathing exercises, meditation, time in nature, listening to music, or connecting with friends and family.

Consider meal timing and portion size. Avoid large meals late at night, which can interfere with sleep and digestion. Consider eating smaller, more frequent meals if large portions feel uncomfortable.

Address specific digestive issues and seek help when needed. Digestive issues are complex and should be addressed individually. While some changes are normal with aging, others require medical attention. Consult your doctor if you experience regular abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, unexplained weight loss, blood in your stool, black or tarry stools, severe constipation or diarrhea lasting more than a few days, difficulty swallowing, or other digestive issues that affect your daily life.

Prioritizing your digestive health is crucial for healthy aging. Pay attention to your digestion, nourish your gut with fiber-rich foods, stay hydrated, move regularly, manage stress, and be mindful of your eating habits. Small, consistent changes can meaningfully improve your daily well-being.

What Are Ticks?

Ticks are bugs that feed on the blood of people and animals. When they bite you, they can make you sick. Two kinds of ticks found in Massachusetts can carry diseases: deer ticks and dog ticks.

Tick and Mosquito Prevention

How can I protect my family, my pets, and myself from tick and mosquito bites?

The best way to prevent tick and mosquito related diseases is to prevent bites. Ticks are most commonly found in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. They only attach when you come into direct contact with them, they cannot jump or fly. Mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs in and plants to hide in so they are usually found around water and plants. Mosquito eggs are laid on water or damp soil where the young mosquitoes grow and develop. Follow these prevention steps:

• Check yourself for ticks once a day.
• Use repellents that contain DEET on your exposed skin and those that contain permethrin on your clothes.
• Stick to main pathways and the center of trails if you can.
• Weather permitting, wear long-sleeved, light-colored shirts and long pants tucked into your socks. This will help keep ticks away from your skin and make it easier to spot ticks on your clothing.

Where do ticks often attach?

Favorite places ticks like to go on your body include: areas between the toes, back of the knees, groin, armpits, and neck; along the hairline; and behind the ears.

When to remove ticks?

A tick should be carefully removed as soon as possible. The longer an infected tick remains attached to you, the more likely you are to get sick.

Why are mosquito bites a concern?

Some mosquitoes carry germs that can make people and some animals sick. Mosquitoes can transmit germs when they bite. In Massachusetts, the diseases linked to mosquitoes are West Nile virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus.

How long does it take for the tick to spread disease?

It can take 24 hours or more for infected ticks to spread disease, so even if you get a tick bite, you may be able to stop yourself from getting sick just by removing the tick promptly.

Do all mosquitoes spread germs to people?

No. In fact, most mosquito bites will only cause itching or skin irritation. However, some species found in Massachusetts carry viruses that can cause illness.

Visit the Tick-Borne Diseases webpage at Mass.gov for more information on tick-borne diseases and how to prevent them.

I haven’t seen fireflies in my backyard in quite some time, so you can imagine my surprise when I spotted one last week. I am amazed at the simple beauty of a firefly as it seems to fly across the field upon its nightly journey. I have often considered them to be a sign of good luck and hope, as their intermittent light flashes like a beacon in the night, offering a peaceful reassurance that you are not alone in the dark.

The same holds true for lighthouses. These towering architectural wonders are such a captivating sight to see from both land and sea. From land, it gives us a sign that we are getting closer to the shore and provides a higher perspective from above to better understand our surrounding environment. From sea, back before technological navigation took hold, lighthouses allowed sailors to know precisely where they were along their journey as each lighthouse was painted in its own unique color schemes along the coast. By night, lighthouses provide unique sequences of flashing light to let sailors know their position as they traverse the ocean.

LifePath continues to navigate the current and future uncertainty with both Federal and State budget constraints, we have decided to shift our in-person Fall Walkathon Event to a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign taking place from October 2 through October 30.

Fireworks also help us to celebrate the many wonderful occasions and milestones throughout our history, as they help to illuminate the night sky so that we can better see through the darkness and as we gain our bearings in strategizing our next steps toward a brighter future.

As LifePath continues to navigate the current and future uncertainty with both Federal and State budget constraints, we have decided to shift our in-person Fall Walkathon Event to a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign taking place from October 2 through October 30. This month-long campaign will allow our traditional Walkathon donors to continue to support our efforts this fall without the logistical overhead associated with running an in-person event.

Why do this, you might ask? Well, by going in this direction it allows us to accomplish a number of things. First and most importantly, it continues to give our traditional teams, sponsors, and individual donors that have historically been involved in this long-standing event, the opportunity to continue to support the important work that we do, under a similar format. In moving away from an in-person event, we are hoping to include more people to participate in this mobile campaign fundraising structure, helping to address decreasing attendance over the years. This change also helps to prevent competition with other live events going on during the busy fall season.

Additionally, the move to a more traditional fundraising campaign format provides us with an opportunity to save more than $10,000 in event and staff-related costs, maximizing the impact of your gift to go even further in making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve through our programs.

We are asking people to follow up with those you have approached in the past to support LifePath through this event to ask for their continued support of our efforts. Donation collection forms will be available starting August 24 on our website, and copies will be available at local senior centers in your area and at our main office in Greenfield. There is also the option to make your donation directly online or it can be mailed to LifePath, Inc., 101 Munson Street, Suite 201, Greenfield, MA 01301. Our goal this year is to raise $60,000 in support of our Meals on Wheels program, and I know that we can surpass that goal with everyone’s continued support.

The power of your support is a reassuring beacon that cannot be overstated, as it helps us to chart a course towards calmer waters, as we sustain our life-changing programs in serving those throughout our community and beyond. For questions about your gift or to help us raise funds in support of our efforts, please feel free to contact John O’Farrell at jofarrell@lifepathma.org. For more information on LifePath’s many programs, call 413-773-5555 or visit our website to learn more.

Did you know that the LifePath SHINE program has over 40 counselors that cover 54 towns in Western Massachusetts? Many people have heard of the SHINE program but do not know the extent of services we provide, or the training involved in becoming a Certified SHINE counselor.

LifePath’s SHINE program provides unbiased Medicare insurance information, counseling, and assistance at no cost. SHINE counselors do not sign beneficiaries up for Medicare Parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Medicare Insurance), as that is done through Social Security offices. However, the SHINE team can assist with comparing Medicare Supplement, Advantage, and Prescription plans. We strive to provide beneficiaries with the information needed to make an informed decision about their insurance plans. In addition, the SHINE team explores ways to save money with public benefits such as the Medicare Savings Program (MSP). You can qualify for the MSP program based on income. If you qualify, it will provide payment of Medicare A&B premiums, Extra Help, and Health Safety Net. If you qualify for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) level, Medicare providers aren’t allowed to bill you for services that Medicare covers such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

Why Do People Choose to Become a SHINE Counselor?

LifePath SHINE counselors join our program for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is because they want to help individuals navigate a complex Medicare system. Or the SHINE volunteer may have received SHINE counseling themselves, and after receiving the benefits of support with a SHINE counselor, they are inspired to volunteer to provide this much-needed service to others. Beverly Macleod joined LifePath’s SHINE program in 2024 and is currently volunteering at the Orange Council on Aging Senior Center. She shared, “After retirement I realized something was missing. I happened to see a LifePath article in the Greenfield Recorder that spoke specifically about SHINE counseling and felt an instant interest. I could fill an important role in my own community; a role that would truly make a difference in people’s health and welfare.”

Ashley Fraga, the Outreach Coordinator and SHINE counselor at the Easthampton Senior Center, said, “As an outreach coordinator, I think it’s important to be well-versed in everything related to our older population. Medicare is something everyone will encounter at some point, so I wanted to better understand it and help others.”

LifePath’s SHINE Counselors complete 60 hours of training and mentoring before becoming a certified SHINE counselor. Then, they are scheduled with Medicare beneficiaries to help explore Medicare plan options and possibly uncover ways to save money on both health insurance and prescription drug costs. Loaded with Medicare knowledge, SHINE counselors provide assistance in their communities at various sites, such as Councils on Aging & Senior Centers, Community Health Centers, Hospitals, Veterans Services locations, and more. Here is another comment from our Orange-based SHINE Volunteer Beverly: “SHINE counselors are here to provide information about what type of Medicare plans are available and to help people understand the difference between types of plans so they can make good choices about what type of care will work best for them. As we age and things change for us medically and financially, SHINE counselors assist with that process, especially during the Open Enrollment Period.”

Teddy Doucette, the Outreach Coordinator and SHINE counselor at The Senior Center for Ashfield, Buckland, and Shelburne shared, “I love the amount of money I have helped people save in a short time. Often, I have been able to save people money because of income eligibility guidelines for public benefits they didn’t even realize they were eligible for.”

HOW TO HELP YOURSELF

SHINE counselors are available to assist many people; however, we cannot meet all of the increasing demands for assistance placed on our SHINE program. Here are a few options to help you along your Medicare journey:

Create a Medicare Account

Creating a Medicare.gov account allows you to compare plan options, review Medicare claims on your account, print a temporary Medicare card, and more. The Open Enrollment Period takes place October 15-December 7, 2026. Beneficiaries can review and make changes to their Part D or Advantage plans during this time. Changes to plans can be made in your Medicare.gov account or by directly calling Medicare or your insurance company.

Contact Your Council on Aging or Senior Center

Find out if there are Medicare Information sessions occurring in your area. This will help you get started!

Keep an Eye on Your Mail

In September you will receive your Annual Notice of Change letter with changes to your Medicare Prescription Drug or Advantage Plan insurance coverage for the upcoming year. The letter you receive in the mail is important as it will provide updated pricing for the following year and any changes to covered benefits.

MassHealth also sends periodic notifications that are important to review. These can contain coverage change notices if you have a change in circumstances that affect your eligibility as well as recertification notices that require a new application to be completed in order to requalify benefits. Failing to complete the recommended steps could result in loss of coverage. If this occurs, we are very limited in what help we can provide, so it’s best to stay current with these tasks.

Call Your Insurance Carrier

They might have Medicare information sessions to help you get started.

Reach out to Social Security, Medicare, or MassHealth

Social Security, Medicare, and MassHealth are the best sources of up-to-date information on your insurance coverage.

• You can speak directly to a Social Security representative by calling 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time, Monday-Friday. Automated telephone services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Medicare agents are available 24/7 at 1–800-633-4227.
• MassHealth is available 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1-800-841-2900.

SHINE Appointment Preparation

For a successful appointment with a LifePath-trained SHINE counselor, please come prepared! We ask that you bring your Medicare card, any other additional insurance cards, a list of your prescriptions (including names and dosages), and a list of your doctors and specialists.

LifePath’s SHINE Program provides confidential and unbiased health insurance counseling for Medicare beneficiaries through its highly trained staff and 40 certified volunteers. This is a free service, though contributions are welcome and will go a long way to help LifePath support this vital program. Contact Information: LifePath SHINE Regional Office at 1-800-498-4232 or 413-773-5555 /Ext. 1220, or by contacting your local Council on Aging/Senior Center.

Once a month at the Northfield Senior Center, a very special gathering happens. People come together for music, food, activities, chatting, or just to catch up. Like so many ways people come together, attendees share community and connection. But what makes this gathering, called a Memory Café, so special is who attends: people living with dementia, their friends, and care partners. Memory Cafés meet at the Shelburne Senior Center, the Athol Senior Center, the Amherst Senior Center, the Northampton Senior Center, and beyond. From Massachusetts to Alaska and from Europe to Asia, thousands of people living with dementia and their care partners attend Memory Cafés to bring joy and connection in settings that are comfortable and accommodating of memory loss.

A diagnosis of dementia affects families, friends, and communities as well as the person experiencing symptoms. Memories may change, but the need for connection remains. Memory Cafés reduce isolation, offer care partners support and respite, and help build a more dementia-friendly region. LifePath’s Age and Dementia Friendly Community Awards help local organizations establish and expand these welcoming programs.

Coming here always feels comfortable. The meals are wonderful, and the atmosphere makes my wife feel comfortable with her Alzheimer’s. Never had a bad time and we look forward to the next time.

Memory Cafés were developed in the Netherlands in the 1990s by psychologist Dr. Bere Miesen, creating a welcoming gathering place where people living with dementia and their care partners could socialize, share experiences, and reduce stigma. The term “café” is used to evoke an informal, welcoming place for connection and conversation. The model spread rapidly across Europe and North America, with the first U.S. Memory Café opening around 2008. While further research is needed to better understand their long-term impact, existing studies suggest that Memory Cafés can strengthen social connection, provide respite for caregivers, and improve quality of life for people living with dementia and their care partners.

When you walk into a Memory Café, you can expect to find a space that’s easy to navigate, and facilitators and staff who understand and are prepared to lend a hand in an environment that is neither clinical nor stigmatizing. In fact, dementia may or may not come up at all.

In Athol, Memory Café participants develop a calendar full of engaging activities, including a group outing to Lake Wyola on July 13. Athol Senior Center Director Cathy Savoy emphasized that they honor people as they are and welcome new and established participants alike into a warm and comfortable environment. Contact the Athol Senior Center for details.

At The Senior Center in Shelburne Falls, the Memory Café has grown from about 12–15 participants to about 20–24 each month. Gatherings include a full meal, activities, and entertainment. Caregivers joke that “It is set up like a wedding reception, just for us!” Music is especially popular, providing good cheer even on difficult days.

The café and caregiver support group also strengthen the West County caregiving community. Longtime caregiver Jill once joined a musician onstage and later said, “I got to sing in front of my tribe!” Another caregiver, Mark, described being welcomed by people who “knew the drill and how to get by day to day” and gave him permission to enjoy a meal and show with new friends. Check The Senior Center in Shelburne for more information.

In Northfield, each Memory Café includes an activity, speaker, or entertainment. A light lunch is available, by reservation only. Call the Northfield Senior Center to reserve yours.

“This program certainly makes a great deal of difference for us. An opportunity to get out and visit as well as participate in interesting activities. Wonderful!” said one Northfield Memory Café attendee. “Coming here always feels comfortable. The meals are wonderful, and the atmosphere makes my wife feel comfortable with her Alzheimer’s. Never had a bad time and we look forward to the next time,” said another.

Village Neighbors, a Village model organization serving Wendell, Shutesbury, Leverett, and New Salem, holds Memory Cafés as well. Nearby residents should reach out to Village Neighbors at 413-345-6894 to learn about Memory Cafés and other programs to support people living with dementia and their care partners.

According to Beth Soltzberg, Director of Dementia Support Programs at Jewish Family & Children’s Service and a pioneer in the national Memory Café movement, “Memory Cafés meet an important, growing need in a cost-effective way. They are fairly easy to start and run, and easy for folks to make the leap to attend for the first time—they are a gateway to new social connections, referrals to services, and more.”

To start a Memory Café, visit dfamerica.org to identify nearby cafés to visit. Next, create a free profile through the Memory Café Alliance to access two hours of self-paced training on café operations, dementia and caregiving, and programming. Organizers can also sign up for the Alliance Newsletter and Learning Community for ongoing resources, ideas, and peer support.

There is much to do in building communities that support people with dementia and their care partners. Many of us at LifePath have been impacted by dementia in our own lives, including me, with my father. LifePath is here to help you and the people you care about as well. Call 413-773-5555 to learn more.

To find a Memory Café near you, search the internet for “Memory Café near me,” or ask your local senior center or council on aging.