Nutrition Notes: The Newly Released Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030
This March we celebrate National Nutrition Month® to raise awareness of dietary and lifestyle choices that support health. The theme “Discover the Power of Nutrition” brings us an opportunity to review and discuss the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030, released on January 7, 2026. Every 5 years, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health
State Budget Provides $100,000 via LifePath for Local Village Organizations Across Franklin County, the North Quabbin, and Hampshire County
Following successful legislative advocacy by State Senator Jo Comerford and State Senator John Velis, an earmark in Governor Maura Healey’s FY26 state budget enabled LifePath to award $100,000 to 10 local Village organizations. Each organization received $10,000 to strengthen community-based, neighbor-to-neighbor supports for older adults across the region.
Villages are grassroots, volunteer-driven nonprofit organizations that help
Self-Care and Helping One Another Has the Greatest Rewards
Hooray everyone! We have already reached the half-way point through this cold and snowy winter season. It’s incredible how fast 2026 is flying by. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of all this shoveling. The good news is that there are some bright spots in the mix as we make our way through the season. One is daylight savings time where each day begins to get a little lighter, for a longer period of time. So don’t forget to
Handmade Valentine’s Cards Bring Joy to Meals on Wheels Recipients
LifePath’s office was once again filled with colorful works of Valentine’s Day art after children from Bement School, Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School, Colrain Central School After School Program, The Learning Knoll, Mohawk Trail Regional School, Northfield Elementary School, Petersham Center School, Petersham Montessori School, and Shutesbury Elementary School, along with residents of the assisted living community
Walter Harubin, 105, Enjoys Living in the Home He Built, With Help from LifePath’s Meals on Wheels
Walter Harubin, who turned 105 on February 8, is sitting in his bright living room with large, exposed wood beams in Whately, MA—a living room he built. “I built this house, 85% of it myself, it took me three and a half years when I was only 40 years old . . . Every minute,
Medicare Costs in 2026
Medicare Part A changes
Medicare Part A covers your hospital costs, such as: hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, home health care, hospice care, and other services. Most beneficiaries do not pay a premium for Part A if they
Highlighting the Value of Nonprofits in Franklin County
The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce’s most recent breakfast invited leaders from local non-profit organizations to highlight how nonprofits are essential contributors to the local economy while also functioning as charitable organizations.
In Franklin County, nonprofits are often discussed in terms of need, with a focus on who we serve, what services are underfunded, and where
What Is Osteoporosis and How Does It Impact Older Adults?
Bones are made up of living tissue that’s constantly changing. During our lifetime, our body relies on the minerals calcium and phosphate to keep our bones strong and healthy. As we age, however, our bodies tend to reabsorb these minerals instead of keeping them in our bones.
When more old bone is reabsorbed and not enough
Getting Started With Caregiving
Caregiving can be daunting, and more so if you have never done it before. These tips on when and how to begin caregiving for a loved one, from the National Institute on Aging, can help. Once you decide to start the caregiving process, LifePath’s Resource Consultants will listen to your unique situation and present
Today Is the Best Day to Start Protecting Our Brain Health
Many people are concerned about brain health and memory loss as they age, and for good reason. 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 in our area has dementia, and 1 in 3 Americans dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Between 2000 and 2022, deaths from heart disease decreased 2%, while deaths from
New Dementia Journey Groups Forming in 2026
Like many life-altering journeys, the dementia journey often starts in a doctor’s office. “Those are words I never expected to hear,” said Angela, at the beginning of a recent Dementia Journey group. “My mother had dementia, but I did not think this would happen to me.” Angela’s partner Mark felt similarly. “I was scared and
Exploring Your Individual Journey and Direction in the New Year
With the official start of winter on December 21, the countdown to the spring season is officially underway, bringing positive reminders and memories of warmer temperatures, longer sunlit days, and blossoming flowers to enjoy. In the meantime, let us do our best to get through winter first. Of course, winter does come with its challenges,