
Striving for Racial Equity and Multicultural Inclusion
We, as an agency, continue our commitment to combating systemic racism and fostering multicultural growth, equity, and inclusion. While LifePath had previously been involved in diversity initiatives, our renewed investment began in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd, when taking action against racism was explicitly named as our primary focus. We came together at
Managing Osteoarthritis
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Arthritis affects millions of people around the world and is the leading cause of disability. There are many types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting 27 million adults worldwide. The number of people experiencing OA is expected to rise. By 2050, it is projected that 130 million

Dealing with Dementia: When Thinking and Behavior Decline
Forgetfulness, temporary confusion, or having trouble remembering a name or word can be a normal part of life. But when thinking problems or unusual behavior starts to interfere with everyday activities—such as working, preparing meals, or handling finances—it’s time to see a doctor, as these could be signs of dementia.
Dementia is a brain disorder that

Help and Tips for Caregivers in 2023
According to the Administration for Community Living (ACL), families are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the U.S. Many caregivers work and also provide care, experiencing conflicts between these competing responsibilities. Research indicates that caregiving also exacts a significant emotional, physical, and financial toll. With nearly half

Move, Mood, Attitude: Gear Up for LifePath’s 31st Walkathon
Most of us aspire to maintain healthy well-being and to age comfortably in the place we call home. To this end, the theme for this year’s annual Walkathon is “The Path for Life.” The event aims to promote the benefits of physical activity and secure the generosity of this community.
This fun-filled gathering of walking and

Home Health Care: A Workforce in Need
It seems like everywhere you go today, you find “help wanted” signs. From stores, to restaurants, to doctor’s offices and local municipalities, the national labor shortage continues to impact a wide array of industries and occupations. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, more than 47 million workers left their jobs in 2021, many of

A Way to Make a Difference: The Adult Family Care Program
Dick Hawthorne likes the days LifePath staff Annie and Yangchen come to visit, and he also appreciates living in a home where he gets to take walks in nature and watch the birds and deer. Dick is an Adult Family Care (AFC) member with LifePath.
LifePath’s AFC program provides care and support in a home environment

The Real, Not the Ideal: Moving Beyond Healthism
Wellness is not being disease free; wellness is not always about eating vegetables, or sleeping well, or exercising. There are many of us who live our day-to-day lives not feeling well, or have found ourselves coping with various conditions that we didn’t ask for, and struggling with managing work, family, relationships, and the difficult emotions

Beware of Holiday Scams!
Scammers take advantage of the holiday season, using people’s generosity against them. According to the FBI, the two most prevalent holidays scams are “non-delivery” and “non-payment” crimes. In a non-delivery scam, a buyer pays for goods or services online but never receives them. In a non-payment scam, the seller is the victim, as goods

Nutrition Notes: Rising Food Prices—How to Eat Well In Spite of Them
I was shocked recently at the grocery store to see that my favorite cereal was $3 more per pound than a few months earlier. I’m sure most of you can relate, as the drastic rise in food prices this year is hard to ignore. The Economic Research Service of the USDA has predicted

Winter Well-Being
As much of our region experiences its first whispers of winter, it’s wise to take time to prepare yourself for the months to come. For many, this means thinking about tangible steps such as insulating and heating your home; getting out winter coats, boots and shovels; and stocking up on sand for icy sidewalks. While

Making Tracks Toward Becoming Age- and Dementia-Friendly
Image above: Carol Foote and Age-Friendly Franklin County & North Quabbin steering committee member Peggy Vezina show off a board that showcases the work of the local project at the gathering hosted by MACHHAF and HRIA.
Over the last two years, the Age-Friendly Franklin County and North Quabbin project has made progress in raising awareness and