Articles by Carol Higgins Taylor
The Weekly
Two local businesses support seniors and their pets and EAAA
One of the best things about living in this area is the generosity of community businesses. Add to that fact that animal lovers encompass a special breed of caring, and great things can happen. The beneficiaries of the good works of two area businesses are Eastern Area Agency on Aging’s ...
Layering essential to help seniors to keep warm on cold days
“Baby, it’s cold outside” isn’t just a song by Bing Crosby, it’s also the weather forecast. We are approaching the middle of January and have seen some pretty bone-chilling temperatures. It is safe to say that there are more on the way so it’s time to get serious about warmth ...
Retiring judge recalls that he most enjoyed adoption cases
Editor’s note: Judge Allan Woodcock has been known for ruling with fairness and integrity for decades. He will be missed. In honor of his retirement from the bench, this column, which originally ran five years ago today, is being republished. He may rule with the iron hand of the law ...
LiveSAFE system provides emergency response, security
It’s like having the world at your fingertips. Well, almost. Rosscare’s LiveSAFE provides personal emergency response service, friendly support, and a sense of security, literally at the touch of a button. “This is a unique service in that it is not only for emergencies but it is total telephone support,” ...
More holiday gift ideas that will please your favorite senior
If you read last week’s column and got some gift ideas for your favorite senior, I am sure you are relieved. And I’m glad. However, I have a few more suggestions, all of which are cost effective. • How much would you pay for some relaxation while helping a non-profit? ...
Holiday caregiving: Adjust traditions and stretch your budget
The holiday season is officially here. Christmas carols are playing everywhere and store sales flyers are slipping out of the morning paper at an alarming rate. Then there’s the traffic, only made worse by the perpetual confusion of motorists. Stressed out yet? Feeling the pressure? “The holiday season can make ...
Finding the right gift for your senior needn’t be complicated
Thanksgiving is over and the pumpkin pie is but a memory. Now it’s time to give serious thought to brushing up on holiday songs and hoarding sales flyers. There is no denying that this is a difficult economy and people on fixed incomes will feel the pinch. Energy costs and ...
Ways to bring holiday cheer to long-term care facilities
With Thanksgiving behind us, we gear up for even larger festivities. While there may be no place like home for the holidays, that’s just not reality for some people who are ill and in a long-term care facility. Visits from loved ones are important and much appreciated but there are ...
Food safety important when preparing Thanksgiving meal
It’s Thanksgiving. But as we look forward to a delicious meal with all the trimmings, we should be aware of one important component — food safety. Some people eat cookie dough and love traditional homemade eggnog, but it’s risky because raw eggs can be dangerous to consume. To be safe, ...
Reflective orange vest helps seniors to be visible to motorists
Is it just me or is winter coming at us at breakneck speed? Driving home in the dark at 4:30 is depressing. But what’s worse is not being seen by drivers when you’re walking in the street or even retrieving mail from a roadside mailbox. Seems every year we hear ...
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program an option for seniors
Have you been getting sticker shock at the grocery store? Wondering how to keep your pantry shelves stocked and eat healthful meals? There may be benefits out there for which you are eligible but are not receiving so Eastern Area Agency on Aging is very happy to offer Benefits Check-Ups. ...
Special meal at Sunbury Village to benefit EAAA fuel fund
Berry Chase knows food. He knows how to keep a secret too, almost. A number of years ago, Chef Chase worked with a French chef who bestowed upon him a unique and sumptuous spaghetti sauce recipe. Chase, being the creative, culinary artist that he is, tinkered with the ingredients and ...
AARP offering drivers safety classroom course to veterans for free
Eastern Area Agency on Aging is always looking for ways to salute our veterans. So is AARP and they have come up with the just the thing. To recognize and thank Maine veterans for their honorable service and dedication to our country, AARP Driver Safety is proud to offer a ...
EAAA’s Health and Safety Fair great resource for seniors
There is a definite chill in the air. Just as we have our cars and homes checked out for winter, we should also have ourselves checked out. Now there is a great way to do that and have fun in the process. Eastern Area Agency on Aging’s free annual Senior ...
Dementia cases may explode as Baby Boomers reach at-risk years
Clifford Singer is worried about a tsunami. Not the oceanic event but one potentially as devastating. He anticipates a tsunami of dementia that is inevitable as coming-of-age Baby Boomers begin entering their at-risk years. “We are struggling to provide needed services now and the numbers of people with dementia is ...
SENIOR BEAT
The time is here to get your flu shot
Fall is here. The leaves are turning and the apples are delicious, especially when covered in caramel, but as joyous as autumn is, it does have a downside — not winter lurking right around the corner but the beginning of flu season. Germs can live on surfaces from doorknobs to ...
Fire Safety Month offers helpful reminders for seniors
By Carol Higgins Taylor, Special to the Weekly on Oct. 04, 2012, at 10:05 a.m.
October is Fire Safety Month. It’s good timing as we gear up to heat our homes and start contemplating holiday lighting. We also spend more time cooking. Let’s face it, there is nothing like warm soups and stews when the temperature dips. And then there are the decorative candles which ...
SENIOR BEAT
Losing sense of smell can signal disease and put seniors at risk
By Carol Higgins Taylor on April 05, 2012, at 4:47 p.m.
We are nearing the season when a whiff of freshly cut grass can make us dizzy with delight. Or how about the aroma of freshly baked bread, a baby’s hair or a new car? Our sense of smell triggers memories, makes us hungry and keeps us safe. The National Institutes ...
SENIOR BEAT
PCHC to sponsor Senior Health Fair on Oct. 28
The weather is turning colder and just as we have our cars checked out for winter, we should also have ourselves checked out. Now there is a great way to have fun in the process. Eastern Area Agency on Aging will hold the first-ever — and we hope annual — ...
SENIOR BEAT
Fair tunes seniors’ health for winter
The weather is turning colder and just as we have our cars checked out for winter, we should also have ourselves checked out. Now there is a great way to have fun in the process. Eastern Area Agency on Aging is holding the first but, it is hoped, annual Senior ...
Report: University of Maine System teacher-training programs rank among worst in nation
In support of Bangor library, schools budget
We don’t understand female politicians
Maine Sports Hall of Fame revokes Dana Wilson’s 2012 induction
Pellerin enthusiastic about job as new Lawrence High School boys varsity basketball coach
Rask gives Bruins 2-1 series lead
Retiring Hermon High School athletic administrator Soucy maintains love of sports
25 things to do this summer — boats, barbecue, the Bard and everything else
UMPI solar system model expanding into Canada
Saying goodbye to our Pakistani daughter