Page 10 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, November 13, 2026 Savvy Senior by Jim Miller Helping an Older Parent Cope with Loneliness Dear Savvy Senior, My 78-year-old father has lived alone since my mother passed away two years ago. He insists he’s fine, but I can tell he spends most of his time by himself and seems increasingly lonely and withdrawn. What can I do to help him, and are there any resources that could support him? --Worried Son Dear Worried, You’re right to pay attention to this. The loss of a spouse often leads to increased isolation in older adults, even when they insist they’re fine. But long stretches without meaningful contact can take a real toll on both emotional and physical health. Public health research shows that about one in three adults age 50 and older reports feeling lonely at times, and those who live alone are at higher risk for social isolation. But loneliness isn’t always easy to spot, especially in older adults who live alone. The good news is there are practical ways to help your father reconnect, along with programs and services designed specifically for older adults living alone. What you can do Focus less on big changes and more on steady, predictable contact. A short call every few days, a standing weekly meal or coffee, or a regular shared errand gives him something to count on. Consistency matters more than length or intensity. Even if you’re not especially close, or don’t live nearby, steady contact can still make a difference. Technology can help bridge the distance through simple routines like weekly video calls, text check-ins, shared family schedules or photo threads. The goal isn’t constant communication, but fewer long stretches where isolation can quietly take hold. It also helps to widen his circle in practical ways. Siblings, grandchildren, neighbors and longtime friends can all play a role. Even brief calls, occasional visits or shared meals can slowly rebuild connection. Familiarity and repetition matter more than effort or duration. Encourage activity Staying active can help reduce isolation. Many communities offer exercise classes, hobby groups, church activities, volunteer opportunities and lifelong learning programs. The best fit depends on personality and whether your father prefers group settings or smaller, low-key interactions. If transportation is a challenge, helping arrange rides or connecting him with local services can make participation more realistic. Just as important is a sense of purpose. Volunteering, gardening, pet care, time with grandchildren, helping neighbors or mentoring others can all add structure, meaning and a reason to stay engaged. Available programs There are several well-established programs that can help reduce isolation among older adults. A good place to start is the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov, which connects families to local Area Agencies on Aging that can help arrange services like meals, transportation, home visits and social programs. Meals on Wheels America delivers home meals and often includes brief daily check-ins from volunteers, offering both nutrition and a bit of regular human contact. AmeriCorps Seniors (americorps. gov) runs the Senior Companion Program, where trained volunteers provide regular visits, conversation and light assistance, depending on what’s available locally. For phone-based connection, the Institute on Aging Friendship Line (ioaging.org/friendship-line) offers 24/7 support and scheduled check-in calls for older adults living alone, while DOROT Caring Calls (dorotusa.org/programs/caring-calls) pairs seniors with volunteers for weekly conversations based on shared interests. Local senior centers are also a strong resource, offering meals, classes, group activities and transportation in many communities. Libraries, churches and community organizations can provide additional low-pressure ways to stay connected. Signs to watch Loneliness can overlap with depression. If you notice changes such as poor sleep, loss of interest in usual activities, irritability, confusion or neglect of personal care, it may be time to involve his doctor. These issues are common and treatable. In the end, the goal is simply to help your father stay connected and reduce isolation. Start small, stay consistent, and those simple touchpoints can add up to a more connected and meaningful daily life. Send your questions or comments to questions@ savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. - LEGAL NOTICE - City of Malden Massachusetts INSPECTIONAL SERVICES 215 Pleasant Street, Room 330 Malden, Massachusetts 02148 (781) 397-7000 ext. 2044 ROWE’S QUARRY SITE PLAN REVIEW COMMITTEE PUBLIC PROJECT REVIEW MEETING The Rowe’s Quarry Site Plan Review Committee will hold a public project review meeting in Malden City Hall, 215 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA, in Conference Room 105, at 6:00 P.M. on Monday, November 23, 2026, to review the applications of WinnDevelopment Company LP, made on behalf of Overlook Ridge LLC, seeking to amend the Site Plan Approval granted on January 22, 2025 (letter dated January 30, 2025), under Title 12, Chapter 28, Section 140 of the Code of the City of Malden, for development in the Rowe’s Quarry Reclamation & Redevelopment District, Subdistrict RQ3, at the property known as Lot 14B and by City Assessor’s Parcel ID #185 575 513 and the property known as Lot 13B and by City Assessor’s Parcel ID #185 575 511, namely, to amend the Site Plan Approval as follows: 1. Regarding Permit Application # CMID-068998-2024 for Lot 14B, to modify the proposal to construct a building for multifamily residential dwelling use, namely, to change the number of homeownership units from eighty-two (82) units to fifty-one (51) units; to change the height from five stories to four stories; to change the number of onsite parking spaces from 144 spaces to 73 spaces; and to amend Condition 1.B regarding Plans and Condition 2.B regarding Project Description; and 2. Regarding the above-referenced Permit Application # CMID-068998-2024 for Lot 14B; and regarding Permit Application # CMID-068997-2024 for Lot 13B, the proposal to construct a building for multifamily residential dwelling use, with five stories and ninety-nine (99) age-restricted senior rental units, to amend the following conditions of the Site Plan Approval applicable to both proposals: Condition 3 regarding compliance with Special Permit conditions; Condition 8 regarding the Land Reclamation Agreement; Condition 13 regarding Joint Fire Station Second Entrance; Condition 14 regarding Speed Mitigation/Traffic Calming on Overlook Ridge Drive; Condition 15 regarding Route One Southbound Ramps Traffic Analysis; Condition 17 regarding Garage Screening; Condition 20 regarding Site Plan Approval Expiration Date; and Condition 21 regarding Non-Assignability/Non-Transferability. Applications and plans are available for public review in the Inspectional Services Department, Malden City Hall, 215 Pleasant Street, Room 330, Malden, and City website under Permit Applications ## CMID-068998-2024 and CMID-068997-2024 at https://maldenma-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/SelfService#/search By: Michelle A. Roman City Planner November 06, 13, 2026
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