As the holiday season approaches and generations gather, sometimes the joy of spending time with friends and family is tempered by concerns related to aging.

Maybe you noticed that Mom’s house isn’t as clean as it used to be. Perhaps your elderly neighbor drove over the decorations you so carefully arranged beside the driveway. Maybe you are reluctant to travel to the family reunion because you’re caring for Dad and a change in routine is upsetting for him—what if he starts yelling?

Or perhaps you feel hesitant to host dinner this year, because it’s become difficult to carry groceries up the front steps and lately there have been some mishaps involving forgotten ingredients and burned food.

Many people react to situations like these with embarrassment or shame. Bay Aging wants to remind you that aging is a normal part of life, and you are not alone—your local Area Agency on Aging has resources to assist you.

Older adults often fear losing their independence, and indeed, th...