LifePath

12/20/2025

Unless they hurt, most people rarely think about their amazing feet. Hidden by socks and often encased in shoes, feet are made up of 26 bones, 33 ligaments, 19 intrinsic muscles, and 10 muscles that originate in the leg and connect into the foot. There are hundreds of other fibers and the whole structure is covered by skin. The foot is a critical component of human mobility, yet most of us walk around with little regard for inner workings or how to keep feet, and the skin covering them, healthy.

Skin is the largest organ of the body. It regulates body temperature, provides cushioning, acts as an organ of elimination, and is our primary immune system shield. When the skin becomes compromised, the biggest risk is infection, which happens when an outside microbe gets inside our body, and our immune system needs to fight the microbe off. Infection can be localized and contained, like an ingrown nail; or it can spread and cause cellulitis, a common bacterial skin infection affecting the skin’s deeper layers. While we are fortunate enough to have antibiotics available to fight off infections, taking care of your skin is the best act of prevention.

Learn more about how to take good care of your feet by clicking on the link below.

Print this articleUnless they hurt, most people rarely think about their amazing feet. Hidden by socks and often encased in shoes, feet are made up of 26 bones, 33 ligaments, 19 intrinsic muscles, and 10 muscles that originate in the leg and connect into the foot. There are hundreds of other

12/13/2025

Is diet soda healthier than regular soda? Is it better to use artificial sweeteners in coffee than regular sugar? What about stevia or other naturally-derived sweeteners, are these better options?

With growing awareness that too much added sugar can contribute to tooth decay, diabetes, heart disease, unintentional weight gain, and other health issues, many people are seeking low- or no-added-sugar sweetener alternatives. Sugar-free sweeteners, often referred to as “non-nutritive sweeteners” or “low-calorie sugar substitutes,” contribute zero or few calories since the body cannot digest, absorb, and then use them as energy, and they don’t tend to directly raise blood sugars as much as sugar does. They include chemically-derived artificial sweeteners and plant-derived natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit. Most are 200-700 times sweeter than table sugar so only a small amount is needed; though the high-intensity and sometimes metallic or bitter flavors turn many people off. Learn more by clicking on the link below.

Print this articleIs diet soda healthier than regular soda? Is it better to use artificial sweeteners in coffee than regular sugar? What about stevia or other naturally-derived sweeteners, are these better options? With growing awareness that too much added sugar can contribute to tooth decay, diab...

12/10/2025

The overnight warming center at the Greenfield Salvation Army will open on Thursday, 12/11, at 7 PM.

Alert: Greenfield's Overnight Warming Center at the Salvation Army (72 Chapman Street) will be open 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on:
- Thursday, 12/11
- Friday, 12/12
- Saturday, 12/13
- Sunday, 12/14
- Monday, 12/15
- Tuesday, 12/16

The Warming Center is for use by people who do not have other options for getting out of the cold. It is not a homeless shelter and beds will not be provided. It is staffed by volunteers from the Western MA Medical Reserve Corps and other organizations.

Daytime warming is available at the following locations this winter:
Greenfield Public Library (412 Main Street): All open hours.
Monday - Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Greenfield Housing Authority Community Room (1 Elm Terrace): Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Oak Courts Common Room (Oak Courts, off of Elm Street): Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

John Zon Senior Center (35 Pleasant Street): Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Image description: A black-and-white graphic with information about the overnight warming center as described above.

12/09/2025

This holiday season, participants of LifePath's Community Engagement Center made ornaments that were given to National Guard members as a thank you for their service. USO volunteers delivered many gifts to military families, including ornaments, cookies, bikes, toys, and books.

12/06/2025

LifePath Responds to Food Insecurity Crisis with $50,000 Donation

LifePath recently partnered with the United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region and the United Way of North Central Massachusetts to support urgent, local food insecurity initiatives in the community. The recent SNAP crisis brought much-needed attention to pervasive food insecurity problems in our area. LifePath responded to the crisis at hand by donating $50,000 to the United Way Response Fund, allowing our two partner United Ways to quickly distribute those funds to food providers in LifePath’s area.

According to the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB)’s 2025 food‐access report, about 50% of households in Franklin County report some level of food insecurity, compared to 37% of households state-wide. Franklin is among the counties with the highest food insecurity in Massachusetts, and this drastically higher rate as compared to average statewide and national rates highlights that this problem is serious, worsening, and far more acute than some may realize. The speed with which this already pressing problem is growing is very concerning for organizations in our area who have long been working in this space to raise awareness, raise funds, and do their best to feed people.

Read more of this article by clicking on the link below.

Print this articleLifePath recently partnered with the United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region and the United Way of North Central Massachusetts to support urgent, local food insecurity initiatives in the community. The recent SNAP crisis brought much-needed attention to pervasive food insec...

12/04/2025

An overnight warming center is available tonight.

ALERT: Warming Center will be open Thursday night, extreme cold expected.

Greenfield’s Overnight Warming Center at the Salvation Army at 72 Chapman Street will be open from 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, to 7 a.m. on Friday, December 5.

The Warming Center is for use by people who do not have other options for getting out of the cold.

It is not a homeless shelter and beds will not be provided.

It is staffed by volunteers from the Western MA Medical Reserve Corps and other organizations.

Daytime warming is available at the following locations this winter:

Greenfield Public Library (412 Main Street): All open hours.
Monday - Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. -2 p.m.

Greenfield Housing Authority Community Room (1 Elm Terrace): Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Oak Courts Common Room (Oak Courts, off of Elm Street): Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

John Zon Senior Center (35 Pleasant Street): Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Image description: A black and white graphic providing information about Greenfield’s Overnight Warming Center.

12/03/2025

We’ve just released our updated Silverline resource directory, and we’re excited to share it with you! What’s inside: information about programs and services for elders, caregivers, and people with disabilities in our community. Learn more and download the 2026-2029 Silverline Directory at the link below.

Print this articleWe’ve just released our updated Silverline resource directory, and we’re excited to share it with you.   What’s inside: Information about programs and services for elders, caregivers, and people with disabilities in our community.  You can download the Silverline here or c...

12/02/2025

On this Giving Tuesday, please consider making a heartfelt, year-end donation in support of our many programs that help older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers throughout our community. Now more than ever, your support can help to make a real difference. Click on the link below to support our mission.

101 Munson St., Suite 201  ·  Greenfield, MA 01301  ·  413-773-5555  ·  Open Monday-Friday, 9-5 Contact Info & Directions

11/29/2025

Older adults have a higher chance of being affected by cold weather. Changes that come with aging can make it harder for older adults to be aware of their body becoming too cold, which can turn into a dangerous health issue quickly.

Hazards of cold weather include falls on wintry surfaces; injury caused by freezing (frostbite); and hypothermia, a medical emergency that occurs when your body temperature gets too low. Being informed and taking certain actions can help lessen risks during the colder months.

Medical conditions and cold weather

Older adults are more likely to have certain chronic medical conditions that make it harder to stay warm:
-Diabetes can prevent blood from flowing normally to provide warmth.
-Thyroid problems can affect the body’s ability to maintain a normal body temperature.
-Parkinson’s disease and arthritis can make it challenging to put on more clothes, use a blanket, or get out of the cold.
-Memory problems can cause a person to forget to take precautions for staying weather-safe, such as wearing appropriate attire.

Some medications can affect body heat, too. These include prescription medications and those bought over the counter, such as some cold medicines. Ask your doctor if medications you take may affect body heat and what you can do.

Read more tips for cold weather by clicking on the link below!
https://lifepathma.org/stories/cold-weather-safety-for-older-adults/

11/26/2025

Many of us have plans to visit family and/or friends this holiday week. If we visit an older adult we haven't seen in awhile, and realize they could use some more support, contacting LifePath's Family Caregiver Program is a good place to start. Our Community Options Resource Specialists can provide information about caregiving and caregiver respite, in-home care, dementia coaching, and our dementia caregiver support group, along with many other topics. Call us at 413-773-5555 to learn more.

11/22/2025

"One of the many things that I am thankful for is the opportunity to be a part of the LifePath team. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of talking with, learning from, and interacting with people as they share their stories, backgrounds, and experiences that all give a glimpse into what makes LifePath and our community so great. For example, stories from family members and caregivers on how LifePath has played a huge role in helping to make the lives of their loved ones a little better, connecting them to programs and resources that make a life-changing difference."

Read more of "Creating Huge Impact Through Small Acts of Kindness" by clicking on the link below.

Print this articleFor over 50 years, LifePath has made a commitment to address local and regional needs throughout Franklin County and the North Quabbin community, as well as in Berkshire, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties, when it comes to supporting the needs of older adults, individuals with disabi...

11/21/2025

On Thursday, November 20, LifePath held its Annual Meeting at the John W. Olver Transit Center in Greenfield. With approximately 75 people in attendance, several updates were given by Board and Staff Leadership highlighting LifePath's accomplishments this past year. LifePath is proud to make a continued positive impact on those who receive and benefit from our programs and services throughout Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region, as well as Berkshire, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties.