Older Americans

The month of May is set aside each year in honor of our nation’s older Americans who have and will continue to make a valuable contribution to society. This population is already the fastest growing demographic group in the United States and members of the baby boom generation will soon add to these numbers when they retire.

• Administration on Aging
  This agency of the Department of Health and Human Services has programs on such topics as disaster assistance, elders’ rights and resources, housing, nutrition and volunteer services. It is searchable in eight languages.
• AARP
  The American Association of Retired Persons provides a vast amount of interesting articles and information for people over 50. Featured are topics on insurance, travel, investing, legislation, health issues, grief and loss, plus valuable information on the new Medicare prescription drug coverage program.. This site can be searched in Spanish.
• ElderCare Locator
• A service of the U.S. Administration on Aging which links caregivers with senior services.
  
• ElderDepot
  This site has assisted living products for the elderly and caregivers. Such products include help with the b ed, bath, dining, incontinence, clothing, vision, hearing and mobility.
• Elderhostel
  Elderhostel is a non-profit organization dedicated to lifelong learning programs for people 55 and older. These programs include campus based learning, global floating classrooms, grandparents and grandchildren opportunities and many more.
• FirstGov for Seniors
  A customer friendly website designed to provide information and services about Federal agencies geared toward senior citizens. The Social Security Administration maintains this site which gives older Americans the option of conducting their government business electronically. An especially fine feature is the ElderLocator which helps seniors locate services in their community.
• Illinois Department on Aging
  This is a valuable website for the citizens of Illinois with hot topics dealing specifically with aging. The goal of the agency is to help older people live in their own homes and communities. It is now possible to download the Illinois Cares and Circuit Breaker application forms from this website.
• Medicare
  This is the official U.S. government site for people with Medicare. It provides valuable infomation and comparisons on the Medicare drug discount cards. After May 1, 2005, it is possible to type in a Zip Code and see the drug prices and services offered by each card’s sponsor.
• MEDLINEplus
  Authoritative and up to date health information on over 600 hundred diseases and conditions provided by the National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health. There are also lists of hospitals and physicians, a medical encyclopedia, information on prescription and nonprescription drugs and links to medical trials. This site is also searchable in Spanish.
• The Merck Manual of Geriatrics
  The full text and searchable title (3rd edition, 2000) is geared to the challenges facing geriatric care. The Contents and the A-Z Index provide useful health information on many issues for seniors, their families and caregivers.
• Retirement Living
  This website helps seniors and adult children search for retirement communities and senior housing possibilities. It also provides information on state taxes, lifestyle issues and includes a directory of state agencies for seniors.
• Senior Corps
  Senior Corps uses the skills, knowledge and experience of those over 55 and connects them with service organizations that need them the most. The three primary programs are Foster Grandparents, the Senior Companion program and the Retired and Senior Volunteer programs.
• Senior Job Bank
  This easy, free site provides a a service that encompasses the full range of employment opportunites for the over 50 job seekers and conn ects them with employers who are eager to hire them.
• SeniorLaw
  A wealth of links to elder law, Medicaid, Medicare, nursing home law, estate planning, trusts, elder abuse and the rights of elders.
• SeniorNet
  SeniorNet is a nonprofit organization of computer using adults age 50 and older. Their mission is provide older adults education for and access to computer technologies so that they can use these skills to help themselves and others.
• SeniorsGoTravel
  A fun site designed for seniors who love to travel. It provides information and entertaining details on travel destinations. There are travel tips and links to special offers and deals.
• Social Security Online
  This website provides disability information, forms to print, publications, rules and regulations, law and legislation, help with retirement and Medicare and information on survivor's benefits all of which can be accessed online.

Compiled by Marilyn Starenko, updated May 2008