Resources

Finding reliable information about senior health, and other related issues, on the Internet can be challenging.
Here’s a list of reputable websites we’ve compiled:

Government

FirstGov for Senior Citizens’ Resources
http://www.firstgov.gov/Topics/Seniors.shtml
FirstGov is the most comprehensive portal to government agencies and other organizations that provide services and programs for seniors. You will find links to resources on just about any subject imaginable, including: consumer protection, financial issues, end-of-life matters, senior health, and housing topics. Information is grouped by topic rather than the government agencies that provide the service. A keyword search is also available. You can even find information on how to request a birthday greeting from the President for people over 80.

Medicare.gov
http://www.medicare.gov
The official U.S. government website for Medicare, it contains information on Medicare’s health plans, drug benefits, and Medigap. You’ll find essential Medicare forms online here—including those to determine eligibility, to file a change of address, and to request a replacement Medicare card. The site also includes links to full-text pamphlets, state information, and long-term care resources.

MedlinePlus: Seniors’ Health Issues
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seniorshealthissues.html
Created by the National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus contains links to the latest news, overviews of senior health issues, research, statistics, aging organizations, clinical trials, and more. The website is also available in Spanish— El Web site está también disponible en español.

NIH Senior Health
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/
NIH’s SeniorHealth “website features basic health and wellness information for older adults from the National Institutes of Health”. The site features several functions to increase accessibility—it can speak the text, provides for screen contrast adjustments, and allows you to easily change the text size. The site also includes short videos on a variety of health and wellness related topics. The videos are subtitled for the hearing impaired.

Social Security Online
http://www.ssa.gov
The official U.S. government website for Social Security. Visit Social Security Online to: learn about Social Security; download a form to get a new or replacement Social Security card; estimate your future benefits; locate the Social Security office near you; and even apply for benefits.

Organizations & Associations

AARP: Caregiving Resource Center
http://www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving-resource-center/
“Are you a caregiver? If so, you’re not in this alone. Nearly 44 million Americans are taking care of an older family member at any given time. Whether you’re just starting out in your new role or caring for someone who’s near the end of his or her life, this guide will provide you with all the information you’ll need to help make the job as easy—and rewarding—as possible.” —AARP

Alzheimer’s Association
http://www.alz.org
“Our online suite of resources, Alzheimer’s Association CareSource™, helps caregivers coordinate assistance from family and friends, locate senior housing, and enhance caregiving skills. ” —Alzheimer’s Association

Centralina Area Agency on Aging (CAAA)
http://www.centralinaaging.org
Under the Council of Government, the CAAA covers Mecklenburg and it’s eight contiguous counties with education and services to help and support older and disabled adults and their caregivers. CAAA provides family caregiver resources, long term care facility resources, caregiving information, and training and employment opportunities for those aged 55 and older. CAAA also provides educational opportunities and advocacy related to long term care for residents, caregivers and facilities.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Senior Centers
http://www.cmseniorcenters.org
“The mission of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Senior Centers, Inc. is to serve as a focal point to deliver a broad spectrum of services and activities to older adults throughout the Charlotte Mecklenburg community. We strive to help seniors with their health and wellness, decrease their loneliness and isolation, and provide assistance with social, economic, and educational opportunities to enhance the quality of their lives.” —Charlotte Mecklenburg Senior Centers

Council on Aging (Charlotte-Mecklenburg)
http://www.charmeckcoa.org
A non-profit clearinghouse and advocacy group for aging-related resources and information. The Council on Aging offers training, education, senior programs and an annual conference in May.

Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region
http://www.hpccr.org
“The mission of Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region is to relieve suffering and improve the quality and dignity of life through compassionate hospice care for those at the end of life, palliative care for those with advanced illness, and through community education.” —Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region

Other

Brain Fitness Exercises – Brain Activities for Adults (the Hartford)
http://hartfordauto.thehartford.com/Safe-Driving/Brain-Fitness/
Doing brain fitness exercises can help older drivers cut their accident rate by 50%. The Hartford’s Brain Fitness website provides: free brain teasers & puzzles; guidebooks on aging and driving related topics; tips on how to improve your brain fitness; and information about their DriveSharp software.

WebMD: Healthy Aging and Longevity Center
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/
Provides information on senior living, exercise for seniors, staying active, and enjoying life after 50.