Posted on behalf of – Dana Abbey, MLS Consumer Health Coordinator National Network of Libraries of Medicine University of Colorado Denver
William completed the Boston Marathon at the age of 67. Now, in his late-80s he continues to enjoy hiking, skiing and running. Mildred, 73, hits the step machine after complete knee replacement surgery and daily increases her walking distance. These are just two of the inspirational stories on the National Library of Medicine’s (NLM) NIHSeniorHealth website . Often times these stories cross my mind as I watch the seconds painfully ticking away on the treadmill timer. However, William and Mildred’s dedication, along with the other 26 engaging exercise stories, keep me motivated to exercise for life.
People aged 65 and up numbered 37.3 million in 2006 (12.4% of the population) and are expected to represent 20% of the United States population by 2030. Fifty-three percent of next generation seniors (50-64) and twenty-one percent of seniors 65 and up have gone online to search for health information. With the growth of our aging population, it’s imperative to have accurate, authoritative online resources to make informed health care decisions. Here are a selection of resources that focus on the unique needs of seniors and caregivers.
NIHSeniorHealth was developed by staff from the NLM and the National Institute on Aging to provide seniors and caregivers with reliable aging-related health information. The site debuted in 2002 with three health topics, and now includes 43 health topics, health videos, Medicare basics for caregivers, a trainer’s toolkit to help older adults learn to search online health information, and links to tips on making websites senior friendly. The site has many senior-friendly features allowing users to easily increase the text size, change the page color for higher contrast, or activate the “talking” function that reads text aloud. NIHSeniorHealth has received numerous awards and recognition including the 2009 bronze medal from the National Mature Media Awards and the Industry Innovators Award from the International Council on Active Aging. If you, or you know of someone 60 years or older who exercises regularly, consider sharing your exercise story to inspire others.
The National Institute on Aging provides information on healthy aging, care giving, dietary supplements, and diseases in both English and Spanish. It also provides links to other National Institutes of Health and other government websites. This Institute conducts scientific research to understand the nature of aging and extending one’s healthy active years. In addition to health information, the site has a searchable database of over 300 national organizations that provide help to older adults.
The U. S. Administration on Aging provides links to connect older persons, caregivers and professionals to federal, national and local programs – including the Eldercare Locator to find help with transportation, meals, home care, and caregiver support services. You can link to the Locator directly at http://www.eldercare.gov.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a section just for seniors at . Topics include health issues – such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes – drug information, medication errors, health fraud, and nutrition.
USA.gov, the award-winning official portal to all things government has a wealth of resources for seniors. In addition to health information and caregiver resources, this site provides information consumer protection; end-of-life issues; education, jobs and volunteerism for seniors; laws and regulations protecting seniors; financial, retirement, and tax information; and travel and recreation tips and discounts.
Medicare’s official site provides information on comparing prescription drug plans, health plans and hospitals. In addition, you can learn about planning for long-term care, Medicare eligibility, find resources for caregivers, and locate Medicare forms.
Nursing Home Compare is a tool containing detailed information about past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country. Sites receive ratings on health inspections, nursing home staffing, residents quality measures (health, physical functioning, mental status, general well being), and fire safety inspections.
For more information, or to schedule a presentation:
Dana Abbey, MLS
Consumer Health Coordinator
National Network of Libraries of Medicine University of Colorado Denver – Health Sciences Library 12950 E. Montview Blvd., A003 Aurora, CO 80203 303-724-2110 dana.abbey@ucdenver.edu
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