Health
Staying as healthy as possible is important to living an independent and full life at any age. Taking care of yourself involves thinking about many things, including food and nutrition,
managing chronic illness and oral health, emotional and mental wellness, and even making changes to a home to prevent injuries. The resources provided below are intended to help older
adults and their caregivers as they may decisions related to these issues.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are characterized by a gradual loss of memory, decline in the ability to perform routine tasks, disorientation, difficulty in learning, loss of language skills,
impaired judgment and ability to plan, and personality changes. Over time, these changes become so severe that they interfere with an individual’s daily functioning.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are effective strategies to help maintain cognitive function, reduce behavioral symptoms, prevent acute care crises and delay functional decline.
Alzheimers.gov
This website is the federal government's resource for Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association offers information, a help line, and support services to people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.
Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center
The ADEAR Center offers information on diagnosis, treatment, patient care, caregiver needs, long-term care and research related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Brain Health
Brain health describes our ability to remember, learn, plan, concentrate, and maintain a clear, active mind. Maintaining brain health supports our ability to carry out
daily activities, be a part of our communities, and connect with family and friends. Protecting our brain health is important as you age.
Brain health - National Institute on Aging
A federal government website devoted to raising awareness about brain health.
Talking About Brain Health & Aging: The Basics
A fact sheet from the Administration for Community Living that covers the basics of brain health.
Publications
Brain Health: You Can Make a Difference
Medicines: Managing the Impact of Medicine on Your Brain Health
Mental Health
Behavioral health issues, such as depression, are not a normal part of aging. Researchers estimate that one in four persons 55 years of age and over experiences behavioral health
disorders that are not part of the normal aging process. Despite advances, behavioral health issues among older adults are routinely underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Mental health is integral for well-being and behavioral health issues among older adults are real and treatable. The more that people know about mental health and aging, the more they can help themselves and others.
Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.
Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org.
Mental Health.gov
This website provides one-stop access to mental health information for consumers and families, school systems, local communities, policy makers, professionals, and government and business leaders.
Treatment Referral Routing Service
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
TTY: 1-800-487-4889
This Helpline provides 24-hour, free and confidential treatment referral and information about mental health and/or substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish.
Veterans Crisis Line
Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs:
National Mental Health Consumers Self-Help Clearinghouse
The clearinghouse provides a comprehensive central resource for information on national and local consumer programs that have a proven track record of helping people recover from mental illnesses.
Chronic diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis, are among the most common and often preventable of all health problems.
Eating a nutritious diet and exercising can often delay or help to control chronic conditions. Screening and early treatment are important to optimizing healthy aging.
Preventing falls is important to keep in mind as falls are the leading cause of injuries, including hip fractures and head trauma, among older adults.
Through the Older Americans Act and other programs, older adults can connect to local resources that help them remain as healthy and independent as possible in their homes
and communities. Programs include group and home-delivered meals, exercise and interventions that help older adults manage chronic conditions.
To find health, nutrition, and health promotion services in your community, contact your local Area Agency on Aging by entering your ZIP code or city and state in the
search bar at the top of this page or speak with an information specialist at the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
EatRight.org
This website from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics contains information for older adults who are interested in learning more about nutrition.
MyPlate for Older Adults
MyPlate for Older Adults provides examples of foods that fit into a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Preventing Falls: Tips for Older Adults & Caregivers
This website offers tips to reduce your risk and protect older loved ones from a serious fall.
CDC - Check for Safety
This brochure helps older adults to identify and eliminate fall hazards in their homes.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Education
This small-group workshop helps participants build the skills necessary to control how chronic conditions affect their life.
Eldercare Locator Publications
Older Adults and Medication Safety
Preventing Falls at Home
Chronic Disease: Improving Health with Self-Management Education Programs
Nutrition: Improving Health Nutrition Assistance
Staying Engaged
Emerging research suggests that older adults who participate in what they see as meaningful activities, like volunteering in their community,
report feeling healthier and happier. Some studies find lower rates of dementia among people who stay socially active and connected with others,
although no specific activity has been shown to prevent or slow dementia.
AmeriCorps
This federal website is a resource for volunteers across America.
Participating in Activities You Enjoy
This NIH page describes the benefits of being active in a community and staying involved.
Connect2Affect
This AARP Foundation effort offers resources to meet the needs of anyone who is isolated or lonely.
General Health Resources
Not sure what you’re looking for? Check out these federal health resources to get started.
Links to additional information, including resources on health conditions, are available in the Helpful Resources section of this website.
National Institute on Aging/NIH
This website features basic health and wellness information for older adults from the National Institutes of Health.
MedlinePlus
This website, produced by the National Library of Medicine, provides consumers with information on diseases, conditions, and wellness issues in understandable language.
Healthfinder
This federal government website provides information and tools to help consumers and those they care about stay healthy.
