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Senior Health Resources

With advances in medicine and health care, a growing percentage of the population enjoys greater longevity. Researchers at the University of California predict that by 2030 there will be as many Americans over 65 as there are under 18 years of age. The senior population has unique health needs and there are several resources that seniors, as well as their family members and caregivers, can access to obtain information regarding health, benefits and well-being.

  1. American Association of Retired People

    • The American Association of Retired People is a U.S. based nonprofit organization "dedicated to enhancing quality of life as we all age." AARP has played an integral role in senior-related policy debates over medical and prescription drug coverage. The organization offers a compendium of valuable resources on topics ranging from specific diseases and treatments to insurance coverage. The organization also advocates a position that regards senior health as not only a matter of physical well-being, but one that accounts for the other factors, such as economic security and social enjoyment, that make for a rich, long and healthy life.

    National Institutes of Health

    • The National Institutes of Health is a federally operated consortium of research centers that address the many health needs of the nation. Responsive to the particular health concerns of an aging population, the NIH has compiled an index of senior-related health concerns that cover a comprehensive variety of topics. In particular, the NIH offers resources related to the subject of "healthy aging," which attend to the changing health lifestyle needs of older populations.

    Medicare

    • Medicare is a social health insurance program administered by the U.S. government that provides coverage to people 65 years of age and older. Medicare plays a critical part in ensuring coverage for seniors, who are generally a population with increased health needs and expenses. While Medicare is somewhat limited in the extent of treatments its plans cover, it is a notable program with regard to its scope and its emphasis on preventive medicine, such as regular physical exams, as well as cardiovascular and cancer screening procedures.

    National Institute of Mental Health

    • Just as the physical body undergoes changes with age, so too do cognitive functioning and mental health needs. Changes that take place in neural functioning and cerebral composition can place elder populations at risk for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and depression. The National Institute of Mental Health offers resources pertaining to the psychological and psychiatric health of seniors, with a particular focus on current scientific research and related clinical trials. For family members and caregivers especially, the information the Institute offers can aid with making informed decisions about mental health conditions and available treatment options.

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