Introduction – Best Sources of Health Information for Seniors
As stated in the article below from the National Institutes of Health, older adults are the largest consumers of healthcare in the US. Given this statistic, I thought it helpful to produce this post, “Best Sources of Health Information for Seniors”, not as an end all, be all, but to at least give you a concise list from which to begin.
The US is an aging nation. In 2015, adults 65 years of age and older accounted for 14.9 % of the U.S. population, and based upon demographics, that number will grow. Older adults are the most frequent users of healthcare services and have the highest number of clinic visits and hospitalizations of any age group. As a result, seniors are in constant need and in search of health information. As the NIH article states, in the age of the internet, the sources of this information are almost unlimited, which again, gave me ample reason to try to provide you with a curated list.
Related Articles From Reputable Health Information Sources
General Health Information for the Senior Population
Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School
NIH-National Institute on Aging
- Health Topics A-Z | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
- What Do We Know About Healthy Aging? | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
- How To Find Reliable Health Information Online | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
NIH – National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease
CDC Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Brain Health and Dementia
According to the National Institute on Aging, brain health is defined as how well a person’s brain functions across several different areas:
- Cognitive ability — how well you think, learn and remember
- Motor function — how well you make and control movements, including balance
- Emotional function — how well you interpret and respond to emotions (both pleasant and unpleasant)
- Tactile function — how well you feel and respond to sensations of touch, including pressure, pain, and temperature
Growing research into this subject suggests that making small changes to your daily routine could help you function better for longer. These changes can also decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s and other age-related memory loss.
NIH – National Institute on Aging
- Brain health | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
- Dementia | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
- Getting Help with Alzheimer’s Caregiving
- Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures Report | Alzheimer’s Association
- What Do We Know About Diet and Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease? | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
National Council on Aging
Mayo Clinic
Alzheimer's Support
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
Mental Health
40 Mental Health Resources for Seniors
As we age, mental health becomes increasingly important, especially since older adults may find themselves alone or in new living arrangements. Increased isolation brought on by COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders have further impacted conditions that may affect elderly mental health.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 20% of adults over 60 have some type of mental or neurological disorder. Find out 7 ways senior communities promote health & wellness.
There are dozens of resources for seniors available through online or mobile app portals. Here are some select resources and mental health programs for older adults.
Heart Health for Seniors
A major health focus for seniors is their heart health. This is especially important for seniors because with age comes natural changes in body organs and their functionality — this includes changes in the heart and blood vessels. The American Heart Association provides Heart Healthy Tips for Seniors for improving your heart health. It’s possible to reduce the risk for heart disease, especially if adopting certain lifestyle changes and managing medical conditions as early as possible in life.
When it comes to heart health for seniors, living an active, healthy lifestyle is important. Here are a few important basics—get regular physical activity, don’t smoke, limit alcohol consumption, and get plenty of quality sleep. It of course is not surprising that people age 65 and older are much more likely than younger people to suffer a heart attack, to experience a stroke, or to develop coronary heart disease (commonly called heart disease) and heart failure. Heart disease in seniors is a major cause of disability, limiting the activity and destroying the quality of life of millions of older people in America.
NIH National Institute on Aging
Mayo Clinic
- Heart-healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease – Mayo Clinic
- Menus for heart-healthy eating: Cut the fat and salt – Mayo Clinic
Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School
Musculoskeletal Health in Seniors
Musculoskeletal health refers to the performance of the locomotor system, comprising intact muscles, bones, joints and adjacent connective tissues. Musculoskeletal conditions are relevant across the life-course – from childhood to older age. They range from those conditions that arise suddenly and are short-lived (such as fractures, sprains and strains, associated with pain and limitations in functioning) though to long-term conditions such as chronic primary low back pain and osteoarthritis. Musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common problems affecting seniors. The resulting loss of mobility and physical independence can be especially devastating in this population.
Mayo Clinic
NIH-National Institute on Aging
- Osteoarthritis | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
- Strategies for Optimizing Musculoskeletal Health in the 21st Century
HSS-Hospital for Special Surgery
Healthy Aging
HealthinAging.org is a trusted source for up-to-date information and advice on health and aging, created by the American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation.
Through the Health in Aging Foundation, we advance a commitment to helping older adults and caregivers maintain health, independence, and quality of life. HealthinAging.org features education materials for older adults and caregivers, as well as information on finding a geriatrics healthcare professional in your area. These tools have been reviewed by geriatrics healthcare professionals and members of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS)—a community of experts in the care we all need as we age.
What Do We Know About Healthy Aging? – NIH National Institute on Aging
Many factors influence healthy aging. Some of these, such as genetics, are not in our control. Others — like exercise, a healthy diet, going to the doctor regularly, and taking care of our mental health — are within our reach. Research supported by NIA and others has identified actions you can take to help manage your health, live as independently as possible, and maintain your quality of life as you age. Read on to learn more about the research and the steps you can take to promote healthy aging.
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