Seniors’ Health

Summary

People in the U.S. are living longer than ever before. Many seniors live active and healthy lives. But there’s no getting around one thing: as we age, our bodies and minds change. There are things you can do to stay healthy and active as you age.It is important to understand what to expect. Some changes may just be part of normal aging, while others may be a warning sign of a medical problem. It is important to know the difference, and to let your healthcare provider know if you have any concerns.

Having a healthy lifestyle can help you to deal with normal aging changes and make the most of your life.

National Institute on Aging

NIH MedlinePlus Magazine

• 8 Areas of Age-Related Change
• Older Adults and Drinking
• Senior Living: For Dr. Nancy Snyderman’s Parents, Staying Close to Family Is Key
• Senior Living: Staying Positive and Moving Forward
• Senior Living: There’s No Place Like Home
• Seniors and Chronic Pain

Statistics and Research

• 90+ in the United States: 2006-2008 Array
• Aging with HIV: Responding to an Emerging Challenge National Institute on Aging
• Biology of Aging: Research Today for a Healthier Tomorrow National Institute on Aging
• Can We Prevent Aging? National Institute on Aging
• Global Health and Aging Array
• Increased Brain Activity May Compensate for Amyloid Pathology in Older Brains National Institute on Aging
• Multiple Chronic Conditions among Adults Aged 45 and Over: Trends Over the Past 10 Years National Center for Health Statistics
• Older Americans 2012: Key Indicators of Well-Being Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics
• Profile of Older Americans Administration on Aging
• State of Aging and Health in America Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Find an Expert

• AAAs (Area Agencies on Aging) & Title VI Aging Programs National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
• Administration on Aging Administration on Aging
• American Geriatrics Society American Geriatrics Society
• Eldercare Locator Department of Health and Human Services
• National Council on Aging National Council on Aging
• National Institute on Aging National Institute on Aging

Encyclopedia

• Age-related hearing loss
• Aging changes in body shape
• Aging changes in hair and nails
• Aging changes in hormone production
• Aging changes in immunity
• Aging changes in organs – tissue – cells
• Aging changes in skin
• Aging changes in sleep
• Aging changes in the bones – muscles – joints
• Aging changes in the face
• Aging changes in the female reproductive system
• Aging changes in the heart and blood vessels
• Aging changes in the kidneys
• Aging changes in the lungs
• Aging changes in the male reproductive system
• Aging changes in the nervous system
• Aging changes in the senses
• Aging changes in vital signs

Specifics

• Aging and Your Eyes National Institute on Aging
• Balance Problems National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
• Cancer Facts for People over 50 National Institute on Aging
• Depression in Older Adults American Academy of Family Physicians
• Diabetes National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• Diabetes Resources for Older Adults National Diabetes Education Program
• Easy Bruising: Common as You Age Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Facts about Presbyopia National Eye Institute
• MedlinePlus: Nutrition for Seniors National Library of Medicine
• MedlinePlus: Skin Aging National Library of Medicine
• Sexuality in Later Life National Institute on Aging
• Smell and Taste: Spice of Life National Institute on Aging
• Walking Tips for Older Adults AGS Foundation for Health in Aging

Related Issues

• Aging Parents: 7 Warning Signs of Health Problems Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• As You Age…A Guide to Aging, Medicines, and Alcohol Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• As You Age: You and Your Medicines Food and Drug Administration
• Choices for Mobility Independence: Transportation Options for Older Adults Administration on Aging
• Geriatrics (Geriatrician) AGS Foundation for Health in Aging
• Home Care AGS Foundation for Health in Aging
• Housing Options for Seniors American Academy of Family Physicians
• How Do You Know When It’s Time to Give up the Keys? Administration for Community Living
• Medicines: Use Them Safely National Institute on Aging
• Older Drivers National Institute on Aging
• Older Drivers National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Other Safety Concerns and Self-Neglect National Adult Protective Services Association
• Safe Sex Tips for Seniors AGS Foundation for Health in Aging
• Safe Travel Tips for Older Adults AGS Foundation for Health in Aging
• Taking Medicines National Institute of General Medical Sciences
• Talking with Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People National Institute on Aging
• Ten Warning Signs Your Older Family Member May Need Help Administration on Aging

Start Here

• Aging: What to Expect Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Guide to Geriatric Syndromes: Common and Often Related Medical Conditions in Older Adults American Geriatrics Society
• Living with Multiple Health Problems: What Older Adults Should Know AGS Foundation for Health in Aging
• NIHSeniorHealth National Institute on Aging

Treatments and Therapies

• Alternative Remedies AGS Foundation for Health in Aging
• Human Growth Hormone (HGH): Does It Slow Aging? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Reference Desk

• Changes in the Body with Aging Merck & Co., Inc.
• Immune System: Can Your Immune System Still Defend You As You Age? National Institute on Aging

Men

• For Men: Tips for Good Health in Later Life AGS Foundation for Health in Aging
• Testosterone Therapy: Key to Male Vitality? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Images

• Infographic on the Aging Eye National Eye Institute

Health Check Tools

• Older Consumers Safety Test Consumer Product Safety Commission
• What’s Your Aging IQ? National Institute on Aging

Prevention and Risk Factors

• Physical Activity Helps Seniors Stay Mobile National Institutes of Health

Journal Articles

• Seniors’ Health

Videos and Tutorials

• Senior Centers Administration on Aging

Latest News

• Want to Keep an Aging Brain Sharp? Try the Stairs HealthDay
• Severe Depression Linked to Dementia in Seniors HealthDay
• Do Genes That Protect Against Dementia Guard Against Chronic Diseases? HealthDay
• More Support for Aggressive Blood Pressure Treatment for Elderly HealthDay
• Seniors: Pump Iron, Live Longer HealthDay
• Kidney Dialysis Might Not Extend Survival of Elderly HealthDay
• Is Seniors’ Dental Health Tied to Mental Health? HealthDay
• Anesthesia Not Linked to Long-Term Mental Decline, Study Finds HealthDay
• Common Irregular Heartbeat May Hamper Seniors’ Walking Ability HealthDay
• Lung Cancer Surgery Worthwhile for Older Patients HealthDay
• Exercise May Keep Your Brain 10 Years Younger, Study Suggests HealthDay
• Poor Vision and Dangerous Falls Plague Many U.S. Seniors HealthDay
• Your Ability to ‘Smell’ the Taste of Foods Can Lessen with Age HealthDay
• Seniors’ Worsening Depression May Sometimes Predict Dementia HealthDay
• Elderly with Advanced Colon Cancer Often Get Costly, Dubious Treatments HealthDay
• Predicting Longevity May Be Simpler Than Thought HealthDay
• World’s Senior Population Forecast to Boom by 2050 HealthDay
• Newer Drugs Helping Older People with Eye Disease HealthDay
• 25 Million Americans Will Struggle with Vision Problems by 2050 HealthDay
• 1 in 6 Seniors Takes Dangerous Combos of Meds, Supplements HealthDay
• Elderly Benefit from Intensive Blood Pressure Treatment HealthDay
• Seniors Often Bring Drug-Resistant Germs to Rehab Centers HealthDay
• More Older Women Now Living with ‘Moderate’ Disability, Study Shows HealthDay
• Walking Fido Is Doggone Good for Your Health HealthDay