Aging Resources

There is much information available on the Internet on topics of special interest to us as we age. Here are links to a few.

Alzheimer's and dementia

The following links are just a sample of what is available. All of these organizations have information about reducing risk, current and future treatment, and living with loss of memory for oneself or those close to us.

Bright Focus Logo

The BrightFocus Foundation funds research to defeat Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration and glaucoma. Their website includes very informative recordings of discussions with medical experts about the latest breakthroughs and findings in the field -- from treatments and genetics to risk reduction, supplements and more.

National Institute on Aging Logo

The National Institute on Aging has an Alzheimer's disease fact sheet that is full of information. Among other things they provide information about clinical trials and studies -- both why you might want to join and how to get matched to a clinical trial near you.

The Alzheimer's Association focuses both on research and also on risk reduction, early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Their article "10 Steps to Approach Memory Concerns in Others" can be very helpful if you are concerned about memory loss in friends, family or others close to you.

Exercise and physical activity

There is a high degree of agreement among medical and research professionals that physical activity is an important part of healthy aging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, "As an older adult, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can prevent or delay many of the health problems that seem to come with age."

Here are some links to information that might help you understand why exercise is so important and how to fit it into your daily life safely.

National Institute on Aging Logo
The National Institute on Aging has a very useful article that covers ways to stay motivated, using tracking tools, exercising with chronic conditions, types of exercise, and more.

WebMD Logo
WebMD has a great article that lists reasons that people often give for not being physically active, and then provides helpful responses to these ideas, generally with a goal of overcoming this resistance for the sake of your health.

Quality of life

As we age we may be caregivers for those with dementia or other disabilities, or we may need care ourselves. There are other areas of our lives that we may need help with also, such as getting to medical appointments, figuring out the best health insurance options and so forth. The agencies below have broad services for helping us age as comfortably and gracefully as possible.

Area Agency on Aging Logo
The Area Agency on Aging's programs include services such as a 24-hour senior help line, AmeriCorps volunteers to help with daily tasks, ombudsman services for long-term care residents, support for survivors of elder abuse and more. It also provides education on such things as Medicare and HIV care. Via their SHIP program they assist in making Medicare choices and dealing with Medicare claims. You can access the Area Agency on Aging Resource Guide for Maricopa County to learn more.

Trualta Logo
The Trualta online learning platform, which is in partnership with the Area Agency on Aging, has an extensive library developed by experts in their fields on health and caregiver issues. It offers courses, webinars and online community groups for more than just caregivers, like planning your retirement, planning your estate, etc. It's free! People just have to enroll and fill out their profile for it to learn what their needs are and provide suggestions for courses to take, groups to join, webinars and more.