Sites for Seniors

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Need help? Start here: call 211 Call 2-1-1 when you need to find state or local resources to address urgent needs or everyday concerns, including health & mental health services, food banks, shelter, rental or utility assistance, adult day care, Meals on Wheels, transportation, childcare, crisis intervention services, job training, education, and more. 2-1-1 is free, confidential, multi-lingual, confidential, TTY accessible, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 2-1-1 resource specialists will guide callers to the most helpful available resources. Visit the website for more information. NOTE: 2-1-1 calls are generally toll-free; however, if you are calling 2-1-1 from your cell phone, please check with your cell phone service provider first to find out whether you will be charged for the call. You can also reach 2-1-1 by dialing 877-652-1148. (United Way, in partnership with the State of New Jersey)

'SITES for SENIORS' have been chosen by the South Plainfield Public Library staff. We have tried to choose the most useful sites available, but we cannot be responsible for accuracy of information at these sites. Please use all information gathered over the Internet with caution.

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Arts, Books, Media, Culture, & Society

NOTE: A high-speed internet connection (cable or DSL) is recommended
for viewing and listening to audio / video presentations.

Arts & Creative Aging [Archived site] - A selection of essays, news, events, and websites dealing with aging and creativity. (Community Arts Network)

Backstory Radio - An entertaining and informative weekly podcast about a wide range of topics in American History. You can listen online or subscribe to the podcast to listen on your MP3 player or other portable device. (Virginia Foundation for the Humanities)

Conversations with History - Unedited video interviews with a wide range of distinguished guests, talking about their lives and their work. 'The interviews span the globe and include discussion of political, economic, military, legal, cultural, and social issues shaping our world.' (University of California)

Described and Captioned Media Catalog - 'The DCMP media library has over 4,000 free-loan described and captioned media titles... members can watch media online or order a DVD copy to be shipped to them.' The media library covers arts, business, health, home & family, literature, and science. Browse through the catalog by topic; you can apply filters to see only media with the accessibility features you need. Individuals must be deaf or hard of hearing (or the parent of a deaf or hard of hearing child) to register for membership, but registration is free. (U.S. Department of Education & National Association of the Deaf)

Distinctive Voices - A collection of video lectures that highlight innovations, discoveries, and emerging issues in medicine, biotechnology, energy, the environment, space exploration, and more. Lectures range from about 40 minutes to 90 minutes. Presented by the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering and Institute of Medicine; videos hosted on YouTube. High school and up.

Fora TV - Presents unedited video of 'discourse, discussions and debates on the world's most interesting political, social and cultural issues' by 'poets, authors, policy experts, activists, madmen, government leaders, and visionary thinkers... hosted by institutions such as non-profit councils, bookstores, universities, or public spaces.' Arranged by subject; use the menu bar across the top to navigate. (Site includes advertisements)

Great Issues Forum - Prominent leaders, writers, scientists, and other experts explore the critical issues of our time. The discussions focus on a different theme each year: in 2008-09 the theme was power (political, economic, military, cultural, & educational); the 2009-2010 theme was religion and secularity. The most recent discussion posted is from April 2010. (Graduate Center of the City University of New York et al.)

History Links - An extensive collection of annotated links to websites about history; arranged by subject. Selected for students, but many of these sites will be of interest to adult history buffs (South Plainfield Public Library). See the History of South Plainfield and History Buff's Guide to Middlesex County for overviews of local history. See also Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission , New Jersey Digital Highway and New Jersey Historical Commission. Historical Voices is a searchable online archive of spoken word recordings spanning the 20th century, including Studs Terkel's 'Conversations with America'. For more on American History, see Backstory Radio , described above. For online articles from history magazines, see History Net, Smithsonian Magazine, American Heritage, and Archaeology.

Learn Out Loud Podcast Directory - A directory of selected educational podcasts. You can search the directory by keywords or browse by subject. (Developed & maintained by Ecotech IT Solutions; site includes advertisements)

Library of Congress Webcasts - Online videos on a wide range of topics, including arts, biography, history, culture, education, government, literature, religion, and science & technology.

Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped - A national network of cooperating libraries lending braille and audio materials, by postage-free mail, to eligible visually or physically handicapped borrowers in the United States. Includes books and magazines. Locally, the South Plainfield Public Library offers audio books, large print books, e-books, and homebound delivery. Call us at (908) 754-7885 for more information.

Mind Online - Conversations and lectures with leading thinkers, writers, and researchers on a wide range of topics. (University of Chicago)

Museum of Fine Arts Online Tours - Images and descriptions highlight paintings, sculpture, prints, photographs, and objects from around the world; there is also a 'Director's Choice' audio tour. Images may be zoomed, panned, enlarged, or e-mailed. (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston)

National Gallery of Art Podcasts - Online audio and video series on a wide range of art topics such as Pompeii and the Roman Villa, Afghan Treasures, Fontainebleau, Robert Rauschenberg, Edward Hopper, Amateur Photography, and more. (National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC)

New York Public Library Events Archive - Online webcasts of presentations on a variety of cultural topics as well as small business seminars.

Notable Books for Adults - An annual list of 25 titles selected for their 'significant contribution to the expansion of knowledge or for the pleasure they can provide to adult readers.' Includes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. (American Library Association)

Open Culture - 'Open Culture brings together high-quality cultural & educational media for the worldwide lifelong learning community... Free audio books, free courses, free movies, free language lessons and other enriching content - it's all here.' (Site includes advertisements; edited by Dan Colman, Associate Dean of Stanford University's Continuing Studies Program. Website is not affiliated with Stanford.)

Open Source Radio - 'American conversation with global attitude': a series of thoughtful discussions with authors, academics, and other experts, on diverse topics such as history, politics, economics, international relations, the arts, pop culture, science, environmental issues, and more. You can listen online or subscribe to the podcast to listen on your MP3 player or other portable device (Brown University). See also Conversations with History , described above.

PBS Online Media - Access to a growing online library of past PBS programming as well as audio and video podcasts.

Reading Group Guides - Offers advice on starting and running a reading group, with book recommendations, reading guides, interviews, recipes, and more. (Site includes advertisements)

Smithsonian - Online exhibits from the Smithsonian Institution, featuring art and design, science and nature, and history and faraway places. See also Smithsonian Magazine (site includes advertisements).

TED Talks - An archive of thought-provoking and inspiring talks by leading thinkers and doers. Covers a broad range of topics in technology, design, entertainment, science, business, the arts, and global issues.

WGBH Forum Network - Live and archived webcasts of free public lectures on the arts, science, society, business, technology, and more.

With Good Reason Radio - Weekly podcast on a variety of topics including arts & culture, health, history, literature, politics, and science. You can listen online or subscribe to the podcast to listen on your MP3 player or other portable device. (Virginia Foundation for the Humanities)

Computers & Technology

Education

NOTE: A high-speed internet connection (cable or DSL) is recommended
for viewing and listening to audio / video presentations.

Universal Class Continuing Education Courses Universal Class : Free online non-credit courses for your personal enrichment. Courses are accessible 24/7 via the Internet, and are offered in a wide variety of subjects, including business, computers, cooking, crafts & hobbies, do-it-yourself, health, history, home & garden, office skills, parenting & family, personal care, psychology, real estate, self-help, religious & spiritual studies, web development, writing, and more. You will have up to 6 months to finish each course, and each course has a real instructor you can communicate with by email! (From Recorded Books)
NOTE : If you're using this resource on your home computer, you'll have to enter your name, library card barcode, and PIN to begin. Once you have registered on the site, you can go directly to the Login page.

Annenberg Media - A variety of online instructional video programs in the arts, literature, history, science, and more. Audience level ranges from grades pre-K through adult. Free registration is required to view the programs. (Annenberg Foundation / Corporation for Public Broadcasting)

Elderhostel is now Road Scholar.

Exploritas is now Road Scholar.

GCF Learn Free - Free tutorials, articles, and other learning materials aimed at helping you improve the technology, literacy, and math skills needed for success in both work and life. Covers a wide range of subjects from operating ATMs and reading subway maps to using office software and running a home-based business. Free registration required. (Non-profit organization: Goodwill Community Foundation)

Lifelong Learning Institutes - Formerly Learning in Retirement Institutes. A directory of institutions dedicated to providing educational opportunities for older adults, plus information about the Learning in Retirement movement, and other resources related to lifelong learning. (Road Scholar Institute Network).

Open Courseware Consortium - Find free online college-level course materials covering a broad range of topics, from universities around the world. Includes course overviews, assignments, readings, handouts, practice exams, and related resources. (Non-profit educational consortium)

Open University Learning Space new - Hundreds of free online courses in arts & humanities, business & management, computing & technology, education, international studies, health care, languages, law, math, psychology, science, and more. Units are available from introductory to postgraduate level and can be studied anytime, at your own pace. There is no tutor, but each course has clear learning outcomes and assessment resources. Sign up for free to track your progress, connect with other learners in the discussion forums, and find the tools to help you learn. (The Open University, Milton Keynes UK)

Road Scholar - Adventures in lifelong learning through educational travel, for adults age 55 and over. Non-profit organization; there is a charge for travel programs. (Formerly Elderhostel)

Science Update Podcasts - Daily 60-second audio reports on the latest discoveries in science, technology and medicine; there is also a somewhat longer weekly podcast new (American Association for the Advancement of Science). Science Magazine offers online articles as well as Science Multimedia including podcasts, video, and interactives (site includes advertisements). The Boston Museum of Science weekly podcasts provide an in-depth look at the latest in science and technology. For more audio science news, see NPR Research News and NPR Science (National Public Radio). Smithsonian Magazine : Science & Nature offers feature articles on a wide variety of subjects relating to science and technology (site includes advertisements).

South Plainfield Adult Education - Information on local adult education programs including Adult High School, Adult School Brochure, and Trip List.

Stanford on iTunes - Download free audio recordings of lectures from Stanford University faculty, plus interviews, music and sports, to play on your iPod, Mac or PC, or to record on a CD; requires iTunes software (free download). University of California at Berkeley also offers webcasts of courses and events. With iTunes you can download lectures and other audio & video files from many universities and educational institutions, listed in the iTunes U section.

Take Five - Online videos of short talks by university faculty on a wide variety of subjects. (University of Texas)

Employment & Business

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Career Transitions - 'A self-paced resource that walks the job-seeker through the entire process of landing a job. No matter where you are in life, Career Transitions helps you take the next step.' Career Transitions offers a practical, personalized, and guided experience that integrates all the tools needed in the job search-process, including a resume builder; personal profile that stores references, action plan & more; assessment tool that identifies career interests & transferable skills; ability to target specific careers & apply for jobs; interviewing & networking tips; adult education & low-fee distance learning classes; access to unemployment services, health benefits, & other social services. If you're logging on from your home or office, you'll need to enter your name, library card barcode, and PIN to begin.

Petersons Testing & Education Reference Center PETERSON'S TESTING & EDUCATION REFERENCE CENTER - Free practice tests, study tips, and test prep eBooks for all kinds of standardized employment & education tests, including civil service and licensure exams (Accountant/Auditor, Caseworker, Correction Officer, Firefighter, Parole Officer, Police Officer / promotions, Postal Worker, Probation Officer, Real Estate, State Trooper, Treasury Enforcement Agent, and others), GED (high school equivalency test), NCLEX (nursing), PRAXIS (teaching), Officer Candidate, and ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) tests. If you're logging on at home, you'll need to enter your name, library card barcode number, and PIN to get started.

FERGUSON'S CAREER GUIDANCE CENTER - Comprehensive and easy-to-use career research database offers information on more than 3,300 jobs and 94 industries, plus advice on applying for a job, acing an interview, behaving professionally in the work environment and more. More than 90 sample resumes and cover letters included! The Resources section contains over 50,000 entries on scholarships, internships, and other opportunities. Includes more than 290 videos present essential career information on both specific jobs and industries and on skills. If you're logging on at home, you'll need to enter your name, library card barcode number, and PIN to get started. From Facts on File.

Universal Class Continuing Education Courses Universal Class : Computers & Technology - Free online non-credit courses for your personal enrichment. Courses are accessible 24/7 via the Internet, and are offered in a wide variety of subjects, including business, career training, entrepreneurship, office skills, real estate, and more. You will have up to 6 months to finish each course, and each course has a real instructor you can communicate with by email! NOTE : If you're using this resource on your home computer, you'll have to enter your name, library card barcode, and PIN to begin. Once you have registered on the site, you can go directly to the Login page. (From Recorded Books)

Job and Career Accelerator JOB & CAREER ACCELERATOR - An easy-to-use online resource for finding the job that's perfect for you! Whether you're looking to find a new job in your current field, or eager to pursue a career in an exciting new industry, Job & Career Accelerator will guide you through every step of the process and help make your career goals a reality! (LearningExpress, LLC)

New Jersey Can NJCAN - The New Jersey Career Assistance Navigator (NJCAN) provides accurate, comprehensive, current, and relevant occupational, post-secondary school and financial aid information. NJCAN contains the latest national, New Jersey and local labor market data and projections. NJCAN also includes information on job interview preparation, resume and cover letter creation, how to keep a job, self-employment, and military occupations. NJCAN is designed to support lifelong career exploration, and career planning and decision-making through easy to use, straightforward search and sorting utilities, and an online portfolio for saving information from all system components. (New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development & University of Oregon)

Age Bias at the Executive Level new - Brief helpful tips on countering age bias in your job search. See also The 40-Plus Career Reinvention Checklist new , as well as links to related pages at the bottom of each article. (Monster.com; site includes advertisements)

Age Discrimination - Questions and answers about laws protecting older workers from age discrimination, plus links to related resources. (From Workplace Fairness, a non-profit organization; site includes advertisements)

America's Career InfoNet - An excellent place to start a job search, this site includes links to Employment Training Locator for Older Workers; Job Banks in every state (Click here for New Jersey); Career One Stop, offering a wide assortment of career information and job search tools; and America's Service Locator, a searchable directory of local service centers which offer PCs, faxes, copy machines, and many other services for job hunters. (U.S. Department of Labor)

AARP Career / Work Resources - Helpful information for older workers, including preparing your résumé & cover letter, job tips for 50+, job search websites, help for laid-off workers, and more. See also AARP Employment links (work opportunities, second careers, job searching). (Site includes advertisements)

Best of the Web: Employment - 50 Plus new - A selection of online resources offering job listings, career advice, and volunteer / service opportunities for people over 50. (New York Public Library)

Disability Info - Covers a variety of topics related to employment for people with disabilities, including advice for individuals seeking work; information on employment rights, laws and regulations; and resources for employment programs and job accommodations. For additional disability resources, see Job Accommodation Network. (U.S. Department of Labor)

Encore Careers - 'For 50 years, the average 50-something American was headed straight toward a leisure-based retirement... Not anymore.' This site offers resources to help older workers find careers that 'combine purpose, passion, and a paycheck'. Includes information on finding your calling, job hunting, updating job skills, financing & managing career transitions, and much more. (Civic Ventures®; non-profit organization)

Mature Workers : Workforce Programs [UPDATED LINK!] - Information about the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which provides training and employment opportunities to low-income Americans over the age of 55; as well as Senior Environmental Employment (SEE), another jobs program for mature workers, and other work / volunteer opportunities for seniors. (National Council on the Aging)

Retirement Jobs - Search full-time, part-time, and flex-time job listings from 'age-friendly employers'. MEMBERSHIP IS NOT REQUIRED to view jobs; however, you must register in order to apply for jobs through the site; registration requires you to provide an email address, name, and zip code. NOTE: There are a limited number of job listings on the site; please use America's Career InfoNet and other websites from our JOBS & CAREERS page to conduct a comprehensive job search. (Site includes advertisements)

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) - A Non-profit organization which gives retired businesspersons an opportunity to donate their time and talent to assist America's aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. Includes a variety of Templates & Tools, and other helpful online materials for small businesses.

Senior Corps - Volunteer opportunities for senior citizens. A related site, formerly Senior Service, is now Get Involved. (Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency)

WorkForce New Jersey : WorkForce 55+ - Offers jobs and training to economically disadvantaged seniors, 55 years of age and older. WorkForce 55+ participants receive the counseling, assessment and training necessary to enable them to be placed in unsubsidized employment. (N.J. Department of Labor and Workforce Development; part of the Workforce New Jersey employment site.)

General Senior & Aging Resources

Grandparenting, Caregiving & Family

101 Things You Can Do With or For Kids - Suggestions for activities that you can do with youth, whether you have a lot of time or a little, and whether you're a parent, grandparent, neighbor, aunt, uncle, friend, mentor, volunteer, or someone who just enjoys spending time with kids. (Office of National Drug Control Policy)

AARP Friends & Family - Advice and links on family relationships, parenting, grandparenting, values, stories, and more. (Site includes advertisements)

Caregiver N.J. - A searchable guide to available resources for adults and their families living in New Jersey, including basic information about caregiving, resources in your community, and other resources & services. (New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services)

CCAL Caregiving Resources new - Eldercare and disability resources. (Non-profit national consumer advocacy and education organization)

Elder Abuse - Explains how to recognize elder abuse, what the risk factors are, who the abusers are, and how to get help for yourself or someone you know. (U.S. Administration on Aging)

Family Caregiving - Expert advice on key aspects of caregiving, including finances, health, housing, nutrition, relationships, and more. (eXtension.org, an educational partnership of 74 U.S. universities)

Family Caregiving 101 - 'If you're caring for a loved one who is ill or disabled, this site was created for you. It's a great place to find assistance, answers, new ideas and helpful advice - for you and your loved one.' (National Family Caregivers Association and the National Alliance for Caregiving)

Fathering Tips for Grandfathers - Articles and resources to help guide your involvement in the lives of your grandchildren. (National Center for Fathering)

Financial Assistance for Legal Guardianship - Explains the New Jersey Kinship Care Subsidy Program, which provides financial help to people caring for their grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or other children. (Legal Services of N.J.)

Grandloving - 'Creative, family-friendly ideas for keeping close to your grandchildren.... hundreds of tips and dozens of project ideas.' (By authors Sue Johnson, Julie Carlson & Elizabeth Bowe)

Grand Magazine - 'Your resource for living the GRAND life, from the serious intergenerational issues of today to toy and book reviews, fun and games, vitality and wellness, fiscal fitness and financial insights, leisure and love, mind, body and soul.'

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - Useful links to advice, assistance, and other resources for grandparents. (USA.gov)

Grief and Loss - Advice on how to cope with the death of a loved one. Includes practical information about funeral arrangements and legal & financial matters, as well as help with the emotional aspects of loss. (AARP; site includes advertisements)

Guardianship Resources [UPDATED LINK!] - Articles explaining what legal guardianship is and how to establish and maintain a guardianship. Also covers special circumstances, such as guardianship of an mentally disabled adult. (Nolo Press; site includes advertisements)

Health, Safety, Fitness and Health Care

Health Source Consumer Edition EBSCOHost Health Source (Consumer Edition) - Access to nearly 80 full text, consumer health magazines, with information on many health topics including the medical sciences, food sciences and nutrition, childcare, sports medicine and general health. If you're logging in from your home or office computer, you'll need to enter your name, library card barcode, and PIN to begin. (An EBSCOHost Database)

Facts on File : Health Reference Center - Clear and comprehensive information on conditions and diseases, health and wellness, mental health, and the human body. Health Reference Center includes educational videos, color illustrations, and regularly updated health news articles. If you're logging in from your home or office computer, you'll need to enter your name, library card barcode, and PIN to begin.

Salud en Español - Reportes completos basados en evidencias y fichas de datos relacionados a todos los aspectos de la salud y el bienestar. Reportes específicos por tema que cubren todos los aspectos de la salud, dan información general importante en relación a enfermedades, afecciones y procedimientos de diversos tratamientos. Clic el ícono y entre su nombre, código de barras, y número de identificación personal. (Administrado por EBSCOHost)

AARP Health - Tips and articles on staying healthy and fit over 50, plus information about insurance & medicare, doctors & hospitals, and long-term care. Includes a drug interaction checker and other health tools & calculators. (Site includes advertisements)

Aging & Addiction - Examines drug and alcohol addiction among older adults, with resources for intervention and treatment. (Hazelden Addiction Treatment Centers)

Aging & Sleep - Sleep patterns and problems may change as we get older. This article describes some of the sleep problems that can arise with aging. (2009, Sleep Foundation)

Air Quality and Older Adults - Fact sheets for older adults and their caregivers about environmental health risks (indoor & outdoor air quality, extreme heat), and steps you can take to reduce those risks. These printable fact sheets are available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, Korean, Italian, French, and several other languages. Related information may be found on EPA's Aging Initiative page. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

Alzheimer's Association - The latest research on Alzheimer's Disease, with information on risk factors, warning signs, diagnosis, treatment, and more. See also Alzheimer's Information (Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research), and The Forgetting (©2008, PBS; includes ongoing news updates).

ASSISTED LIVING - See Housing & Relocation links, below.

BRAIN FITNESS - See Games for the Brain and related links, below.

Can the Retiree Health Benefits Provided By Your Employer Be Cut? - Advice on understanding your employer's retiree health benefits plan. (U.S. Department of Labor)

Care Conversations [UPDATED!] - 'Guide to planning, preparing, and paying for long term care - for yourself or for a loved one.' Formerly Long Term Care Living (American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living)

CAREGIVING - See Grandparenting, Caregiving, & Family section.

Consumer Health Information for Seniors - Health-related consumer information on a wide range of health issues, including arthritis, cancer, health fraud, and nutrition. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Dietary Supplements : Tips for Older Users new - Explains the potential risks and benefits of using dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other substances. Also offers tips on how to spot false advertising claims, keep track of supplements & medications, how to report adverse effects, and more. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Disability Information & Resources - An extensive directory of websites offering information on all kinds of disability-related products & services (assistive devices, medical supplies, clothing, grocery delivery, etc.); also covers health, political, and legal issues (personal site). For more on living with disabilities, see our Useful Websites: SPECIAL INTEREST - Disabled page.

Elder Abuse - Explains how to recognize elder abuse, what the risk factors are, who the abusers are, and how to get help for yourself or someone you know. (U.S. Administration on Aging)

Exercise & Physical Activity for Seniors [UPDATED LINK!] - Exercise booklet for older adults offering helpful tips, sample exercises, healthy eating information, FAQs, and more. You can view the online booklet in your web browser (use the lefthand menu to navigate), download the PDF, or order a print copy by mail. (National Institute on Aging)

Falls Among Older Adults - Unintentional falls are a common hazard for adults ages 65 and older, but this page offers strategies that can reduce falls and help older adults live better and longer (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). How to Get Up from a Fall explains the safest way to get up after a fall; includes diagrams (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). For more safety advice, see Safety Tips for Seniors, below.

Go 4 Life - An exercise and physical activity campaign designed to motivate older adults to become physically active for the first time, return to exercise after a break in their routines, or build more exercise and physical activity into weekly routines. Go4Life offers exercises, motivational tips, interactive tools, and other free resources to help you get ready, start exercising, and keep going. Registering on this website allows you to save your exercise plans, logs and other physical activity records. You do not have to enter personal information, just choose a username and password. (National Institute on Aging)

Health Care Advance Planning Toolkit - A consumer guide to making advance health care directives, such as a living will or durable power of attorney for health care (American Bar Association). Additional information & resources are available on the Health Care Decision Making page; scroll down the page to the Consumer Information section. See also Advance Directives in New Jersey (N.J. Department of Health and Senior Services).

HealthCare.gov - Explains the basics of the 'Affordable Care Act' of 2010, with tools to help you explore your health insurance coverage options, plus links to other health resources. Includes resources specifically targeted for seniors and people with disabilities. If your income is very low, see Medicaid. (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)

Healthfinder.gov : Healthy Living For Older Adults new - Advice on staying healthy, including recommendations for tests & screenings, safety & prevention, eating healthy, staying active, taking charge of your health care, using medicines safely, and more. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Hearing Aids new - Advice for consumers on purchasing hearing aids. (2010, Federal Trade Commission)

Long Term Care - A wide range of information and options to help you plan and pay for future long-term care needs; includes an overview of public programs [UPDATED LINK!] for low-income seniors. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Long Term Care Insurance - Q & A about what you need to consider when deciding on a long-term care insurance policy. (Insurance Information Institute)

Long Term Care Living is now Care Conversations, described above.

Long-term Care Ombudsman Locator - Do you (or a relative or friend) have a problem with a long-term care provider? An ombudsman can help you resolve complaints relating to long-term care. Click on the map to choose a state. (National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform)

Medicare - All about Medicare services, billing, providers, eligibility, etc. See also People with Medicare & Medicaid Center and the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder. (Official Medicare sites)

Medicare Part D Solicitations : Words to the Wise About Fraud - Advice on scams involving Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. This page explains what drug plan providers may and may not do, and how to protect your personal information. (2006, Federal Trade Commission)

Medicare Rights Center - Information and advice for people with Medicare questions or problems. Includes Medicare Q & A and Medicare phone hotline (1-800-333-4114). For the latest news about Medicare coverage, see Families USA's Medicare page. (Non-profit organizations)

Merck Manual of Health & Aging - Online medical text covers the Fundamentals of Aging, Caring for Self and Others, Medical Conditions, and Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues. (Merck & Co., Inc.; pharmaceutical company)

Multiple Medications - A brief article offering a few key principles of medication management for seniors and their families (WebMD; site includes advertisements). See also AARP Drug Interaction Checker.

National Council on Aging - Information on health & safety, benefits, jobs & economic security, and community action / volunteering. (Non-profit organization)

National Institute on Aging - Publications on health for older adults. Most are available free online. (Government agency)

New Jersey Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing - Use this site to file a complaint about a health care facility, locate a hospital, nursing home or other health facility, find information about doctors, get help for a senior or caregiver, or plan for long-term care. The New Jersey Report Card has been replaced by Nursing Home Compare, described below. See N.J. Health Care Consumer Reports and Guides for more information on hospitals, nursing homes, managed care, home health care, ambulatory surgery centers, and other health care services. (N.J. Department of Health and Senior Services)

Nursing Home Compare - 'The primary purpose of this tool is to provide detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the country.' You can search nursing homes by geography, by proximity, or by name. Also offers a list of residents rights, alternatives to nursing home care, and related links and publications, including a 68-page Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home [Link opens a PDF document]. You can also view a list of nursing homes with poor performance records [Link opens a PDF document]. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Older Americans Health [UPDATED LINK!] - A selection of useful online news, publications, and websites. (Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Oral Longevity - Advice about dental care as you grow older. See also Dentures (American Dental Association) and Medline's Denture Links.

Orthopedics : Seniors new - Information on orthopedic problems and topics of particular relevance to seniors, including arthritis, joint replacement, osteoporosis, prevention & safety, wellness & exercise, and complementary medicine. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)

Safety Tips for Seniors [UPDATED LINK!] - Advice on fall prevention, pedestrian & motor vehicle safety, and more (Canada Safety Council). The Safety Checklist 'asks about hazards found in each room of your home. For each hazard, the checklist tells you how to fix the problem. At the end of the checklist, you will find other tips for preventing falls' (U.S. Centers for Disease Control, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control). Elderly Safety provides information and tips on the wellness of the elderly, including a printable Elderly Safety Brochure, Tips for Taking an Elderly Parent to the Emergency Department, and Travel Recommendations For Those Over 65 (American College of Emergency Physicians). See also Environmental Geriatrics, below.

Senior Corner - News and facts about common health conditions affecting seniors, as well as information on health exams, drugs, and saving money. (Drug Digest, from pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts, Inc.)

Senior Health - Information on various health problems associated with aging. This site allows you to adjust the type size on the web page for easier viewing, or hear the text read aloud (use your mouse to click on any part you wish to have read on each page). (National Institutes of Health)

Stepping Out - Advice for mature adults on walking to stay fit and maintaining your safety while you walk. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Strength Training for Older Adults - An exercise program designed to increase the strength of your muscles, maintain the integrity of your bones, and improve your balance, coordination, and mobility. Strength training can also help reduce the symptoms of chronic diseases such as arthritis. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Vision Loss : Senior Site - 'Designed to encourage aging adults with eye diseases to live independently and productively. The site connects seniors, family members, and caregivers to local services and showcases a wide range of assistive living products available to people with vision loss. It also contains information on the resources and tools needed to continue to read, shop, cook, manage finances, and go out with friends.' (American Foundation for the Blind)

Who Cares : Sources of Information About Health Care Products and Services new - Helpful information for consumers on a wide range of topics such as alternative & complementary treatments, assisted living & nursing homes, hiring caregivers, hormone therapies, hearing aids, buying prescription drugs online, dietary supplements, medicare fraud, and more. (Federal Trade Commission)

Yahoo! News : Health - Seniors / Aging - The latest news on developments and government policies in health and medicine affecting older adults. (Site includes advertisements)

Housing & Relocation

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Assisted Living - Consumer guides for assisted living residents and family members, covering such topics as choosing an assisted living residence, moving into an assisted living residence, caring for someone with Alzheimer's, paying for long term care, and more. (National Center for Assisted Living; part of the American Health Care Association, an organization representing long term care providers)

CNN/Money Magazine's Best Places to Retire - Statistical rankings on housing costs, crime, leisure, culture, environment, access to health care, and more, for over 1,300 towns in the U.S.. Feature articles offer additional tips & information. See also US News & World Report's Best Places to Retire and more great places to retire. AARP's Livable Communities new page offers articles on the best places to retire for nature lovers, affordable & fun places to retire, places to retire abroad, and lots of additional related information. A 2006 report, Sperling's Best Cities for Seniors, identifies U.S. cities with the best resources for less-active seniors, analyzing nearly 50 categories such as senior living facilities, comprehensive medical care, specialized transportation services, and a significant senior population (Bert Sperling / Fast Forward, Inc.). The above sites include advertisements.

Energy Assistance - Information about how to apply for help with home heating bills from the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Links to additional help are available from the N.J. State Library's Financial Crisis Assistance page.

Environmental Geriatrics - Information on the design of interiors and products to optimize the health, function, and well-being of older adults. Covers such issues such as Hoarding & Clutter, Fall & Fire Prevention, Alzheimer's Friendly Homes, Nursing Homes vs. Assisted Living, and more. For patients, caregivers, and health care professionals. (Cornell University)

Reverse Mortgages - A reverse mortgage is a way to borrow cash against your home, without having to pay it back as long as you are still living there. This guide explains the basics of how reverse mortgages work and how they differ from other types of home loans, and helps you examine your different options and decide whether you would be better off selling your home or getting a reverse mortgage. A Reverse Mortgage Calculator helps you determine how much cash you might get (AARP; site includes advertisements). See also Housing Education : A Guide to Reverse Mortgages (2010, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of San Francisco) and Reverse Mortgages : A Resource for Older Homeowners [Link opens a Microsoft WORD document] (2005, American Bar Association; site includes advertisements).

Senior Housing - Use this site to search for senior housing, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Alzheimer's Care, Nursing Care, or Continuing Care. Includes sections explaining the different options, advice on evaluating which option is best for you, and related information (site includes advertisements: Homestore Network/Realtor.com). See also SNAP for Seniors, a searchable database of listings for over 200,000 senior service providers in the U.S. (site includes advertisements), and Assisted Living Directory, a directory of licensed Assisted Living Facilities or Adult Foster Care homes in the U.S. (site includes advertisements). For information on housing for seniors in New Jersey, including low-income housing, see Senior Services in New Jersey and New Jersey Housing Resource Center (State of N.J.).

Law & Government

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Benefits.gov - If you need government benefits but aren't sure which ones are available to you, check this website. (U.S. government site)

Elder Care Legal Resources [UPDATED LINK!] - Free articles, checklists, and helpful websites on medical and financial aspects of elder care. Legal forms such as Medical and Financial Powers of Attorney and Living Wills are also available, but there is a charge for them. (Nolo Press; site includes advertisements)

Government Benefits - See Benefits.gov, described above.

Middlesex County Surrogate - 'In New Jersey, the person who passes on the validity of a will, gives the executor proof of his authority to administer the estate and sees to it that the executor handles the estate properly, is called the Surrogate.' The website provides information about Middlesex County wills, probate, estate taxes, and more.

National Senior Citizens Law Center - Provides advocacy for low-income elderly individuals, as well as those with disabilities. The site includes news, links, and publications on legal issues affecting seniors.

N.J. Aging & Disability Resource Connection - Toll-free phone numbers and links to state and local services for seniors and adults with physical disabilities. (N.J. Department of Health and Senior Services)

N.J. Legal Services Directory - Legal Services of New Jersey provides free help for low-income individuals and families with civil law problems. A statewide telephone hotline is also available from LSNJ.

N.J. Professional Licensing Boards - Information about professional licensing in New Jersey. Search the Licensee Directory to find out the current status of the professional license (active, inactive, suspended, or expired) for practitioners of dozens of professions and occupations in the state of NJ, including lawyers, dentists, accountants, acupuncturists, social workers, veterinarians, barbers, funeral directors, locksmiths, and many more. Click here to search for doctors, podiatrists, and optometrists. (New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs)

Senior Services in New Jersey - Information on state services including housing health care, long term care, caregiver assistance, pensions, and benefits. (State of N.J.)

Social Security Retirement Planner - If you are near retirement, this Retirement Planner can guide you step by step through the benefits process. It includes Social Security benefit calculators, eligibility information, FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions), and other helpful resources and information. (Social Security Administration)

Taxes : Seniors & Retirees - Tax advice, forms, publications, and other tax-related information of particular interest to older Americans. (Internal Revenue Service)

Wills & Estate Planning [UPDATED LINK!] - Advice on wills, living trusts, avoiding probate, power of attorney, estate taxes, life insurance, health care, retirement, and more (Nolo Press; site includes advertisements). For more on wills and estates, see Money Management section below.

USA.Gov for Seniors - A gateway to federal government information on topics such as consumer protection, education, jobs & volunteerism, health, retirement, money, taxes, travel, and more. (U.S. government site)

You and the Law In New Jersey : Seniors - A review of state law covering age discrimination, government aid & services, grandparents, nursing facilities, social security, and wills & trusts. More information is available from the main You & the Law in New Jersey page. (LSNJ)

Money Management & Consumer Info

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AARP Money - Articles, tools, and other resources on budgeting & saving, scams & frauds, credit, insurance, investment, low-income assistance and more. (Site includes advertisements)

Banking on Your Investments - Alerts consumers to the fact that mutual funds, annuities and other investments are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), even when they are sold by a bank. (2002, Consumer Action)

Benefits.gov - If you need government benefits but aren't sure which ones are available to you, check this website. (U.S. government site)

Better Business Bureau - Before dealing with an unfamiliar company or charity, you may want to search here to find out whether the BBB has a report on them. The site also offers an online complaint form, consumer tips, and links to local BBBs.

BBB Consumer Resource Library - Tips, alerts, and other resources for consumers on topics such as autos, charities, computers, credit, health, scams, travel, and more. (Better Business Bureau)

Charity Navigator : Tips for Older Donors - Easy-to-follow precautions which can help you avoid charity scams and be sure you contribute only to legitimate and efficient charities.

Consumer Information : Computers & Internet - Useful information on avoiding all sorts of Internet fraud. Topics covered include spyware, identity theft, Internet auctions, e-payments, e-banking, free and low-cost PC offers, e-mail scams, and holiday shopping (Federal Trade Commission). See also Looks Too Good to be True (U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI, et al.).

Direct Deposit for Social Security and Federal Benefits - Beginning March 1, 2013, the U.S. Department of the Treasury will pay all federal benefit and non-tax payments, including Social Security, only by direct deposit to a bank or credit union account, or to a Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card account. Visit this website to sign up for direct deposit now, or to learn more about the program. You can also find out more by phoning the GoDirect Helpline (800) 333-1795, Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET. (U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks)

Estate Planning Basics - Explains 'the proper methods of holding legal title to property during your life, and passing your estate on to your heirs in a manner and timing of your choosing, all with minimum taxes and intervention by the legal system.' (NAFEP©, an estate planning services and training company)

Financial Education : Senior Issues - Online publications for seniors covering Social Security retirement benefits, credit card debt, common scams that target the elderly, medical debt, funerals, and more. Scroll down the page to the heading Senior Issues to see the list of publications. (Non-profit organization: Consumer Credit Counseling Service of San Francisco)

Frauds and Scams : Protect Yourself and Your Money - Online printable pamphlet describing some financial frauds and scams which typically target older people, and suggesting how to protect yourself and your money. Includes Fraud on the Phone, Fraud at the Door, Fraud through the Mailbox, and more, with precautions and additional information (Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco). Scams & Frauds describes some of the latest scams and frauds in the news, with advice on avoiding them (Federal Citizen Information Center). Fraud Target : Senior Citizens provides tips on how to protect yourself and your family from fraud, including health care fraud, funeral & cemetery fraud, telemarketing fraud, reverse mortgage scams, and more (FBI). The National Consumers League offers extensive information on Telemarketing Fraud new and Internet Fraud new (2009; non-profit organization).

Government Benefits - See Benefits.gov, described above.

Insurance and Consumer Finance Information for Seniors - Brief advice on avoiding insurance fraud, predatory lending, and related scams targeting seniors. (New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance)

Investment Fraud - Tips for older investors on how to recognize fraudulent investment offers and report suspicious sales pitches & actual scams, plus links to Investor Alerts and related information (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.). Investor Info for Seniors provides video, articles, calculators and other investing resources for seniors (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission).

My Money : Retirement - Links to online publications offering financial guidance for older Americans on various aspects of retirement & retirement planning. (U.S. Financial Literacy and Education Commission)

My Retirement Paycheck - Discusses common questions about retirement, such as 'How long should I continue working?', 'When should I start collecting Social Security?', 'How much will I receive in monthly payments?', 'How do I best use the value of my house?', 'What will my costs be under Medicare?', 'What kind of investments should I keep when I retire?', and more. (National Endowment for Financial Education)

Pension Help - Pensions and retirement savings plans in the U.S. are increasingly complex, leaving many people confused about their pension rights and benefits. This website provides a one-stop information and assistance resource for anyone who has questions or needs help with their pension benefits, no matter where they live in the U.S., and no matter what type of pension they have. (Non-profit organization: Pension Rights Center)

Retirement Money Resources - Advice on pensions, IRAs, Social Security, and other sources of income for retirement, plus a Retirement Contributions Calculator and Pension Plan Options Calculator (AARP). See also MSN's Retirement Planning section and SmartMoney's Retirement page (Dow Jones / Hearst). (Sites includes advertisements)

Taxes : Seniors & Retirees - Tax advice, forms, publications, and other tax-related information of particular interest to older Americans (Internal Revenue Service).

Wills & Estate Planning - Advice on wills, living trusts, avoiding probate, power of attorney, estate taxes, life insurance, health care, retirement, and more (Nolo Press; site includes advertisements).

Recreation & Leisure

Digital Photography Basics [UPDATED LINK!] - Explains how to take, print, and share digital pictures, with related projects, plus a section on choosing and using Digital Cameras; also covers video (Kodak). See also HP Learning Center : Digital Photography [UPDATED LINK!] (Hewlett-Packard).

Games for the Brain - Sudoku, Chinese checkers, word games, trivia quizzes, and other fun activities to help keep your brain fit. You can find more games at SharpBrains' Brain Teasers and Thinks.com. The Hartford Insurance Company's Brain Fitness new page offers brain teasers, puzzles & activities, brain games, brain fitness tips, and additional related information. For more resources for maintaining brain health, see HeadStrong Brain. HeadStrong Brain Training is currently available on a no-charge subscription. (Sites includes advertisements)

Gardens for Everybody - This site provides information about gardening tools and techniques for individuals with physical limitations. Topics covered include container gardening, raised beds, ergonomic tools, and gardening health & safety; includes links to additional information (University of Missouri Extension Center). See also Gardening with the Elderly (Ohio State University Extension). For general gardening websites, see our Useful Websites : GARDEN & LANDSCAPE page.

Hobby Directory - Directory of organizations devoted to dozens of hobbies from astronomy to yo-yos. See also Recreation Directory and Games Directory. (2009, Open Directory Project)

Monkey See - Free access to a growing collection of professionally-produced and user-generated how-to videos on a wide variety of topics, including Careers & Education, Health & Fitness, Hobbies & Crafts, Home & Garden, Love & Relationships, Personal Finance, Sports & Leisure, Beauty & Fashion, and more. When you select a video, the presenter's credentials are provided on the right-hand side of the screen, under the 'Expert' tab. (Site includes advertisements)

Travel & Transportation

AARP Travel - Destinations, discounts, transportation tips, and online booking for transportation and lodgings; powered by Expedia. (Site includes advertisements)

Aging Drivers - A guide for family, friends, and caregivers concerned about the safety of an older driver (N.Y. State Office for the Aging). See also Senior Drivers (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety), Family Conversations with Older Drivers (The Hartford), GrandDriver (American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators), Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully, Senior Drivers : Getting Older (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and Information for Older Drivers, which includes advice on driving for those with a variety of health conditions, including Alzheimer's, Sleep Apnea, Arthritis, Cataracts, Diabetes, Seizures, and others, plus info on driving when you are on medication (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

Alzheimer's, Dementia and Driving : a Practical Guide - Advice to help individuals diagnosed with dementia, and their caregivers, to determine when it is time to stop driving. (The Hartford)

Road Scholar - Adventures in lifelong learning through educational travel, for adults age 55 and over. Non-profit organization; there is a charge for travel programs. (Formerly Elderhostel)

Handicapped Plates & Placards - Information on how to obtain special parking privileges in New Jersey if you are temporarily or permanently disabled. (N.J. Motor Vehicle Commission)

Historic Places : Heritage Travel Itinerary Series - Self-guided tours to U.S. historic places listed in the National Register. Itineraries provide descriptions of each historic place and its importance in American history; tourist information for historic sites, including hours, phone numbers, and links; interactive maps; color and vintage photographs; and links to related preservation and tourism web sites. (National Park Service)

Traveling with Grandkids - If you want to take a vacation with your grandchildren but are worried about keeping them entertained, check out these travel tips. (American Society of Travel Agents)