Older Adult Health

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Summary

People in the U.S. are living longer than ever before. Many older adults live active and healthy lives. But there's no getting around one thing: as we age, our bodies and minds change. You need to know 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 health care 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. This includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and making mental health a priority.

Start Here

Aging: What to Expect (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
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)

Prevention and Risk Factors

Physical Activity Helps Seniors Stay Mobile (National Institutes of Health) Also in Spanish

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) Also in Spanish

Related Issues

Aging Parents: 7 Warning Signs of Health Problems (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
As You Age: You and Your Medicines (Food and Drug Administration)
Exercising with Chronic Conditions (National Institute 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) Also in Spanish
How Do You Know When It's Time to Give up the Keys? (Administration for Community Living) - PDF
Older Drivers (National Institute on Aging) Also in Spanish
Other Safety Concerns and Self-Neglect (National Adult Protective Services Association)
Safe Sex for Older Adults (AGS Foundation for Health in Aging)
Safe Travel Tips for Older Adults (AGS Foundation for Health in Aging)
Safe Use of Medicines for Older Adults (National Institute on Aging) Also in Spanish
Talking with Your Doctor (National Institute on Aging)
Ten Warning Signs Your Older Family Member May Need Help

Specifics

13 Tips to Keep Your Bladder Healthy (National Institute on Aging)
Aging and Your Eyes (National Institute on Aging) Also in Spanish
Cognitive Health (National Institute on Aging)
Easy Bruising: Why Does It Happen (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
How Smell and Taste Change as You Age (National Institute on Aging) Also in Spanish
Managing Multiple Health Problems: Living with Multiple Health Problems (American Geriatrics Society)
Nutrition for Seniors: MedlinePlus Health Topic (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
Older Adult Mental Health (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
Older Adults (COVID-19) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
Older Adults and Oral Health (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) - PDF Also in Spanish
Sexuality in Later Life (National Institute on Aging) Also in Spanish
Skin Aging: MedlinePlus Health Topic (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
The Aging Eye (National Eye Institute) - PDF
Tips for Walking for Older Adults (AGS Foundation for Health in Aging)
Types of Refractive Errors (National Eye Institute)
Well-Aged Mind: Maintaining Your Cognitive Health (National Institutes of Health) Also in Spanish
Your Aging Eyes: How You See as Time Goes By (National Institutes of Health) Also in Spanish

Videos and Tutorials

NIHSeniorHealth (National Institute on Aging)

Statistics and Research

Blood Proteins Change Across the Lifespan (National Institutes of Health) Also in Spanish
Global Aging (National Institute on Aging, World Health Organization) - PDF
Older Americans 2016: Key Indicators of Well-Being (Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics)
State of Aging and Health in America (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

Reference Desk

Changes in the Body with Aging (Merck & Co., Inc.) Also in Spanish

Find an Expert

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

Men

Testosterone Therapy: Potential Benefits and Risks as You Age (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Tips for Good Health in Later Life for Older Men (AGS Foundation for Health in Aging) - PDF