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 Health in Aging Foundation)

Treatments and Therapies

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

Related Issues

As You Age: You and Your Medicines (Food and Drug Administration)
Does an Older Adult in Your Life Need Help? (National Institute on Aging)
Exercising with Chronic Conditions (National Institute on Aging) Also in Spanish
Home Health Care (AGS Health in Aging Foundation)
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
Learning about Neglect and Self-Neglect (National Adult Protective Services Association)
Medical Care and Appointments (National Institute on Aging)
Safe Travel Tips for Older Adults (AGS Health in Aging Foundation)
Taking Medicines Safely As You Age (National Institute on Aging) Also in Spanish
Ten Warning Signs Your Older Family Member May Need Help (Administration for Community Living)

Specifics

15 Tips to Keep Your Bladder Healthy (National Institute on Aging)
Aging and Your Eyes (National Institute on Aging) Also in Spanish
Brain 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
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 and Oral Health (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) - PDF Also in Spanish
Safe Sex for Older Adults (AGS Health in Aging Foundation)
Sexuality and Intimacy in Older Adults (National Institute on Aging) Also in Spanish
Skin Aging: MedlinePlus Health Topic (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
Taking the Pedal Off the Metal: When Should Older Adults Stop Driving? (National Institutes of Health) Also in Spanish
The Aging Eye (National Eye Institute) - PDF
Tips for Walking for Older Adults (AGS Health in Aging Foundation)
Well-Aged Mind: Maintaining Your Cognitive Health (National Institutes of Health) Also in Spanish

Videos and Tutorials

NIHSeniorHealth (National Institute on Aging)

Statistics and Research

FastStats: Older Persons' Health (National Center for Health Statistics)
Older Americans 2020: Key Indicators of Well-Being (Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics)

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 (USAging)
AGS Health in Aging Foundation
American Geriatrics Society
Eldercare Locator (Administration for Community Living)
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 Health in Aging Foundation) - PDF
Understanding Prostate Changes: A Health Guide for Men (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish