Seniors' Health

On this page

For You

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 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.

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)

Latest News

Seniors Get Good Results from Herniated Disc Surgery (06/16/2017, HealthDay)
Centenarians Often Healthier Than Younger Seniors (06/15/2017, HealthDay)
Excess Alcohol May Speed Muscle Loss in Older Women (06/07/2017, HealthDay)
More News on Seniors' Health

Prevention and Risk Factors

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

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)

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) - PDF Also in Spanish
As You Age: You and Your Medicines (Food and Drug Administration)
Choices for Mobility Independence: Transportation Options for Older Adults (Administration on Aging) - PDF
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
Medicines: Use Them Safely (National Institute on Aging)
Older Drivers (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
Older Drivers (National Institute on Aging) Also in Spanish
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) - PDF
Ten Warning Signs Your Older Family Member May Need Help (Administration on Aging)

Specifics

Aging and Your Eyes (National Institute on Aging) Also in Spanish
Balance Problems (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders)
Cognitive Health and Older Adults (National Institute on Aging)
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) 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 Adults and Depression (National Institute of Mental Health) 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
Smell and Taste: Spice of Life (National Institute on Aging)
Walking Tips for Older Adults (AGS Foundation for Health in Aging)

Images

The Aging Eye (National Eye Institute)

Health Check Tools

Older Consumers Safety Test (Consumer Product Safety Commission)

Videos and Tutorials

Senior Centers (Administration on Aging)

Statistics and Research

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)
Global Health and Aging (National Institute on Aging, World Health Organization) - PDF
Multiple Chronic Conditions among Adults Aged 45 and Over: Trends Over the Past 10 Years (National Center for Health Statistics)
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.)
Immune System: Can Your Immune System Still Defend You As You Age? (National Institute on Aging)

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 Council on Aging
National Institute on Aging Also in Spanish

Men

For Men: Tips for Good Health in Later Life (AGS Foundation for Health in Aging) - PDF
Sexual Health: Testosterone Therapy (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)