Seniors

General

http://www.aarp.org

The site contains information on insurance, health, travel, housing, investing, benefits, and more.

http://www.cranky.com/

This search engine, bills itself as "the first age-relevant search engine," and is designed for those over 50. Only four results are displayed at a time, and users may rank sites (free registration required).

National Council on the Aging

http://www.ncoa.org/

Features a national network of over 14,000 organizations, an events calendar, information on legislation benefitting older Americans, action alerts, and research reports.

Senior Citizens Resources

http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Seniors.shtml

This site provides online access to government information and services of interest to seniors in the areas of consumer protection; education, jobs, and volunteerism; federal and state agencies; health; laws and regulations; retirement and money; taxes; and travel and leisure.

SeniorCorps

http://www.seniorcorps.org/

This organization connects persons over 55 with people and organizations that need them most. Be a mentor, coach or companion to a person in need, or contribute job skills and expertise to community projects.

Senior Net

http://www.seniornet.org/php/default.php?PageID=5955&Version=0&Font=0

An annotated list of resources that include senior-related organizations and publications, government agencies, and discussion groups.

WidowNet

http://www.widownet.org/

An information and self-help resource for, and by, widows and widowers.

Computer Instruction

Basic Web Lessons

http://www.aarp.org/learntech/computers/basic_web/

This tutorial for beginners provides definitions, explanations of browser features, and instructions on navigation, searching, and troubleshooting. From AARP.

Information Literacy: Search Strategies to Find Information

http://www.noodletools.com/debbie/literacies/information/5locate/adviceengine.html

An excellent guide that matches a user's information needs with the best search engine. Includes a tutorial for clarifying what type of information is needed. Part of the NoodleTools collection of research tools. Created by librarian Debbie Abilock.

Internet 101

http://www.internet101.org/

A good starting point for absolute beginners. Lessons on many topics including how to use e-mail and chat.

Mousercise!

http://www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/mousercise.htm

Practice your mousing skills with this interactive tutorial.

Mousing Around Tutorial

http://www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/intro.htm

This tutorial will help you learn to use a mouse to interact with a computer.

New User Tutorial

http://tech.tln.lib.mi.us/tutor/welcome.htm

A site designed to teach new users basic computer skills such as using the mouse and the scrollbar, entering commands in dialog boxes, double clicking, and using the File menu and other basic Windows functions.

Practice Games

http://www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/games.htm

Practice using a mouse at this game site.

Finances and Retirement

FHA's Reverse Mortgage for Seniors

http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hecm/hecmhome.cfm

Includes basic facts, information about the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a list of HUD-approved HECM counselors in each state, and related information.

Financial Facts Toolkit

http://www.sec.gov/investor/pubs/toolkit.htm

Produced by the Securities and Exchange Commission to better inform consumers about saving and investing.

GovBenefits.gov

http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits_en.portal

"The official benefits website of the U.S. government, with information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs."

Internal Revenue Service: Seniors and Retirees

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/retirees/

Collection of IRS documents on tax topics of interest for older Americans and individuals planning for retirement.

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance: Retirement

http://www.kiplinger.com/yourretirement/

Collection of articles and columns on topics related to retirement savings, such as individual retirement accounts (IRAs), 401(k) and pension plans, annuities, and retirement planning for children and young adults.

Reverse Mortgages: Get the Facts

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/homes/rea13.shtm

A fact sheet about reverse mortgages. Explains eligibility, the three main types, what to watch out for during the loan process, and alternatives to reverse mortgages.

Social Security Online: Retirement Planner

http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/

This site provides calculators, charts, and other information for determining Social Security retirement benefits.

Games and Social Networking

Ageless Project

http://jenett.org/ageless/

A website that lists personal, non-commercial blogs and websites in order of their birth year.

Boomertown

http://www.boomertown.com/

“Every 7 1/2 seconds someone in this country turns 50. When they do they join the most affluent and powerful segment of our population. They're searching for information. They're searching for adventure. They're searching for happiness.” All at Boomertown.com.

Eldr.Com

http://eldr.com/

Celebrate aging! Blogs, forums, information and resources galore.

Games

http://www.bpl.on.ca/seniors/seniorsfun.htm

Links for many game sites.

GrandTimes!com

http://www.grandtimes.com/index.html

A weekly online magazine for active seniors

Puzz.com

http://www.puzz.com/

A collection of "IQ tests, puzzles, trivia, games and contests for entertainment and education."

Red Hat Society

http://www.redhatsociety.com/

The society's purpose is to "seek their earned fun, frivolity, and some foolishness in their later years." Includes information about membership, fees, regulations, activities, and chapter locations.

Rezoom

http://www.rezoom.com/

An interactive community for an ageless generation.

SeniorSite

http://www.seniorsite.com/

Online magazine that features news, chat rooms, romance and tips for seniors.

Sharp Brains: Your Brain Fitness Center

http://www.sharpbrains.com/

This website features links to articles on topics of brain research and operation such as mental exercise, stress management, improving memory, nutrition, and workforce training and leadership. Also includes a blog, newsletter, and glossary.

Wired Seniors

http://www.wiredseniors.com/ageofreason/

“A portal website to serve all the needs of the over 50 age group”. Features SeniorsMatch, Vacation and Home Exchange Directory and more.

Health

Aging – U.S. Department of Health

http://www.hhs.gov/aging/index.html#caregivers

Find resources for caregivers, information on aging, diseases and conditions, hospitals and nursing homes, safety and wellness and more.

Health for Seniors

http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Seniors/Health.shtml

Official information and services for seniors from the Federal Government.

Medline Plus Health Information

http://www.medlineplus.gov/

This directory site is designed to lead the user to resources containing information that will help with researching their health questions.

Merck Manual of Geriatrics

http://www.merck.com/mkgr/mmg/home.jsp

Online edition of print book of same title, providing "information of clinical relevance on geriatric care." Searchable, and browsable by index.

MyBiopsy.org

http://www.cap.org/apps/docs/hints/myBiopsy/index2.html

Site developed by the College of American Pathologists includes easy-to-understand information about 20 common cancers, treatment options, definitions of medical terms and more.

National Institutes of Health Senior Health Page

http://nihseniorhealth.gov/

This website has senior-friendly health and wellness information in an easy-to-read format.

Senior Health

http://nihseniorhealth.gov/

This site makes aging-related health information easily accessible for family members and friends seeking reliable, easy to understand online health information

Travel

AARP Travel

http://www.aarp.org/travel/

Find travel information, discount tours, transportation tips, message boards and more from the AARP website.

Elderhostel

http://www.elderhostel.org/

This searchable site provides an online catalog of the organization's worldwide lifelong learning programs for people 55 and older.

ElderTreks

http://www.eldertreks.com/

Global travel for small groups of travelers aged 50 and over.

Walking the World

http://www.walkingtheworld.com/

A site for people over 50 who enjoy meeting, traveling and walking with others and who share their love of adventure and sense of wonder about the world.