LVCCLD-Hot Topics-Senior Life

As we get older, life just gets better! Enjoy these links, books and resources to help you live your mature life to the fullest.

LIBRARY CATALOG

A promising young ballet student cannot afford to continue lessons when her Chinese grandmother emigrates from Hong Kong, creating jealousy and conflict among the entire family.

A young girl tries to understand the frustrating, frightening changes in her grandmother caused by Alzheimer's Disease.

A young girl describes all the things she likes about her grandmother, including the purple bus she drives, growing vegetables, picketing City Hall, and playing the banjo.

FOR MORE LIBRARY RESOURCES TRY:

Databases

CREDO TOPIC PAGES

Medicare has provided health insurance for elderly and disabled Americans since 1965, and is often confused with Medicaid, which provides health insurance for the poor. Medicare has become a point of controversy. In the mid-twentieth century, President Harry S Truman tried to establish a health insurance plan for Americans, but medical lobbyists caused his plan to fail. By 1965 spiraling medical costs associated with old age wiped out the savings of many of the elderly, leaving them impoverished. Because this trend was contrary to the goals of the 1935 Social Security Act, President Lyndon B. Johnson asked Congress in January 1965 to make Medicare legislation its first priority. Medicare provides medical coverage for those over the age of 65 and the permanently disabled. Most retired persons are covered under the program, as are the terminally ill. Medicare is different from Medicaid, which provides medical coverage for the poor. Johnson signed the Medicare bill into law in July 1965 and, as of 2000, 40 million Americans were receiving Medicare benefits. Learn More…

INTERNET RESOURCES

AAA Senior Driving (http://seniordriving.aaa.com/)
Helping Seniors drive safer, longer.

Fraud Target: Senior Citizens (http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud/seniors)
The FBI Common Fraud Schemes webpage provides tips on how you can protect you and your family from fraud. Senior Citizens especially should be aware of fraud schemes.

Internet Safety for Seniors - State of Washington (http://www.atg.wa.gov/InternetSafety/Seniors.aspx)
The internet creates excellent opportunities for seniors to meet people, conduct business, plan travel, access records, stay in touch with friends and family, and support hobbies and entertainment interests. You can learn how to take advantage of the opportunities without falling prey to predators so you can have peace of mind when you go online.

Using the Internet for Seniors - for Dummies, Cheat Sheet (http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/using-the-internet-safely-for-seniors-for-dummies-.html)
The Internet has changed the way we do everything. But those seniors who didn't grow up with computers might be scared away from the Web by stories of online fraud and identity theft.

Don't think that it's just you against the Internet. Internet safety for seniors doesn't have to be a big deal. Here are some helpful tips and Web sites you can use to be a safe, effective online user.

FUN STUFF

RealAge Better Memory Games (http://www.realage.com/better-memory/)
Boost your memory, and sharpen your brain!

Red Hat Society (http://www.redhatsociety.com/)
"When I am old, I shall wear purple..." The Red Hat Society is a social organization where there is fun after fifty (and before) for women of all walks of life.

HELP FOR SENIORS

AARP (http://www.aarp.org/)
AARP is a nonprofit membership organization for persons 50 years and older, dedicated to addressing their needs and interests.

Caring Connections (http://www.caringinfo.org)
From the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Caring Connections helps to improve care at the end of life. Some of the topics it helps with are Advance care planning, Caregiving, Pain, Financial Issues, Hospice and palliative care, and Grief and loss. A valuable resource!

LEGAL

AARP Tax Information for Seniors (http://www.aarp.org/money/taxaide/taxpreparation/)
Helpful information for Seniors facing tax season!

Advance Care Planning Forms (http://www.unr.edu/ncehp/ADs.html)
This is a large PDF file (it might take a while to load on your computer!) It includes a Durable Power of Attorney, a Living Will, and explains exactly what you're doing when you sign them. This booklet is published by the Center for Ethics and Health Policy, at University of Nevada, Reno.

Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney (http://www.nvaging.net/legal/forms.htm)
Links to simple versions of these documents, courtesy of the Division of Aging Services

MEDICARE

Find a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (http://www.medicare.gov/MPDPF/Public/Include/DataSection/Questions/MPDPFIntro.asp?version=default&browser=IE%7C6%7CWin2000&language=English&defaultstatus=0&pagelist=Home&ViewType=Public&PDPYear=2006&MAPDYear=2006&MPDPF%5FMPPF%5FIntegrate=N)
Learn about the new Medicare prescription drug coverage. Find and compare prescription drug plans that meet your personal needs. Enroll in the prescription drug plan that you select.

Medicare Information (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/medicare.html)
Links to all types of information about Medicare, from MedlinePlus.

Medicare Plans, state by state (http://www.medicare.gov/medicarereform/map.asp)
The Landscape of Local Plans lists all plans available in your area, providing important information on: Cost (premiums, deductibles and payments), Coverage (important issues around what and how drugs are covered), Convenience (pharmacy and mail-order options).

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (http://www.aarp.org/health/medicare/drug_coverage/medicarerx_coverage.html)
Information you can use, from AARP.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Information (https://www.medicare.gov/navigation/medicare-basics/medical-and-drug-costs.aspx)
Tips and tools for people with Medicare, and those who care for them.

My Medicare (http://my.medicare.gov/)
One stop shopping for information about your medicare benefits and services.

Nevada State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) (http://www.nvaging.net/ship/ship_main.htm)
SHIP Volunteers offer FREE one-on-one assistance and counseling with respect to many problems seniors encounter regarding Medicare, supplemental health insurance and long-term care options.

SENIORS' HEALTH

MayoClinic.com (http://www.mayoclinic.com)
Easy to understand information about drugs, conditions, diseases, keeping fit, and whatever you're curious about!

Senior Fall Prevention (http://www.gethealthyclarkcounty.org/injury_prev/senior.html)
From Get Healthy Clark County, learn more about what can lead to those dangerous slips and falls that harm so many seniors. What can you do to prevent it?

HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS

Get Healthy, Clark County! (http://www.gethealthyclarkcounty.org/be-safe/index.php)
Tips and resources to Get Healthy, from the Southern Nevada Health District