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National Council on Aging logo. We believe every person deserves to age well. That’s why we’re on a path to improve the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030.

Aging Well

For most older adults, good health and financial wellness ensures independence, security, and the ability to afford a longer life. Discover tools and resources to improve quality of life and tips to make the most of your money.

Personal Care

Bone Health

As we grow older, the health of our bones requires more attention. Diminished bone density can lead to osteoporosis—a debilitating disease that increases the risk of fractures.
After breaking both elbows in a minor fall, Dr. Rebecca Sorley learned she had osteoporosis. Here’s what she wants you to know about protecting your bones.

Brain Health

Science is uncovering more and more understanding about our brains. Whether you're concerned about your memory, are looking for ways to sharpen your mind, or want to learn how better sleep can improve your mood, delve into our information on brain health.
A close-up of several brain scan images, possibly MRI scans, displayed on a screen. The scans show detailed cross-sectional views of the brain with various anatomical features visible. The images have a bluish tint, and some text and measurements are visible alongside the scans, indicating technical information. The overall focus is on the structure and health of the brain

Dental Health

It's important to take preventive steps to manage your dental health and visit a dentist when you're experiencing problems. Oral health problems can be a sign that something else is going on.
It's important to maintain dental health and visit a dentist when problems arise. Find everyday tips for prevention and information on paying for treatment.

Eye Health

Vision impairments and low vision can make everyday tasks more difficult. But there are steps you can take to protect your vision, detect problems early, and maximize use of limited vision.
Referrals to a local vision rehabilitation agency can improve the quality of life of people with blindness or low vision, especially by strengthening medical care relationships. Here's how.

Hearing Health

Hearing loss among older adults is common, affecting 1 in 3 people between the ages of 65 and 74, and nearly half of those older than 75. Hearing loss can impact all aspects of life.
Consumer protections and easier access mean over-the-counter hearing aids could help millions of older adults treat their hearing loss.

Memory Care

Dementia is the umbrella term for changes in memory, thinking, or reasoning. It may be hard to know the difference between age-related memory changes and the first signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.
Memory loss that makes it hard to function day-to-day is one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Early diagnosis can lead to treatments that manage your symptoms.

Prevention

Cancer Prevention & Management

Millions of people today are living with cancer, have had it in the past, or are watching a loved one struggle with this disease. 
Breast cancer is highly treatable if found in the early stages when treatment is more likely to be successful. Learn how screenings can be effective for early detection.

Chronic Disease Management

People with chronic diseases who learn how to manage their symptoms can improve their quality of life and reduce their health care costs.
A senior man is sitting down at the kitchen table using a medical device to measure his blood pressure.

Falls Prevention

Everyone can take steps to prevent falls. You can lower your risk by doing the right exercises, making your home safer, getting regular health checkups, and more.
Physical therapists are movement experts and can help older adults avoid falls, maintain flexibility, gain strength and stay active as they age.

Obesity Care & Treatment

If you’re living with excess weight, you have options that can enable you to reach a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic disease, and live a longer, happier life.
If you’re living with excess weight, hope and help are available. You have options that can enable you to reach a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic disease, and live a longer, happier life.

Vaccines

Immunizations are important at any age. Vaccinations in adulthood help maintain immunity from childhood vaccines that wear off over time, avoid seasonal illnesses like the flu, and protect against COVID-19, RSV, and shingles.
Leading the Charge for Vaccine Acceptance in Bandera County Texas

Health & Wellness

Diet & Nutrition

Eating well is a lifelong journey that evolves as we age. Get information on maintaining healthy eating habits, preventing and identifying malnutrition, and staying hydrated to stay well.
A Hispanic senior man is out in the garden with his son and grandson picking tomatoes.

Exercise & Fitness

Regular exercise can help adults age 60+ improve their energy levels, reduce joint pain, and maintain a healthy heart.
A Black senior woman is smiling while going for a run in the park.

Healthy Eating & Meal Planning Tips

Eating well can be joyful and complex. Explore tips for choosing and preparing healthy foods, as well as how to access benefits to buy healthy options like fruits and vegetables.
Older adults can prepare simple, nutritious meals for one using items from the Commodity Supplemental Food Program—and you’ll save time and money, too.

Mental Health

Here and around the world, many types of mental disorders are common, including anxiety and depression. Nearly 58 million U.S. adults (one in five) lives with at least one mental illness, and sometimes more than one.
Due to the negative impacts of COVID-19, 71% of older adults now report willingness to seek mental health care. See how online therapy can help meet the need.

Sexual Health

We are sexual beings, and this fact does not change when we cross a certain age threshold. Find out why being aware of the physical, emotional, and social factors that bear on your own sexual health is vital.
A Black senior couple is outside taking a selfie together in the park.

Sleep

Good sleep supports brain performance and mood and can decrease the risk for many diseases and disorders, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and dementia.
A senior Caucasian couple is sleeping comfortably in bed together.

Financial Well-Being

Money Management

Money management is essential to aging well. Making a plan for your money means you can make the most of it.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people with low income eat healthier. But it offers several financial benefits as well. Learn why it makes financial sense.

Debt Management

More older adults are carrying debt into retirement than ever before. Learn how you can manage your debt and tap into resources to save money on the basic costs of living.
Credit card debt affects millions of older adults. Debt consolidation can help you simplify your payments and get out of debt faster. Here’s what you should know.

Fraud Prevention

Older adults lose billions of dollars each year to scams and fraud. Learn how to spot common scams, keep your money secure, and report financial fraud if you suspect you’re a victim.
Business imposter scams prey on consumers who put their trust in familiar brands and organizations. Learn how older adults can spot these scams and protect themselves.

Work & Retirement

Many older adults continue to work into retirement, often out of necessity. Whether you’ve been out of the workforce for years or it’s your very first job search, NCOA has practical tips to help you succeed.
This roundtable features a panel of experts on how to help older workers navigate today's job market as they keep working or return to the workforce.

Benefits & Financial Assistance

Disaster Assistance

Disasters can strike anywhere, and older adults face extra challenges with planning and recovery. Learn how to create a preparedness plan and what disaster assistance benefits are available to help with food, housing, and other necessities after one strikes.
September is National Preparedness Month and a perfect time to revisit your own preparedness and post-disaster plans.

Energy & Utility Assistance

Paying for heating and cooling costs can be a struggle for low-income households. There are several benefits can help with energy and utility assistance needs, such as LIHEAP and weatherization programs.
Person's finger setting home energy temperature using a digital thermostat

Food Assistance

Many programs help eligible low-income older adults get the food they need. They can help seniors buy nutritious food and even get extra assistance in an emergency.
A female is holding a red grocery basket with produce in it in a aisle at the grocery store.

Housing Assistance

Housing costs represent the greatest expense and share of household budgets among those age 55+. If you're struggling to afford your home, there are resources and financial tools, like tapping into your home equity, that could help.
A senior Caucasian woman is at home during the pandemic, staring outside of her window.

Medicare Enrollment Assistance

Medicare covers a wide range of services to keep us healthy as we age. Learn more about the different parts of Medicare, enrollment, costs, and what services the federal program does and does not cover.
Medicare scams are common and come in all different forms. Learn about the warning signs of a scam—and smart ways to keep your information safe.

Prescription Assistance

Need extra help paying for the meds you need to stay healthy? Medicare Part D provides vital prescription drug coverage and there are other programs to help pay for out-of-pocket prescription costs.
If you're taking any of these five categories of prescription or over-the-counter medications, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to look out for.

Transportation Resources

Transportation is a critical link to employment, health care, and community services for older adults. There are local resources that can help you travel to work, volunteer, or spend time with family.
A Lyft driver helps a senior man get out of the car and into a wheel chair at a COVID-19 vaccine event in Arizona.

Veterans Benefits

More than 9 million older adults have served in the military. Veterans are often eligible for a wide range of benefits both within and outside the VA system.
Age and disability status can limit employment and lead to income-related hardships, yet many veterans aren’t aware they qualify for food stamps.

Caregiver Support

Caregiver Support

Caregiving is a challenging role physically, emotionally, and financially. Discover supportive programs that can help you better provide for your loved one and avoid burnout.
How to Reduce Caregiver Stress and Prevent Burnout

Senior Centers

Today’s senior center is a vibrant, action-packed combination of local fitness center, job and volunteering headquarters, transportation hub, and tasty dining locale.
Brandywine Valley Active Aging has surpassed its flu and COVID vaccination goal, and a key to success ongoing efforts to build trust.

Local Care Resources

Staying in your home and planning for ways to keep your environment safe and accessible? Considering a move to a community that offers more support? Not sure what your options are?
Whether you're looking for ways to stay in your home as you age or searching for community living options such as assisted living or memory care facilities that offer more support, our local care content can help.

In-Home Care Options

In-home care includes companion care, personal care, and skilled nursing services. Get info on Medicare and Medicaid coverage, how much in-home care may cost, and how to transition if you need to.
Navigating Medicare can be a challenge, but a licensed broker can help you understand your options. Get tips to on what questions to ask and how to prepare for your consultation.

Senior Living Community Options

Senior living communities aim for a balance between honoring an older adult’s independence and providing the level of care needed.
Follow these tips to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate community-based health promotion programs to Chinese Americans.

Health & Long-Term Care

You may decide, either now or in the future, that you need additional care options that aren't covered by Medicare, or that you no longer wish to stay in your home. There are a variety of options that can give you or someone you care for support that's needed.
Family caregivers can get paid for their services through government programs like Medicaid and the VA, as well as insurance and personal caregiving agreements.

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