Growing up takes practice. In the early years, our family teaches us plenty to help make it happen. Getting a little older, school becomes the main source of learning, and as adults, we can choose to further our education in many ways, at any time.
Growing old takes practice too. At this stage, family members have many responsibilities and may be raising their own young ones. They may or may not be able to assist when life gets challenging. So it is an important time to take responsibility for learning how to best care for ourselves—physically, socially, intellectually, etc. With this knowledge, we hope to remain active, healthy and vibrant.
But how do we do that?
Resources abound. There are many research communities, support agencies and specialized fields that focus their work on aging. Plenty of professional organizations exist that inspire many in the field to continue researching, planning and creating support networks. But where should the average Joe or Jane go to find out more? Here are just a few possibilities.
Administration on Aging (AoA) A government organization that works to alleviate challenges through health and well-being for older adults.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) The Nation’s leading organization concerned with aging. They offer membership in the organizations that offers information, resources and news on myriad subjects pertaining to men and women over fifty.
Eon.com (here) An online community for those over 50, complete with all the things you might imagine in a social site: friends, groups, photos, games, trivia and more.
Medicare Rights Center (MRC) A national, non-profit organization formed to assist older adults in having access to affordable health care. Their work centers on education, advocacy and public policy.
National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC) Inspired by the need to assist an aging population, this organization provides resources to help individuals remain at home as long as possible. It is a resource for experts in elder law, health and financial services as well as home design and remodeling.
If you or someone you love is approaching (or surpassing) the great Five-oh, take a look at these links to learn more about how to take good care of yourself or your loved ones. Also check back here to find more great info.
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Word for this week: gerontology and geriatrics: “scientific and medical disciplines, respectively, that are concerned with all aspects of health and disease in the elderly, and with the normal aging process.” Encyclopedia Britannica Online