Resources for Older Populations

The definition of older population is defined in reports by the U.S. Census Bureau as those individuals 55 years of age or older. This guide is intended to provide quick access to information for and about this demographic group through selected resources on the web and in the UI Libraries government information collection.

A valuable resource for citizens of Iowa is The University of Iowa Center on Aging an interdisciplinary center that serves as a state and university-wide resource to address the needs of older Iowans. "It proceeds from the global view that aging is a normal, lifelong process, involving all dimensions of life. As a department in the Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine with co-sponsorship by the College of Public Health, the Center brings together people and resources across the state and from the University’s eleven colleges to help advance aging-related research, education, healthcare, public policy and other areas associated with the well-being of older adults."

The Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center , has served older adults since 1981 and is located  the restored historic old post office on the corner of Linn and Washington Streets in downtown Iowa City, Iowa. The Center offers classes, activities and volunteer opportunities which support independence and encourage involvement in the community.

UI Libraries Resources:

AgeLine  : Produced by the American Association of Retried Persons (AARP), AgeLine provides bibliographic coverage of social gerontology, i.e. the study of aging in psychological, health-related, social, and economic contexts. Also covered are the delivery of health care to the older population and its associated costs and policies, and consumer, employment, and public policy issues. Of interest to researchers, health professionals, service planners, policymakers, employers, older adults and their families, and consumer advocates.

General Information:

Administration on Aging – Elders & Families (multi-language) provides information on a variety of aging-related topics.

Administration on Aging – How to Find Help The Resource Directory for Older People is intended to serve a wide audience including older people and their families, health and legal professionals, social service providers, librarians, researchers, and others with an interest in the field of aging. The directory contains names, addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers of organizations which provide information and other resources on matters relating to the needs of older persons.

Eldercare Locator This service links those seeking assistance with state and local area agencies and community-based organizations that serve older adults.

USA Gov for Seniors is designed as a gateway to information and services provided by the U.S. government.

Government Benefits:

GovBenefits.gov is the official benefits web site of the U.S. government, with information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs.

Medicare provides descriptions, comparison tools, and forms for all aspects of the Medicare program including prescription drug plans, billing, long-term care, plan choices, preventative services, enrollment, provider information, and more.

Social Security Online offers ways to transact with the Social Security Administration including applying for benefits, reporting lost cards, estimating future benefits, and more.  Retirement planning information is also available.

Health:

Environmental Protection Agency – Aging Initiative this multi language resource provides information about environmental issues that impact older adults and ways that individuals can contribute to healthier personal spaces.

Medline Plus – Seniors’ Health is an easy-to-use alphabetical listing of age-related health conditions with options for basic or more advanced levels of information and useful to both individuals and health professionals.

National Institutes of Health – Senior Health compliant with standards for those with sight or hearing impairment, NIH Senior Health is designed as a resource for individuals who want to learn more about aging and their health.

Nutrition.gov is designed for consumers who want to learn more about nutritional health, meal planning, food safety, dietary supplements, a personalized eating plan (MyPyramid), and more.

Revised, M. Mason
June 2007