General Aging Information
Aging Overview – Harvard Medical School Publishing
Meeting Death on Our Own Terms – a German documentary ( English dubbing and closed captioning )
Raising Awareness About Death – We believe that talking about death brings a happier end to a fuller life. That’s why we explore it from every angle — from the mysteries of consciousness and the afterlife to the practical realities of hospice, hospital, and home care, grief support, and end-of-life planning. Through films, podcasts, and community resources, we’ll give you something to talk about!
Resources For Seniors in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts
Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) – is a nonprofit, membership association of the 350 municipal councils on aging and senior centers. COAs are the first stop on the continuum of care. We support the 1.7 million older adults, 60 and over in Massachusetts, in leading healthy, purposeful lives. Use their Search feature to find your local Pioneer Valley Council on Aging or Senior Center.
Community Action Pioneer Valley – Community Action holds a long-term vision of safe, just, and prosperous communities throughout Franklin and Hampshire Counties and the North Quabbin region in western Massachusetts. We are committed to upholding the common good by offering leadership, advocacy, and concrete resources that support children, youth, individuals, families, and local communities to thrive.
General Massachusetts Resources For Seniors
Health and Human Services – Seniors – The Commonwealth offers a number of services to help seniors stay healthy, independent, and engaged in their communities.
Department of Transitional Services – Seniors – We recognize that seniors are a historically under-served population. You may face many barriers that impact your quality of life. Apply for SNAP benefits.
MassHealth – The Senior Guide to Health Care Coverage. How to get health care benefits and find the programs that are available.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities Consumer Guide – Sometimes referred to as “Life Plan Communities,” CCRCs are different from other types of senior housing because thesecommunities provide housing, personal services, and health care, usually at one location.
National Resources For Seniors
Aging – US Dept. of Health and Human Services – More than 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the United States, and people are living longer, healthier lives. Healthy lifestyles, planning for retirement, and knowing your options for health care and long-term care are more important than ever before.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Information for senior citizens – Looking for housing options for yourself, an aging parent, relative, or friend? Do some research first to determine what kind of assistance or living arrangement you need; what your health insurance might cover; and what you can afford. Then check here for financial assistance resources and guides for making the right choice.
Eldercare Locator – a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging connecting you to services for older adults and their families.
SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration – SAMHSA has a number of products for serving older adults with mental and substance use disorders that can be useful to clinicians, other service providers, older adults, and caregivers.
Benefits.gov – As a senior citizen, you may qualify for assistance programs that can help with health care costs, nutrition, and access to community volunteer activities and employment opportunities, among other benefits. Benefits.gov is home to a range of information on senior related resources offered by our Federal Partners.
National Council On Aging Benefits CheckUp – BenefitsCheckUp® connects millions of older adults and people with disabilities with benefits programs that can help pay for health care, medicine, food, utilities, and more.
SNAP program and other assistance programs for Seniors – SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move toward self-sufficiency.
SAGE – Advocacy and Services for LGBTQ+ Elders – We build welcoming communities and keep our issues in the national conversation to ensure a fulfilling future for all LGBTQ+ people.
Answers for Elders – helping seniors, caregivers and families to navigate the complicated world of Eldercare.