Public Health Information

Starting at what is commonly called middle age, operations of the human body begin to be more vulnerable to daily wear and tear; there is a general decline in physical, and possibly mental, functioning. In the Western countries, the length of life is often into the 70s. The upward limit of the life span, however, can be as high as 120 years. During the latter half of life, an individual is more prone to have problems with the various functions of the body and to develop any number of chronic or fatal diseases. The cardiovascular, digestive, excretory, nervous, reproductive and urinary systems are particularly affected. The most common diseases of aging include Alzheimer's, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, depression, and heart disease.

Do you expect to find a few more wrinkles and gray hairs each time you look in the mirror? These are just some of the changes you're likely to notice as you get older. You're not necessarily at the mercy of Mother Nature, however. Here's a list of common aging-related changes — and what you can do to promote good health at any age.

Topics include basic health information, caregiving, emergency preparedness and statistics.

healthfinder.gov has resources on a wide range of health topics selected from over 1,600 government and non-profit organizations to provide the best, most reliable health information on the Internet. Includes Spanish language information.

Readable articles on healthy living, aging, conditions that often affect older adults.

Health and wellness information for the older adult from the National Institutes of Health. Lets the user change text size and background color for easier viewing.

Links to government resources for seniors on money, housing, health, consumer protection, and more.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people age 50 and over have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. Includes a wealth of information on such topics as health, travel, retirement and news affecting older adults.

Information from the American Diabetes Association on living with diabetes.

Current immunization schedules and information.

Quick guide to pointers on screening tests, questions to ask the doctor, and healthy living guidelines.

Learn which screening tests are needed and when to get them, which medicines may prevent diseases, and daily steps to take for good health.

This report describes the importance of physical activity, the prevalence and costs of inactivity, and the health benefits of regular activity; it also recommends levels of physical activity in older adults

The Illinois Department on Aging helps older people live independently in their own homes and communities. Working with Area Agencies on Aging, community-based service providers and older people themselves, the Illinois Department on Aging strives to improve quality of life for current and future generations of older Illinoisans.

An association of area agencies. Each Area Agency on Aging independently receives federal and state funding through the Department on Aging, and is responsible for awarding this funding to local providers of senior services. Individual member agencies carry out advocacy on behalf of senior adults

Information to help seniors find solutions to everyday problems so they can live independently, in their own homes, for as long as possible.

Information on options for living arrangements.

This portal provides links to information, tools, and resources to assist in planning for older adults in all-hazard emergencies.

Weather: Article titled - Keep it Cool With Hot Weather Advice for Older People

Article from AARP on dealing with the hot weather with links to additional information. Also available in Spanish.

A wide variety of statistical information about this growing population of people 65 years old and older.

Reports and interactive websites featuring key data on older adult health

Provides information, education, services, research and advocacy for caregivers. The Alliance supports and sustains the work of families nationwide caring for loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions.