Healthy Aging Topics
HIV Resources
Locate tips and recommendations for older adults living with HIV. Older adults living with HIV are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia, diabetes, osteoporosis, and some cancers and of experiencing a fall. Although many older adults with HIV were diagnosed in their younger years, thousands of older adults contract HIV every year.
Briefs
- Healthy Living with HIV— Information from the CDC
- HIV/AIDS — Information about ACL Grantees that support older adults with HIV
- Nutrition and Exercise— Recommendations for individuals living with HIV from the VA
Mental Health
Over 20% of adults over age 60 suffer from a mental or neurological disorder. It is important for senior nutrition programs to help support older adults’ mental health.
Briefs
- Depression is Not a Normal Part of Growing Older— Information from the CDC on depression in older adults
- Older Adults and Mental Health — Warning signs of mental health disorders and additional resources from NIH
- Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Older Adults— SAMHSA State Program Improvement Technical Assistance brief reference document
- Mental Health and Aging in America— CDC issue briefs about mental health of older adults
Tools & Toolkits
- Guided imagery Relaxation — Relaxation activity
- 2023 Mental Health Month Outreach Toolkit— Resource from Mental Health America
- BIPOC Mental Health Month— Mental Health America's public education campaign for addressing the mental health needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
- Mental Health Resources for Staff— Screening tools and other resources from Mental Health America
- Mental Health Resources— NCOA articles and other resources
Presentations
- Food for Thought Dialogue (YouTube)— IAFNS dialogue on how nutrients affect mental well-being
- Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day 2023 Symposium— Presentations from the 2023 symposium
Substance Abuse
Find resources to learn more about how alcohol and drug use can be problematic for participants and caregivers. Older adults may be more susceptible to the negative effects of substance abuse.
Briefs
- Drinking Alcohol and Healthy Aging: Know Your Limits — Information about alcohol intake in older adults from NCOA
- The Impact of the Opioid Epidemic on the Aging Services Network and the Older Adults They Serve— Brief from NCOA
Presentations
- Opioid Crisis and the Aging Community— NCOA webinar
Oral Health
Discover resources to address oral health amongst older adults. Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping one's mouth clean and free of disease and other problems by regular brushing of and cleaning between the teeth. Oral health is especially important for older adults to reduce the risk of complications due to untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or tooth loss.
Briefs
- Medications and Oral Health— ADA brief
- Nutrition: Adults Over 60— ADA resource on food choices help prevent tooth decay
- Oral Health Overview — Information and resources from ACL
Guides
Tools & Toolkits
- Dental Aging Tips— App from the University of Iowa with modules for family caregivers on the importance of oral health, providing daily care, and overcoming barriers
- Rural Oral Health Toolkit— Resources from RHIhub for developing and implementing oral health programs in rural communities
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis affects about 54 million people in the United States. Risk increases with advanced age. Understanding risk for osteoporosis can help older adults take an active role in protecting bone health.
Briefs
- Understanding Osteoporosis — Prevention strategies from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Physical Activity
Physical activity for older adults may improve blood pressure, enhance mood, strengthen bones and muscles, reduce risk of falls, and provide opportunities for socialization. Safe movement is important for more than just burning calories.
Fact Sheets
- Health Benefits of Physical Activity for Older Adults— CDC infographic on benefits of physical activity for adults 65 years and older
- Get Active With DASH— NIH fact sheet on health benefits of physical activity
- Physical Activity is What the Doctor Ordered — Infographic from Health.gov
- What’s Your Move— Physical activity fact sheet from Health.gov
Reports
- Midcourse Report: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults— Guidelines from health.gov highlight strategies to increase physical activity among older adults in key settings and reinforce the amount and types of activity needed
Tools & Toolkits
- Healthy Aging in Parks Initiative (YouTube)— Evidence-based program from NRPA
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans— Health.gov recommendations for and benefits of physical activity
- Move Your Way Materials for Older Adults— Fact sheets, poster, sample social media messages, and more from Health.gov
- Physical Activity: Home-based Exercise Interventions for Adults Aged 65 years and Older— Summary of Community Preventive Services Task Force finding on benefits of home-based exercise interventions for older adults
- Healthy Blood Pressure for Healthy Hearts— NIH tip sheet on taking control for your blood pressure