Resources

Nextavenue Produced by Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) Next Avenue is perhaps the most comprehensive and current compilation of news and features for people over 50. Subscribe to its Facebook feed for daily updates. 

AARP The AARP is the premiere advocacy group for those over 50. Their web site is full of tips on such topics as avoiding fraud and scams.

Senior LinkAge Line Prescription cost assistance, care transitions, long term care option counseling and more. A joint service of the Minnesota Board on Aging and area service agencies, the Senior LinkAge Line and telephone helpline are a one-stop gateway for connecting with a wide variety of state and community services for seniors

Minnesota Gerontological Society (MGS) The goal of MGS is “to provide educational and professional development for practitioners,  students, educators, researchers and others to enhance services for the aging in Minnesota.”  The UMRA Board feels the free webinars listed on the MGS site may be of particular interest to our members. To get notices of all upcoming workshops, and MGS news and events, sign up for their mailing list.

Vital Aging Network (VAN) VAN is one of the largest and most active organizations in Minnesota addressing the challenges of aging well. A number of UMRA members also belong to VAN. You can watch their webinars without being a member. They also have a lot of good public lectures around the Twin Cities. It is an independent, membership run organization.

MN Seniors Online A site that offers a wide range of information for seniors about services, events, and opportunities in Minnesota, as well as blogs and columns.

My Caring Plan  For senior living and care near you. In addition to housing and care, this site has tips on a wide range of senior issues, including hearing aids, writing a eulogy, LGBT senior services, etc. Resources include information on how to get paid as a family caregiver, 50 ways to take a break, and a power of attorney guide.

Suddenly Senior A site with a wide variety of articles for seniors including advocacy, advice, nostalgia, and lots of jokes. 

ElderLawAnswers This is a good place to start with any age-related legal questions. You do not need a law degree to understand the answers to your legal questions.

Retire Guide Our guides provide comprehensive information about a variety of retirement topics. These resources are broad and in-depth.

The Mayo Clinic One of the most comprehensive medical sites on the web, and the first stop for researching medical questions.

Web MD Another comprehensive site for all things medical, and a good second stop in researching medical issues.

Medicare This is the official U.S government site for Medicare. Compare drug and health plans. Find doctors and medical facilities. See if a test is covered.

Medicare explained Medicare can be confusing. Senior Linkage Line experts can help answer your questions and explore plan options. We can help discuss changes if needed during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15th – December 7th) and even help you switch your Medicare plan.

National Institute on Aging Provided by the National Institute of Health, this comprehensive site reports offers information on a wide range of health issues for seniors.

Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing (Bakken CSH) The Bakken CSH is a University of Minnesota center that enriches health and wellbeing by providing exemplary inter-professional education and advancing innovative models of care. In addition to a wellbeing lecture series, they teach workshops and run a very popular short course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.

Blue Zones This site reports on the research and projects of the Blue Zones group.  Led by National Geographic Explorer Dan Buettner, the group has identified areas of the world where people live the longest (“blue zones”), and worked to understand the reasons for their longevity.  A great place for healthy recipes for both meals and general living.

Older Adult Mobility Improvement Guide: This guide, "Mobility Loss Puts Older Adults at Risk: Research Shows Exercise Can Help" published by Baylor University's MPH program. The resource addresses health causes of mobility impairment in older adults and details implications associated with mobility loss, including physical, emotional, and financial risks. Also outlined are specific exercises that help increase strength, balance, and endurance with visual demonstrations and information. Additionally, the guide includes external resources from credible organizations such as the CDC, the National Institute of Aging, and the National Council on Aging for further learning. 

Mobility Aids Impartial advice on selecting the best mobility aids including mobility scooters, rollators, walking frames, wheelchairs and home aids such as hospital beds for home, lighting and adaptive clothing and more, to keep you active and help you lead a fulfilling and independent life no matter your age.

DrMirkin This site offers advice for senior health, fitness, and nutrition. Each week, retired physician Dr. Gabe Mirkin (80+ years old and very active) reviews medical journals each and abstracts advice from them.  Especially helpful for those who strive to be fit and physically active as they age.

Living at Home Network (LAHN) is a network of community-based programs composed of 32 independent, non-profit, organizations across Minnesota that rely on volunteers and community resources to help older people stay healthy and safe as they live independently at home. Contact them to learn how they can help. See lahnetwork.org to find the program that serves your community.

Wilder Caregiving Services Associated with the Wilder Community Center for Aging in St. Paul are a wide variety of services available for caregivers including free webinars and support groups on different topics. In addition, they offer a variety of seminars on caregiving, and offer daycare services for the elderly at their Center. A popular service they offer is “Respite” care to give the home caregiver a chance to have some free time to go to the store or get away for a few hours.

MN Senior Services A directory of services for seniors by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Metroaging A directory and gateway to senior services in the Twin Cities metropolitan area by the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging.  (Alias Trellis.)

Caregiver.org Founded in the late 1970s, Family Caregiver Alliance is the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care for loved ones at home. Their website contains lots of resources related to family caregiving.

Caring Connections  This site, CaringInfo.org, is a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). It is a national consumer and community engagement initiative to improve care at the end of life. It is supported by a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and has no advertising.

LeadingAge Minnesota Leading Age Minnesota is an association of organizations serving seniors.  This site also offers webinars and other information for seniors.

APlaceforMom.com At this diverse, informative site you will find the “Senior Living Blog,” of timely ideas and resources; a collection of articles on trends in senior living; advice on retirement financial and legal issues, and Alzheimer’s and Dementia News. (Requires you sign up for an account. Funded by the listed facilities.)

Seniorliving A directory and information site on all kinds of senior housing including independent living, assisted living, nursing homes and home care. (Requires you sign up for an account. Funded by the listed facilities.)

Assisted Living Directory Facilities, Information & Senior Care—lists numerous facilities and, at times, other senior care options, organized by state, and then by city. (Requires you sign up for an account. Funded by the listed facilities.)

LearningLife (CCAPS) and hosted by Learning Life (CCAPS). LearningLife offers an innovative portfolio of short courses, seminars, and one-day immersions feature a range of topics and approaches to learning and taught by University faculty, and scholars and professionals from the community. Encore Transitions is an annual series of courses designed to help you prepare and navigate for a successful post-career life by focusing on personal, professional, and social satisfaction, as well as timely financial and health matters.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers a wide variety of classes for older adults at a wide variety of locations around the Twin Cities.  Attendees pay a flat annual fee that entitles them to all the classes they want. Many UMRA members both teach and take courses at OLLI. 

Selim Center The Selim Center for Lifelong Learning is a unit of the University of St. Thomas that offers classes and single event programs especially for seniors.  Most events are held at the St. Paul campus, but some are in Minneapolis and Edina.

Road Scholar Formerly known as Elderhostel, Road Scholar offers a wide range of trips all over the world especially geared to seniors of various physical abilities.

UM Alumni Association Trips The University of Minnesota Alumni Association offers a number of cruises and other trips each year.

Evergreen Club  The Evergreen Club offers: a network of low-priced B&Bs, guest rooms and other accommodations for seniors.

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) OAT focuses on trips for those 50+.  All OAT trips are overseas with English speaking local guides.  All but a few include cultural connections with local people and families.  OAT limits groups on all land trips to a maximum of 16.  Small ship adventure may have as many as 25.