The internet has literally opened up the world to millions of people. Among their ranks are seniors who have steadily become more “cyber savvy” over the past few years.
Most older people are not sitting somewhere in rocking chairs and doing nothing, but they are getting involved with several active online communities.
There are a number of websites that offer resources for help, information, entertainment, friendship and much more for those who are 50+.
Here is a listing of some of the best ones I have come across:
50PlusFun.com
http://50plusfun.com/
This means exactly what is says.
You know the minute their colorful opening page comes up that 50PlusFun.com has the full intention of making its visitors feel welcome and that they want to offer something that will make people feel vital.
They have links to other sites related to the arts, free coupons, dancing, games, dating, pets, retirement, restaurants, travel and more.
AARP
http://www.aarp.org/
The AARP is the premiere advocacy group for seniors.
Their website has a wealth of information, articles and describes the benefits and discounts available for all AARP members. You can apply for membership online at their website.
Their membership plan is $12.50 for a one year, $21.00 for two years and $29.50 for three years. Your spouse gets a membership for free. They send out an excellent magazine to members and far too many perks to name here for joining this organization.
The AARP carries a lot of weight and tremendous influence, so I’d encourage anyone to visit this site and to become a member. Even if you don’t, there is still plenty of helpful information on their home site.
Elder Fraud
http://www.fraud.org/elderfraud/eldset.htm
The purpose of this website is to help safeguard the elderly from fraud, such as telemarketing scams, work at home scams, phishing, investment scams, credit repair, travel clubs and other bogus enterprises aimed at parting seniors from their already scarce money.
If you are a senior or have a family member who is, the information on Elder Fraud could help you avoid a lot of heartache.
The Geezer Brigade
http://www.thegeezerbrigade.com/
The Geezer Brigade is all about humor related to seniors.
You can join, if you are 55+-years-old and that membership costs $36.00 per year.
As a member, you receive a daily humorous email every day, access to a Member’s Section, a confidential Membership Directory, several free e-books and an individual sales page where you can promote your product to other members for no additional cost.
Grand Times
http://www.grandtimes.com/
Grand Times has good articles on topics, such as cooking, health, travel, grandparenting, relationships and pets.
They also offer free resources, a marketplace and a prize drawing..You can sign up at the site to receive a weekly email preview of their most recent articles.
RetirementLifeToday.com
http://www.retirementlifetoday.com
Retirement Life Today has tips and resources on grandparenting, health, fitness, relationships, retirement, RVing, games, hobbies, travel, computers, Medicare, news, movies and other things of interest to seniors.
Savvy Senior
http://www.savvysenior.org/
Savvy Senior offers a national information service for seniors on a variety of topics.
You can find national news here and links to resources that are geared towards those over the age of 50. They even have a radio show you can listen to.
Senior Job Bank
http://www.seniorjobbank.org
The Senior Job Bank site is a job matching service for seniors who want or need to go back to work. There are job listings for all U.S. States and signup is free for job seekers.
There is both part time and full time employment, as well as short term contract, long term contract and per diem work in fields such as automotive, banking,childcare, healthcare, hospitality, real estate, retail and telecommunications, just to name a few.
The Senior Times
http://www.senioresidences.com/
The purpose for The Senior Times site is to help seniors locate retirement housing in the area of their choice. This includes nursing homes, senior apartments and retirement villages.
Suddenly Senior
http://www.suddenlysenior.com/
Suddenly Senior provides a daily newsletter, links relevant to seniors, trivia and other fun things for folks over 50. Their site is regularly upgraded and has lots of useful information, as well as jokes and nostalgia.
Third Age
http://www.thirdage.com/
Third Age is a very well-put-together site that deals with issues like health, relationships, finances, jobs, beauty, online classes and other topics relevant to seniors. They have a blog and many wonderful articles, some of which I’ve read.
Third Age is very polished, intelligent site and full of information seniors can really use and relate to.
Very impressive!
United Seniors
http://www.unitedseniors.org/
This is an advocacy group for more conservative seniors. It costs $12.50 for an annual membership and that membership entitles you to such benefits as discounts on hotel rooms, moving services, long distance, prescription drugs, dental and vision services and more.
They appear to have a bone to pick with AARP, which they deem as being too liberal.
If you are a senior who leans toward the right, then becoming a member of their USANext organization is worth considering.
You can sign up at their website.
Wired Seniors
http://www.wiredseniors.com/ageofreason/
Wired Seniors is a portal for seniors, age 50 and over, to find links to senior-related websites and information. They offer a discussion forum, bulletin board, seniors radio station and a Home Exchange for members.
Reference:
- Online Seniors Enthusiastic About Internet Use
