The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2034, people ages 65 and older will outnumber people under the age of 18 for the first time in the country's history.1 Furthermore, life expectancy for the total U.S. population is expected to reach 85.6 years by 2060-a six-year increase from 79.7 in 2017. Both of these factors will have significant implications for public health, social services, and health care systems.
In an effort to promote the health of older adults by advancing understanding of the aging process and related diseases and conditions, the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a division of the National Institutes of Health, was established in 1974.2 Its mission is to support research on aging, foster the development of research and clinician scientists in aging, provide research resources, and disseminate information about aging and advances in research. To that end, the NIA maintains a comprehensive website with timely resources and information for health care providers, patients, and researchers. The following list outlines these offerings.
HEALTH INFORMATION
A-Z Health Topics
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/topics
An index of pertinent topics related to aging.
Alzheimer's and Dementia Resources for Professionals
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-dementia-resources-for-professionals
Links to a variety of helpful resources.
Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers
Health care information, fact sheets, news, videos, and other resources for caregivers and clinicians.
Alzheimer's Scientific Images and Video
http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/alzheimers-scientific-images-and-video
This page hosts a four-minute video, How Alzheimer's Changes the Brain, plus related scientific images of the brain.
Caregiving
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving
Resources for family caregivers on long-term care, advanced care planning, long-distance caregiving, and Alzheimer's caregiving.
Cognitive Health
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health
News and articles on the latest research in this area.
Doctor-Patient Communication
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/doctor-patient-communication
Helpful tips for patients and health care professionals on creating an effective partnership.
End of Life
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/end-of-life
Caregiver-oriented information on palliative care, hospice, and grief support.
Exercise and Physical Activity
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-physical-activity
Advice on staying active in older adulthood.
Go4Life Exercise Videos
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmk21KJuZUM4HTrJ7hrJ8yxhToKkJT8a8
These video workouts, ranging from 10 minutes to one hour, offer strength, flexibility, and balance exercises for older adults.
Healthy Eating
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-eating
Information on making smart food choices, shopping for healthy food on a budget, getting adequate vitamins and minerals, and more.
NIA E-alerts
http://www.nia.nih.gov/about/stay-connected
Sign up to receive regular e-mail updates on healthy aging.
NIA Infographics
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/infographics
Helpful infographics on a variety of aging-related issues; these can be printed or shared on social media.
RESEARCH AND FUNDING INFORMATION
Advances in Research
* Aginghttp://www.nia.nih.gov/about/advances-aging-research
* Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementiashttp://www.nia.nih.gov/about/advances-alzheimers-disease-related-dementias-resea
Clinical Trials and Studies
* Clinical Trialshttp://www.nia.nih.gov/health/clinical-trialsExplains how clinical trials work and discusses the benefits and risks of participating.
* Find Alzheimer's Disease and Related Clinical Trialshttp://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/clinical-trials
* NIA-Funded Active Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Clinical Trials and Studieshttp://www.nia.nih.gov/research/ongoing-AD-trials
News and Events
http://www.nia.nih.gov/news
New research findings, announcements, event information, and press releases.
Research and Funding
http://www.nia.nih.gov/research
Information on NIA research divisions, grants and funding, and more. A blog for researchers, Inside NIA, is available at http://www.nia.nih.gov/research/blog.
REFERENCES