Aging

Discover MedlinePlus

MedlinePlus is a service of the National Library of Medicine, the largest biomedical library in the world. Use MedlinePlus.gov anywhere, anytime, on any device - for free - to discover high-quality health and wellness information that is reliable, easy to understand, and free of advertising, in both English and Spanish.

• Older Adult Health
• Health Screenings for Men Age 65 and Older
• Health Screening for Women Age 65 and Older
• Preventing Falls

Discover NIH

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the nation’s medical research agency — making important discoveries that improve health and save lives. NIH is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers, each with a specific research agenda, often focusing on particular diseases or body systems.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is the leading Institute researching Older Adults and their health. They publish easy-to-read information on health topics.

• Home Safety Tips for Older Adults | NIA
• 5 Tips for Choosing Healthier Foods as You Age | NIA
• Sexuality and Intimacy in Older Adults | NIA
• Talking With Your Doctor About Sensitive Issues | NIA

NNLM is your resource for professional skill-building and continuing education courses for biomedical and consumer health information. See a list of training opportunities available on-demand or recorded. 

Connecting Older Adults to Health Information. Recorded December 11, 2025. 1.5 CE

Discover More

Healthy aging involves good nutrition and regular exercise for energy, balance, and strength. It also includes regular wellness checks. The Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) offers recommended program ideas and resources for exercise, nutrition, and prevention for healthy aging. You may also explore ALA's evidence-based Programming Librarian and Keys to Engaging Older Adults @ Your Library for more health and wellness ideas.

Fitness

Use the Exercise and Physical Activity | NIA website to incorporate walking, yoga, or gardening into your library programming. You also can order or download free infographics to complement your program.

Health Insurance

Medicare.gov is the official U.S. Government site for Medicare. Know what preventive services are available through Medicare with Your Guide to Medicare Preventive Services. 

Immunizations and Vaccinations

As we get older, our immune systems tend to weaken, putting us at higher risk for certain diseases. This is why, in addition to seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine and Td or Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), discuss with one's health provider:

• The shingles vaccine, which protects against shingles and the complications from the disease (recommended for healthy adults 50 years and older)
• Pneumococcal vaccines, which protect against pneumococcal disease, including infections in the lungs and bloodstream (recommended for all adults over 65 years old, and for adults younger than 65 years who have certain chronic health conditions)

Use the Adult Immunization Schedule: Ages 19 Years or Older to stay up to date on your vaccines.

Sexual Health

• Aging Changes in the Male Reproductive System | MedlinePlus
• Low Sex Drive in Women | Mayo Clinic
• Sexual Health | HealthinAging.org
• Sexual Health and Aging Guide: Tips to Maintain Sexual Health Over 65 | The Mental Health and Aging Center

 AgeWise

Watch episodes of AgeWise, a PBS series. Aging in Place can help inform people how to stay safe longer in their homes and communities. Also, knowing how to prepare for an emergency as an older adult, or at any age, is important for living longer and better.