Senior Communities Blog » Posts in 'Senior Living' category

50 Best Social Networks for Seniors

One of the fastest growing demographics for social networks, seniors have discovered the joy of connecting with others online. Unlike the groups on some of the younger social sites, the sites for older users tend to be less superficial and have a more grounded community. If you are looking for a place to connect with other seniors, then take a look at this list that provides social networks with a focus on sharing life experience, looking for romance, or connecting with others who share a specific interest like travel or Scrabble.

Social Networks for Mature Users

If MySpace and Facebook seem too young for you, then no worries. These social networking sites are all designed for communities with more life experience to share.

  1. eons. A popular social network for Baby Boomers, eons offers plenty of ways to connect with others as well as brain games, blogs, videos, and photos.
  2. Rezoom. With lots of articles on music, activities, going green, money, and more, you will find plenty to keep your mind busy. Also, find a friend, read blogs, or visit one of the city-specific sites here.
  3. Multiply. While not just for older users, this site does have a large number of senior members. The features here include blogs, a social calendar, movie and restaurant reviews, and photo sharing.
  4. Seniorocity. Only for adults over 40, this network offers plenty of ways to connect with others including blogs, chat rooms, groups, and photo galleries.
  5. Maya’s Mom. Specifically for parents, this site is known to have lots of older members. Connect with other parents in groups, by sharing photos, and more.
  6. BOOMj. This social networking site offers the opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues, shopping, photo and video sharing, and much more.
  7. Boomertowne. Create a profile, then jump into the fun with discussion groups, movie reviews, recipes, and more. Boomertowne also features a singles dating service.
  8. EldersVoice. This site is a "social networking site for senior citizens who are young at heart." Post photos, video chat, play games, or post on your blog here.
  9. TeeBeeDee. For anyone over 40, this site emphasizes sharing experiences and knowledge. Topics range from travel to food to sex to spirituality.
  10. BoomerGirl. Targeting Baby Boomer women this site is part social network and part eZine. Sign up for one of the blogs and let your voice be heard.
  11. Eldr. Participate in the forums or start blogging to connect with others here. Don’t forget to take advantage of the great articles ranging from travel to the environment to exercise.
  12. Secondprime. For the 50+ set, this community includes the usual forums and such as well as volunteer activities, a social calendar, and more.
  13. Growingbolder. The concept here is to create an intergenerational community around news that is inspiring, amusing, and uplifting rather than the typical fare on at 5:00. While most content is specifically directed at those over 50, they do welcome members of any age.
  14. RedwoodAge. This site has a definite social-change aspect to it with topics such as the environment, poverty, and the state of health care right along side articles about health, exercise, and travel. Visit the Village to connect with others.
  15. eGenerations. Their tagline explains that they are "a worldwide community of experienced adults" and the home page shows there are members from 62 countries and ranging in age from 30 to 101.
  16. Boomer-Living.com. Join the Coffeehouse at this site to find their social network where you can meet others, play trivia, and more.
  17. LifeTwo. "Midlife improved" is how this site is described. Follow your online buddies with a free membership here or just read the blogs and articles available.
  18. My Boomer Place. Create a profile here and get started connecting with friends or making new ones, sharing photos, writing and sharing articles, playing games, and much more.
  19. Maple and Leek. For those 50+, this community is one of adventure and entrepreneurial spirit. Connect with like-minded seniors at this fun site.
  20. GrownUps. From New Zealand, this social network for those over 50 provides information on health, money, games, and more as well as an extensive listing of their various online groups and organizations you can join.

Dating Sites Specifically for Seniors

Give online dating a try with these dating sites specifically for more mature singles.

  1. SeniorFriendFinder. Exclusively for singles over 40, this site offers free member profiles and almost 500,000 members. You can use email, instant messaging, and video messaging to contact members with a paid subscription.
  2. Your Senior Dating Site. This dating site promises it’s about the people so you won’t get advertisements, but you will get personal service and ease of use. Signing up is free, but you will need a membership to contact a potential date.
  3. SeniorMatch.com. This site is only for singles over 50 and imposes a minimum age as well. This is one of the largest senior dating sites.
  4. Primesingles.net. This site for those 40 and over has a fast sign-up and is easy to navigate.
  5. 50YearsPlus.com. "A singles site for seniors with integrity" is how they describe themselves at this site. Enjoy a seven-day free trial to see if you like this one before buying a membership.
  6. Executive Senior Dating. This matchmaking service conducts a 30-90 minute phone call with you and a matchmaking counselor to start their matching process.
  7. Real Mature Singles. For those 40 and over, this matching service verifies that every applicant is legitimate before providing services.
  8. Senior Singles Only. This matching service meets and screens all applicants in person. The applicants must be at least 40 and looking for a long-term relationship.
  9. Dating For Seniors. For dating, friends, or a life partner, this online dating site offers opportunities for older singles. Your free basic membership must be upgraded to a paid subscription in order to have full access to all services.
  10. Senior Passions. This free dating and social networking site offers the opportunity for "the next big love of your life, companionship, or just to make new friends."

Dating Sites Not Specifically for Seniors

Most of these sites cover a wide range of ages, but you can usually specify the age range in which you are interested.

  1. Yahoo! Personals. Completely free, this online dating service offers a wide range of categories from which you can search. Due to not having a cost associated with it and the popularity of Yahoo!, you are sure to find lots of potential here.
  2. Match.com. One of the top online dating services, Match.com provides a huge member database. You can browse for free, but you will need a membership to contact any potential matches.
  3. Chemistry.com. A part of Match.com, and working like eHarmony, this site relies on matching techniques to connect people and is one of the up-and-coming dating sites. For those who have been rejected by eHarmony, Chemistry.com offers a great chance to try this method of online dating again.
  4. eHarmony. This dating service offers a unique approach to online dating. Instead of browsing for dates or waiting for someone to come to you, they rely on a complex personality matching formula and provide you with potential matches. 
  5. Perfectmatch.com. Using a compatibility system, this dating site emails you when a good match for you becomes available. Perfectmatch.com has been receiving lots of rave reviews recently.
  6. SinglesNet. This free service offers most of the same services available in the for-pay dating services. Gaining in popularity, the database is over 5 million large.
  7. Lavalife. Choose to look for dates, relationships, or intimate encounters on this site. You can create three different profiles for each of the three different categories offered or select only one or two of them. This service is totally free and has a huge member base.
  8. Great Expectations. Combining online dating services and in-person matchmaking, this service meets every member in person and creates a match for potential dates. They also offer invitations to Great Expectations events where you can meet members face-to-face. This service is available in about 50 cities in the U.S.
  9. Matchmaker. Answer questions about major issues to create your matchability with this site. The service is free, but you will need to pay if you want to contact a member.
  10. Plentyoffish.com. This totally free site matches singles from around the world. Touting itself as a dating site for everyone, you can choose a specific type of dating environment such as older couples or online Christian dating.

Specialized Networks

From finding golf romance to dog lovers to gardening fans, these social networks all offer a very specific interest for its members.

  1. Mango Tree. If you love to travel but don’t like to go alone, this site is specifically for finding travel partners. While it is available for any age group, you can specify an age range of interest.
  2. DateAGolfer.com. Golf players looking for romance need look no further. This dating site offers free matching with other golf fanatics, most of whom appear to be from the senior set.
  3. Animal Attraction. Pets and their parents can post photos, participate in forums, and more at this site specifically for pet lovers. The services are not only completely free, but Animal Attraction also donates $.01 to the charity you’ve chosen every day that you log in.
  4. Dogster. Dog lovers can exchange ideas, gain knowledge, and even date on this site. If you would like to connect to other doggie parents, this is a great place to look.
  5. Folia. Gardeners from all around the world can find each other on this social networking site. If gardening is your thing, you should check out this community.
  6. PatientsLikeMe. This site brings together people with similar health issues for support and knowledge. Learn about symptoms, treatments, and research while you find others going through the same experiences you are.
  7. Classmates.com. If you haven’t been active in your class reunions or are just interested in looking up old friends, this site is a great way to connect with classmates from both high school and college.
  8. reunion.com. Similar to Classmates.com, this site allows you to look up old school friends. Reunion.com has a reputation of a great place to find anyone with whom you’ve lost touch over the years whether they are from school, family, work, or wherever.
  9. Famiva. This social network for families allows you to work collaboratively on a family tree, share photos, family stories, make family maps and more–and it’s all free.
  10. Scrabulous. If you like playing Scrabble, then this community is for you. Sign up for free, then find others in the Scrabulous community to join you in one of several variations of online Scrabble.

Love in Your Later Years: 100 Sex and Dating Tips for Seniors

Dating among the senior set is becoming more popular thanks to online dating sites for retirees and a more liberal acceptance of senior sexuality. Seniors may have a lot of experience under their belts, but they’re also up for new adventures and relationships. This list of 100 sex and dating tips is just for seniors, from the casual dating crowd to grandmas looking for love.

Getting Back in the Game

Dating again after a divorce, death or just a long slump can be overwhelming. There are new rules to the game, but that doesn’t mean you have to be left out. Check here for tips on getting back on your feet.

  1. No excuses: Don’t cheat yourself of love in your later years by telling yourself that you’re too old or too out-of-date to have a good time. You don’t have to be the cutting edge serial dater you were in your 20s, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have the right to find someone who makes you happy.
  2. Remember how much fun you used to have: Get out of the house and surround yourself with friends and contemporaries when you’re feeling low.
  3. Start off slow: Ease yourself back into dating by attending group events at community centers you’re familiar with.
  4. Don’t overdo it: Staying out all night or all weekend may have been easy back in the day, but keep yourself in check when you’re first starting to date again.
  5. Dating After Loss of a Spouse: Read Elaine Williams’ blog entry about grieving for a spouse and understanding when you’re ready to move on.
  6. Be open minded: The rules may have changed a bit since you were dating, so be open minded about modern dating etiquette.
  7. Stay true to yourself: You’ve kept your morals and your opinions this long, so don’t sacrifice everything you know for a new beau.
  8. Don’t abandon your past: If you’re afraid that a new boyfriend or girlfriend will make you forget your family or past relationships, have a discussion with that person to let them know that you’ll always remain close to your past and that a new relationship doesn’t entail leaving them behind.
  9. Don’t take it so seriously: Getting back in the game can be nerve wracking at first, but just remember to have fun, explore your options and stay true to yourself.
  10. Moving On After a Relationship Break-Up: This article offers more tips for moving on to another relationship after a break-up, divorce or even the death of a loved one.

Going Online

The Internet is a place many modern singles turn to find dates, including seniors. Read below for safety tips, advice on creating your own profile and more.

  1. 100 Top Dating Sites: Find reviews of many different online dating sites here.
  2. Online Dating Safety Tips: Before you create your online profile, consider these safety tips.
  3. Tips to Increase Your Online Dating Success: You’ll find helpful tips in this article, which explains how to set up your profile, picking a photo and more.
  4. SeniorFriendFinder: Consider joining a network like this one, which caters to the over 50 set.
  5. Tips for Writing Your Personal Online Dating Profile: From picking a username to knowing how to flatter yourself, this guide can be very useful when starting an online dating profile.
  6. A Match Made on the Web?: If you’re still not convinced, read this CBS News article about how single seniors are turning to online dating to meet new friends.
  7. Skype: Skype, a video and online telephone service, can keep you connected to your friends and partners around the world. Skype can also be a great tool for getting to know someone you met online without having to commit to a real date.
  8. Meebo: Meebo is another great tool for socializing online with long-distance partners. Meebo is free to use and lets you chat from any computer through your instant message client.
  9. Meetup: Join this social networking group to find out about events and clubs in your area. You can browse by city and/or interest area.
  10. Get a webcam: Sneak a peek at what your online friends really look like when you chat via webcam.

Dating in the 21st Century

Learn all about modern dating rules and etiquette here. Don’t worry, though: not everything’s changed.

  1. What’s a Modern Girl to Do?: Maureen Dowd considers the evolution of courtship and how modern women view relationships in this New York Times article.
  2. The Modern Guy’s Guide to Dating Etiquette: Do single women still like the man to pay for everything or not? Find out how rules like this one have been brought up to date here.
  3. Seniors learning the modern dating game: Seniors can get tips on meeting dates and more in this article.
  4. Dating Etiquette: When to Whip Out Your Wallet: This article considers "old fashion ideas" and new rules for "when it comes to men and money."
  5. Modern Dating Made Easy: This article has tips for identifying red flags and avoiding people who take up too much of your time.
  6. 8 Rules for Casual Dating: Are you into the modern idea of casual dating? Find out here.

Places to Meet

At a loss for where to scope out your next date? Read below for our suggestions.

  1. Community center: If you live in an assisted living facility but always stay in your room, venture out into the community center for social interaction.
  2. The gym: The gym is a hot spot for meeting singles, and seniors are no exception. Get to know the people in your swimming or aerobics class to find out if there are any potential matches.
  3. Grandkid’s recital: The next time you attend one of your grandchildren’s recitals or baseball games, check out the other grandparents in attendance. Anyone who’s there will share your passion for family.
  4. Volunteering: This website can help you find a volunteer project in your area to occupy your extra time and connect you to other caring individuals.
  5. Church or temple: Many churches and religious centers sponsor social groups for singles and/or seniors. Sign up to get on their mailing list and attend the next party or trip.
  6. Continuing education class: Learn a new skill like cooking or review a math class you took in college to challenge yourself and meet someone new.
  7. Dance class: From salsa to country western dancing to ballroom, dance class is a great place for people of all ages to get together.
  8. Book club: Start a book club or join an existing one to broaden your social circle and find someone who can satisfy your intellectual curiosity.

Date Ideas

Once you’ve found your date, take advantage of senior discounts and other advantages that will open up a new world of dating.

  1. 10 Great First Date Ideas: About.com’s Sharon O’Brien lists picnics, dancing and gallery hopping as great first date ideas for seniors.
  2. The theater: It’s well air-conditioned, quiet, and usually offers comfortable seating. You may also be able to afford better seats now than you could in your younger years.
  3. The movies: It sounds cliche, but you probably have way more time for movie dates now than you did when you had to find babysitters and work overtime.
  4. Take a walk: Taking a walk with a date allows you time for conversation, and it gives you the opportunity to fit in a little exercise, too.
  5. Daytime activities: If you like to be in bed early or you have trouble driving in the dark, turn date nights into all-day affairs. You’ll find that museums and movie theaters often offer cheaper rates for daytime visitors, and you can head to popular date locations without the crowds.
  6. Senior citizen vacation: For convenience and safety’s sake, consider taking a vacation with a group of senior citizens. Packages range from the Greek islands to African safaris to weekend getaways in the country.

Romantic Getaway Ideas

As a senior citizen in 2008, you may be the last group of seniors to actually be able to enjoy your retirement and retrieve your Social Security. Take a vacation with your partner a deux or with a whole other group of adventurous retirees.

  1. Caravan Tours: Caravan offers fully escorted tours to places like Costa Rica, New England and the Grand Canyon.
  2. Greek-Holidays.net: Browse this site for special honeymoon packages and golfing vacations in Greece.
  3. SeniorTraveler.com: Learn about hotel, car rental and other vacation discounts for seniors on this website.
  4. ElderTreks.com: The over-50 set can take adventurous "off-the-beaten-path" vacations together through this organization. Destinations include Mongolia, the Antarctic Peninsula, Patagonia and Tanzania.
  5. Smarter Travel Senior Travel: Find travel tips, vacation ideas and more advice for vacationing seniors.
  6. Myrtle Beach: This beach and golfing town is popular with seniors who want to get away without overspending.
  7. New Mexico: New Mexico has a lot to offer senior travelers: romantic sunsets, spas, golf vacations, museums and sightseeing, casinos, hiking and more.
  8. Cruises: Sign up for a seniors-only cruise to explore exotic locations without having to organize everything yourself.
  9. New England: New England Fall Foliage tours are immensely popular and can be a relatively stress-free way to escape.
  10. Savvy Senior Travelers: Rick Steves shares his travel expertise with senior vacationers, from finding accommodating hotels, flights and travel insurance to figuring out where to go.

Sexual Health and Sexuality

Sex in your later years can still be a fulfilling, exiting experience; however, you’ll need to make sure you’re in overall good health to make the most of your sexuality.

  1. The Taboo of Senior Sexuality: ThirdAge explores seniors’ attitudes towards sexuality.
  2. Nine Health Issues That Can Impact Sexual Satisfaction: If you think your sex life is suffering, your overall health might not be in good order. Check these areas to find out.
  3. Senior Sex: From senior sex therapy to Viagra, take a look at how senior sexuality is improving.
  4. Have You Sworn off Dating?: Take this test "to find out just how healthy…your attitude toward dating is."
  5. Sexy Senior Citizens: This piece explores why some seniors are happier with their sexuality than other generations.
  6. Senior Sex: Tips for Older Men: This MSN article has tips for older male partners who want to regain control over their sexuality.
  7. Sex and Aging: This piece encourages seniors to remain positive and research the sexual changes men and women experience as they get older.
  8. HIV/AIDS Cases Growing in U.S. Adults Over 50: Sexy seniors still need to remember to use protection in order to prevent STDs.
  9. Sex After Menopause: Learn about the changes your body will undergo after menopause and what you can do to stay sexual.
  10. Top 5 Reasons Sex Can Get Better With Age: If you think you’re passed your prime, think again. This list shares the best things about sex in your later years.

Safety Issues for Senior Daters

Unfortunately, there are plenty of scams and gold diggers out there waiting to take advantage of seniors. Learn how to protect yourself here.

  1. Beware of scams: Some dating services and individuals using them prey upon other members to scam them out of money, separate them from their families, or worse.
  2. Gold diggers: Gold diggers work their way into your life through flattery and superficial affection, but all they’re interested in is your savings. Learn how to protect yourself by reading this guide.
  3. Stay grounded: If you haven’t dated in a long time, a new relationship can be exhilarating, but don’t abandon your everyday commitments and responsibilities, like medication, family and paying your bills.
  4. Don’t share personal information to quickly: Just because someone seems sweet, don’t invite him or her into your home or share financial information with them right away, especially if they contacted you for a date.

Remarriage

When you’ve fallen in love again, will you feel like getting remarried or just dating? Consider these tips and articles first.

  1. Some Seniors "Shacking Up" Rather Than Remarrying: This article reports a new trend among seniors who choose not to get remarried because of financial issues.
  2. Senior Marriages: Get an overview of marriage in your later years here.
  3. Divorce and Remarriage: Law for Seniors shares information about how your finances could be affected if you remarry.
  4. Prenuptial Agreements for Seniors: Would a prenup for your second marriage benefit you? Find out here.
  5. Remarriage After Retirement: This article explains how adult children may view their parent’s decision to remarry.
  6. Is It Better to Remarry or Just Live Together?: This article considers things like estate planning, long-term care, Social Security and alimony when making the decision to remarry.

Dating with Illness or Disability

Being in a wheelchair or having an illness doesn’t have to hinder you from dating in your golden years. Read below for tips on dating with a special condition.

  1. Disabled World: This dating service is for disabled and senior citizen singles.
  2. Wheelchair Friendly Holidays: When planning a vacation with your partner, take these tips into consideration if one or both of you will need a wheelchair.
  3. Dating with Breast Cancer: This piece may help you clear up your feelings about dating with a terminal illness.
  4. Disability Sexuality and Dating: If you aren’t used to getting intimate since your disability, read these articles to understand your unique condition a little better.
  5. Dating with Genital Herpes: Even seniors need to use protection: find out what it’s like to date with genital herpes if you don’t.

Talking to Your Family

Help your family get used to the idea of your dating or decision to remarry by considering the following points.

  1. Take it slow: Don’t pressure your new partner and your children to be best friends right away: take the relationship slowly if you notice tension.
  2. Talk to your family: If your family isn’t thrilled with your decision to date again, talk them through the process and help them understand why you’d like to meet new people. Listen to their feelings as well.
  3. Understand that your family might be upset: Your adult children may find it difficult to get used to the idea of your remarrying, especially if your first husband or wife passed away.
  4. How to Get Your Adult Children to Welcome (or even love) Your New Spouse: If you need advice on introducing your adult children to a new boyfriend or girlfriend, read this article.

Humor

Dating is always a risk, so don’t ever lose your sense of humor.

  1. Keep yours: Dating as a senior can be nerve racking and full of surprises. Remember to keep your perspective and a sense of humor to make it fun.
  2. Senior Dating: Who Says We Can’t Have Fun?: Check out these jokes and real-life personal ads from seniors.

Senior Sites to Visit

Head to these sites that are full of information and ideas for fun senior living.

  1. Silver Citizen: Get dating tips, as well as plenty of advice and help for decorating, using computers, and more.
  2. Senior Datefinder: If your social circle is small, log on to this site to find a date.
  3. Senior Passions: Senior Passions is another dating site for seniors.
  4. SeniorMatch.com: Singles who are over 50 can log on to this dating website.
  5. AARP Leisure: You can find great vacation and date ideas on this site.
  6. Senior Magazine: The website for this magazine features stories, news and articles about senior law, travel, computer tips, finances and more.
  7. Senior.com: Senior.com is "your Internet community," and you’ll find plenty of ideas for growing relationships, travel and recreation and more.
  8. Education, Jobs and Volunteerism for Seniors: Visit the links on this site to plan out a date or find a way to meet more singles.
  9. Travel and Recreation for Seniors: This government site has tips on traveling and finding discounts.

Articles and Guides

Read these articles and guides for even more tips on romance and sexuality.

  1. Seniors Dating: Learn about health issues, dating services and other seniors dating issues here.
  2. Senior Dating: Suite 101 writer Cherie Burbach has great tips for "finding love after 50."
  3. Suddenly Single Seniors and Dating: This article helps seniors get used to modern dating strategies like creating online profiles.
  4. Ask April Advice for Retirees, Boomers, Seniors: April dishes up lots of dating tips and etiquette here.
  5. How to Overcome First Date Anxiety: This helpful article is targeted at senior daters.
  6. Senior Romance: Finding Love in Your Later Years: Get tips for planning a stress-free first date, finding singles and more from this piece.
  7. Seniors and Sex: Learn about senior sexual oppression and how it hurts our aging population.
  8. Senior Sex: Romance, Act Two: Canada.com’s article shares tips for spicing up your sex life despite the unique intimacy challenges you may face as you age.
  9. Back in the Game: Smart Senior Dating Tips: You’ll find very helpful tips for figuring out what you want out of dating, managing a dating service account and more.
  10. Senior Dating Interview: Dr. Helen Fisher: Dr.Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist and member of the anthropology department of Rutgers University, discusses how the concept of senior dating has changed and doles out advice to seniors interested in dating again.

100 Best Retirement and Finance Guides for Seniors

The Internet is full of guides for those setting up retirement plans and savings accounts, but what about those who are already starting to tap into their 401(k) or Social Security? For tips on understanding your savings budget to figuring out home and senior living costs to finding the best deals on health insurance, a reverse mortgage, senior travel and more, check out our list of 100 of the best retirement and finance guides for seniors.

Understanding Your Savings

Now that you’re ready to tap into your savings, read these guides to learn how you need to budget your retirement, pay off debt and more.

  1. Budgeting and Savings Tips for Ages 55+: Check out this list of tools and guides for saving on everything from health insurance to everyday costs.
  2. Emergency Fund: Find out how large your emergency fund should be so that you can stock up in case you lose your job or have unexpected medical costs.
  3. Debt Management Tips for Seniors: Get rid of your debt so that you can start saving. This article can show you how.
  4. How to Budget Your Money: Figure out how much you should be spending on housing, transportation, debt, food and more.
  5. How to Spend Your Retirement Savings: Learn about "the three risks of retirement" and how to budget for your lifestyle by reading this article.
  6. Fiscal Fitness for Older Americans: Stretching Your Savings and Shaping Up Your Financial Strategies: This government resource is from 2005 but still has lots of great tips, including how to avoid fraud, a to-do list for retirement and stretching your last paycheck.
  7. 25 Rules to Grow Rich By: This article has some rules that are ideal for younger folks, as well as many senior-friendly ideas.
  8. Should You Annuitize Your Retirement Savings?: Consider this option to make your retirement savings last longer.
  9. Women and Retirement Savings: Find out why fewer women participate in retirement plans and what you can do to protect yourself.
  10. Common Questions About Retirement Saving: This guide aims to answer questions about saving for retirement.

Government Resources

Turn to these government resources for funding and authoritative information on Social Security, housing, tax rebates and more.

  1. Consumer Protection for Seniors: Turn to this page in case you or your friends and family have been abused or scammed.
  2. Social Security Online: Get access to Social Security benefits, retirement plans, disability facts and more.
  3. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: If you’re a veteran, you’re entitled to even more discounts and benefits. Check here to find out what you’re entitled to.
  4. HUD Senior Citizens: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Senior Citizens page can help you with finding a new home or apartment, retirement homes, meals on wheels programs and more.
  5. Caregivers’ Resources: Here, seniors can access information about home care, hospice care, nursing homes and more.
  6. Money and Taxes for Seniors: Access tax rebate forms, certificates of deposit, AARP Tax-Aide Programs and more from this site.
  7. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation: This program "currently protects the pensions of nearly 44 million American workers and retirees" in thousands of pension plans. Find out if you’re eligible.
  8. Retirement: This government website features guides and resources for figuring out your benefits, pension errors, employee benefits, Social Security, retirement planning, and a lot more.
  9. U.S. Department of Labor: From wages and disability resources to unemployment insurance and workers’ comp, make sure you understand your rights and benefits by reading this page.
  10. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: If you’re trying to manage your own retirement and savings while supporting your grandchildren, turn to this government resource for support and information.

Health Insurance and Budgeting

For help making sense of your health and medical costs, turn to this list.

  1. Seniors Have Options for Saving Money on Prescription Drugs: Get tips like "compare plans" and" "skip the name brand" to save major bucks on prescriptions.
  2. AARP Insurance and Medicare: Head to this site to find out what kind of Medicare plan is best for your budget and more.
  3. Dental Care Savings for Seniors: Compare dental plans on this website, or consider a second career by attending a dental assisting school.
  4. Understanding Your Medical Bills: Get a closer look at bills, statements, co-payments, lab tests and more.
  5. Good Health Habits at 60 and Beyond: One of the best ways to cut back on medical costs is to stay healthy. Get tips for preserving your health here.
  6. Hospice Locator: If your spouse or other family member is in need of hospice care, find a provider from this website.
  7. Medicare: Visit the official website for Medicare to learn about prescription plans, benefits and tips on lowering your health costs.
  8. Active Seniors Curb Health Care Costs: Find out how exercise and a generally active lifestyle can lower health care costs.
  9. FamilyDoctor.org Seniors: Read articles about staying healthy, understanding your medication, managing your medical care and more.
  10. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Locate budget-friendly health care plans and providers here.
  11. Senior Health Insurance Counseling: This website can help you understand the differences between regular health insurance, long term care, Medicaid, Medicare and more.
  12. Aging Parents and Elder Care: Use this website to guide you through the costs and culture of assisted care, retirement and Medicare.

Home Costs

Whether you plan to move into a smaller home, an assisted living facility or back in with your children, refer to this list for information and tools.

  1. Paying for Continuing Care Retirement Community: The University of Pittsburgh Institute on Aging provides information on insurance and assisted living.
  2. Paying for Long-Term Care: This chart can help you understand the different options for paying for long-term care.
  3. Planning for Aging Services: What’s Right for You: Go over this worksheet to determine your basic living needs.
  4. Change of Address: You can use this free service to quickly change your address and forward USPS mail.
  5. 11 Keys to Choosing the Right Retirement Community: MSN Money’s Liz Pulliam Weston encourages seniors to consider included services, applications and health history, in-person visits, accreditation and more.
  6. Benefits of Reverse Mortgages: Learn about this home payment option for seniors.
  7. HouseValues.com: Use a tool like this one to determine how much your home is worth and whether or not it would be a good idea to sell.
  8. Should Your Elderly Parent Move in with You?: Go over this article with your children if you’re thinking of moving in with them to avoid high retirement home costs.

Sources of Income

Today, some retirees are coming to terms with part-time jobs and supplementing their Social Security. Learn all about your income options here.

  1. Estimate your retirement benefits: Estimate the Social Security benefits you’ll get with this calculator.
  2. Over 50 and Looking for a Job? The Web Can Get You Started: Whether you want a part-time job for some extra cash or you need a full-time gig, read this article to help you compete with younger candidates.
  3. Retirement on Hold: How Long Will You Have to Keep Working?: This unfortunate reality is affecting many seniors today.
  4. SeniorJobBank: Find employers who are looking for employees over 50 here.
  5. SeniorsforJobs.com: If you need to go back to work to make ends meet, try out this job bank.
  6. Aging in the Workplace: Read about how early retirement is becoming a thing of the past and how seniors are battling health issues, participating in criminal justice and stopping workplace discrimination.
  7. Retirement Income: The Crucial Role of Social Security: Get a summary of this book, which covers the different ways seniors figure out their income.
  8. Military Retired Pay Overview: Military.com’s guide goes over the basics of this system, which allows those as young as 37 to receive retirement benefits.
  9. Ten Ways to Pay for Retirement: Consider these types of income and savings to help you through retirement.
  10. Working During Retirement: Solid Plan, or Boomer Delusion?: Even if you need the money, is working during your retirement a good idea? Read this article to weigh the pros and cons.

Investments

From the stock market to investment scams, get all the information you need right here.

  1. Saving and Investing: 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy features many guides for saving and investing, including "Mutual fund basics," "Taxation of investments" and "Understanding risk."
  2. Protecting Your Money in a Bear Market: Learn how to protect your investments and savings despite a bear market.
  3. 10 Tips to Protect Your Nest Egg: This guide is for senior investors who are worried about scammers and freeloaders.
  4. Top 10 Investing Scams: Before you get excited about a new investment project, read this article.

Life Insurance

Here you’ll find tips on selecting the right kind of life insurance.

  1. How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?: Get the most for your money with this tool.
  2. Understanding and Choosing Life Insurance: Figure out how much life insurance you need and the type of policy you should research here.
  3. Choosing Life Insurance: Term or Permanent?: Read about different types of life insurance here.
  4. Money 101 Life Insurance: This easy-to-follow guide goes over the "top things to know" about life insurance.
  5. Understanding Life Insurance Policies: Physician’s News Digest gives a solid report on life insurance.
  6. You bet your life: Tips for buying life insurance: Tips in this article include "opt for term life" and "get in shape."

Paying for Travel and Extras

Besides health costs and living expenses, you’ll want to budget time and money for vacations and little extras that will maintain your quality of life.

  1. Senior Discount Directory: Check out this list of links to travel and shopping discounts for seniors, at places like Amtrak, Best Western, Kroger and more.
  2. Mismatched: Seniors who are considering using a dating service should read this article before paying for a subscription.
  3. 8 Money Saving Tips for Senior Las Vegas Travelers: From travel to gambling, check out these tips for keeping track of your money during a trip to Las Vegas.
  4. Travel and Recreation for Seniors: Access discounts, safety tips and more on this government website.
  5. SeniorDiscounts.com: Search for discounts on this site.

Wills and Trusts

For help on writing your will and understanding your estate, look here.

  1. Will or Trusts: Choice of a Lifetime: Read this article from the AARP to figure out which option is best for you.
  2. Be Aware to Whom You Bequeath Your Nest Egg: Before writing up your will, make sure you do a lot of research on your family first.
  3. Life Advice About Estate Planning: Learn how to draw up a will and figure out estate taxes here.
  4. A Brief Guide to Creating a Will: Check this guide for tips on drafting a will.
  5. Will and Estates: The American Bar Association offers tips for writing a will, making it legal and more.

Web Tools

Turn to the web for budget calculators and retirement savings plans.

  1. The Budget Planner: Use this tool to help you organize mortgage payments, debt, loans, savings and more.
  2. Organizing Your Financial Records: Access financial organizers to keep track of your personal finances, insurance, health history, property and more.
  3. Ballpark E$timate: This two-page worksheet will help you determine "how much you need to save to fund a comfortable retirement."
  4. Should I Borrow From My 401(k) Plan?: Use this calculator to determine whether or not you should use your 401(k) plan just yet.
  5. Retirement Shortfall Calculator: This USA Today calculator shows "your projected shortfall or surplus at retirement."
  6. Savings widgets: If you’re a Web-savvy senior, install a couple of these widgets to keep track of your savings, find discounts and more.
  7. Free Budget Worksheets: Print out these worksheets to organize your income, expenses and home budgets.
  8. CCCS Budget Calculator: Budget your income and savings for medical, housing, food, insurance, recreation and other costs.
  9. Tools, Tutorials, Quizzes: Visit this site for links to calculators, a glossary, weekly polls and more retirement planning tools.
  10. Change of Address: Change your address with the USPS and Social Security Administration.

Financial Guides and Articles

This list features articles and guides that will help you manage your money during retirement, find discounts and more.

  1. Top 5 Money Management Tips for Seniors: From downsizing your house to joining the AARP, this guide has several tips for seniors.
  2. Cost Saving Ideas and Strategies: Today’s Seniors offers up lots of great ideas for saving money at the pump, on vacation, on your credit cards and more.
  3. Auto Insurance: Money Saving Tips for Seniors: Follow these driving and safety tips to avoid skyrocketing insurance costs.
  4. 66 Ways to Save Money: Decrease housing costs, transportation costs, banking and credit issues and more when you read this article.
  5. Retirement Lingo: Use this glossary to figure out terms like estate planning, annuity, generation-skipping transfer and others.
  6. Seniors: A New Way to Give: This article is all about charitable giving and your tax breaks.
  7. 7 Money Management Tips for Seniors: Tips include "stop giving handouts" and "take care of yourself."
  8. Should You Delay Your Social Security Benefits?: Moolanomy helps seniors determine when they should start taking advantage of Social Security.
  9. Ways to downsize during retirement: Learn how to save more during your retirement by reading this article.
  10. There are challenges to moving abroad during retirement: If you’re thinking of moving abroad to save money and relax, read this article first.

Avoiding Scams

The elderly are unfortunately a prime target for many financial scams. Learn how to protect yourself here.

  1. Hold on to your nest egg: Scam artists target seniors’ savings: Read this article to learn about the different types of scam artists who come up with ploys to steal money from seniors.
  2. Debt Relief: Beware the Frauds: Before you jump at the chance to get rid of your debt, make sure you’re not being scammed.
  3. How to Protect Your Family from Senior Scams: This very detailed guide will educate you on the techniques scammers use to target seniors.
  4. Fraud Target: Senior Citizens: Read the FBI’s guide to avoiding fraud and understanding how seniors are vulnerable.
  5. Financial Abuse of Elderly People Grows: This trend is unfortunately still going strong. Learn how to protect yourself here.

Go-To Resources for Seniors

These prime resources are full of references, tools and information for seniors looking to budget their retirement.

  1. 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy: for seniors: Access articles, calculators and more to learn about estates and trusts, early retirement offers, tapping into your 401(k) and more.
  2. Money Talks: Personal Finance and Fraud Alerts: Visit this blog to check out the newest finance scams.
  3. Kiplinger: Your Retirement: Access articles, tools and quizzes here to learn about retirement and saving.
  4. Retirement Living Information Center: Look for retirement communities, jobs for seniors, tax information and more here.
  5. Thrifty Fun Budget and Finance - Retirement: Read articles and get tips for organizing your retirement paperwork, withdrawing from your IRA, finding a job with a retirement plan and more.