Aging Online: A World Wide Web of Aging Information and Resources

For my post this week, I took to the web to explore the websites and blogs I find to be interesting and useful regarding the developments in aging. These sites represent a wide variety of style, content, and intended audience, but all are united in their desire to provide information on the important and rapidly-changing world of aging research and policy. Using the guidelines established by the Webby Awards and the IMSA, I evaluated my favorite sites along a number of criteria, including content, structure and navigation, visual design, functionality, interactivity, and overall experience. Additionally, I assessed the selected blogs on measures such as blogger identity, authority, citation, and sophistication. As well as adding these sites to my linkroll, I have included the links within my brief synopses here.

The first subset of sites I find to be useful are those that disseminate the basic background and information concerning the health issues that are commonly associated with aging, Alzheimer's disease in particular. WebMD, a popular and user-friendly health information database, has an Alzheimer's Disease Health Center that is well-organized and information-rich on the many facets of the disease. Visitors familiar with the main site can trust the comprehensive disease guide to be accurate and easy to understand. Message boards increase the site's personalization and interactivity. OurAlzheimers.com presents a similar collection of disease facts, treatments, and resources. The reputable site affiliates and featured content from leading health publications bolster the credibility of the site. Health Talk is another news and information database for Alzheimer's patients and their families. The site is easy to navigate and does not overwhelm the visitor with links. A search function allowing visitors to type in their city and state provides a helpful tool for those looking for a specific type of doctor in their area. Health and Age presents an attractive and organized home page offering a variety of Alzheimer's news, articles, and tools. One sticking point is the ambiguity of the graphics along the left side of the site, as it is unclear whether they are links or advertisements. As an international health database, Health Republic offers much of the same information found on the previous sites, as well as a collection of health news that draws from a global rather than national database. Although not all of the stories concern aging health issues, the volume of articles, as well as the pleasing visuals, makes the site a unique informational resource.

The next subset of my preferred sites is made up of nonprofit organizations and lobbying and special interest groups. Probably the most well-known senior interest group, AARP's website (the logo of which is pictured below) is exactly what a visitor would expect: authoritative, organized, and wide-ranging in terms of information. In addition to the usual news and research presented on many sites aimed at seniors, AARP offers fun and entertaining features, such as recipes and travel tips, that contribute to the sense of a well-rounded community. Another prolific organization is the Alzheimer's Association. Their site offers a similar collection of information and community tools, although the lackluster aesthetics leave a little to be desired. AgingCare.com is a comparable forum with a more appealing layout. However, a lack of clear affiliation and identity (be it partisan or nonprofit, et cetera) lends doubt to its authority. The Alliance for Aging Research's page is far less interactive that previous sites, and instead focuses on the concise detailing of recent publications concerning research conducted in the field of aging. Despite its lack of bells and whistles, the site serves its purpose as a compilation of more obscure sources. Likewise, the International Longevity Center's site favors function over form. Unlike other organizations, the focus here is not dementia or Alzheimer's but "normal" aging, setting it apart in a unique and interesting way. In addition to these non-governmental organizations and groups, the federal government offers its own assortment of sites aimed at the aging community, a couple of which are of particular use and interest. Clearly, these sites, although they tend to be a bit on the boring side, carry a huge amount of authority. The first site is the Administration on Aging (AoA), a collection of government-sanctioned resources for the press, professionals, and elders and their families. As part of the larger Medicare site, Ask Medicare is the new government feature aimed directly at caregivers (as well as the topic of my analysis in an earlier post).

The final subset of websites I feel are particularly helpful are blogs, many of which are created and maintained by individuals, professionals and laymen alike. The first several blogs I explore, however, are sponsored by major news outlets. The New York Times' The New Old Age is devoted to exploring not only the effects of aging on seniors, but other adults majorly implicated by the changes (such as the boomer generation) as well. The blog obviously brings a strong authority, and blogger Jane Gross effectively and knowledgeably details a wide range of aging topics. A supplement of links and resources adds to the well-roundedness of the blog. Similarly, the Wall Street Journal lends its weighty reputation to their Health Blog, which emphasizes the business aspect of the health community. The content-rich site adds fresh perspective to the overall implications of what an aging society means for America. The first of the individual blogs, Ageing Research focuses more on the scientific, rather than societal, developments in aging. Posts are well-written and engaging, and the author clearly brings an extensive education and background to the discussion table. Another blog, Ouroboros, also focuses on the biology of aging. Although some of the posts are a little inaccessible in their terminology and technicality, a unique perspective and a clean layout make for a fascinating, if somewhat tangential, read. As part of a much larger network of caregivers' blogs, Minding Our Elders is aimed at the family and friends of aging individuals. Although it features a scattered design and hodgepodge of subject matter, the blog hosts a definitive voice and obvious passion. Another blog centered on caregiving is Aging Parents Insights. Author David Solie addresses a number of significant issues within the realm of aging, and offers visitors to pose questions to him directly through the website. The Health Care Blog (pictured right), vetted by respected news organizations for its insight and information, almost overwhelms with the amount of links and resources it offers, in addition to its diverse reporting on the site itself. Content is topical and sophisticated, with a discriminating use of graphics and advertising that could distract from all the site has to offer. Finally, Senior World Chronicle is the blog answer to Health Republic, in terms of its international accent. While most posts seem to be a republishing of articles from around the world, extensive archives and labels tie a number of topics concerning aging to a centralized site. While not without some drawbacks, each of these sites offer a number of positive aspects and unique perspectives. I encourage you to visit them and explore the many resources and viewpoints that exist within the aging news and research community.