Top 10 Websites for Boomers and Seniors in 2009

With the current economic downturn, more boomers and seniors aresearching for reassurance and relief on the web - not only for a kind of financial first aid but also for healthy outlets for their time and energy.In addition, they are finding the web to be less a mystery and more of a tool to make their lives meaningful and productive. The volume of information on the Internet, however, can beoverwhelming. I’ve reviewed thousands of web sites to find user-friendly and relevant resources for inclusion in my Boomer searchengine. To compile my Top 10 list of trustworthy, informative, andenjoyable sites for 2009, I’ve selected the sites that I’ve revisited manytimes. I’m sure you too, will find them invaluable in this upcoming year.

1. Grandparents.com,

http://www.grandparents.com/Where it’s “great to be grand”! The grandkids are coming over and you’re panicking? How can youentertain them?Look no further than Grandparents.com, “the place for today’s newgeneration of active, involved grandparents.”Among the volumes of information supplied are assorted age-appropriate and weather-appropriate “things to do” (even in dozens of cities) including suggestions that won’t cost thrifty grandparents adime. Mix in travel, gift (find the perfect toy), video, and foodsuggestions (you even might be inspired to cook with your littledarlings). Take advantage of expert advice on family, education, law,finance and health and get a peek into the psyche of celebritygrandparents. You’ll get a treasure trove of information. This is one site you won’t want to leave home or stay home without.

2. Dynamic Living,

http://www.dynamic-living.com/Where can you find photographed independent living aids displayedboldly and accurately?Protected by the Better Business Bureau of Connecticut, DynamicLiving consumers shop either by use (moving around, sitting/standing,vision, communication, care giving, memory) or by location (car,kitchen, bathroom).I like this site for its clarity, simplicity, readability, references and

responsiveness:Clarity: A photograph accompanies each item. In addition to generalinformation, you are provided with exact specifications and relatedarticles. Everything, including policies, is stated in the easiest, mostunderstandable language.Simplicity: The items are pre-selected by the team at Dynamic Livingwho aim to “make living at home a little easier.”Readability: The bold font is large and readable against a lightbackground.References: Dynamic Living refers its users off-site for more technicalproducts.Responsiveness: Should you have any questions, either Ask Gladys (byemail or by phone) or read how others are living easier. Two warnings: See what other customers recommend but select wellto avoid restocking charges. Also, customer service operates Mondaythrough Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST only.

3. Elderlawanswers,

http://www.elderlawanswers.com/Get your age-driven legal questions answered on Elderlaw.Elderlaw covers Medicaid, Medicare, nursing home rights, and estateplanning. Elderlaw 101 dumbs down additional topics, includingveterans benefits, so you don’t need to have a law degree tounderstand. Find state-specific information and an attorney or listen toElderLaw radio (today’s featured show is “Finding the Money to AgeWell.”).

4. Nolo,

http://www.nolo.com/Another great site for age-related legal advice is Nolo. Acclaimed asthe “best legal self-help site on the web” (Yahoo!), Nolo defines legalterms in simple common language. This is where I take advantage of handy checklists and related articles in all aspects of law—and it’s free!For example, I can find step-by-step instructions, such as making a will:(1) Decide what property to include in the will(2) Decide who will inherit the property(3) Choose an executor to handle the estateHowever, should I find my situation too complicated for a simple, Iknow that I can purchase the forms, legal kits and books for a modestfee.

Get your affairs in order with ease and according to the current law.

5. CNN’s Money,

http://money.cnn.com/CNN’s Money has long been one of my web darlings. Money 101explains money in a way that even a 10 year old could understand andthe spacing makes the text extremely readable. For more difficultconcepts, refer to the videos.I head straight for the “Ultimate Guide to Retirement” (Retirement) forpractical advice relating to investing, IRAs, work, health care, pensions,insurance, estate planning and Social Security. Find out where andfrom whom you can get help. Educate yourself, make plans and putyour worries aside.

6. Caring Connections,

http://www.caringinfo.org/When I was assembling my Boomer Search Engine, I repeatedly cameacross Caring Connections. I found that the National Hospice andPalliative Care Organization (NHPCO) created its dynamic website toexpeditiously drive caregivers and patients to the information theywant so that they can make the best decisions given theircircumstances. Users begin by simply indicating the group they fallinto:- Those planning ahead- Those caring for someone- Those living with illness- Those grieving.Unfortunately the gray and lavender text on white background is noteasy on aging eyes but the site does allow for effortless increase intext size. And most of the links displayed using more contrast.The information is comprehensive and straightforward. Findglossaries, checklists and organization tools. Take advantage of downloadable brochures and fill out your free state’s advance directivewithout delay.

7. USA. Gov,

http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Seniors.shtml Thank goodness our tax dollars are working. The US government hasprovided a huge number of useful references for citizens and visitors.Arrange to be notified by email when policies or laws change.Enlarge the text (top right-hand corner), use the search box and getassistance for caregiving, consumer protection, employment, end-of-life, health, money and taxes, retirement, travel and more.Find your representatives. Turn up your volume and view and listen toan easy presentation (http://www.usa.gov/About/tutorials/index.shtml)