Research Guide

Older Adult Resources: A Guide for Caregivers and Educators

Scope: This guide is not intended to provide all of the available information about older adults: it is just a guide to inform those who are interested about some of the resources available on older adults at the library. To obtain further information, please consult your local public, school or medical librarian. Because many older adults are vulnerable , it is the hope of the author that the person(s) interested in this special age group would consult a professional health care provider before making serious decisions about older adults. To aid in your search, log on to CyberMars with your library card to reserve any titles that interest you, or ask a librarian for assistance. To return to the Research Guide page, click here.
A. Introduction

Older Adults resources are in great demand because the population in the United States is growing older and older. According to the Administration on Aging, the population that is aged 65 and older is about 12% in the United States. And according to the United Nations, this is a worldwide phenomenon with Asia having the oldest older adult population in the world. All of these facts point toward more information needs concerning older adults. The public library has a vast amount of information that can be utilized for the understanding and well being of older adults.

B. Subject Headings and Shelf Numbers
  • Aged
  • Aged-Attitudes
  • Aged----Care
  • Aged-Directories
  • Aged---Health and Hygiene
  • Aged---Services for.
  • Elderly-See Aged
  • Older Adults-See Aged
  • Senior Citizens-See Aged
 
C. Frequently Mentioned Texts
  • Passages by Gail Sheehy. 305.24/SH541p. This book deals with Adulthood, Middle Age, Psychology and Socialization
  • Understanding Men's Passages: discovering the new map of men's lives by Gail Sheehy. 305.244/SH541u. This book deals with Masculinity and Middle Aged Men.
D. General References, e.g. Guides, Encyclopedia, or Dictionaries
  • National Institute on Aging: A resource directory for older people.
  • Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging: Answers to help you make the most of your life by E.T. Creagon. 612.67/M4731m. This book deals with healthy aging.
  • The Psychology of Aging by James Birren. 155.6/B619p. This book deals with developmental psychology and aging.
E. Magazines or Newspapers

The library system subscribes to many databases, some of which are in the EbscoHost section on the library's webpage, which you may use either from home or in the library to search for magazine articles.

The library also has free publications that customers can take home, such as:

  • 55 Plus. Found at local metropolitan libraries.
  • AARP-American Association of Retired Persons. This source provides numerous publications and resources on aging issues.
F. Internet Resources
  • newhttp://seniorhousing.botw.org This site has information on locations of senior housing. It also list the amenities and cost of the facilities.
  • www.aoa.org - The Department of Human Services Administration on Aging.
  • www.elderweb.com - This site has links to conferences and articles on Aging.
  • www.ssa.gov - This is the web address for The Social Security Administration.
G. Other Media, e.g. Video, Audio

The library has a large selection of books on tape for those persons who may be visually challenged or who may enjoy listening to fun fiction titles as well as non-fiction books.

  • Chicken Soup for the Golden Soul. 808.8013/C533csg/audio
  • Growing Older Gracefully. 612.67/G884g/video
  • In Your Hands: the tools for preserving personal autonomy. 346.73013/video
  • The Ultimate Senior Fitness Program. 613.70446/UL 47u/video
H. Further Research
  • Consult the College of Allied Health at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center's Gerontology and Geriatrics Program.
Prepared by D Smith
August 2006