With online searching now a norm on so many fronts, the AAA Generations column will periodically be devoted to frequently asked about or otherwise interesting websites. In that spirit I’ll point out a few.
www.mmapinc.org MMAP is a key resource for Medicare information. MMAP is part of an army of volunteer counselors trained nationwide to answer questions on a host of Medicare or related insurance programs. Each counselor receives six days of training and has links to experts to assure consistency of knowledge and answers. Information on updates is continuous. Many people have questions after going on www.Medicare.gov or calling their toll-free number. Locally, nearly 4000 people called MMAP last year to make an appointment to ask questions about their individual situation. Hubbed from the Area Agency on Aging, counselors are stationed throughout the area. Feedback from the public is full of praise and gratefulness. Don’t be in the dark or worrying, call for an appointment if you have questions. MMAP is reachable at 1-800-803-7174.
www.eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx Many people ask AAA about how to find out what types of services are available for their friends and loved ones in other parts of Michigan or other states. The Eldercare Locator is a national service sponsored by the Administration on Community Living and housed with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. By going on their website and entering the zip code where you hope to learn about services, the local contact information for that area will be provided. If you call their number at 1-800-677-1116, you’ll be able to talk to a live information counselor who can also give you localized contact information for the place you’re interested in. All state and U.S territories are covered. Locally we routinely receive locals from people living in other states who learned about the AAA through the Eldercare Locator.
www.Michigan.gov/AgingDriver Under the motto of Safe Drivers Smart Options, Keys to Lifelong Mobility, this site delves into common issues faced by just about everybody. There’s a section for the active aging driver on how to complete a self-assessment of driving skills, how to find where driver refresher courses close to you are, or how health problems and medication can affect your driving, and how and when to think about retiring from driving and to do what then. The section on family and friends talks about how to initiate a conversation about giving up the keys and finding answers to help maintain the aging driver’s mobility and independence.
www.seniorplanet.org Based in New York City and sporting an Aging With Attitude tag line, Senior Planet celebrates aging by sharing information and resources that support aging with individuality. Its content can be a bit quirky; the range of topics amazing. Primary categories of topics include: Healthy Aging, Senior Dating & Sex, Senior Travel, and Tech Tips for Seniors. Written and edited by freelance writers, part of its purpose is to support older adults use of technology by providing engaging, positive online experiences and opportunities to have a voice on the web. They welcome queries from freelance writers interested in contributing and provide contact information and clear guidelines. They stay open to original opinion pieces and personal essays, especially humor.
Explore – enjoy – good luck.