The myth of the senior mindlessly navigating the internet, unsure of what to do is just that: a myth. Many older adults spend more time online than their grandkids, weaving a rich tapestry of friendships while building an engaged online presence. The internet offers the chance to learn how to do just about anything, navigate life’s challenges and forge lasting connections. Many seniors also use the internet to build a legacy, share their stories and advocate for their most cherished causes. Websites for seniors support your interests and goals and help you build an engaged next act.
Here are our top picks for websites for seniors in 2024.
Most seniors are familiar with the nonprofit organization AARP. But some may not know its website is packed with articles ranging from travel tips and health advice to guides for fraud prevention and managing Alzheimer’s disease. The site also makes it easy to reap the benefits of AARP’s famed discounts.
If you’re addicted to Wordle, you’ll find it at its new home on The New York Times website. The site boasts tons of games, from daily crosswords to the perennially challenging Spelling Bee puzzle.
Want to cram your brain full of knowledge? TED is the perfect site. Listen to talks from speakers of every variety with a vast array of expertise. And because all of the talks are in audio form, you can listen to them while you clean, garden or exercise for optimal efficiency.
Medicare.gov is a must-bookmark for anyone on Medicare and those who will soon be eligible. You can do a lot more than just compare Medicare plans here, though. Learn about eligibility options, tending to your own health and so much more.
Sick of websites that assume all older adults are retired, disconnected from pop culture and disinterested in everything but grandchildren? OlderIsWiser has entered the chat. This web magazine never condescends and tackles topics ranging from relationships to workplace drama.
Tired of pithy retirement advice that glosses over the details? If you’re serious about financial planning and want to understand the nitty-gritty details of the process, The Chicago Financial Planner can help you level up your financial acumen.
Sixty and Me is the ultimate lifestyle magazine for older adults. Boasting romance articles, fashion tips, money management guides and even advice columns, it’s easy to spend hours on this site learning, planning your day and laughing at the absurdities of life.
The Alliance for Retired Americans is a politically engaged activist organization for retirees and their supporters. It boasts a fairly high level of discourse and is a great resource if you hope to become more politically engaged and informed. Read about how congressional budgets, bills and ongoing debates could affect your real life, and then take action.
Video games aren’t just for kids. Pogo has digitized all your favorite pastimes, such as Scrabble, chess, mahjong, sudoku and crossword puzzles, so you can play them again and again. Strike up a solo game or pit your skills against friends in online competitions.
With more than 4,000 pages of humor, Suddenly Senior is one of the internet’s best resources for generational yuks. Howl at articles such as “Looking for Mr. Oldbar: Seniors Are Looking for Love Too.” You can chuckle at senior trivia, knee-slapping nostalgia and joke-packed forums.
From money management to relationships, thirdAGE explores every aspect of senior life. Unlike some other sites, all healthy living articles get the stamp of approval from on-site physicians before going live. But what makes thirdAGE really stand out is its interactivity, offering a participatory blog and online classes.
Didn’t grow up with computers? The Senior’s Guide to Computers tells you what you need to know in down-to-earth language that won’t make your brain blow a microchip. It also includes a devoted YouTube channel that shows you how to do just about everything. Get practical advice on how to set up a computer if you’re visually impaired or how to avoid email scams. Animation and easy-to-understand screenshots help you along the way.
What is your generation thinking about? And where do your interests fit in? Find out at LoveToKnow. Catering to seniors, their adult children and caregivers, this site covers topics from fashion, beauty and home décor to financial planning and shopping for antiques.
Accommodations for two at $20 a night? Yes, it’s possible with Evergreen Club’s network of bed-and-breakfast establishments. With an annual fee and an agreement that you’ll sometimes host other travelers over 50, you can take advantage of more than 2,000 homestays across the United States and Canada.
Seniors are one of the fastest-growing demographics on the world’s most popular social network. Join your family and friends on Facebook to share thoughts, photos and videos. Facebook can serve as a sort of gateway to the rest of the internet, connecting you to interesting communities, stories and more.
Reddit is the ultimate message board. Subreddits are dedicated communities devoted to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re into gardening, advocacy, supporting your grandchildren, pets or all of the above and more, there’s a subreddit for you. The culture on Reddit is supportive and welcoming, and many posters have immense knowledge about their favorite topics.
If hitting the road figures prominently in your plans for your next act, check out Road Scholar. This master travel guide can help you make the most of every trip, whether you’re camping for a night or traveling the entire country.
More than half of adults over 50 provide care to at least one person. Caregiving can be deeply meaningful, but it can also be exhausting and frustrating. The National Alliance for Caregiving advocates for caregivers and their families, connects you to caregiving resources and offers the profound reassurance that you are not alone.
If your grandkids are an important part of your retirement, you probably already know that a lot about parenting has changed. With Grandkids Matter, a comprehensive online magazine, stay on top of recent trends, learn about good communication with your grandkids and aspire to be the best possible grandparent.
If you’re planning to stay in the workforce a little longer, meet your new best friend. Workforce50 caters to more experienced workers with a wide range of jobs. As a bonus, brush up on new workplace norms and get advice for all of your burning career questions on the Ask a Manager website.
Are you constantly scouring the internet to learn more about medical conditions or medications? Forget about Dr. Google or message boards that do little more than inspire hypochondria. Go where the professionals go. StatPearls offers plain-language, research-based summaries of medical conditions, symptoms and medications, so you can have informed discussions with your medical providers.
Like StatPearls, the National Institute on Aging offers research-supported articles on aging-related topics. But unlike StatPearls, it’s written explicitly for seniors with links to additional resources, including both academic studies and consumer-friendly guides.
Senior living review sites can be a good resource for research, but many of these companies often have a financial incentive to refer you to the businesses that pay them for listings. Where You Live Matters is a non-profit created by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) and provides non-biased, non-incentivized information for adults (and their families) who are looking to live their best lives as they age.
A good website helps you improve your life, sharpen your knowledge, connect meaningfully with others and live your best life. Want even more advice on making the next chapter of your life your very best? Download our free resource, “The Complete Guide to Life Plan Communities.”