The following links are specific for seniors. They augment but do not replace the comprehensive travel links listed alphabetically in our
Tips section (see index page) where one will find everything that is travel related from A to Z, from accommodations and air fare to a world zoo list! If you come across links that you think we should add, email me
(Mike Keenan) a short note at whattravelwriterssay@cogeco.net and I will take a look at it. In the meantime, happy trails to you!
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Accommodations - Hotel Chains: Most hotel chains offer senior discounts from 10-50%. Check the following:
Choice Hotels: (Clarion Hotels, Quality Inns, Sleep Inns, Friendship Inns, Rodeway Inns and
Econo Lodges) Offer 20-30 % discounts to senior travelers over the age of 60 and 10% for people
50+. AARP members get 15% off. Reservations must be made through the toll free number: 800/4-CHOICE, so check first with the local hotels to make sure the "discounted" price you're getting from the nationwide reservations center beats any local discounts. Website:
www.choicehotels.com.
Days Inns: AARP members receive 15 % off at participating Days Inns, and all Days Inns offer
10 % off to senior travelers over 60 with proof of age. Reservations: 800/329-7466. Website:
www.daysinn.com.
Howard Johnson's: 20 % off for AARP members at all Hojos. Phone: toll free 800/IGOHOJO. Website:
www.hojo.com.
Marriott Hotels: At more than 2,000 Marriott Hotels in the United States, senior travelers (62 and older) save at least 15 % off normal rates. This includes the Fairfield Inns and Courtyards by Marriott (two subsidiary chains) and Marriott's Residence Inns. Phone: Marriott at 888/236-2427, Website:
www.marriott.com.
Radisson Hotels: The "Senior Travel Breaks" program allows persons 50 or older to stay at any Radisson Hotel world-wide at a discount of 15-40 % off the regular rate. For more information, call: 800/333-3333. Website:
www.radisson.com.
Ramada Inn: AARP members get 20 % off normal rates. Phone: toll free 800/2-RAMADA.
Website:
www.ramada.com.
Starwood Hotels: (Sheraton, Four Points, W Hotels, Westin Hotels and Resorts)
Note: discounts may be withheld during peak business periods, and are not applicable to minimum-rate rooms, but virtually all Sheratons give up to a 50 % senior travel discount to those 60 and older. Phone: toll-free 800/325-3535.
Website:
www.starwood.com.
Alliance for Retired Americans. http://www.retiredamericans.org/ This is an AARP alternative.
American Passport Express for a fee, expedites renewals and first-time applications for U.S. passports. http://www.americanpassport.com/
Aging - Organizations working to improve the quality of life and provide opportunities for seniors.Check the following:
AARP:
The AARP Foundation administers programs that assist older Americans. These programs, funded by grants or cooperative agreements with governments or private organizations, provide a wide variety of services including job training, tax assistance, assistance with important lawsuits being decided by the courts, and much more. Website:
www.aarp.org
Administration On Aging:
For over thirty years, the Administration on Aging (AoA) has provided home and community-based services to millions of our nation's vulnerable and hard to reach older persons through the programs funded under the Older Americans Act. Website:
www.aoa.gov/
Age Concern England:
Age Concern England works to improve the quality of life and provide opportunities for the country's senior citizens. This network of over 1,000 local organizations offers a wide range of community-based services. It also makes grants available to organizations providing services for the benefit of older people. Website:
www.ageconcern.org.uk
Age Esteem:
Age Esteem seeks to create a world where age and aging are celebrated and people of all ages are seen as important, contributing members of society.
Website:
www.ageesteem.com
Aging in Canada:
This website is dedicated to social and legal issues affecting seniors in Canada. The purpose of the site is provide information and raise awareness of key issues to help advance their rights as full citizens in Canadian society. Website:
www.canadianelderlaw.ca
Aging In New York Fund, Inc:
The Aging in New York Fund, Inc. is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older New Yorkers and their families. Through partnerships with the public and private sectors, the Fund is forging vital new visions and innovative models for services for the aging. Website:
www.anyf.org
Alzheimer's Association:
The Alzheimer's Association is the largest national voluntary health organization committed to finding a cure for Alzheimer's and helping those affected by the disease. The Association also provides education and support for people diagnosed with the condition, their families, and caregivers. Website:
www.alz.org
American Aging Association:
For over 3 decades the American Aging Association (AGE) has been working to promote research which will ultimately lead to a long, healthy, productive life for all men and women. Website:
www.americanaging.org
Assisted Living Federation of America:
The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) represents over 7,000 for-profit and not-for-profit providers of assisted living, continuing care retirement communities, independent living and other forms of housing and services.
Website:
www.alfa.org
Aussie Campervans:
Aussie Campervans provides best facilities for Campervan hire, Motorhome hire and 4wd hire in Australia and New Zealand. Best deals with campervan rental companies Apollo, AAM, Backpacker, Britz, Jucy Rentals, Kea Campers, Maui Rentals, Camperman Australia, Cheapa Camper and Hippie Camper.
Website:
www.aussiecampervans.com
California Commission On Aging:
The California Commission serves as the "principal advocate in the state on behalf of older individuals, including, but not limited to, advisory participation in the consideration of all legislation and regulations made by state and federal departments and agencies relating to programs and services that affect older individuals." Website:
www.ccoa.ca.gov/
Canadian Association on Gerontology:
A national, multidisciplinary scientific and educational established to provide leadership in matters related to the aging population. Website:
www.cagacg.ca
Centre For Policy on Ageing:
An independent organization aiming to formulate and promote social policies which will allow all older people to achieve full potential of their later years. CPA promotes informed about issues affecting older age groups, stimulates awareness of the needs of older people and encourage good practice. Website:
www.cpa.org.uk
Eldercare Locator Now Online:
The Eldercare Locator is a national directory assistance public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging that helps people locate aging services in every community throughout the United States. The primary goal of the service is to promote awareness of and improve access to state, area agency and local community aging programs and services. Website:
www.eldercare.gov
ESHEL:
The association for the Planning and Development of Services for the Aged in Israel is the central planning body for community-based services for the elderly in Israel.
Website:
http://www.eshelnet.org.il/en/index.php
Eurolink Age:
Eurolink Age is a not-for-profit European network concerned with older people and issues of ageing. It is a network of organizations and individuals that promotes good policy and practice on aging in Europe. Website:
www.eurolinkage.org
Gray Panthers:
Gray Panthers is an intergenerational advocacy organization. From age 9 to 93, they are Age and Youth in Action, activists working together for social and economic justice. Their issues include universal health care, jobs with a living wage and t he rights to organize, preservation of Social Security, affordable housing, access to quality education, economic justice, environment, peace and challenging ageism, sexism, racism. Website:
www.graypanthers.org
Health on the Net - Ageing Dossier:
HON Ageing Dossier proposes an overview of the ageing process completed with a section on related diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson disease, osteoporosis, cancers... Website:
www.hon.ch/Dossier/Ageing/part3.htm
Helpage International:
Helpage International is a global network of non-governmental organizations with a mission to work with and for disadvantaged older people worldwide to achieve a lasting improvement in the quality of their lives. The organization funds projects which give direct support to older people in over 50 countries worldwide, supports organizations working with older people, and provides a voice for older people. Website:
http://www.helpage.org/Home
International Association of Gerontology :
The International Association of Gerontology was founded in 1950. Its objectives are to promote gerontological research, training in the field of aging and encou rage the interests of gerontological organizations in international affairs. The IAG has members in more than 60 countries in five regions. Website:
www.iagg.com.br/webforms/index.aspx
International Association of Homes and Services for the Ageing:
The mission of the International Association of Homes and Services for the Ageing (IAHSA) is to connect and support care and service providers worldwide to enhance the quality of life for the ageing. IAHSA represents the interests of its members and promotes the association's goals through ethical leadership, advocacy, networking, education, information, and other services. Website:
www.iahsa.net
International Institute on Ageing:
An autonomous body under the auspices of the United Nations, the Institute holds a number of training courses for persons from developing countries, carries out research projects, hosts conferences and offers consultative services. Website:
www.inia.org.mt
Leadership Council of Ageing Organizations:
The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) is a coalition of national nonprofit organizations concerned with the well-being of America's older populat ion and committed to representing their interests in the policy-making arena. Website:
www.lcao.org
MEDICARE:
Medicare is a Health Insurance Program for people 65 years of age and older, some disabled people under 65 years of age, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant). Website:
www.medicare.gov
MEDICARE WATCH :
The Century Foundation Task Force on Medicare Reform is urging policy makers to focus on reducing the economic vulnerability of older Americans and improving their health, rather than basing policy primarily on the Medicare's potential financial difficulties.
Website:
www.medicarewatch.org
National Center on Elder Abuse:
NCEA site offers many resources to help you find the assistance, publications, data, information, and answers you need. It has information on conferences, community coalitions, statistics, laws, how to report elder abuse, and the basics facts about elder abuse. Website:
www.elderabusecenter.org
National Council on The Aging:
NCOA is the nation's first association of organizations and professionals dedicated to promoting the dignity, self-determination, well being, and contributions of older persons. NCOA's members include senior centers, area agencies on aging, adult day services, faith congregations, senior housing, health centers, employment services, and consumer organizations.
Website:
www.ncoa.org
National Institute on Aging:
The National Institute on Aging (NIA), leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. The NIA's mis sion is to improve the health and well-being of older Americans through research.
Website:
www.nih.gov/nia
New Zealand Association of Gerontology:
An interdisciplinary association for the study of aging in all aspects. Aims include training those caring for older people, advising, promoting research and stimulating interest and action in all matters concerning the welfare of older people. Website:
www.vuw.ac.nz/nzira/
Social Security Administration:
Social Security is more than a retirement program. It provides you and your family with disability, retirement and survivor's protection. The age at which you can receive your full retirement benefits is rising. But you can still collect retirement benefits as early as age 62. Website:
www.ssa.gov
Sociedad Espanola de Geriatria y Gerontologia:
Gerontology Association works to promote advancement in the understanding of the aging process, bring together researchers and professionals, and promote a ctions aimed at improving the quality of life of the elderly. Website:
http://www.segg.es/segg/index.html
UN Program on Ageing:
The United Nations develop the UN program on Ageing to facilitate and contribute to the creation of a society for all ages. Website:
www.un.org/esa/socdev/ageing
Urban Institute:
Non-partisan economic & social policy research. The Urban Institute measures effects, compare options, shows which stakeholders get the most and least, tests conventional wisdom, reveals trends, and makes costs, benefits, and risks explicit. Website:
www.urban.org
Blogger is owned by Google, a free service to set up your first Blog. Easy to register and you can start posting immediately. If you download Google's latest toolbar, you'll find a Blogger button included, which makes it easy to add sites to your Blog with one click as you surf the Web.
www.blogger.com/start
Bonzer is an Australian monthly on-line journal by, for and about wise elders.
http://www.bonzer.org.au/
CityPass costs a flat fee and includes tickets to multi city attractions. Prices vary. Most
passes are valid for nine days. Call: 1.888.330.5008.
www.citypass.com
Computers: Ask Mr. Modem provides computer tips and tricks and answers FAQ's with information aimed at senior computer users.
www.mrmodem.net/cgi-bin/sites.pl
50+ Skiers: where you find preferred pricing on lift tickets, etc., plus click-through access to
trips and travel planning.
http://www.50plusski.org/skilinks.html
The Full Court Press is an online weekly magazine "devoted to unique literary style, humor and serious contemporary commentary."
http://thefullcourtpress.com/
Funny Greetings is an electronic greeting card site. Save money on stamps!
http://www.flowgo.com/
GrandmaBetty is a shopping guide to find items on the Internet for grandma or grandpa.
http://grandmabetty.com/
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Inside Flyer: for frequent flyers. Each month, members-only provided with a close look at the
latest news from the frequent-flyer club that you belong to; including a complete run-down of airline, hotel, car rental and credit card bonuses; individual program reviews; editorial and pro-active leadership on travel program issues, the Best Bets of special bonuses and awards and special features such as Mileage Makeover and WiseFlyer. Inside Flyer helps readers optimize miles both on the redemption and earning side of the programs. Magazine subscriptions are $45/year; Internet only memberships are $12/year.
http://www.insideflyer.com/
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Medical bracelets (Medids) Free personalized medical identification wallet card that may be
generated on-line and also updated free of charge. Adult and children's medical bracelets, necklaces and other information products.
http://www.medids.com/
Microsoft Tips for Seniors with Impairments offers tips on customizing Microsoft products for seniors with vision, hearing or other impairments and includes a free newsletter.
http://www.microsoft.com/enable/aging/default.aspx
Mobility Advisor helps seniors live more independently with extensive articles on wheelchairs, scooters, accessories, wheel chair sports, disabled travel, transportation, and other mobility aids.
http://www.mobility-advisor.com/
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The North American Mature Publishers Association is a non-profit association for publishers of local/regional senior publications.
http://www.maturepublishers.com/
The Savvy Senior is a column by Jim Miller which provides practical information and tips.
http://www.savvysenior.org/
Second 50 Years is a site for those wanting to market to today's 79 million seniors, soon to be 108 million by 2015.
http://second50yearsmarketing.com/
Seniorstore sells senior products, birthday gifts, retirement gifts, gifts for seniors, grandparents, grandchildren, grandmothers, grandfathers, adults with low vision or arthritis.
http://www.seniorstore.com/
Senior Summer School provides the "Education Vacation," senior travel programs that offer active and adventurous seniors, boomers, and retirees an affordable opportunity to enhance their summer through leisure, education, and discovery at campus locations across the United States.
http://www.seniorsummerschool.com/
Shopping: The following websites provide coupons to help cut your cost:
The following links are specific for seniors. They augment but do not replace the comprehensive travel links listed alphabetically in our
Choice Hotels: (Clarion Hotels, Quality Inns, Sleep Inns, Friendship Inns, Rodeway Inns and
Econo Lodges) Offer 20-30 % discounts to senior travelers over the age of 60 and 10% for people
50+. AARP members get 15% off. Reservations must be made through the toll free number: 800/4-CHOICE, so check first with the local hotels to make sure the "discounted" price you're getting from the nationwide reservations center beats any local discounts. Website:
AARP:
For over thirty years, the Administration on Aging (AoA) has provided home and community-based services to millions of our nation's vulnerable and hard to reach older persons through the programs funded under the Older Americans Act. Website:
Age Concern England works to improve the quality of life and provide opportunities for the country's senior citizens. This network of over 1,000 local organizations offers a wide range of community-based services. It also makes grants available to organizations providing services for the benefit of older people. Website:
This website is dedicated to social and legal issues affecting seniors in Canada. The purpose of the site is provide information and raise awareness of key issues to help advance their rights as full citizens in Canadian society. Website:
The Aging in New York Fund, Inc. is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older New Yorkers and their families. Through partnerships with the public and private sectors, the Fund is forging vital new visions and innovative models for services for the aging. Website:
The Alzheimer's Association is the largest national voluntary health organization committed to finding a cure for Alzheimer's and helping those affected by the disease. The Association also provides education and support for people diagnosed with the condition, their families, and caregivers. Website:
The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) represents over 7,000 for-profit and not-for-profit providers of assisted living, continuing care retirement communities, independent living and other forms of housing and services.
Website:
Aussie Campervans provides best facilities for Campervan hire, Motorhome hire and 4wd hire in Australia and New Zealand. Best deals with campervan rental companies Apollo, AAM, Backpacker, Britz, Jucy Rentals, Kea Campers, Maui Rentals, Camperman Australia, Cheapa Camper and Hippie Camper.
Website:
The California Commission serves as the "principal advocate in the state on behalf of older individuals, including, but not limited to, advisory participation in the consideration of all legislation and regulations made by state and federal departments and agencies relating to programs and services that affect older individuals." Website:
An independent organization aiming to formulate and promote social policies which will allow all older people to achieve full potential of their later years. CPA promotes informed about issues affecting older age groups, stimulates awareness of the needs of older people and encourage good practice. Website:
The Eldercare Locator is a national directory assistance public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging that helps people locate aging services in every community throughout the United States. The primary goal of the service is to promote awareness of and improve access to state, area agency and local community aging programs and services. Website:
The association for the Planning and Development of Services for the Aged in Israel is the central planning body for community-based services for the elderly in Israel.
Website:
Eurolink Age is a not-for-profit European network concerned with older people and issues of ageing. It is a network of organizations and individuals that promotes good policy and practice on aging in Europe. Website:
Gray Panthers is an intergenerational advocacy organization. From age 9 to 93, they are Age and Youth in Action, activists working together for social and economic justice. Their issues include universal health care, jobs with a living wage and t he rights to organize, preservation of Social Security, affordable housing, access to quality education, economic justice, environment, peace and challenging ageism, sexism, racism. Website:
HON Ageing Dossier proposes an overview of the ageing process completed with a section on related diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson disease, osteoporosis, cancers... Website:
Helpage International is a global network of non-governmental organizations with a mission to work with and for disadvantaged older people worldwide to achieve a lasting improvement in the quality of their lives. The organization funds projects which give direct support to older people in over 50 countries worldwide, supports organizations working with older people, and provides a voice for older people. Website:
The International Association of Gerontology was founded in 1950. Its objectives are to promote gerontological research, training in the field of aging and encou rage the interests of gerontological organizations in international affairs. The IAG has members in more than 60 countries in five regions. Website:
The mission of the International Association of Homes and Services for the Ageing (IAHSA) is to connect and support care and service providers worldwide to enhance the quality of life for the ageing. IAHSA represents the interests of its members and promotes the association's goals through ethical leadership, advocacy, networking, education, information, and other services. Website:
An autonomous body under the auspices of the United Nations, the Institute holds a number of training courses for persons from developing countries, carries out research projects, hosts conferences and offers consultative services. Website:
The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) is a coalition of national nonprofit organizations concerned with the well-being of America's older populat ion and committed to representing their interests in the policy-making arena. Website:
Medicare is a Health Insurance Program for people 65 years of age and older, some disabled people under 65 years of age, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant). Website:
The Century Foundation Task Force on Medicare Reform is urging policy makers to focus on reducing the economic vulnerability of older Americans and improving their health, rather than basing policy primarily on the Medicare's potential financial difficulties.
Website:
NCEA site offers many resources to help you find the assistance, publications, data, information, and answers you need. It has information on conferences, community coalitions, statistics, laws, how to report elder abuse, and the basics facts about elder abuse. Website:
NCOA is the nation's first association of organizations and professionals dedicated to promoting the dignity, self-determination, well being, and contributions of older persons. NCOA's members include senior centers, area agencies on aging, adult day services, faith congregations, senior housing, health centers, employment services, and consumer organizations.
Website:
An interdisciplinary association for the study of aging in all aspects. Aims include training those caring for older people, advising, promoting research and stimulating interest and action in all matters concerning the welfare of older people. Website:
Social Security is more than a retirement program. It provides you and your family with disability, retirement and survivor's protection. The age at which you can receive your full retirement benefits is rising. But you can still collect retirement benefits as early as age 62. Website:
Gerontology Association works to promote advancement in the understanding of the aging process, bring together researchers and professionals, and promote a ctions aimed at improving the quality of life of the elderly. Website:
The United Nations develop the UN program on Ageing to facilitate and contribute to the creation of a society for all ages. Website:
Non-partisan economic & social policy research. The Urban Institute measures effects, compare options, shows which stakeholders get the most and least, tests conventional wisdom, reveals trends, and makes costs, benefits, and risks explicit. Website:
Blogging
passes are valid for nine days. Call: 1.888.330.5008.
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Drug Store Sites: check the following:
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trips and travel planning.
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latest news from the frequent-flyer club that you belong to; including a complete run-down of airline, hotel, car rental and credit card bonuses; individual program reviews; editorial and pro-active leadership on travel program issues, the Best Bets of special bonuses and awards and special features such as Mileage Makeover and WiseFlyer. Inside Flyer helps readers optimize miles both on the redemption and earning side of the programs. Magazine subscriptions are $45/year; Internet only memberships are $12/year.
generated on-line and also updated free of charge. Adult and children's medical bracelets, necklaces and other information products.
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Shopping: The following websites provide coupons to help cut your cost:
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