Resources for Library Services to Older Adults

Foundation for Art and Healing

The Foundation for Art and Healing includes Project UnLonely, a program designed to use art to help people connect with each other and avoid loneliness. Libraries can partner with the organization to get trained in and provide art programs for patrons.

Music and Memory

Music and Memory is a program created by the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function. Community members can get trained to create therapeutic music playlists for people with memory loss. Music has a unique ability to reconnect people with memories, and this program helps people experience better moods and health outcomes.

Senior Planet

Senior Planet is an affiliate of AARP that provides technology training for older adults to help bridge the digital divide. The organization hosts in-person classes in a limited number of states, as well as virtual classes. 

Tales and Travel

Tales and Travel is a well-researched, widely known program used in libraries to connect with patrons with memory loss. 

TimeSlips

TimeSlips can be used as a conversation starter for programs with older adults, particularly those with memory loss.

WebJunction

WebJunction, the continuing education platform OCLC created, has a landing page for services to older adults. There you can access recordings of past webinars, sign up for upcoming ones, and read articles.

"Aging Together: Landscape Report" 

The "Aging Together: Landscape Report" was recently released by the American Library Association to report on the increase in library programs for older adults. Read about what types of programs are being hosted and what barriers to library services still exist.

"Exercising at the Library"

Lenstra, Oguz, D'Arpa, and Wilson published "Excercising at the Library: Small and Rural Public Libraries in the Lives of Older Adults," a paper about the use and efficacy of GeriFit programs in small public libraries.

Keys to Engaging Older Adults

Keys to Engaging Older Adults was created by ALA. It includes definitions of key terms as well as resources to look into outside the library.

"Library Services to an Aging Population"

Lenstra, Oguz, and Duvall reported on public library services for older adults based on data from surveying hundreds of libraries in "Library Services to an Aging Population." The resulting information provides a good, relatively current look at what public libraries do for older adults in their communities.

Memory Cafe Percolator

The Memory Cafe Percolator is a comprehensive resource created by the Jewish Family and Children's Service for anyone looking to create a memory cafe or find an existing one in their community.

National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults

The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults created a guide for "Implementing and Expanding Virtual Programming for Older Adults" based on extensive experience.

RUSA

RUSA's Guidelines for Library Services with 60+ Audience is an update to guidelines that have existed since the 1980s.

"When Somebody Says This Is a Program for Adults"

Dalmer, Bull, and Mitrovica published "When Somebody Says This Is a Program for Adults" in The Gerontologist. It is one of the few studies asking community members what they think of age labels for library programming.

Dementia Friendly America

Dementia Friendly America has a presence in 43 states so far and provides education and resources to become a dementia friendly community, library, or business. 

Eldercare Locator

The Eldercare Locator is a resource created by the Department of Health and Human Services to provide better access to local aging-related resources. By submitting your zip code or city, you can see information about your Area Agency on Aging, legal services, ombudsmen, and other local and state resources. 

engAGED: National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults

engAGED hosts webinars on aging-related topics, shares news about other nonprofits and resources, and generally provides information about ways in which older adults can get more social interaction.

National Council on Aging

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has a wide range of resources, on topics related to aging in place, finances, health and wellness, and more. 

National Institute on Aging

The National Institute on Aging is a government website focused on providing accessible health information on topics related to aging.

National Senior Games Association

The National Senior Games Association is a great resource for anyone 50 and up who is interested in competing in sports and staying active. Many of the participants are relatively new to their chosen sports! The Senior Games take place at both state and national levels. 

Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration website allows you to apply for benefits, locate your local office, learn about Supplemental Security Income (SSI), plan for Medicare, and more. 

Peggy Barber Tribute Grant

Peggy Barber Tribute Grant is awarded yearly to libraries to support new or increased programming. In 2024-2025 the grant was given to libraries combatting loneliness among older adults. 

Stephen T. Riedner Grant

Stephen T. Riedner Grant is awarded to a library every year to help fund programs for patrons with dementia.

Age Without Limits

Age Without Limits has an age-positive image library of diverse older adults with different interests and mobility that are designed to encourage a more realistic and beneficial view of aging.

Art Against Ageism

Art Against Ageism is a nonprofit organization that collaborates with other groups to host art installations and programming that confronts ageism and promotes positive beliefs about aging.

FrameWorks Institute

The FrameWorks Institute shares research and tips for how to effectively change mindsets around various topics, one of which is aging. The language we use can either undermine or reinforce advocacy work. Read their blogs, reports, and presentations to learn more.

SAGE

SAGE offers advocacy and community support for older adults in the LGBTQ+ community. The organization's goal is to help everyone age with dignity and pride.

Technology & Ageism

"Turn on the Computer, Turn off the Ageism" by Dr. Joseph Winberry is a short article with concrete suggestions to address ageism while offering older patrons technology assistance.