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50 Plus

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Featured Articles | Directory of Services | Elder Law & Estate Planning | Health, ElderCare & Support Groups | Live & Learn | Social Activities, Networking & Organizations | Put Your Experience to Work | Retirement | Transportation | Volunteering | Other Helpful Websites

Featured articles

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Directory of Services

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Elder Law & Estate Planning

(See also:  Consumer Information; Automobile-Consumer Protection; Law & Legal Information; Government)

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Health, Eldercare & Support Groups

(See also: Health)

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Live & Learn

(See also:  Genealogy; Sports; Arts; Music; Events & Festivals; Community Calendar)

Live & Learn - Local
  • AARP Driver Safety Program
    Search by zip-code for the nearest Driver Safety class to refresh your driving skills and get a discount on auto insurance.
  • Computer Classes:
    The Columbia and Callaway libraries offer free computer self guided tutorials and classes on the Internet.  Call 573-443-3161 to register for classes in Columbia, 573-642-7261 for Fulton or toll free at 1-800-324-4806.
  • DBRL (Library) Programs
    The library sponsors a wide array of programs on genealogy research, writing, history, gardening etc. by local and guest speakers.  Check the program calendar regularly for upcoming programs, registration dates etc. 
  • Drop-in Online Job Application Assistance – Columbia Public Library & Callaway County Public Library
    Drop-in sessions offer extra computer time to fill out online applications with staff on hand to offer basic computer assistance Mondays (6:30-8:30 p.m.) and Tuesdays (9:30-11:30 a.m.) at the  Columbia Public Library, and Fridays (9:30-11:30 a.m.) in Callaway County Public Library,
  • One Read
    Get involved in the community-wide library sponsored One Read program.   A new book is announced in June of each year and the library and One Read partners host a month long series of events about the author and the book in September.
  • Career Center
    Develop new hobbies and skills through the Career Center.  Recent classes included alternative medicine and therapy, crafts, dance and fitness, learning a new language and beginning art and music.  There is usually a fee for courses.
  • Columbia Parks & Recreation
    Offers a wide range of recreational opportunities with special activities and events for 50 Plus seniors.
  • Fulton Parks & Recreation
    Offers a wide range of recreational opportunities.  Recent activities included quilting and water aerobics.
  • Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at MU
    Courses for active and curious adults over 50.  A wide variety of topics is offered each spring and fall semester.  Tours and field trips are highlights of many courses. Usually 6- 8 weeks and there is a registration fee.  Contact 573-882-4349 or learnforlife@missouri.edu
Live & Learn - National and International
  • Daily Bulletin AARP
    Daily bulletin of news items from the AARP.
  • Computers Made Easy
    "Do it yourself" computer learning sites on the Internet with links to resources that help seniors with new technologies.
  • ElderTreks
    Active, off-the-beaten-path adventure travel for people 50 and over.
  • Exploritas
    The largest educational travel organization for adults 55 and over offers a huge variety of national and international programs.
  • 50Plus Expeditions
    Adventure travel tours for people over 50.
  • SeniorNet.com
    One of the first online sites to focus on providing seniors with information and training on new technologies, SeniorNet offers online courses on a wide variety of topics plus blogs and online book clubs.  There is a membership fee and a fee for online courses.
  • Senior Summer School
    Experience college life through short-term classes, sightseeing and social events on various college campuses throughout the United States.   Online interactive courses are also offered.
  • Transitions Abroad
    Comprehensive portal for all aspects of working, studying and volunteering abroad with links to information on cultural travel opportunities and international living.

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Put Your Experience to Work

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Retirement

  • AARP - Retirement
    Current information and advice on money management and financial information plus links to various tools that calculate retirement income.  Sign up for free for the latest economic news from AARP Today.
  • Chambers of Commerce
    Click on Resource Directory to find Chambers of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureaus nationwide. Search by city name for information on size, housing, healthcare and a host of other factors that assess a city’s suitability for seniors and retirees.
  • City Comparisons
    Research and compare prospective retirement places throughout the United States at City-Data.com and register for free to participate on discussion forums about life in different cities.
  • "Collect Now, or Later? Timing Your Social Security Benefits"
    Article by Tara Siegal Bernard for The New York Times, July 10, 2009. Information and advice from financial advisors and the Social Security Administration on the best age to start collecting social security. Includes links to the Social Security Benefit calculator and to other planning tools.
  • Eldr.com
    Eldr.com has a housing locator for independent living & retirement communities and for assisted living, residential care and nursing care facilities. 
  • Money Magazine Best Places to Retire
    Find the "Best Places to Retire" by Money Magazine for the current and previous two years.
  • Retirement Planning
    Free guide for pre-retirement planning provided by Ameriprise Financial Services with fee based
    follow-up consultation.
  • Social Security Administration
    Request a copy of your Social Security Earnings Statement or learn more about retirement planning, Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
  • U.S. Dept. of Labor Retirement publication
    Online version of the publication Taking the Mystery out of Retirement Planning includes interactive worksheets that may be completed at the end of each chapter.
  • Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement
    Provides basic financial information for low to moderate income women.   Publications and booklets may be downloaded and it includes a Retirement Income Calculator.

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Social Activities, Networking & Organizations

  • The Ageless Project
    A website "that lists blogs or websites of people in order of their birth year."  Also has links to blogs of interest to "savvy boomers."
  • Callaway Senior Center
    531 Commons Dr., Fulton, MO  65251; 573-642-2458
  • Centralia Senior Center
    211 West Bruton Street, Centralia, MO 65240; 573-682-5053
  • Columbia Senior Center
    1121 Business Loop, 70E, Columbia, MO 65201; 573-874-2050
  • Oakland Senior Center
    805 Old Highway 63 N, Columbia, MO 65202; 573-449-8000
  • Southern Boone County Senior Center
    406 Douglas Drive, Ashland, MO 65010; 573-657-9512
  • Boone County Council on Aging
    Connects Boone County’s older adults to resources and support services to enable them to lead independent lives.
  • Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging (CMAAA)
    Provides a network of support services to family caregivers and older persons.
  • Central Missouri Food Bank
    A regional disaster and hunger relief network that distributes food to those in need through a number of agencies.  The CMFB headquarters is in Columbia and offers many opportunities for volunteers.
  • Eldr.com
    From the publishers of Eldr magazine this site has many ways to interact with others; add your own profile, join or create a forum or discussion group, or read from favorite blogs on topics of interest to seniors.  Also, read excerpts from the magazine, find out about recommended books and receive online monthly newsletters.
  • Eons.com
    This online community for boomers has a variety of ways to connect to others including groups that share the same interests, blogs, photo & video sharing and online games, puzzles and trivia.  Membership is free.  Eons also powers the "first age-relevant search engine."
  • Meals on Wheels
    Volunteers deliver hot meals to seniors over 60 or those under that age with a permanent or temporary disability.  Cost is based on recipient’s income on a sliding scale.
  • Missouri State Senior Games
    An Olympic style sports festival for senior athletes who are at least 50 years of age.
  • Third Age
    Focusing on the dynamic population of baby boomers or "ThirdAgers", this site invites you to create a "home online where you can upload pictures, tell people a bit about yourself and make "ThirdAge friends."  Join or create a discussion group, respond to an article or receive a selection of newsletters on interesting topics.
  • TBD.com
    "To connect to all of us who think that life is still To Be Determined" welcomes men & women over forty as a way to meet new friends online.
  • Services for Independent Living
    Empowers people with disabilities to live as independently as possible in their homes through adaptive services and a Personal Assistance Services Program.

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Transportation

  • AARP Driver Safety Program
    Search by zip-code for the nearest Driver Safety class to refresh your driving skills and get a discount on auto insurance.
  • Callaway County SERVE, Inc.
    Look under Services for information on Callaway Transportation, a service with emphasis on the elderly and disabled to transport people to doctor’s appointments, shopping etc.  One way and round trip fees apply.
  • OATS, Inc.
    Free, scheduled in advance door-to–door transportation for rural residents with priority given to the elderly and disabled.    The program is statewide.

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Volunteering

Volunteering - Local
  • Voluntary Action Center
    The Voluntary Action Center provides volunteer information, training and recognition. 
    The VAC’s Directory of Community Services is available at the Reference desk, Columbia Public Library.
  • Callaway County SERVE, Inc.
    Look under Services for information on the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program in Callaway County.
  • Central Missouri Food Bank
    A regional disaster and hunger relief network that distributes food to those in need through a number of agencies.  The CMFB headquarters is in Columbia and has many volunteer opportunities.
  • Ecumenical Ministries Services in Callaway County
    Includes a number of service or support programs in Callaway County.
  • The Literacy Action Corps
    Volunteer as a literacy tutor and teach adult nonreaders or people from another country how to improve their reading and writing skills.
  • Meals on Wheels
    Volunteers deliver hot meals to seniors over 60 or those under that age with a permanent or temporary disability.
  • Missouri State Senior Games
    An Olympic style sports festival for senior athletes who are at least 50 years of age with many opportunities to participate and volunteer.  Volunteers are also needed for the Show Me State Games.
  • The Office of Volunteer Services Columbia
    The city has numerous opportunities to be involved in local community events like Cleanup Columbiaor city programs such as Park Patrol Volunteers, TreeKeepersprogram, recycling education or Adopt-A-Spot.
  • The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
    Connects people aged 55 and older to a diverse range of volunteer activities
  • Services for Seniors Boone County Directory
    Search this online directory under Volunteer Opportunities.
  • United Way Missouri 211
    This 7 day, 24 hours a day toll-free number connects to a full range of community resources and volunteer opportunities throughout the state.
  • University of Missouri Clinical Trials
    A listing of clinical trial opportunities for volunteers to assist with medical research.
Volunteering - National & International
  • Civic Ventures Programs
    Founded by social entrepreneur and author Marc Freedman, Civic Ventures "works to define the second half of adult life as a time of individual and social renewal."  Includes programs such as encore.org http://www.encore.org/ and Experience Corps http://www.experiencecorps.org/
  • Peace Corps
    The Peace Corps encourages 50 + aged volunteers and retirees to share their work experiences and wisdom.
  • Reinventing Aging
    A venture between the Harvard School of Public Health and the MetLife Foundation on how "to change public attitudes towards aging and motivate boomers & retirees to engage in community service."   Click on Resources for links to organizations providing information on boomers and civic engagement and on Volunteer for a list of national organizations that provide volunteer opportunities.
  • Volunteer Abroad
    Look for volunteer opportunities around the world including Teach Abroad, Global Vision and many short term paid job opportunities abroad.

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Other Helpful Web Sites

  • AARP
    The Association of Retired Persons provides a host of services and information to seniors.  The user-friendly web-site is organized by topic.  Membership includes the magazine and exclusive discounts for hotels, car rentals, and travel insurance.
  • Anti-Aging Guide
    Focuses on anti-aging research in the areas of drugs, nutrition, bio-medicine, quality of life and physical activity with emphasis on diet to promote longevity.
  • Financial Planning
    One of the best known online sites for investment advice and financial information. 
  • Helpguide
    Guides and articles on a wide range of issues including senior health, fitness and nutrition from a non-profit organization.
  • Holistic Health Portal
    Information on age-related health issues with a holistic approach to wellness.
  • Kids-In-Mind
    Search for information on the sex, violence and profanity content in movies, videos and DVDs. The independent for-profit company Critics Inc. also explains the MPAA ratings system assigned to movies.
  • Live, Learn & Grow after 60
    Go 60.com is intended to counter out- dated attitudes about aging and provide articles and information to enhance the quality of life through the years.
  • National Council on Aging
    Download helpful NCOA publications on a variety of topics, including Long-Term Care Insurance and Reverse Mortgages.
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