Publications

Search, browse, view, and download NIA publications here.

Smell and Taste: Spice of Life
Sally looked forward to Thanksgiving dinner at her daughter's house. But, when she ate the holiday food, she felt let down. It wasn't as tasty as she remembered. Sally knew her daughter was a good cook. What was wrong? Maybe Sally's sense of smell was the real problem. Your Sense Of Smell Smell is an important sense. Certain smells can help you recall your dad's cologne or alert you to danger, like smoke from a fire. When you can't smell things you enjoy like morning coffee or flowers, part of life may seem very dull.

Keywords: Cancer, Nutrition, Sensory Impairment, Smell, Taste
Smoking: It's Never Too Late to Stop
“I’ve smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for 40 years—what’s the use of quitting now?” No matter your age, quitting smoking improves your health. If you quit smoking, you are likely to add years to your life, breathe more easily, and save money.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Cancer, Heart Attack, Lungs and Breathing, Smoking
So Far Away: Twenty Questions and Answers About Long-Distance Caregiving
Using a question-and-answer format, this beautifully illustrated, 44-page booklet offers information about caregiving from afar. It explores topics such as complex family relationships, legal issues, housing options, and advance directives.

Keywords: Caregiving, Home Care
Stay Safe in Cold Weather!
Learn Why You Need to Stay Warm When It's Cold Read about hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature, and how it affects older people. This 15-page booklet offers many tips for staying safe in cold weather.

Keywords: Hypothermia, Personal Safety
Stroke
Luis and Inez were playing cards one night when Luis asked Inez a question. She tried to answer but couldn't speak. Luis knew something was very wrong. Could it be a stroke? Without waiting, he called 911. The ambulance took Inez to the hospital. Emergency doctors said it was a stroke — Luis was right. Because Luis called for help quickly, Inez got the medical care she needed without delay. She started getting well, her speech came back, and once again she's having long talks with Luis.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Brain and Nerves, Cardiovascular, Stroke
Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth
Max is shocked. His dentist told him that he has a tooth that needs to come out. The 63-year-old had been sure he would keep his teeth forever. Max is going to work with his dentist on taking better care of his remaining teeth. Healthy teeth and gums make it easy for you to eat well and enjoy good food. There are a number of problems that can affect the health of your mouth, but good care should keep your teeth and gums strong.

Keywords: Eating, Gum Disease, Teeth and Mouth
Talking With Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People
A Guide for Older People This 44-page booklet is full of ideas and tips for good communication with your doctor. The illustrations and conversational tone help to explain how to prepare for a medical appointment, discuss sensitive topics, and coordinate help from family and friends.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Doctor-Patient Communication
Talking With Your Older Patient: A Clinician's Handbook
This essential guide for health professionals offers strategies for communicating effectively with older patients. Among the topics addressed in this 61-page publication are how to talk about sensitive issues, give bad news, and be aware of cultural differences.

Keywords: Doctor-Patient Communication, Training Materials for Professionals
Testing Images

Keywords:
There's No Place Like Home - For Growing Old
As part of the Federal Government’s National Institutes of Health, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) funds and conducts research related to aging, including how older people can remain independent. This NIA tip sheet introduces you to the kinds of help that you might want to consider so you can continue to live on your own. Where possible, we give you suggestions for free or low-cost help and include ways to identify benefits that might be available to you. A list of groups to contact for more detailed information is included at the end of the tip sheet. You can share this tip sheet with others in your family, and you can use it to begin talking about your needs—now and in the future.

Keywords: Assistive Devices, Home Care, Long-Term Care, Retirement, Safety, Training Materials for Professionals