The National Institutes of Health hosts a comprehensive website devoted to a wide range of issues impacting the health of older Americans.  This website makes aging-related health information easily accessible for the over 60's crowd, as well as for family members and friends seeking reliable, easy to understand online health information. This site was developed by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Library of Medicine (NLM), both part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The site features authoritative and up-to-date health information from Institutes and Centers at NIH. In addition, the American Geriatrics Society provides expert and independent review of some of the material found on this Web site. Health topics include general background information, open-captioned videos, quizzes, and frequently asked questions (FAQs). New topics are added to the site on a regular basis.

The design of the site grew out of NIA's research on the types of cognitive changes that are a part of the normal aging process. Changes in memory, text comprehension, information processing speed, and vision can interfere with older adults' use of computers. Research indicates older adults can effectively use computers if information is provided in a senior-friendly manner. NIH extensively tested NIHSeniorHealth with adults age 60 to 88 to ensure that it is easy for them to see, understand, and navigate. To check out the website go to nihseniorhealth.gov.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) today announced that as a result of Congress' approval of the fiscal year 2015 budget, the agency will expand its hours nationwide and offices will be open to the public for an additional hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

This change will go into effect on March 16, 2015.

Offices will continue to close to the public at noon every Wednesday so employees have time to complete current work and reduce backlogs.

In recent years, SSA reduced local office hours due to congressional budget cuts, growing backlogs and staffing losses. With the commitment of resources in fiscal year 2015, the agency is able to restore some service hours to the public.

Most Social Security business does not require a visit to a local office.  Many services, including applying for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits, creating a "My Social Security" account, replacing a Medicare card, or reporting a change of address or telephone number are conveniently available anytime at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Can a Gift Be Returned in Order to Qualify for Medicaid?

Question:  My mother gave me $10,000 in 2012.   She now needs to go into a nursing home and will need to apply for Medicaid.  Can I give my mother back the $10,000 so she can qualify for Medicaid as she does not have the funds to cover the disqualification period?