I’ve recently discovered some programs that can help solve many of the challenges facing seniors.

There are so many sources of help available today that it’s nearly impossible to have a handle on all of them at one time. Having a robust list by topic is very helpful.

As with any rapidly growing market, there’s continuous innovation, making it even more difficult to keep up. Having one site with the latest innovations would be really valuable.

And with so many resources, it’s often difficult to sort out what is reputable and what is not. So I was pleasantly surprised when I happened upon the website www.programsforelderly.com.

It’s not a nonprofit endeavor, so you will see ads, but the content is so rich that it’s worth the distractions.

The site researches and lists programs worldwide that provide a better way to deal with aging. In addition to programs, it shares resources and downloadable documentaries related to aging, senior contributions, safety, caregiving, death and dying, dementia, and elder-abuse prevention, as well as inspirational films on seniors.

The listed programs and resources may not be in our area, but many of them are excellent food for thought for meeting the needs of our community’s seniors by using resources that already exist.

For example, did you know there’s a program to train physicians who are caring for a patient with mild cognitive impairment to screen for signs of financial abuse and then, if necessary, refer these at-risk patients to state securities regulators and local adult protective services professionals?

There are hospitals in New Jersey that offer temporary respite for elderly caregivers. The hospitals provide shelter, food, recreation and supervision to seniors dependent mainly upon family caregivers.

Manhattan’s Whitney Museum has a Senior Art Program that offers an opportunity for homebound seniors to receive a glossy package of artwork from the museum’s exhibitions and a call-in number to access the accompanying lecture through a teleconferencing system.

In Birmingham, Mich., police officers provide a check-in service during their breaks or after their shift ends to help seniors with household chores and/or errands.

A program in New York City provides escorts and transportation for seniors who want to cast their votes on Election Day and might not have the mobility to do so on their own.

And seniors throughout the country can take advantage of some of the national programs offered.

The Honor Flight program (honorflight.org) transports America’s war veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices. The program was created to help every veteran in America, willing and able to get on a plane or a bus, to visit their memorial.

The flight is free for veterans, with the program arranging all travel details. Priority is given to senior veterans, World War II survivors and the terminally ill.

Eyecare America (eyecareamerica.org) provides seniors with free eye exams and eye care so they can prevent or treat conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetic neuropathy.

To qualify for free eye exams and eye care, a senior must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident 65 or older and must not have seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years. Also, they must not belong to an HMO or the VA.

Programs for Elderly features content on its site that helps support not only older adults but caregivers, communities, organizations and professionals who interact with seniors.

It’s encouraging that a site has been created so that individuals, organizations and communities will be inspired to start their own program or to volunteer, thereby providing their own version of ‘A Better Way to Deal with Aging.”

Is there is a program you’d like to begin in our community? If so, contact me at Senior Concerns.