Aging gracefully
Depending on how people approach their disease,
they may find that getting older can bring a kind of
peace and contentment and a greater acceptance of
living with MS.
Neither MS nor aging has slowed down Nelson.
“There aren’t too many people with good
health who are accomplishing daily what I’m
accomplishing,” he said.
Jaros considers herself fortunate that the progression
of her disease has been slow so far. She tries to focus
on the positives as she moves forward instead of
dwelling on the negatives.
“I try to just think about what I’m doing and how
blessed I am,” she said. n
Stephanie Watson is a freelance health writer
based in Atlanta.
Resources for Older Adults with MS
Administration on Aging
800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator)
aoa.gov
Provides services and support for older Americans. The
Eldercare Locator phone support line provides seniors
with information on services available in their area.
Family Caregiver Alliance
800-445-8106
caregiver.org
Provides support to caregivers. It offers information
on various topics important to caregivers, including
advance directives.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
adrc-tae.org
Connects older adults who have chronic diseases to
service programs in their state.
AARP
888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277)
aarp.org
Advocates on behalf of older Americans and provides
discounts to its members on products and services from
health coverage to travel.
Can Do MS
800-367-3101
mscando.org
Offers lifestyle improvement programs to people with
MS and their caregivers.
Caring Connections
800-658-8898
caringinfo.org
Helps people plan for their future care. Services include
advance directives.
Disability.Gov
disability.gov
Connects people with disabilities and their
families with various disability-related programs
and services.
Medicare
800-MEDICARE
medicare.gov
Provides health insurance and prescription drug
coverage for Americans age 65 and older.
Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation Research and
Training Center
msrrtc.washington.edu/contact.asp
Studies ways to manage depression, pain and disease
progression in people with MS.
Society of Financial Service Professionals
610-526-2500
financialpro.org
Assists members with financial planning as well as with
health and disability insurance.
State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
ncsl.org
Type “discount” in the search field and then click on
State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs 2011.
Help for seniors who do not have insurance coverage.
Veterans with MS
va.gov/ms
This branch of the Department of Veterans Affairs
offers assistance to veterans with MS.
