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Have you tried to do a search for "seniors" on the web?
Search for Seniors

Pretty overwhelming, isn't it? Each search engine can get over a million. Of course, they're not all the kind of seniors we're looking for. Some are senior golfers or high school seniors. Some search engines give you choices to refine your search if you go through several sub-searches.

Some of the "real" senior sites helpfully provide links to other senior sites. But you just know that the odds are against you finding the right site, or finding people in your own situation with experience in exactly those areas that you're interested in, or finding kindred spirits or penpals. Even if you found some good people on your site, does it seem like a local bulletin board with not enough people or diversity?

What would you think of a place where a search for "senior" would instantly find both senior newsgroups that thousands of seniors could access just as easily as you did? Well, if you use your newsreader to show the "list of all groups" you will find:

soc.senior.health+fitness  ( Health, fitness, health-care for seniors. )

soc.senior.issues          ( Issues relevant to seniors and aging. )

To those of you who are on private lists or Web sites or forums, I'd like to say welcome to the world of newsgroups. Although your groups may be best for your specific purposes, newsgroups give you the widest possible exposure for asking questions, getting advice and meeting people with similar interests. There are about thirty thousand newsgroups representing every conceivable interest.

Newsgroups are not intended to replace your regular groups, but to complement them. But if you are satisfied to stay on the web and not explore the newsgroups, then you're missing out on half of the Internet.

If your web browser has a news reader feature, you can access the two senior newsgroups, the retirement group, and the parenting grandparents group with the links below.

If you end up spending serious time on lots of newsgroups, you'd be better off getting a newsreader program instead of using your browser. Check out:   Free Agent

For your information, the health+fitness group has attracted many commercial spammers who post their ads to health and fitness newsgroups as well as to senior groups. But we hope to regain the use of this newsgroup once we have enough seniors participating.

If it's impossible to keep the spammers from swamping it, then forming a new fitness group that is moderated to screen out the spam may be the only solution. Such a group would need to be voted into existence. Please help me to find out if there's enough support for forming this important newsgroup by emailing me,   Russ Weber

The charter of Soc.senior.issues states, "Thoughtful and civil discussion is the aim of this newsgroup." This group was formed in 1997. In keeping with our goal of being friendly, here is a webpage with some of our   senior photos   and more music in a new window. (You can bring either window up front.)

Soc.retirement was formed in 1995, is a more established group than the senior.issues group, and encourages all subjects.

Alt.parenting.grandparents did not require a charter because, unlike the other groups in the "soc" newsgroup hierarchy, it didn't require a public vote when it was formed. So the Rationale and Charter that appear on this webpage were actually proposed for a newsgroup with the same goals (soc.senior.re-parenting) that failed to get voted in.

soc.senior.health+fitness   soc.senior.issues   soc.retirement   alt.parenting.grandparents

For Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, check out:   www.grandsplace.com

If you need help accessing these groups, please feel free to write to me,
Russ Weber,  rusweber@senior-newsgroups.com
Or write me with any questions about the senior newsgroups.

The Rationales and Charters of these groups are given below.    Listen to music while you read

RATIONALE: both senior groups

The term "seniors" refers to persons of advanced years who acknowledge their status as seniors and also persons who anticipate reaching senior status and therefore are interested in those senior-related subjects that will soon become important to them.

This newsgroup hierarchy is intended to fill a need for specific senior-related newsgroups not otherwise available on Usenet. Information about healthcare and medical services is available on the World Wide Web and in the various Senior Chats, but there are no topically oriented forums where seniors can get together to share experiences and concerns.

One cannot fully understand aging unless one has been there. Newsgroups that discuss fitness, health, and general issues exist across Usenet, but their memberships and perspectives are predominantly youth-oriented. For example, health has very different meanings for a 30-year-old and an 80-year-old. Seniors who have decided that their continuing good health depends, in part, on maintaining a reasonably high level of physical (and mental) activity, need to know what is reasonable and expected for one's age and condition, and which activities are best suited for them. They cannot very well ask these questions of the youngsters on an aerobics, fitness, walking, weight lifting, running or bicycling newsgroup, but they can ask questions of each other, and of concerned professionals, in their own senior-oriented newsgroups.

It could very well be that seniors have many of the same concerns as everyone else, but the prospect of limited remaining years makes those concerns more urgent. We're easier marks for health fads and scams because of those concerns. That in itself is an obvious subject for discussion and warnings. A senior newsgroup hierarchy would permit seniors to have their own focussed arenas for discussion and exchange of ideas and experiences.

The deliberate inclusion of the term "senior" in the name makes it possible for a senior to do a "find" on the list of all newsgroups and find something other than high school seniors.

RATIONALE: soc.senior.health+fitness

A senior, seeking to select and maintain a fitness program in order to gain a better quality of life or fight off the inevitable effects of aging, needs to be able to compare and evaluate the various alternatives available to the aging active person. No newsgroup of younger people can provide as good an evaluation as other seniors who know, first hand, the abilities and potential problems of seniors. The bodies that seniors have to live with are different than the body of a 30 to 45 year old person. The questions of metabolism, flexibility, coordination, weight control, nutrition, etc, when applied to older persons require special interpretation so that the information can be useful to seniors.

Soc.senior.health+fitness can naturally invite comparisons of activities with respect to seniors' age-related abilities and desired goals, which for most seniors will be different from the desired goals of younger athletes. Seniors with experience in various areas can help counsel whether limitations or prohibitions should apply.

The same rationale applies to seniors concerned about maintaining general good health and providing good nutrition for themselves. As people age, their bodies change, and seniors who need to change their diets accordingly would welcome the chance to discuss this with other seniors and practitioners in the field.

This newsgroup intends to provide a place on Usenet where seniors can talk to each other freely and sensitively about their health concerns, and get answers to their questions about their health and about health-care facilitiies from trained professionals or seniors experientially qualified to advise.

CHARTER: soc.senior.health+fitness

Soc.senior.health+fitness deals with all aspects of health and health-care that are central to the aging process, including the relationships between mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. All subjects pertaining to mental and physical health, nutrition, health-care and health-care facilities as they pertain to seniors are suitable for this group. Some examples of appropriate topics:

- information about and experiences with various kinds of health-care and health-care facilities;

- discussions of the effect of mental attitude on physical well-being;

- symptoms of depression and methods of treatment;

- reviews of resources materials (published material, links to relevant websites and newsgroups);

- general and specific coping skills for the many various illnesses associated with aging.

Of course, the usual admonition is to seek professional services and not rely solely on the given advice.

All activities that seniors may consider to promote fitness are suitable for discussion on this group. Some examples of appropriate topics:

-- aerobics, yoga, walking, running, bicycling, swimming, stationary bicycles and treadmills, weight lifting, Nautilus or Soloflex type of equipment activity, and sports of all kinds including information on senior leagues;

-- precautions and advice concerning potential injuries arising from participation in the above activities.

Participation in the discussions by therapists and doctors is welcome. Guidelines based on previous levels of activities, conditions of health, doctor's advice, reasonable expectations, opportunities for enjoying an activity or associated social contacts can be offered and discussed.

Absolutely no form of advertising is allowed. The posting of a newsletter or newsletter excerpt containing a solicitation, or clearly intended to create interest in a newsletter is considered an advertisement, even in cases of free newsletters (email or otherwise). Likewise a posting whose sole legitimate purpose is to notify people of a Web page or other on-line source (ftp site, etc.) of a for-profit business is considered an advertisement. However, inclusion of one such pointer in a signature line of an otherwise substantive, acceptable posting, or in independently posted FAQs, is not considered advertising.

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RATIONALE: soc.senior.issues

A wide variety of subjects, some generally covered in existing newsgroups, would be broached and discussed specifically as they relate to and impact on seniors. For example, parenting does not stop when children leave the nest, yet no existing groups discuss this issue from the perspective of the elderly parent or grandparent. Many seniors find that they must take care of their own aging parents in a role reversal that can be wrenching as well as difficult, while other seniors find themselves assuming the caregiver role in regard to their children's children. Seniors need and want contact with each other to share ideas and experiences regarding these kinds of family matters.

Many general issues, that have senior perspectives, are listed in the Charter of soc.senior.issues, as appropriate subjects for articles. Seniors need their own place to discuss these concerns from their own point of view.

CHARTER: soc.senior.issues

Soc.senior.issues is intended to be a general discussion area for seniors. Any topic from the full range of human interests and concerns may be posted here, providing that the topic:

1) is germane to seniors, and

2) is not in the province of other soc.senior newsgroups.

Discussions of societal, political, and generational issues are suitable. For example, such discussions might cover:

- experiences of being a senior in a youth-oriented society;

- myths about, problems of, and adjustments to aging;

- family relationships and changing roles for grandparents;

- the need to become caregivers for aging parents;

- questions of competence in such areas as driving;

- proposed and existing legislation that affects seniors;

- social services in local communities;

- volunteering opportunities and experiences;

- employment opportunities and second careers;

- historical and experiential perspectives on life, culture, society.

Seniors, family caregivers, and professionals in the field are all encouraged to post to the group and help make it a pleasant place to be.

Thoughtful and civil discussion is the aim of this newsgroup. Basic rules of netiquette apply at all times. Articles that aim to inflame, insult, or otherwise denigrate seniors as a group, or any other group, are strongly discouraged, and readers are urged not to respond to such articles. Responses should strive for civility in the face of opposing views.

Responses to articles should be confined to the subject matter; personal asides are to be exchanged via email rather than on posted replies. Postings that merely agree with or congratulate a previous posting add little to a discussion; subscribers are encouraged to express agreement or disagreement in the context of further discussion. Otherwise, they should consider using private email instead.

Inquiries from seniors for directions to other newsgroups or web sites are welcome, as are questions about software and procedures to help seniors improve their access to the senior newsgroups.

Absolutely no form of advertising is allowed. The posting of a newsletter or newsletter excerpt containing a solicitation, or clearly intended to create interest in a newsletter is considered an advertisement, even in cases of free newsletters (email or otherwise). Likewise a posting whose sole legitimate purpose is to notify people of a Web page or other on-line source (ftp site, etc.) of a for-profit business is considered an advertisement. However, inclusion of one such pointer in a signature line of an otherwise substantive, acceptable posting, or in independently posted FAQs, is not considered advertising.

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CHARTER: soc.retirement

This group is meant to discuss the following issues as well as new ones that arise:

- What is important for a successful retirement

- How can one best deal with the aging process

- What are the pros and cons about retiring to different geographical locations, retirement communities,

  the move from a house to an apartment/residence

- What is the best way to handle finances during the retirement period

- Noteworthy senior activities and events

- Allow gerontological researchers to reach "volunteer" seniors to aid in research

- Discussion of "reminiscent" topics: music, fads, clothes, activities, etc.

- Health related topics that affect the body as it ages, coping, prevention and maintaining the aging body

Advertising will NOT be allowed.

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RATIONALE: alt.parenting.grandparents

What has caused the rapid growth of this re-parenting phenomenon? The times they-are-a-changing. Young couples may have difficulties achieving the typical dream of having their own home. They may even have to move back in with their folks. But even worse, in ever increasing numbers, they are unable to manage the basic virtues and responsibilities of parenting their own children.

The reasons vary. Some who were not ready for marriage are certainly not ready or mature enough for parenthood. Some cannot get help, or approval, from their spouse or "boyfriend." Some cannot stay clean in their battle with substance abuse or alcohol. In all these cases, the children must be raised by someone else: by foster parents, by state agencies, or in increasing numbers by those who are most concerned for the welfare of the children, namely the grandparents.

Care-givers, such as these grandparents-raising-children, do not necessarily need advice on how to raise children, although this is an appropriate and expected subject for this newsgroup, particularly because they will value the support that it will bring from other grandparents from all over the world. They will also value advice on how to find the strength and energy to give the same level of care as when they were younger and raising their own children.

They are probably the most experienced and caring people available to raise their own grandchildren. But they are frequently regarded as temporary care-givers. This has forced them to become familar with the custody procedures to make sure that these procedures are "in the best interests of the children." The exchange of information from care-givers in the same circumstances is an appropriate subject for this newsgroup.

This newsgroup is not intended to replace web site or local support groups, or private support email lists. The personal nature of many of the exchanges there should remain private.

But the broader exposure afforded by this newsgroup can really help to spread awareness of this problem, and make possible more contacts among the care-givers who will now learn that they are not alone. Sharing non-personal experience and advice on the newsgroup will help to lighten the load on the mailing lists which would then be able to handle the more sensitive material.

CHARTER: alt.parenting.grandparents

alt.parenting.grandparents is a place where grandparents who are raising, or helping to raise, their grandchildren can share and learn information; offer ideas and encouragement; express frustrations, etc. related to this lifestyle and the problems many of us and our grandchildren experience. Of course, foster parents are also invited to participate. Additionally, some helpful professionals may read the newsgroup in order to understand the experience of our families; learn themselves, and offer helpful comments and understanding from their perspective.

Here we can discuss our situations and continued problems, knowing that our readership includes others who know what we are going through. Discussion topics that are intended to seek and share information pertaining to raising one's grandchildren include, but are not limited to:

- how we got into this situation

- how we are coping with daily activities

- dealing with health, legal, school-related issues

- peer interactions

- publications and research about grandparents

- psychological issues many grandchildren experience

- relationships with other family members and friends or just coping

(venting is allowed as long as it is labeled as such!)

- moral support and the sharing of our family's joys and sorrows

Articles that give information on existing laws, procedures and requirements in various countries (New Zealand has been used as a model) or cities, states or provinces are welcome. This will guide the care-givers in their endeavors to find the most favorable locations to raise their "children" where respect for "children's rights" is observed and to avoid locations where such respect is not observed.

alt.parenting.grandparents expects to reach a far wider cross-section of interested people than those who are aware of the various local support groups and their corresponding Web sites or private lists. But appropriate articles may make readers aware of the groups that might be available for support and personal contacts near them.

Posting Guidelines.

In responding, if what you have to say will probably pertain to a number of people on alt.parenting.grandparents, then it should be posted. If what you have to say only pertains to one or two people, then it should be sent via private email instead of to the newsgroup. This includes personal replies and "me too" posts.

Trim down included quotes to the minimum necessary to reference your points. Please do not simply hit your reply button and send all of us the entire copy of the post we already recieved and which you want to now respond to.

Flaming is strongly discouraged on this newsgroup. Disagreeing is not a flame. One can always get one's point across without attacking someone else, even in disagreement. Please remember that scarcasm does not transmit well over the Internet. If you are being sarcastic, please include a grin <G> to let us all know that your intent was not to be taken literally.

Absolutely no form of advertising is allowed. The posting of a newsletter or newsletter excerpt containing a solicitation, or clearly intended to create interest in a newsletter is considered an advertisement, even in cases of free newsletters (email or otherwise). Likewise a posting whose sole legitimate purpose is to notify people of a Web page or other on-line source (ftp site, etc.) of a for-profit business is considered an advertisement. However, inclusion of one such pointer in a signature line of an otherwise substantive, acceptable posting, or in independently posted FAQs, is not considered advertising.

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page created by   Russ Weber 10/11/99 Revised 7/16/04