Agency on Aging oversees services and activities in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Stanly, Anson and Union counties. (704) 372-2416, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays
SupportWorks, a nonprofit, has information about support groups and agencies in the Charlotte area, including many geared toward elderly people and their families. (704) 331-9500, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, or www.supportworks.org

Senior Directions, a free monthly magazine for people 50 and older.

(704) 527-5111

Senior Living Resource Magazine publishes a Charlotte edition four times a year with information on housing and services for seniors and offers "Retirement Lifestyles in North Carolina." Free copies available around Charlotte or by calling (800) 775-4846.

N.C. Care-Line, a service of the N.C. Department of Human Resources, gives statewide information and referrals on elder care and other services.

(800) 662-7030 and press 2, 8 a.m. to

5 p.m. weekdays, or www.dhhs.state.nc.us/ocs/

Senior centers

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Senior Centers offer socialization, educational and recreational programs for people 55 and over. The main center is at 2225 Tyvola Road. (704) 522-6222 or www.charlotteseniorcenters.org

Shepherd's Center of Charlotte, an interfaith senior center at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3115 Providence Road, offers trips, classes, hot meal delivery, handyman services, volunteer opportunities and other services. (704) 365-1995, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, or www.shepherdscharlotte.org

Shepherd's Center South, an interfaith senior center covering the area south of Sharon View/Archdale and east to Mint Hill. Located in Peace Moravian Church, 4420 Rea Road. Offers classes, handyman services, volunteer opportunities and medical and errand transportation services. (704) 552-4900

Shepherd's Center East, an interfaith senior center that works with 14 supporting churches. Headquarters at Kilgo United Methodist Church, 2101 Belvedere Ave., offers trips, classes, handyman services, volunteer opportunities and other services. (704) 338-1511

Services

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Department of Social Services offers senior nutrition programs, transportation, protection against elder abuse and other programs for seniors and families. (704) 336-3171, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdaysOasis Senior Enrichment Programs For seniors 65 and older, Monday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 5007 Providence Road. Speakers, field trips, hot meals and transportation. (704) 944-6730

Mecklenburg Health Department's Community Alternatives Program arranges in-home services for elderly and disabled adults as an alternative to nursing homes. (704) 336-4674, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays

Elderly General Purpose Transportation offers affordable rides in Mecklenburg County to people 60 and older.

(704) 353-1500

Jewish Family Services offers case management, family consultation and counseling for Jewish people 60 and older. (704) 364-6594, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; evenings by appointment

Open Care is a private geriatric care management that helps older adults and families determine needs and find and maintain services. Also offers a companion registry called At Home Care. (704) 377-2273, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 24-hour on-call services for clients, or www.opencareinc.com

North Carolina's Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) has trained volunteers who can answer questions about Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance and other insurance issues. Call (800) 443-9354 to ask a question.

Housing

Centralina Area Agency on Aging publishes Consumer's Guide to Housing and Long-Term Care; ombudsmen keep track of quality in assisted-living centers, nursing homes and other housing for the elderly. (704) 372-2416, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays

Community involvement

Senior Scholars offers programs designed to stimulate intellectual, cultural and spiritual growth. Meets Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at Myers Park Baptist Church. (704) 376-4201 orwww.seniorscholars.net

Leisure Learning Adult Programs is for active retirees 55 and older. Jewish Community Center, 5007 Providence Road. For a Leisure Learning Program Guide, call (704) 944-6753.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Senior Games is a nonprofit organization promoting health and wellness for people over 55. It offers avenues for athletic events, as well as performing, literary, visual and heritage arts. (704) 332-4020

Friendly Visitor Program recruits volunteers to visit homebound elderly people; call Marilyn O'Connor at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Senior Center on Shamrock. (704) 531-6900

Elder law

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys can help you locate an elder law attorney by visiting www.naela.org. They also offer a free brochure on "Questions and Answers When Looking for an Elderlaw Attorney.''

(520) 881-4005, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays

Free legal aid for low-income elderly people is available through Legal Services offices, listed in the phone book.

Legal Services for the Elderly, a Mecklenburg County nonprofit group that offers aid to low-income residents 60 and older. (704) 334-0400

The N.C. Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division offers a "Senior Citizens Handbook'' outlining laws and programs that affect the elderly. Many senior centers and groups have a copy. Send a self-addressed 9-by-12-inch envelope, with $2 in stamps (or money to cover postage), to Senior Citizens Handbook, N.C. Bar Association, P.O. Box 3688, Cary, NC 27519; or call (800) 662-7407.