It goes without saying that tithing is a noble and necessary deed. For all the good things that we have been given in our lifetimes, it would be unconscionable not to give back. There are thousands of charitable foundations out there, and most of them are worthy of our donation. But since it is not practical or even possible to apportion our tithing evenly across the field, it would be wise to choose one or more to which we feel most connected. You or a family member may have experienced a health or lifestyle issue that immediately connects you with a cause, and that is the area you will likely want to target with your funds. But for those of you without a strong emotional or intellectual tie, I have a few suggestions to make. You are getting older, after all, and there are age-related issues about which you may be concerned. Why not do what you can to help fund research on heart and lung disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes? Why not, indeed?! 

Here are some links to these five organizations to make your online searches a snap away—or, at least, a point-and-click.

www.AmericanHeartAssociation.com - This is the powerful and well-funded organization that continues to strive for breakthroughs in heart disease prevention and cure.

www.lungusa.org.org - Lung disease is the focus of this organization.

www.cancer.org - American Cancer Society funds research on all types of cancer, including lungs, breast, prostate, and so on.

www.diabetes.org - The American Diabetes Association is researching this disease that continues to increase at an alarming rate among Americans, particularly among the older and more obese segment of society.

www.alz.org - The Alzheimer’s Organization is making strides in its research on discovering markers for early detection and treatment. With the rate of dementia doubling every five years over the age of 74, this is a disease that must be beaten for our peace and our clarity of mind.

A few well-placed dollars of your well-earned money can ultimately help science discover a breakthrough treatment, a cure, a new way to restore the dignity of old age that disease only tends to destroy. This is your chance to make a difference for yourself or a fellow Third Ager. Maybe even for your children and your grandchildren.

Your dollars simplyhave the power to kill disease while they potentially save lives. That would seem like a pretty good rate of exchange.