Sussex's Baroness Cumberlege has launched a website to help older people cope with illness and death.
The baroness, a former chairman of Brighton Health Authority and junior health minister, is a non-executive director of guideforlife.com.
The site provides help on everything from the practicalities of arranging a funeral to counselling. Information on mobility, independence and health care is also available on the site.
It has the backing of more than 50 organisations and charities.
Baroness Cumberlege, who lives in Newick near Lewes, said the practicalities of dealing with bereavement could be bewildering.
She said: "In a year I lost my father, my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law.
"You can be very sophisticated but you wonder 'What does probate mean? What is power of attorney?'
"The issues, both practical and emotional, relating to chronic illness, disability, ageing and particularly bereavement are the last taboos in our society."
A recent Age Concern survey showed people over 50 spent an average of nine hours a week using the internet.
A guideforlife.com poll found the internet was rivalling helplines as a source for practical help.
The site is thought to be the first of its kind.
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