Assessment of Title III-D of the Older Americans Act: Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Services

摘要

Health promotion and disease prevention for older adults are among the top priorities for the Administration on Aging. In fact, the second priority of the Administration on Aging's strategic plan is to help older people stay active and healthy. The AoA plays an important role in the larger federal effort to promote healthy lifestyles, particularly among the older population. Although illness and disability rates increase with age, a large body of research demonstrates that health promotion and disease prevention activities can help ensure healthy and independent lives for older Americans. For example, exercise and other health promoting behaviors have been shown to improve aerobic power, strength, balance, and flexibility, while decreasing acute medical problems such as fractures, myocardial infarctions, and cerebral vascular accidents in older persons. Screenings, such as mammograms and evaluations of stool specimens, have been shown to decrease morbidity and extend life in this group as well. The AoA, along with its other federal partners, strives to use this evidence-based knowledge to improve the health and independence of the nation's seniors.