Improving Care for Older Adults

Older adults experience a lot of changes as they age. Many older adults have one or more chronic illnesses or health concerns. Additionally, older adults often navigate the transition from independent living to a nursing home or senior living environment.

However, despite the increased level of care that older adults need, there was often a lack of quality care for adults as they age. In response, the Age-Friendly Health Systems Action Community was formed with the goal of spreading evidence-based practice to 20% of U.S. hospitals and medical practices by 2020.

Older adults often deal with chronic diseases such as

There are several things that health care providers can do to help decrease the risk of these diseases and promote active and healthy lifestyles in older adults.

Older adults should also play an active role in their own healthy lifestyles. If you are an older adult, here some things, you can easily make a part of your regular life to contribute to your health.

This is one of the most important ways to care for your physical and mental health. See what physical activities are offered for older adults at your community center or local gym.

Eating right, exercising, and monitoring your weight is a great way to reduce stress on your joints and decrease your risk of developing or worsening chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

If you have any concerns about your health, it is always best to bring them up sooner rather than later. Your doctor may recommend certain tests or screenings that can detect or prevent disease.

Care for older adults has improved over the last few years. There are simple things that older adults and their healthcare providers can do to ensure healthy and active lifestyles.