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RHAC/SCHSAC Workgroup on Healthy Aging Fall 2005 Minnesota Department of Health Healthy Aging Communities Definition of Healthy Aging Healthy aging is the development and maintenance of optimal physical, mental and social well-being and function in older adults. This will most likely be achieved when communities are safe, promote health and wellbeing and use health services and community programs to prevent or minimize disease. (Adapted from WV Rural Healthy Aging Network, West Virginia University Center on Aging: www.hsc.wvu.edu/coa/rhan/ ) Dimensions of Aging Communities Healthy aging communities promote health across the life span and recognize the multidimensional complexities of supporting older adults. These communities recognize that two older adult populations exist—the healthy, functioning majority and the frail minority— and plan accordingly. The probability of some type of disease or chronic condition increases with age. After age 85, only one person in 20 is fully mobile and roughly half of people over 85 will suffer some type of cognitive impairment or dementia. (Adapted from “Taking Care: Ethical Caregiving in Our Aging Society” President’s Council on Bioethics, 2005: www.bioethics.gov) “The defining characteristic of our time seems to be that we are both younger longer and older longer. . .” ~The President’s Council on Bioethics “Taking Care: Ethical Caregiving in Our Aging Society” Individuals, communities and systems can assess their abilities to address these interrelated issues by asking: • • • • (Adapted from The AdvantAge Initiative, http://www.vnsny.org/advantage/ ) Addressing Basic Needs The basic needs of the aging population are the same as the basic needs of any population— food, shelter, safety and transportation. For the aging population it means a community that can offer: • • • • A community that promotes healthy aging must look at an array of interrelated issues including: • • • • • • • • Health and wellness Housing Transportation Financial security Work and retirement Recreation, arts and education Civic engagement Technology. (Adapted from “Aging Friendly Communities” Nebraska Cooperative Extension HE Form 536.) Do we address basic needs? Do we optimize physical and mental health and well-being? Do we promote and support social and civic engagement? Do we have systems and programs that maximize the independence of frail and disabled seniors? • Appropriate and affordable housing A safe home and community Access to necessities such as nearby shopping Transportation, including public and volunteer options and Accessible health care and medical facilities and services. “The virtues required to age well are the universal virtues needed by human beings of every age; the old are not a separate species, but human beings living human lives who should be held to human standards.” ~The President’s Council on Bioethics “Taking Care: Ethical Caregiving in Our Aging Society” Healthy Aging Communities – page 2 Optimizing Health and Well-being Supporting Independence for Elderly Research shows that access to appropriate and affordable health care is one of the highest priorities of older Americans. Healthy aging communities ensure that: Most elders prefer to live in their own homes. According to the 2000 census data, 76.4 percent of Minnesotans 65 and older live in owner occupied housing. • • • • • • People are encouraged to live healthy and active lives A health care infrastructure is supported including hospitals, clinics, long term care, home care and hospice Health services are well coordinated Health professionals are in adequate supply and skilled to meet the needs of older adults Community and provider systems are in place to manage chronic conditions and Caregivers—both family and volunteer—are valued and supported. (Adapted from “Aging Friendly Communities” Nebraska Cooperative Extension HE Form 536.) “If I’d have known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.” ~Eubie Blake Promoting Social/Civic Engagement Healthy senior communities support the concept of “aging in place”—the idea that older people have the option to remain in their own homes and environments as long as possible to avoid—or at least reduce—the need for institutional arrangements. Healthy aging communities support systems that include home care, chore services and accessible transportation. (Adapted from “A Report to the Nation on Livable Communities: Creating Environments for Successful Aging” AARP: http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/il/beyond_50_communities.pdf ) A Healthy Community for all Ages Supporting the development of healthy aging communities does not only benefit older adults. Increasing affordable housing benefits young families as well as older people. Providing services to support independent living reduces the stress on younger caregivers while helping people with disabilities of all ages. Connectedness to family, friends and community is one of the social determinants of health. Healthy aging communities provide opportunities to be involved through: • • • • • • Arts and recreation Age-friendly employment Educational opportunities Caregiver support Volunteer opportunities and Church and spiritual support activities. Initiatives that bridge the generations integrate the old with the young, transmit knowledge to future generations and reinforce the value of people of all ages. These community-wide benefits reflect the reality that older adults are important members of families and neighborhoods. Older adults need services and support that help them live their lives with dignity and respect so they can continue to contribute to their communities. (Adapted from The AdvantAge Initiative, http://www.vnsny.org/advantage/ )