Dorothy Leone-Glasser - Older Americans

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, (a division of U.S. Health and Human Services Department), the number of Americans who will suffer functional disability due to a chronic disease is expected to increase at least 300 percent by 2049. Currently, almost 75 percent of the elderly (age 65 and over) have at least one chronic illness and 50 percent have at least two chronic illnesses. Aging is an important marker of the accumulation of risks for chronic disease. A prevention- focused paradigm is necessary to break this trend. Disease burden has continued to shift away from communicable to non-communicable diseases and from premature death to years lived with disability.  Chronic diseases related to unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, sedentary life-style, depression and unhealthy weight are highly prevalent among older adults. Treatment and prevention practices that extend mobility, encourage productive life-style behaviors and advance health-centered communities would help reduce the burden of chronic disease in an ageing population. Health care services with comprehensive access, urban design, social policy, healthy neighborhood environments and community services can operate in ways which reduce chronic disease risks through supporting individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices. Community and society level interactions with advocacy engagements can result in changes to policies, services and environments that can influence and support healthier ...
Source: PHRMA - Category: Pharmaceuticals Authors: Source Type: news