| Learning Objective #1: Describe the current health status and characteristics of older adults in Arizona and the impact on individuals, families, and those providing services to older adults | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Discuss the development of collaborative partnerships with communities, businesses, non-profit organizations, academia, and state agencies on health-promotion initiatives focused on older adults |
According to the 2000 census, Arizona had the third highest increase (39%)in the older adult population in the nation. The state will continue to experience an age shift in the older adult population. An associated change is an increase in the incidence of chronic disease as an individual ages. Chronic diseases have largely replaced communicable diseases as the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. In Arizona, the four leading causes of death in older adults 65 years and older are diseases of the heart, cancer, stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Nationally, the cost of treating and living with a chronic disease is estimated in excess of $325 billion annually. Although hereitary and environmental factors impact health status, it is estimated that 50 to 60% of the primary influences for the development of a chronic disease are choices in lifestyle behaviors. For example, lifestyle choices related to physical activity, nutrition, management of stress, use of tobacco and alcohol will affect the risk of developing a chronic disease or if a chronic disease is present, how well the disease is managed. Moving from a crisis driven acute care model of health services delivery to a preventive health model is necessary. At the present time, addressing the lifestyle choices that increase risk of chronic disease or poor disease management will be as important as assuring the quality and accessability of needed acute care health services.
An overview of the Healthy Aging initiative to raise public awareness, provide community education and provide a sustained focus on healthy aging will be presented. A description of the collaborative planning process with local, county, tribal, and state agencies to create integrated projects and programs to promote the health and quality of life for all older adults living in Arizona will be outlined.
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