 |
 |
|
Currently, 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic condition, and 50 percent have at least two. Poor health and loss of independence are not inevitable consequences of aging. Learn what you can do to prevent many of the diseases and injuries associated with aging. |
Healthy Aging
Adopting a healthy lifestyle and following recommended medical practices can prevent diseases and injuries, from cancer to bone fractures. The following are some recommended strategies that will promote good health later in life:
Stay Fit, Eat Healthy and Avoid Tobacco: Research has shown that physical fitness, a healthy diet and an absence of tobacco use are more influential than genetic factors in helping older people avoid problems associated with aging. By practicing a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce your risk of developing disabilities and chronic diseases, like heart disease and cancer. Learn more…
Get Recommended Screening Tests: Screening tests to detect chronic diseases early in their course, when they are most treatable, can save many lives; however many older adults have not had recommended screenings. For example, 60 percent of Americans over age 65 have not had a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer in the previous five years, even though Medicare covers the cost. Learn more…
Get Recommended Immunizations: More than 40,000 people age 65 or older die each year of influenza and invasive pneumoccocal disease. Immunizations can reduce your risk for hospitalization and death from these diseases. Yet in 2002, 32 percent of Americans age 65 or older had not had a recent flu shot, and 37 percent had never received a pneumonia vaccine. Learn more…
Take Precautions to Avoid Injuries: Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injuries, hospital admissions for trauma and deaths due to injury. You can prevent falls by engaging in exercises to improve strength, balance and flexibility. Removing tripping hazards in the home and installing grab bars are also recommended. Learn more…
Educate Yourself: Take an active role in your health care by staying informed about recommended tests and advances in medical treatments. Ask questions of your health care provider, and take advantage of educational programs offered by your local community center, community college or university.
Opportunities for Improvement: Over the last decade the CDC Foundation has administered a variety of programs designed to promote physical fitness, reduce tobacco use and increase access to breast cancer screening. All of these programs contribute to improving the health of America’s aging population. For more information on how to support CDC programs that promote healthy aging, contact ctonney@cdc.gov at 404-653-0790.