Healthy Aging

Angie SzumlinskiNews

The American Geriatrics Society previously published a White Paper on Healthy Aging in 2018 that focused on a number of domains that are core to healthy aging in older adults. Healthy aging is defined as a multidimensional construct with five key health promotion domains focusing on promoting and optimizing:

  • Promoting health, preventing injury, managing chronic conditions
  • Cognitive health
  • Physical health
  • Mental health
  • Facilitating social engagement and resilience

COVID-19 threatens each of these domains in older adults by compromising short- and long-term outcomes.

Members of the Healthy Aging Special Interest Group recognize the potentially devastating consequences of COVID-19 on health promotion for older adults during the pandemic. Although older adults are prioritized over other lower-risk demographic groups, this pandemic has undoubtedly altered routine lifestyles.

We should be advocating for our seniors, sharing experiences, listening to their concerns and working collaboratively with associations such as the American Geriatric Society (AGS), AARP, etc. to ensure that any plans or programs developed will be sensitive to the overall health needs of older adults. Stay well, stay informed, and stay tuned!

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/951208_1