Open AccessPublic Health Options for Improving Cardiovascular Health Among Older Americans
Author(s) -
Kurt J. Greenlund,
Nora L. Keenan,
Paula Clayton,
Dilip K. Pandey,
Yuling Hong
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2011.300570
Subject(s) - life expectancy , public health , gerontology , medicine , intervention (counseling) , environmental health , health policy , cardiovascular health , psychiatry , population , disease , nursing , pathology
Life expectancy at birth has increased from 74 years in 1980 to 78 years in 2006. Older adults (aged 65 years and older) are living longer with cardiovascular conditions, which are leading causes of death and disability and thus an important public health concern. We describe several major issues, including the impact of comorbidities, the role of cognitive health, prevention and intervention approaches, and opportunities for collaboration to strengthen the public health system. Prevention can be effective at any age, including for older adults. Public health models focusing on policy, systems, and environmental change approaches have the goal of providing social and physical environments and promoting healthy choices.