Federal & State Agencies, along with foundations & non-profits, have begun to add a focus on maintaining
health across the lifespan.
-
 An aging population in the U.S. presents a major public health challenge to increase the number of older adults who live healthy, vibrant, engaged and independent lives in the communities of their choice.
- The cost of providing healthcare services focused on illness, disease and disability is costly and may not be sustainable as the Boomer generation ages.
- There are a growing number of older adults living in Arizona requiring capacity in communities to support and sustain good health among aging residents.
The Arizona
Department of Health Services has created key steps for
action with the Healthy Aging Initiative that focus on three areas:
-
Capacity Development for evidence based health promotion and
prevention programming targeting adults 60 years and older in local
communities,
- Data analysis
and Dissemination on the health status and health risks among older
adults living in Arizona and
- Partnership
Development.
CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT • Develop a focus on Evidence Based Programs in
Physical Activity, Chronic Disease Self Management and Fall and Injury
Prevention planning and program implementation in community settings •
Assess public health needs and capacity relevant to healthy aging in
local communities
SCIENCE AND EPIDEMIOLOGY • Collect, interpret, and disseminate data about the
health of older adults relevant to program planning and evaluation • Make data
available to partners for planning, implementation and evaluation.
PARTNERSHIP • The Healthy Aging Communication Network can
contribute to the coordination of initiatives across networks. •Establish collaborative
relationships with public health and aging service networks and local agencies.These areas of focus through the Healthy Aging Communication Network
provide a framework for building healthy aging capacity in a purposeful
and coordinated manner across Arizona.
If you would like to join the HACN please complete the
HACN Registry
Application.
For more information regarding the HACN email
Ramona Rusinak, RN, PhD. |
