About 62 million people living in the U.S. are 65 or over. By 2054, that number is expected to reach 84 million. The good news: People are living longer! The urgent news? We already need more healthcare resources to improve quality of life for older adults.
Fortunately, public health efforts are helping meet those needs. Let’s see how public health is tackling big issues for older adults — and helping them live better lives in the process.
What Is Public Health?
Public health focuses on the health and well-being of entire communities or countries, not just individuals. Professionals in this field have the potential to “add life to years” for countless older adults.
How Public Health Addresses Key Aging Challenges
As people grow older, their health needs become more complex and interconnected. Public health professionals play a vital role in tackling these challenges through a wide range of programs and policies. Here’s how:
- Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
Advanced age means higher risk for chronic diseases and conditions, including:
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Dementia
- Diabetes
- Cancer
Some of these conditions are caused by genetic factors. Others are due to normal effects of aging or lifestyle choices. We can’t control our genes — yet — but many diseases can be prevented or delayed by changing habits, such as eating healthier or exercising more.
These conditions require ongoing care, symptom management and close monitoring. And with so many older adults affected, it takes serious teamwork from public health and healthcare providers to keep up. Many of these diseases are at epidemic levels. With adequate attention, they don’t have to be.
- Building Age-Friendly Communities
Older adults living longer, healthier lives need places to live and things to do. The “active senior lifestyle” should be more than just a billboard slogan, right?
Public health professionals work with urban planners to help older adults stay independent and engaged. The goal? Plenty of affordable housing with healthcare, shopping, recreation and socialization opportunities close by. Studies show lonely older adults are at higher risk for early death, suicide, dementia and other chronic conditions.
- Expanding Vaccine Access for Seniors
The immune systems of older adults are hit harder by illnesses such as the flu, pneumonia, shingles and hepatitis A or B. Fortunately, some vaccines can prevent or minimize the effects of these diseases.
Vaccine awareness and access are key to protecting elder health. Public health campaigns like the American Geriatric Society’s Older Adults Vaccine Initiative and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ “Risk Less. Do More.” campaign target seniors and build awareness through:
- Doctors
- Community organizations
- Support systems, such as family
- Trusted public figures
- Educational speakers
- Plain-language handouts
- Reminder messages (texts or calls)
Public health campaigns also provide vaccines through mobile clinics, home visits or transportation to healthcare facilities — often at little or no cost.
- Improving Healthcare Access and Equity
Getting older adults vaccinated is a good start. But what about their other healthcare needs? Many can’t access broader services, but greater public health outreach can help them.
Mobile clinics now provide routine health screenings and even specialized care, like dialysis, at senior living facilities. Transportation options, telehealth and remote patient monitoring (via wearable vital sign trackers) are also making healthcare more accessible for many older adults.
But there’s more to a healthy life than healthcare. Many older adults face food insecurity. Isolated seniors also have an increased dementia risk. Public health programs, such as meal services in group settings, can help solve both problems at once.
- Supporting Caregivers of Older Adults
A diverse community of people care for older adults, including:
- Caregivers that help with daily needs like meals, baths, housework and transportation
- Skilled professionals, such as geriatricians, nurses, social workers and therapists
- Informal caregivers — family, friends or neighbors — who provide unpaid support
With a growing elderly population and increasing burnout in healthcare professions, a care gap may emerge. Public health professionals can minimize that gap. They can advocate for and create policies that reduce burnout, such as: - Limiting work hours
- Promoting work-life balance
- Providing access to mental health and other support services
- Expanding remote work options
- Training informal caregivers
The Need for Public Health Resources Will Continue to Grow
Public health taps into all kinds of resources to support older adults. It’s a mix of programs, planning, facilities, medications, transportation, reliable information and skilled professionals all brought together to meet their needs.
Looking ahead, we’ll need even greater focus and funding from public officials and agencies, plus support from private and community organizations. This way our seniors can continue to age with the dignity and care they deserve as their numbers grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is public health?
Public health covers the full spectrum of healthcare and wellness services, focusing on communities or larger populations rather than individuals.
- How do public health and aging overlap?
Public health professionals and partners work together to make sure older adults have access to essential services, including:- Chronic disease management
- Community planning with senior housing, healthcare, shopping and recreational facilities nearby
- Vaccination assistance
- Food, socialization and other health-related needs
- Caregiver support
Earn Your Aging Degree or Certificate Online With UF
You can influence and improve public health for older adults in many rewarding careers. These University of Florida programs will help you get there:
- Online Master’s Degree in Innovative Aging Studies (30 credits)
- Online Master’s Degree in Medical Physiology and Aging (30 credits)
- Online Graduate Certificate in Aging and Geriatric Practice (15 credits)
No GRE required. Competitive tuition. Program completion in as little as one year. Get details or apply now.