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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Lynda Anderson, PhD, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Adult and Community Health, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, 770-488-5998, laa0@cdc.gov

The onset of chronic diseases, associated declines in functional ability, and the loss of independence traditionally associated with aging pose significant and often long-standing challenges for individuals with disabilities. For example, many people with early onset disability are living into old age and experiencing the effects of a primary disability combined with those that are more typically associated with aging. Additionally, as people live into older age groups, individuals are at risk for developing disabling conditions that may compromise their function and independence. Public health can play multiple roles in promoting the health and quality of life of people who are disabled and live into old age, as well as those who age and develop disabilities. One of these roles includes the monitoring of the population's health to better understand the trends and multiple effects of health conditions in later years. Another role is the creation of programs that promote health for persons aging with a disability and for older adults. This presentation has three goals. First, it will describe the prevalence of disability and variability of disability across states. Second, it will summarize the unique contributions of public health to the preservation of independence and increased social participation of persons living with a disability and those who develop disabilities in late life. Finally, it will identify public health opportunities relevant to understanding and promoting the health of older people with disabilities, with a special focus on programs and strategies developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will be able to describe at least one program or intervention shown to be effective in preserving function and promoting health for older adults that is also of proven benefit for those living with disability.
• Attendees will have a better understanding of the prevalence of disability and variability of disability at the state level as revealed by analysis of the BRFSS.
• Attendees will have a better understanding of the unique contribution of public health to the preservation of independence and increased social participation of persons living with a disability or developing disabilities.

Keywords: Aging, Disability

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No