Oral

The collaboration between public health and aging services networks at national, state and local levels can help older adults to maximize their potential for living healthy lives. As the U.S. population ages, the importance of these collaborative efforts becomes increasingly critical. Yet most states and localities (including state and local health departments, state units on aging and respective aging services network agencies, and state public health associations) have fragmented and limited resources to address the health promotion and disease prevention needs of older adults—the very population with the highest rates of chronic disease and disabilities. This fragmentation of resources can be improved by fostering collaboration and partnerships between state and local public health and aging service networks. This symposium will focus on strategies to help foster healthy aging and the development of aging-friendly communities at national, state and local levels. Speakers will address factors that can optimize physical, emotional and social health of a growing older population, including ways to promote healthy behaviors, access to preventive, supportive and other health and social services, and development of community supports and meaningful connections with others in the community. We will also discuss ways that community partnerships and coalitions can help to develop inclusive community systems of support for older adults that address their diverse needs and desires, and develop communities that prioritizes aging issues for the benefit of families as well as older adults.

Session Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to: 1. Identify successful collaborations and partnerships between state and local public health and aging services networks. 2. Identify factors that optimize physical, emotional and social health of a growing older population. 3. Identify ways to foster healthy aging and the development of aging-friendly communities at national, state and local levels.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing