The public health perspective in health promotion and disability prevention for older adults: The role of the centers for disease control and prevention

Citation

Hennessy C, Buchner DM, Jordan JM, Leveille SG, Shefer AM & Stevens JA (2001) The public health perspective in health promotion and disability prevention for older adults: The role of the centers for disease control and prevention. Journal of Rural Health, 17 (4), pp. 364-369. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-0361.2001.tb00290.x

Abstract
As the United States federal public health agency, the role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in health promotion and disability prevention with older adults encompasses research, surveillance and program activities in aging. This article characterizes the objectives and context of prevention in later life and summarizes CDC's functions, collaborative partnerships with public health agencies and other organizations, and range of activities in older adult health. As a major focus of these efforts, chronic disease risk reduction is examined through CDC's efforts in the area of physical activity; a longitudinal investigation of osteoarthritis in an older biracial rural population; and chronic illness self-management programs as a prototype for secondary prevention. Other CDC activities highlighted include addressing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases through CDC-funded programs to improve immunization coverage in older adults, and falls prevention interventions and resources. Future directions in aging at CDC are also outlined.

Journal
Journal of Rural Health: Volume 17, Issue 4

People

Professor Catherine Hennessy

Professor of Ageing, Faculty of Social Sciences