The CDC released The State of Aging and Health in America 2013 that provides a snapshot of our nation’s trends and progress in promoting prevention, improving the health and well-being of older adults, and reducing behaviors that contribute to premature death and disability.

The older adult population aged 65 years or older will double during the next 25 years to about 72 million. By 2030, older adults will account for roughly 20% of the U.S. population.

During the past century, a major shift occurred in the leading causes of death for all age groups, including older adults, from infectious diseases and acute illnesses to chronic diseases and degenerative illnesses.

The National Report Card on Healthy Aging reports on 15 indicators of older adult health, 8 of which are identified in Healthy People 2020, the national health agenda of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These 15 indicators are grouped into 4 areas: Health Status, Health Behaviors, Preventive Care and Screening, and Injuries. The United States has met or exceeded six of the Healthy People 2020 targets in this report.

The State of Aging and Health in America 2013 presents several calls to action intended to encourage individuals, professionals, and communities to take specific steps to improve the health and well-being of older adults. They include the following:

åÊåÊåÊ Developing a new Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map
åÊåÊåÊ Addressing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) aging and health issues
åÊåÊåÊ Using data on physically unhealthy days to guide interventions
åÊåÊåÊ Addressing mental distress among older adults
åÊåÊåÊ Monitoring vaccination rates for shingles.

Read my about.com blog here where you can also link to the full report.

http://assistedliving.about.com/b/2013/10/14/cdcs-state-of-aging-and-health-in-america-2013-offer-a-comprehensive-and-holistic-look-at-trends-and-needs.htm