Western Kentucky University

Healthy Aging Kentucky --- Policies for Unbridled Aging

Institution

Western Kentucky University

Abstract

People are living longer and the older adult population is increasing. With almost 1 in 20 residents of Kentucky expected to be over 60 by 2020, aging in the Commonwealth has taken on a new urgency. “Kentucky’s Policies for Unbridled Aging, a project funded through the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD), focuses on developing a grassroots policy model to support policies that promote healthy aging in KY. This poster describes the planning model that was based on the statewide infrastructure of the Partnership for a Fit KY. A diverse planning committee with participation across both policy expertise and regions met between 2009-2010 to identify relevant policy categories. Using outcome indicators specified through the Healthy Aging 2010 (Centers for Disease Control) landmark study, the planning committee developed a “Healthy Aging Policies” survey around the areas of “Health Status,” “Health Behaviors, “Preventive Care and Screening,” and “Injury.” Results from this survey (n = 1200) were used by the committee to develop a policy portfolio outlining best practice policies of healthy aging. Findings formed the basis for a “Healthy Aging” Plan for the Commonwealth. This poster concludes with recommendations aimed at increasing the likelihood of Kentucky older residents meeting nationally recognized physical and mental outcomes.

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Healthy Aging Kentucky --- Policies for Unbridled Aging

People are living longer and the older adult population is increasing. With almost 1 in 20 residents of Kentucky expected to be over 60 by 2020, aging in the Commonwealth has taken on a new urgency. “Kentucky’s Policies for Unbridled Aging, a project funded through the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD), focuses on developing a grassroots policy model to support policies that promote healthy aging in KY. This poster describes the planning model that was based on the statewide infrastructure of the Partnership for a Fit KY. A diverse planning committee with participation across both policy expertise and regions met between 2009-2010 to identify relevant policy categories. Using outcome indicators specified through the Healthy Aging 2010 (Centers for Disease Control) landmark study, the planning committee developed a “Healthy Aging Policies” survey around the areas of “Health Status,” “Health Behaviors, “Preventive Care and Screening,” and “Injury.” Results from this survey (n = 1200) were used by the committee to develop a policy portfolio outlining best practice policies of healthy aging. Findings formed the basis for a “Healthy Aging” Plan for the Commonwealth. This poster concludes with recommendations aimed at increasing the likelihood of Kentucky older residents meeting nationally recognized physical and mental outcomes.