Greenlund KJ, Keenan NL, Clayton PF, Pandey DK, Hong Y. Public health options for improving cardiovascular health among older Americans.
Am J Public Health 2012;
102:1498-507. [PMID:
22698028 PMCID:
PMC3464825 DOI:
10.2105/ajph.2011.300570]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Life expectancy at birth has increased from 74 years in 1980 to 78 years in 2006. Older adults (aged 65 years and older) are living longer with cardiovascular conditions, which are leading causes of death and disability and thus an important public health concern. We describe several major issues, including the impact of comorbidities, the role of cognitive health, prevention and intervention approaches, and opportunities for collaboration to strengthen the public health system. Prevention can be effective at any age, including for older adults. Public health models focusing on policy, systems, and environmental change approaches have the goal of providing social and physical environments and promoting healthy choices.
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