Background

Healthy Aging is the development and maintenance of physical, mental, and social well-being, including optimal functioning, in older adults. It is achieved when physical environment and communities are safe, and support the adoption and maintenance of attitudes and behaviors known to promote health and well being in individuals. An integral part of the development includes utilization and promotion of evidence based health services within community programs to prevent or minimize the impact of acute and chronic disease.

In the year 2004, the US Census Bureau estimated that Colorado had more than 550,000 persons aged 60 years or older. It is further estimated that between the years 2000 and 2030, Colorado's population over the age of 65 will increase 247 percent.

As the "baby boomer" population ages, the number of Coloradans affected by chronic diseases will increase and will greatly impact health status and resultant health care needs of the population. According to The State of Aging and Health in America 2007 report, 80 percent of Americans ages 65 and older have at least one chronic disease that could lead to premature death and disability, and nearly 95 percent of health care expenditures are spent on treating older adults' chronic conditions.

The Governor's promise to senior citizens includes providing health-related services to encourage good, healthy behaviors through education, awareness, and outreach campaigns in an effort to reduce the number of preventable injuries and disease so that seniors maintain independence longer, and making sure that seniors have access to the information they need such as Fall Proof Safety Guides.

Purpose

The Healthy Aging Unit works to ensure an equitable provision of quality health and wellness programs and services for the prevention of chronic disease, conditions, and complications on a statewide basis. These programs and services increase independence, reduce health care utilization, and improve quality of life for older adults.

Primary Strategies

• Create and sustain a statewide system for delivery of evidence-based healthy aging programs to the community professional.

• Provide state leadership to create accessible prevention programs and services in the areas of safe and effective physical activity, improved nutrition, fall prevention, and mental health.

• Disseminate the Colorado Action Plan for Older Adult Wellness: A Public Health Strategy

• Support the adoption of community strategies and standards related to Healthy Aging.

• Collaborate with national and state level aging service providers to identify and leverage resources.

Resources and Information Links

Back to Health Index

Program Contacts

Penny K. Studebaker: 303.692.2566
Mishelle M. Macías: 303.692.2505

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Prevention Services Division
Injury and Suicide Prevention
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
PSD-IP-A4
Denver, CO 80246-1530
E-mail:  cdphe.psdrequests@state.co.us