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Public health
advancements, continuing scientific discoveries and
new treatment options are enabling Americans to live
increasingly longer and more productive lives.
Average life expectancy in the U.S. is now at a
record 74 years for men and 78 years for women.
However, there is still much more we can do for
aging Mainers to improve their quality of life.
While
Americans are indeed living longer lives, that
doesn’t necessarily mean that those lives are any
healthier or happier than in previous decades. Many
don’t follow medical recommendations to stay as
strong and healthy as possible throughout their
lives leading to chronic diseases like diabetes,
high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart
disease. These are often preventable diseases if
confronted through basic lifestyle changes,
including exercise, a healthy diet, and regular
visits to their physician.
This year we celebrate
National Public Health Week from April 4-10 with the
goal of empowering Americans to live both stronger
and longer not only this one week, but throughout
their lives. The facts make it clear that Americans
could do more to promote personal health and
decrease the negative effects of aging. While
eighty percent of older adults suffer from at least
one chronic condition and the average 75 year old
has three chronic conditions and uses five
prescription drugs:
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Nearly one in four
older adults skips doses of medication or do not
fill prescriptions because of cost, missing the
full benefits of modern drugs.
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About 60 percent of
older adults take their prescriptions improperly
and thousands of lives are lost as a result.
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Over 80 percent of
seniors have a diet that is poor or needs
improvement.
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Few older adults get
optimal physicial activity - this could reduce
direct medical costs by as much as $77 billion
annually.
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Both dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease have been associated with
smoking.
In order
to combat the problems and complications often
associated with aging and encourage Americans to
live healthier lives, the American Public Health
Association (APHA) has identified the three P’s-
Prevent, Protect, and Plan. Mainers can
prevent
many common health problems that hinder the
enjoyment of later years by adopting a healthy
lifestyle. People who are physically active, eat a
healthy diet, avoid tobacco products, and practice
other healthy behaviors reduce their risk of chronic
diseases and have half the rate of disability of
those who do not.
Older
Americans continue to suffer from chronic diseases
that can be treated if they are detected in time. In
order to protect
themselves, it is imperative that people get
necessary screenings and follow treatment and
medication plans recommended by their health care
providers. The national average for people who have
received all the recommended preventive services
from Medicare is 34.4% for men and 33.4% for women –
that number is disturbingly low. In Maine, 41.6% of
men and 33.4% of women 65 and older are getting the
selected preventive services provided, recommended,
and covered by Medicare.
By
carefully
planning for the future, we all can live
longer, healthier lives. Creating and following an
action plan for minimizing health risks can make a
large difference in cutting down on potential health
risks with our families playing a critical role. In
1997, approximately 22 million households in the
United States (nearly one in four) were caring for
someone age 50 or older. That number is expected to
rise to 39 million households by 2007.
Our health
needs to be a topmost priority for all Americans.
Everyone must do their part. With some effort and
the help of family and physician, each of us can
adopt a healthier lifestyle to live a bright future.
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