"Healthy Aging, Healthy Living -- Start Now!" is the theme in
the
United States for World Health Day, April 7, 1999. This day will
focus on
the health issues of older adults. In the United States, the
proportion of
adults aged greater than or equal to 65 years has tripled since
1900.
During this same period, U.S. residents aged greater than or equal
to 85
years have increased 31-fold. By 2030, when the last of the
"baby-boom"
generation reaches age 65 years, adults aged greater than or equal
to 65
years will account for 20% of the U.S. population (1).
Increased longevity reflects successes achieved by public
health and
medical care during the 20th century. Although the aging population
poses
substantial challenges, older persons can improve their quality of
life
substantially and delay disability by following healthful lifestyle
strategies (2,3). Healthful lifestyle choices (e.g., regular
physical
activity, good nutrition, and avoidance of smoking and overuse of
alcohol)
are more important than genetic factors in contributing to healthy
aging
(2). These choices can help aging persons avoid deterioration and
dependency. Moreover, it is almost never too late to adopt
healthful
lifestyle habits.
The United Nations has proclaimed October 1, 1998-December 31,
1999,
as the International Year of Older Persons (IYOP). Federal agencies
are
working together to sponsor IYOP activities. CDC will publish a
special
MMWR Surveillance Summary during 1999 describing the critical
public health
issues facing older adults in the United States.
The World Health Day Advisory Committee coordinates World
Health Day
activities in the United States. Additional information about
special
events and resource materials about World Health Day 1999 is
available from
the American Association for World Health, 1825 K Street, N.W.,
Suite 1208,
Washington, DC 20006; telephone (202) 466-5883; e-mail:
AAWHstaff@aol.com;
or from the World-Wide Web, .
References
American Association of Retired Persons, Bureau of the Census,
and
Administration on Aging. A profile of older Americans.
Washington, DC:
American Association of Retired Persons, Bureau of the Census,
and
Administration on Aging, 1998.
Vita AJ, Terry RB, Hubert HB, Fries JF. Aging, health risks,
and
cumulative disability. N Engl J Med 1998;338:1035-41.
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