Only about one in four Americans ages 50 to 64 regularly take advantage of preventive services such as screenings and immunizations, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in collaboration with the AARP and the American Medical Association.
“Promoting Preventive Services for Adults 50-64: Community and Clinical Partnerships” focuses on opportunities to improve the health of the growing number of adults in this age range. The report identifies recommended preventive services, such as influenza vaccine, cholesterol screening, breast and cervical cancer screening, as well as preventive screenings for behaviors that could negatively impact health, such as binge drinking.
In addition, the CDC’s healthy aging program provides tools and programs designed to help older adults live longer, more productive and independent lives.
“People aged 50 to 64 need access to preventive services to help them improve their overall health and to live vibrant, productive lives,” said CDC Director Thomas Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “CDC and our partners AARP and AMA are excited about this new resource because it enables our partners and others to more easily and effectively monitor improvements in health behaviors, screenings and immunizations. Our goal is to enhance the delivery and use of these recommended preventive services.”
To view the report and read about CDC’s healthy aging activities, visit the CDC Web site.
And, remember, if you have an elderly loved one who needs help getting to doctors appointments, or if they need something as simple yet critical as medication reminders, the CAREgivers at Home Instead Senior Care of Sonoma County are ready to help. Just give us a call at 707.586.1516 anytime.
