title: The public health perspective in health promotion and disability prevention for older adults: the role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
abstract: As the United States federal public health agency, the role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in health promotion and disability prevention with older adults encompasses research, surveillance and program activities in aging. This article characterizes the objectives and context of prevention in later life and summarizes CDCs functions, collaborative partnerships with public health agencies and other organizations, and range of activities in older adult health. As a major focus of these efforts, chronic disease risk reduction is examined through CDC's efforts in the area of physical activity; a longitudinal investigation of osteoarthritis in an older biracial rural population; and chronic illness self-management programs as a prototype for secondary prevention. Other CDC activities highlighted include addressing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases through CDC-funded programs to improve immunization coverage in older adults, and falls prevention interventions and resources. Future directions in aging at CDC are also outlined.
authors.affiliation: Health Care and Aging Studies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Hennessy
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Buchner
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Jordan
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Leveille
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Shefer
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Stevens
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003140:Communicable Disease Control; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D015444:Exercise; D016330:Frail Elderly; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012648:Self Care; D014481:United States; D014612:Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D014612:Vaccines