Older Adult 101

Summary: This comprehensive Older Adult 101 selection of resources provides an overview of the health topics pertinent to home-dwelling older adults, highlighting the necessity of a whole-person approach to maintaining overall health and well-being. By addressing the unique and multifaceted needs of older adults living at home, this collection aims to empower individuals, providers, and caregivers with the knowledge and strategies required to promote a health and independence in the aging population.

A whole-person approach includes access to a broad range of healthcare and support services including: 

  • Maintaining Physical Health: Regular medical and dental check-ups, nutrition, physical activity, chronic disease management
  • Mental and Cognitive Health: Screening and helping maintain cognitive function and delay the onset of cognitive decline
  • Emotional Support: Fostering emotional well-being through social interactions, community involvement, and access to mental health services helps prevent loneliness, depression, and anxiety
  • Preventive Care and Safety: Regular screenings and vaccinations, falls prevention, medication management
  • Care Planning: Care Mapping, identifying support networks with family, friends, and community resources that provides emotional support and practical assistance.

Audience: This collection is ideal for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking to support the aging population through education and practical strategies for home-dwelling older adults.

Resources:

Health Centers as Age-Friendly Health Systems (NCECE Webinar, April 2020)

The Intersection of Age & Health Equity (NCECE Webinar, Jan. 2024)

Strengthening Social Connection in Older Adults (NCECE Publication, July 2022)

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in Oral Health Care: A Step Towards Health Equity for Older Adults (NCECE/NNOHA Publication, June 2023)

What You Need to Know About Informal Caregiving and the LGBTQIA+ Community (NCECE/National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center Webinar, May 2023)

Navigating Polypharmacy Management in Older Adults (NCECE Webinar, March 2024)

Stepping Toward Prevention (Publication, Feb. 2024)

Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults: Considerations for Health Centers (NCECE Module, 2024)

Expanding Health Center Services to an Aging Population through PACE (NCECE Webinar, Jan. 2023)