#  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](https://ece.hsdm.harvard.edu/health-centers-age-friendly-health-systems) (NCECE Webinar, April 2020)

[The Intersection of Age & Health Equity](/intersection-age-health-equity-webinar " The Intersection of Age & Health Equity Webinar") (NCECE Webinar, Jan. 2024)

[Strengthening Social Connection in Older Adults](https://ece.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum1511/files/ece/files/strengthening_social_connection_in_older_adults.pdf) (NCECE Publication, July 2022)

[Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in Oral Health Care: A Step Towards Health Equity for Older Adults](https://ece.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum1511/files/ece/files/final_sdoh_oral_health_nnoha_ncece.pdf) (NCECE/NNOHA Publication, June 2023)

[What You Need to Know About Informal Caregiving and the LGBTQIA+ Community](https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/courses/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](/navigating-polypharmacy-management-older-adults "Navigating Polypharmacy Management in Older Adults") (NCECE Webinar, March 2024)

[Stepping Toward Prevention](https://ece.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum1511/files/ece/files/ncece_falls_prevention_2024.pdf) (Publication, Feb. 2024)

[Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults: Considerations for Health Centers](https://ece.hsdm.harvard.edu/emergency-preparedness-older-adults-considerations-health-centers) (NCECE Module, 2024)

[Expanding Health Center Services to an Aging Population through PACE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR2uOn6zeGw) (NCECE Webinar, Jan. 2023)