Physical Health
Background
As stated in the Older Americans Act, older adults should have opportunities to achieve the "best possible physical health which science can make available without regard to economic status, and have immediate benefit from proven research knowledge which can sustain and improve health and happiness". Similarly, the Vision for an Aging Texas is that older persons have the opportunity for optimal physical health.
Health is often negatively defined as absence of disease and injury. Healthy aging, though, is a positive concept of wellness based on evidence that attitudes and lifestyle behaviors can enhance the body's resistance to and recovery from functional decline, illness, and disease. This ideal can best be achieved by promoting positive lifestyle behaviors, routine screening practices, and appropriate management of acute and chronic conditions.
This section concentrates on the physical health of older adults, but it is important to recognize that health is a lifelong process. Healthy aging through the years requires accessible, affordable health care. Optimal health also depends on providers who have geriatric training needed to address the unique health care needs of older adults. A more detailed discussion of both service related issues and geriatric training is discussed in the Health and Long-Term Care section of Aging Texas Well.
Updated: November 2, 2007
