Physical Health
Community-based programs
The Older Americans Act dedicates some funds specifically for health maintenance, health screening and health monitoring. Although limited, area agencies on aging provide services under Title III-D that include analysis by a medical professional as well as routine monitoring of blood pressure, vision, diabetes, and other conditions. Title III-D also includes medications and/or equipment to prevent, alleviate, or cure acute and chronic illnesses, increase awareness of special health needs, and improve older people's emotional well-being.
Additional services include dental treatment, health education, home health services (e.g., nursing, physical, speech or occupational therapy) as well as provision of glasses, dentures, or hearing aides. Despite the evidence that health promotion and disease management practices can help people achieve and maintain physical health, Title III-D health promotion services account for a small proportion (2.2%) of all Older Americans Act funds.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services a statewide intergenerational fitness campaign to educate and involve older Texans and their families in physical activity and proper nutrition throughout their lifespan. The Texercise campaign encourages activity among individuals, and promotes community events and policies that support fitness in all life areas.
With the assistance of Honorary State Chairman, Dr. Kenneth Cooper, our partners in the aging network, and other corporate sponsors, DADS disseminates information through mass media and sponsors physical fitness and nutrition activities in worksites, health care settings and communities throughout Texas . Examples of promotional activities have included the Governor's Challenge walk for state employees in Austin , Texercise Walks and Fitness Forever demonstrations in partnership with Sam's Club in Texoma, and training businesses to establish and maintain wellness programs in partnership with the Texas Department of State Health Services.
In recognition of the importance of physical activity on reducing the risk for chronic conditions, reducing obesity, and improving individual health and long-term well-being, Governor Rick Perry created an Advisory Council on Physical Fitness. The Governor's Advisory Council on Physical Fitness consists of 11 members who represent business, health care, education, state and local governments, senior citizens, person with special needs, and the general public.
The specific duties of the Council are to
- advise the Governor on matters relating to physical fitness, sports health and nutrition education, and exercise,
- identify and review the activities of the various state programs related to physical fitness,
- complement and encourage local community efforts to increase opportunities for physical activity,
- develop an annual workplan to recommend strategies that encourage better nutrition and physical fitness, and
- promote physical activity and good nutrition including outreach to children, senior citizens, and persons with special needs. The Council prepares and publishes an annual report of its findings, activities, and recommendations.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) oversees multiple disease-specific councils and workgroups that address chronic diseases that include, but are not limited to cardiovascular disease and stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis, and cancer. These statewide councils are responsible for educating, informing, and facilitating action among Texans to reduce the individual and financial toll of chronic disease. Councils often evaluate policies that support a healthy environment, and develop formal plans and policy recommendations to reduce the impact of chronic disease in our state. Councils also serve as a resource to individuals, as well as decision-makers in the legislature and other state agencies. In addition, DSHS works closely with its regional offices to promote healthy behaviors such as smoking cessation, physical fitness, and proper nutrition in communities and worksite settings.
National entities are recognizing the importance of health promotion among older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Administration on Aging formed a partnership focusing on their shared goals of addressing the health needs of the aging population. Through the Association of State and Territorial Chronic Disease Program Directors and the National Association of State Units on Aging, state health departments and state units on aging were encouraged to strengthen their relationships to better deliver health promotion and disease prevention programs for older persons.
State units on aging and state health departments were surveyed about their activities in the areas of health promotion and disease prevention. The survey yielded the following key findings pertaining to needs, priorities, barriers, and program support needs:
- The greatest health issue identified by both agencies was chronic disease, followed by prescription drug access/coverage, and mental and behavioral health.
- Both agencies have limited involvement in addressing the top health issues of older adults.
- Individual lifestyle and lack of awareness, coupled with systematic barriers to providing programs and services were the main obstacles to health promotion among older adults.
- State units on aging and health departments both cited a need for best practice models to promote health among older adults.
- The most important program support needs were funding, staffing, public education materials, media, and social marketing.
- Funding sources drive the ability to carry out health promotion and disease prevention strategies.
In Texas, DADS maintains a close relationship with the Department of Health. National efforts have strengthened our mutual goal to develop and implement projects that meet the objectives of the Older Americans Act and the prevention priorities of the state health department. Programs that promote immunizations, physical fitness, proper nutrition, and minority health are just a few examples of current collaborative projects in Texas.
Updated: November 2, 2007
