HEALTH & WELLNESS
Older Adult Health and Well-Being: Still a National Priority in a ‘New Normal’ By Lesha Spencer-Brown, MPH, CPH
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e have all been living in unprecedented times that have called for new ways of daily living from the way we interact and spend time with our family, friends and neighbors, to the way we recreate and maintain healthy lifestyles. Coupled with the fact that many of us are still coming to terms with new ways of being, there is uncertainty, fear and anxiousness about when things will get back to “normal.” This has been particularly troubling and challenging for many older adults and people with serious underlying medical conditions, who are at an increased risk for potentially severe complications if exposed to COVID-19. Given this, it is now more crucial than ever before that we help older adults maintain a healthy lifestyle. While a healthy lifestyle is important at any age, it is especially important for older adults, because data tells us that at least 60 percent of older adults suffer from one chronic condition, and at least 80 percent suffer from two or more chronic conditions. Putting this into perspective, additional public health efforts
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to help those already suffering from chronic conditions manage their illnesses and efforts to prevent or delay the onset of chronic conditions are critically warranted.
A Role for P&R The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that older
adults engage in health-promoting skills and behaviors (tinyurl.com/ r5b88gj), such as physical activity and healthy eating, good sleeping habits, staying socially connected, and seeking regular healthcare screenings to improve and maintain good health. With older adults being particularly urged by public health officials to ‘shelter in place’ and practice physical distancing in efforts to reduce potential exposure, it has been challenging to establish new routines to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But for the past several weeks, park and recreation agencies across the country have stepped into new roles, offering open spaces as places of refuge, and reinventing program offerings to continue to meet
