Successful Aging: Using Information Technology to Enhance the Lives of Older Adults

According to the 2007 State of Aging report from the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the population growth of older adults today is unprecedented in American history. Experts agree that the growth is due in part to medical advances that have dramatically changed the landscape of aging in America. Today, chronic diseases have replaced infectious diseases and acute illness as the leading causes of death. In fact, some 80 percent of older adults are believed to have at least one chronic or degenerative disease. The report cites two forces- a longer lifespan and the maturing of the 77 million babyboomers- that will result in the doubling of the population of Americans 65 years and older by 2030. This dramatic change is also expected to raise existing healthcare costs by 25 percent. These factors are bringing attention to the capabilities of aging services in America. The impetus is strong to mitigate factors contributing to age-related, debilitating diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer and in tum to achieve a better quality of life through healthier aging options. Community-based intervention models have achieved some success in addressing these concerns. But, as the aging population continues to grow, opportunities are emerging to integrate information technology in the approach to maximize the ability to age successfully, including opportunities to promote independence and quality of life.Master of Public Healt