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For Immediate Release
September 1, 2009
For Further Information:
Jillian Lubarsky
jlubarsky@americangeriatrics.org
(212) 308-1414
Good Health in Later Life for Older Women With The AGS
Foundation for Health in Aging's New Health Tip Sheet
American women are more likely to live longer than men. Although they have a life expectancy of 80 years, compared with about 75 years for men, older women often have worse health and are more likely to have ongoing health conditions like osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and arthritis than older men. In addition to experiencing multiple health problems, older women also commonly suffer from memory problems and have more trouble than older men dressing, walking or bathing without help.
To help older women stay as healthy as possible, the AGS' FHA has published "For Older Women: Tips for Good Health in Later Life"
"Older women tend to have more difficulties than older men as they age," says President-Elect, Sharon A. Brangman, MD, AGSF, Professor and Division Chief of Geriatric Medicine and Director of the Central NY Alzheimer's Disease Center at SUNY Upstate Medical University. "Multiple chronic health conditions combined with challenges with daily activities make it harder for older women as they get older."
The tip sheet offers advice, tailored to the needs of older women, on taking medications safely, eating well, and exercising safely in later life. It includes information about recommended screening tests - such as bone density, cholesterol, mammogram, and colorectal cancer screening, among others - and vaccinations for older women. The tips explain how older women can lower their risk of falls and quit smoking.
ABOUT THE FHA
In 1999, the American Geriatrics Society reached beyond its traditional role as a professional medical society and launched the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA). The FHA aims to build a bridge between geriatrics health care professionals and the public, and advocate on behalf of older adults and their special needs: wellness and preventive care, self-responsibility and independence, and connections to family and community. The FHA champions initiatives in public education, clinical research, and public policy that advance the principles and practice of geriatrics medicine; educate policy makers and the public on the health care needs and concerns of older adults; support aging research that reduces disability and frailty, and improves quality of life and health outcomes; encourage older adults to be effective advocates for their own health care; and help family members and caregivers take better care of their older loved ones and themselves.
ABOUT THE AGS
Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (www.americangeriatrics.org) is a non-profit organization of more than 6,400 healthcare professionals whose shared mission is to improve the health, independence and quality of life of older people. Our vision for the future is that all older adults will have access to quality healthcare that meets their unique needs. To achieve this, the Society focuses on: advancing eldercare research; enhancing clinical practice in eldercare; raising public awareness of the healthcare needs of older people; and advocating for public policy that ensures older adults access to quality, appropriate, cost-effective care. The Society is a pivotal force in shaping practices, policies and perspectives in the field.
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