AHRQ Announces New Resource to Help People over 50 Stay Healthy

Press Release Date: January 27, 2000

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality today announced the release of Staying Healthy at 50+, the result of a public-private partnership among AHRQ, the Health Resources and Services Administration and AARP. This latest product of AHRQ's Put Prevention into Practice program is aimed at helping older Americans understand and incorporate preventive care into their lives.

"The information in Staying Healthy at 50+ comes from the research-based recommendations of the newly reconvened AHRQ-supported U.S. Preventive Services Task Force," said AHRQ Director John M. Eisenberg, M.D. "In addition, Staying Healthy at 50+ is an important tool that can help us meet the prevention goals of our Nation." The U.S. Preventive Task Force, first convened in 1984, systematically reviews the evidence of effectiveness of a wide range of clinical preventive services, including screening tests, counseling and immunizations.

Staying Healthy at 50+ includes tips and recommendations on health habits, screening tests and immunizations. It includes easy-to-use charts to help track personal health information, questions to ask health care providers and resources to contact for additional health information.

"People with good physical and mental health can enjoy their older years and continue to be productive, active members of their families and communities," said HRSA Administrator Claude Earl Fox, M.D., M.P.H. "Staying Healthy at 50+ gives aging Americans a tool to prevent problems of poor health."

"AARP is pleased to partner with AHRQ and HRSA on this useful reference to help Americans age 50 and older stay healthy and active," said Anne Harvey, director of AARP Program Development and Services. "This publication gives people a guide to healthy living habits and a schedule for screening tests and immunizations all in one easy place."

Individuals may order up to three free copies of Staying Healthy at 50+ (AHRQ Publication No. AHRQ 00-0002) from the AHRQ Clearinghouse by calling 800-358-9295 or writing: AHRQ Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 8547, Silver Spring, MD 20907. For Spanish-language copies, ask for AHRQ Publication No. AHRQ 00-0010. Contact the Clearinghouse for information about bulk orders.

To order copies from the HRSA Information Center, call 1-888-ASK-HRSA.

AARP is distributing Staying Healthy at 50+ (stock number D17081) along with other publications in its wellness series, including Keep Active: Get Movin' (stock number D17078), Eat Well: Lighten Up (stock number D17079) and Manage Stress: Keep Your Cool (stock number D17080). To order, write to: AARP Fulfillment, 601 E. Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20049. Include the title and stock number with your request.

AHRQ is the lead agency charged with supporting research designed to improve the quality of health care, reduce its cost, improve patient safety, address medical errors and broaden access to essential services.

AHRQ's Put Prevention into Practice program is designed to increase the appropriate use of clinical preventive services. PPIP tools enable physicians and other health care providers to determine which services their patients should receive and make it easier for patients to understand and keep track of their preventive care.

HRSA improves access to quality health care for low-income, vulnerable and medically underserved individuals and families through its primary care, maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS and health professions training programs.

AARP is the Nation's leading organization for people age 50 and older. It serves their needs and interests through information and education, advocacy and community services that are provided by a network of local chapters and experienced volunteers throughout the country. The organization also offers members a wide range of special benefits and services, including Modern Maturity magazine and the monthly Bulletin.

For more information, please contact AHRQ: Karen Migdail, (301) 427-1855 (KMigdail@ahrq.gov); HRSA: Mona Finch, (301) 443-3376 (MFinch@hrsa.gov); AARP: Denise Orloff, (202) 434-2563 (DOrloff@aarp.org).

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Internet Citation:

AHRQ Announces New Resource to Help People over 50 Stay Healthy. Press Release, January 27, 2000. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/news/press/pr2000/50pluspr.htm

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