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Health Disparities
Health disparities are preventable differences in the burden of disease,
injury, violence, or in opportunities to achieve optimal health experienced by
socially disadvantaged racial, ethnic, and other population groups, and
communities. Health disparities exist in all age groups, including older
adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is aware that even
though life expectancy and overall health have improved in recent years for
most Americans, not all older adults are benefitting equally because of
factors such as economic status, race, and gender. CDC acknowledges that
this is a growing problem and is trying to incorporate these issues into our
work.
Some of CDC activities in this area include The State of Aging and Health
in America 2007 report, in which the health status and health behaviors
of U.S. adults aged 65 years and older are assessed, and recommendations are
made for improving the mental and physical health of all Americans in their
later years. Throughout this document, data display the differences in
health status and health behaviors found among different groups of older
adults, and highlights programs working to reduce health disparities among
older adults. This information will provide a better understanding of how
health disparities may affect various older adult populations, and include a
specific “call-to-action” to address health disparities among older adults.
The CDC’s Healthy Aging Program is also conducting research on minority
populations to identify and address health disparities. CDC is currently
examining the health and characteristics of American Indian and Alaska
Native caregivers. CDC is also assessing how diverse groups of older adults
(e.g., African Americans, Hispanics, and Chinese Americans) think about
cognitive health and its association with lifestyle factors.
Selected Additional Resources
Page last reviewed:
November 20, 2008
Page last modified: November 20, 2008
Content source: Division of Adult
and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
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