Health promotion strategies and materials developed by the American Society on Aging through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
 

HEALTHWORD FEATURE OF THE MONTH:
DRIVEWELL SPREADS THE WORD ABOUT DRIVING FITNESS TO COMMUNITIES AROUND THE NATION

Many researchers and practitioners these days are seeing transportation and mobility issues concerning older adults as a top priority. Recent news and research findings have highlighted the concerns of professionals who are dealing with dementia and driving safety and wellness. The challenges faced by physicians, for example, who often struggle to identify concrete indicators of an elder’s fitness to drive, underscores the importance of driving wellness programs such as ASA’s DriveWell. Keep reading!

SPOTLIGHT on 2007 HEALTHCARE AND AGING AWARD WINNERS

The American Society on Aging (ASA), in collaboration with Pfizer,announced the winners of the ninth annual Healthcare and Aging Awards at the 2007 ASA-NCOA Joint Conference. This year's awards are presented to six outstanding programs in healthcare and aging.

• Aging as Ourselves, ElderHelp of San Diego, San Diego, CA

  Aging as Ourselves is an innovative community-wide collaborative that leverages the knowledge and experience of both mainstream and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) agencies in San Diego to provide a safe and comfortable environment for LGBT elders to tap into culturally responsive legal, social and health related services.

• Cool Zones, Country of San Diego Aging and Independence Services, San Diego, CA

  During summer months in San Diego, older adults suffer physically and financially as a result of scorching heat coupled with high energy costs. The county designates Cool Zone sites that are air-conditioned and welcome older adults to sit and cool off without any expectation of purchases or participation in activities.

• PREPARE: Disaster/Emergency Training Program for Long Term Care Providers, Mather LifeWays, Evanston, IL

  The PREPARE continuing education program equips senior living community and long-term care (LTC) health providers with core competencies to address the medical and psychosocial consequences of disasters and public health emergencies. Using a train-the-trainer model, PREPARE addresses geriatric-specific physical, social and emotional needs that may arise during a disaster.

• Silver Age Yoga, Silver Age Yoga Community Outreach, San Diego, CA

  Silver age yoga community outreach, Inc. has combined yoga practice with geriatric science in developing certification for yoga teachers by providing the knowledge and skills to address special issues connected with the age related changes.

• Transitions, Haven Hospice, Gainesville, FL

  Transitions is a comprehensive outreach program providing support and education to individuals and families who are dealing with serious illness and not eligible for hospice services.

• The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention, The Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale, Riverdale, NY

  The Weinberg Center fills a critical gap in services for victims of elder abuse by providing a comprehensive regional elder abuse shelter emotional support, psychological counseling, healthcare, legal advocacy and representation for victims of elder abuse who live in the community.

To learn more about ASA's Health Care and Aging Award and the 2007 winners, click here.