Aging Well

This year, the CBC Health Braintrust would like to examine issues that impact the ability of seniors to age well. This includes examining ways to keep people healthy throughout their lives through more prevention of chronic diseases and the promotion of health lifestyles and community living.

The African American population aged 65 and older is projected to grow to nearly 10 million by 2050. As African Americans live longer, our healthcare system will be increasingly challenged in meeting their health needs. A recent study performed at the University of South Carolina defined “aging well” for African Americans as being “cognitively intact, free of serious mobility impairment or other health problems, and independent.” In order to help older African Americans achieve this goal, we must evaluate the health and socioeconomic factors that affect their ability to age well. The CBC Health Braintrust is examining ways to keep people healthy throughout their lives through increased prevention of chronic diseases and the promotion of healthy communities.