Key Takeaways
The health and safety of older Americans is of utmost concern during the coronavirus pandemic.
Social distancing will exacerbate physical and mental health conditions, significantly worsening an older person’s chances of recovery if infected.
Title III-D of the Older Americans Act authorizes funding for evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention programs delivered by community-based organizations (CBOs).
People over the age of 60, particularly those with chronic conditions, are at highest risk of nursing home placement, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19 complications.
This one pager describes the physical and behavioral needs of older adults as they follow social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how investments in Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III-D evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention programs can help them preserve and improve their health and independence.
The lack of access to community-based supports and services and assistance, and negative effects of isolation, are exacerbating underlying chronic conditions and resulting in new health threats. Increasing support for OAA Title III-D health promotion and disease prevention will address the growing, urgent need for these services that will contribute to reductions in hospital admissions, nursing home placement, and death.
