Research Agenda
PRC-HAN's framework for a national research and dissemination agenda related to the public health aspects of healthy aging identifies six thematic areas for health promotion, 18 priority disease and geriatric topics, and five key questions to assess readiness for translation of research into policy.
Areas for health promotion
- Physical Activity
- Nutrition
- Avoidance of tobacco use and substance abuse
- Self-management skills for personal behaviors, chronic disease management, and medication use
- Awareness and appropriate use of clinical preventive services
- Social Engagement: participation in meaningful activity and social networks
- Disease and geriatric topics (diseases, organ system topics, geriatric syndromes and concerns)
- Cardiovascular (CHD, HTN, Stroke)
- Arthritis and related conditions
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Cancer (colorectal, prostate, breast)
- Pulmonary disease
- Sensory impairments (vision, hearing)
- Depression and Mental Health Issues
- Elder Abuse and Neglect
- Chronic pain
- Frailty
- Falls, fractures & other injuries
- Cognitive impairment/decline
- Incontinence (urinary & bowel)
- Sleep disorders
- Oral health
- Polypharmacy
- Care-giving burden
Key questions to assess readiness for translation to policy
- What are the health benefits of modifying the risk or behavioral factor?
- What is the incidence and prevalence of the risk or behavioral factor?
- What are the factors that make it possible to modify the risk or behavioral factor?
- Can we develop successful community interventions to facilitate change in the risk or behavioral factor?
- What policies, programs and environmental-ecological strategies lead to positive change in the risk or behavioral factor?