Editorial: Healthy Aging and the Community Environment

Lee, Chanam; Zhu, Xuemei; Lane, Anna; Portegijs, Erja

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2021.737955

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…Currently, there are still many issues in the identification of WTAs globally, and the construction of wellness bases remains in an immature stage ( 1 , 2 , 57 ). Based on the analysis of literature from various countries and the case area (Yunnan Province, China), the common problems faced can be summarized as follows: (1) In the geographical environment, health and wellness factors have not been accurately identified.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A longevity level-oriented wellness target area identification method: a case study of Yunnan Province, China

Wang,

Wang

2024

Front. Public Health

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BackgroundAging, as a global demographic issue, is characterized by its rapid growth, which drives an increase in people's healthcare awareness. The emergence of wellness bases caters to this market demand. Therefore, the identification of potential areas suitable for wellness activities and the construction of wellness bases, referred to as Wellness Target Areas (WTAs), becomes a crucial first step. Currently, commonly used identification methods are mostly based on traditional statistical approaches, which are often complex, cumbersome, and subject to potential risks of subjective assumptions, affecting the reliability of WTAs identification results. Longevity level serves as a comprehensive indicator reflecting the natural and socio-economic environment of a region, making it the most indicative of the regional wellness environment status.MethodsThis study proposes using longevity level as the benchmark for WTAs identification to simplify the identification process and reduce the impact of subjective bias on the results. The study focuses on 129 county-level units in Yunnan Province. Firstly, the Geodetector (GD) is utilized to explore the complex interaction between the longevity level and the geographical environment to determine regional wellness factors. Secondly, using ArcGIS and geographical weighted regression (GWR), the study investigates the role of different wellness factors, ultimately classifying and grading the WTAs.ResultsThe longevity level in Yunnan Province exhibits a pattern of multi-point clustering, forming three major longevity regions. Factors that significantly influence longevity level include annual average precipitation, sunshine duration, PM2.5 content, per capita disposable income, density of tourist attractions, and distance from residential areas to hospitals. Based on the degree of longevity and the contribution rate of influencing factors, Yunnan Province's WTAs are classified into three levels and two types (natural and comprehensive).ConclusionOur study aims to establish a connection between longevity level and the selection of wellness bases, exploring regional wellness factors through the relationship between longevity phenomena and geographical environment, identifying potential construction areas for wellness bases (i.e., WTAs), providing new insights for the precise selection of wellness bases, effectively enhancing the scientificity of site selection, promoting population health, and contributing to the global aging process with better health.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A longevity level-oriented wellness target area identification method: a case study of Yunnan Province, China

Wang,

Wang

2024

Front. Public Health

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“…to address falls and other issues facing older adults have great potential to unify efforts and embed evidence-based solutions and best practices across communities over time and geography ( 37 – 39 ). Further, the United States has an active age-friendly communities movement, which encourages attention to environmental and policy issues to support livable and connected communities that facilitate increased physical activity, access to resources, and social interactions (i.e., thereby ameliorating important fall risks) ( 40 , 41 ).…”

Section: Solutions To Advance Fall Prevention and Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multi-directional nature of falls among older adults: A rationale for prevention and management

Smith

Ory²

2023

Front. Public Health

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The global aging population is larger than ever before (1), and it is estimated that 155 countries will have an aging society by the year 2050 (2). In the United States alone, there are more than 50 million adults ages 65 years and older, with this sub-population projected to exceed more than 80 million by 2040 (3). The growing aging population reflects longer life expectancies largely attributed to a combination of medical advancements, accessible healthcare, and supportive and inclusive physical and social environments (4). While there is much variability in the aging process (5), the expansive older adult population brings with it increased prevalence rates of chronic conditions and other health issues (e.g., injurious falls, cognitive decline, malnutrition, mental illness, and social disconnectedness) that will further strain the already over-burdened healthcare system. While there are many pressing and costly geriatric conditions deserving of increased and immediate attention, we will focus on older adult falls as an example of a globally-recognized, age-related condition with a host of negative, but potentially preventable, sequelae (6, 7). Too often falls are narrowly viewed as a natural and inevitable part of aging, which cannot be prevented or managed. The complex and multi-factorial circumstances resulting in a fall require a more holistic view of the event (i.e., causes, facilitators, and contributors) and the older adults' physical, mental, environmental, and medical context. We contend that falls is among the most germane health issues facing older adults because a fall can represent a constellation of interwoven health events and may be centric to multi-level solutions spanning research, healthcare practice, community programming, and policy. This article aims to expand the lens through which we view falls as a public health issue by: (a) offering insights about the upstream indicators and downstream ramifications associated with falls; and (b) highlighting opportunities for interdisciplinary and cross-sectorial solutions to predict, prevent, and manage falls among older adults.Falls in the United States are the leading cause of unintentional injuries among older adults age 65 years and older (8). The incidence of falls is substantial, with one-in-four older adults falling each year (9). Older adults who fall have an increased risk for injury, reduced physical function, loss of independence, institutionalization, and death (9, 10). The estimated annual direct medical costs of falls exceed $50 billion USD (11), which does not account for the associated costs for rehabilitation, caregiving, skilled nursing, or other resulting health issues (physical or mental). The ramifications of a fall dramatically impact the older adult, but when considered collectively, these negative consequences impose extreme duress on their families, social structures, and the clinical and community-based organizations that serve them. Although the likelihood of falling increases with age, it is not a natural part of aging. F...

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“…Lifestyle factors and the built environment have been key factors associated with healthy aging, especially physical activity (14,15). Physical inactivity has been associated with a myriad of poor health and functional outcomes, especially among older adults who are characteristically less physically active than other age groups.…”

Section: Themementioning

confidence: 99%