Abstract
The aging of the population has raised interest in optimal aging. Across New England older adults, policymakers, service providers, philanthropists, researchers, and advocates are working together to promote healthy aging (see mahealthyagingcollaborative.org). This effort has championed the use of data to inform policy development, resource allocation, and service delivery. In MA approximately 14% of the state is age 65 or older. We developed community profiles reporting more than 120 indicators of healthy aging for the 351 cities and towns in the state and 16 Boston neighborhoods. In RI approximately 21% of the state’s 1,052,567 residents are 60 or older. We created community profiles reporting 120+ indicators for the 41 cities and towns in RI. Rarely is data reported at such a local level. Analyses were conducted using data from CMS, BRFSS, US Census and other sources using small area estimation techniques to determine age/sex adjusted community rates. We compared community and state rates, and state rates to national rates. Interactive online maps show the distribution of disease. Selected results include state rates for MA/RI adults 65 or older ever being diagnosed with: diabetes (32%/36%), hypertension (78%/79%), stroke (13%/13%), Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (14%/14%), depression (29%/30%), and 4+ chronic conditions (59%/64%). This poster describes both the methodology and findings of the reports. We also report on how communities have used these data for developing new partnerships, identifying priorities and becoming more age-friendly at the state and community levels. Research supported by the Tufts Health Plan Foundation.