Overview
Healthy aging, as defined by the World Health Organization, is "the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.” New Yorkers are welcome to visit NY Connects to learn more about long term services and supports to keep them active and independent in their communities of choice. Below are resources to help New Yorkers achieve their personal version of healthy aging.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Program
Overview
If you have diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic pain, anxiety, or other conditions, the workshops offered through the Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Programs (CDSMP) can help you take charge of your life and ability to manage your health.
CDSMP, also referred to as Living Healthy, Better Choices-Better Health, Healthier You, and Tomando Control de su Salud, is an evidence-based health promotion/self-management intervention program (meaning studies have shown evidence of achieving positive outcomes) that teaches techniques to help you better manage your health condition(s). Other programs offer workshops focused on specific chronic conditions such as the Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP), Arthritis Self-Management Program, Chronic Pain Self-Management Program and Positive Self-Management for HIV.
The CDSMP is a 2.5 hour workshop held each week for six weeks in community settings. Two trained leaders, who often have health conditions themselves, lead the workshops. The workshops often are held at senior centers, libraries, congregate meal sites, community centers, faith-based locations or any number of places in the community. Among the self-management techniques learned and topics discussed are managing pain and fatigue, discovering better nutrition and exercise choices, managing stress, dealing with anger and difficult emotions, enhancing problem solving skills, talking with your doctor and family about your health, setting your own goals, and developing a step by step plan to improve your health and quality of life.
Who is Eligible?
Individuals who are over the age of 18 with one or more chronic health condition(s) are eligible to participate. Caregivers are also welcome.
Is There a Cost? No cost or low cost.
How do I Get Help/Apply?
Contact your local Office for the Aging or NY Connects.
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Program
Overview
Many health promotion and prevention services for older New Yorkers are held locally at dining sites, senior centers and other community locations. Some of these services are also available for people receiving home-delivered meals.
Types of Services may Include:
- Physical fitness programs;
- Routine health screening for conditions such as hypertension, glaucoma, cholesterol, cancer, vision, hearing, diabetes, and bone density;
- Home injury control services;
- Nutrition screening, nutritional counseling, and educational services;
- Mental health screening services;
- Medication management screening and education; and
- Information and education about Medicare preventive care benefits including flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Health promotion and prevention program participants often say that they feel better and have fewer problems with their condition later on. Examples of health promotion and prevention services include:
- Falls prevention;
- Physical activity;
- Alcohol and substance abuse reduction;
- Smoking cessation;
- Weight loss and control;
- Stress management; and
- Improved nutrition.
Who is Eligible?
You are eligible if you are 60 years old or older. Your spouse and other family members may be eligible to attend the health programs and use the health services, too.
Is There a Cost?
Generally there is no cost for the services. Some places offer the opportunity to make a suggested voluntary contribution for one or more health services.
Contact your local Office for the Aging or NY Connects.
Hospice Services and Palliative Care
Hospice is a philosophy of care that provides appropriate skilled, compassionate care to patients and their families, so they receive the support and guidance they need to meet the challenges of serious illness. A personalized plan of care incorporates what is important to the patient and the caregiver. It emphasizes quality of life and assists patients to live as fully and comfortably as possible.
Hospice & Palliative Care Association of New York State
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
1-800-658-8898
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, often becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, and accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases.
Alzheimer's Association:
Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 helpline: 1-800-272-3900
Find an Alzheimer’s chapter in your community
NY Connects
Home Care Services
Home care provides care at home for people who have an illness, injury or condition and who might otherwise be placed into a hospital, nursing home, or other care facility. Home care usually is provided by an agency and paid for privately by insurance or a government program.
Health Care Proxy
The New York Health Care Proxy Law allows people of all ages to designate someone to make health care decisions on their behalf if they can no longer do so. Forms are available at your local Office for the Aging or at on the Department of Health's website.
HIV and AIDS
Older New Yorkers should be aware that they risk contracting HIV and AIDS just as much as younger people, and they are less likely to be diagnosed. Call the Department of Health helpline for more information.
Hospital Patient Rights
Upon admission to the hospital, everyone receives a copy of the publication, “Your Rights as a Hospital Patient in New York State.” This booklet is designed to help you understand what rights you have during your hospital stay regarding treatment, care, and discharge planning.
For additional information:
Download a copy of Your Rights as a Hospital Patient in New York State
New York State Partnerships for Long-Term Care
The New York State Partnership for Long-Term Care combines private long-term care insurance with Medicaid to help people prepare financially for possible nursing home care, home care or other long-term care services as specified under the policy. It allows New Yorkers to protect assets while remaining eligible for Medicaid extended coverage if their long-term care needs exceed the period covered by their private partnership insurance policy. For an application, contact your local Office for the Aging.
For additional information:
The NYS Partnership for Long-Term Care Website