Longevity, Metabolic Disease, and Community Health

In the United States, the average lifespan has increased despite the dramatic increase in obesity, diabetes, and other conditions that worsen during aging. As the longevity of US population increases, it is critical to understand the factors that impact aging populations especially as age-related disease and declining health becomes more prevalent. Diabetes related to obesity has become much more prevalent throughout the United States and globally. Further, the prevalence of age-related health problems accelerate in lower income communities with less access to health care. All these factors become critical as individuals age. Furthermore, in communities with less availability to health care, diagnosis may be delayed and treatments are initiated at a much later stage in disease. As such, the costs of medical care skyrocket leading to higher costs both to the community and to taxpayers. This chapter reviews some key health problems and issues in community health and healthy aging, recognizing the importance of organizations and programs that provide education and support to the aging population. Finally, cultural differences in approaches to healthy aging provide important insights and lessons for optimizing quality of life during aging.