Public health and aging services have historically operated in silos due to separate funding streams, governance structures, and mandates. However, the rapid growth of the older adult population highlights the urgent need for cross-sector collaboration to support healthy aging, reduce disparities, and improve outcomes for older adults and caregivers.
Public health programs address a wide variety of health issues, and each of the programs could be assessed to ensure they are adequately meeting the needs of older adults and caregivers.
The collection, analysis, and dissemination of data is a foundational and crucial role for the public health sector at all levels, but comprehensive data on older adult health is not commonly collected across the country and this particularly true for caregiver data.
Intentional and effective communication is important when sharing public health information to promote and support older adult health and wellbeing.
Caregivers and their families can utilize existing support programs without the need for duplicated efforts through the coordination of public health services.
To better address and support the needs of older adults and their caregivers, public health could leverage cross-sector partnerships to align strategies or expand existing programs across the field and beyond.
As the population of older adults continues to grow, the informal and formal caregivers supporting them will need resources and support.
As the population ages, the critical role of family and informal caregivers will continue to grow and needs support.