There is an increased emphasis on public health interventions for older adults to prevent and reduce the negative health consequences of chronic diseases, maintain and enhance functional status, and prevent disability and frailty. Population-based assessments of the health of older adults are critical to expanding the scope of traditional health promotion activities to older populations. The Los Angeles County Health Survey (LACHS) assessed the health, functional status, health behaviors, and use of health services among adults age 65 or older in Los Angeles County. The LACHS is a random-digit-dial telephone survey interview that was administered to a sample of over 8,000 residents (approximately 1,100 persons age 65 or older) from September through December 1999. Data were collected on health behaviors, health status, and access to and use of health services, including in-home services for health care and personal care. Information will be used to generate estimates of the prevalence of disease, disability, and use of services as well as identify high-risk and under served elders. Specific measures of health practices include low and moderate intensity physical activity, muscle strengthening and toning activities, nutrition, smoking, and alcohol use. Measures of health status include prevalence and management of chronic diseases, use of the recommended clinical preventive services, functional limitations, use of and need for in-home services, depression, and social isolation.
Learning Objectives: Recognize the value of random-digit-dial telephone surveys for assessing the health of older populations. Learn about the methodology used in such a survey. List some of the major findings from such a survey in a large, racially and ethnically diverse urban area
Keywords: Health Assessment, Elderly
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.