NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In response to the rapidly increasing number of older adults, the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) has established the Office of Healthy Aging. This initiative aims to develop partnerships and public health strategies to support the well-being of the state’s 1.6 million residents aged 60 and above, constituting a quarter of Tennessee’s population.
“Our goal is to create innovative strategies, policies, and programs over the next 15 to 20 years to meet the evolving needs of aging Tennesseans,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. Ralph Alvarado. “This effort will also require the active involvement of our age-friendly ecosystem partners to enhance the health and well-being of older adults.”
The Office of Healthy Aging initially focuses on two primary objectives: developing age-friendly public health systems and enhancing statewide dementia care and services.
In August, Trust for America’s Health recognized the 19 county health departments within TDH’s West Regional Office for their dedication to providing health programs and services tailored to older adults. The Age-Friendly Public Health Systems program assesses local initiatives to ensure that older adults are considered in needs assessments and health improvement plans. It also promotes collaboration across various sectors—including area agencies on aging and disability, faith-based communities, medical and behavioral health systems, and community social service organizations—to provide older adults access to healthy aging activities.