In the News

Louisiana Illuminator (June 10)

Stat (July 2)

A paper by Dr. Laura Shannonhouse, Associate Professor, Georgia State University; Matthew Fullen, Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech; and Mary Chase Mize, Doctoral Student, Georgia State University  

On May 22, Minnesota Governor Walz signed H.F. 90, a package of reforms aimed at providing greater protection for older and vulnerable adults residing in assisted living facilities. Among other provisions, the Bill includes funding to support additional staff for the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care.

The Scranton (PA) Times Tribune (2/4, Osborne, Johnston, 171K) reports that while “much of the media attention” has focused on younger opioid abusers, “older adults are more likely to be prescribed opioids than any other population and overdoses are on the rise.” The piece says that “nearly 14,000 people age 45-plus died from opioid overdoses in 2015 – 42 percent of all such deaths nationally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” The piece says that by increasing

The AP (2/3, Johnson) reported that a growing number of hospitals are establishing specialized emergency department designed to help elderly patients avoid hospital visits, which can sometimes be harmful. There is now an accreditation program for such EDs, and Dr. Kevin Biese, “who leads the accreditation push for the American College of Emergency Physicians,” said, “We want to have at least 50 certified hospitals by the end of 2018.”

For many people, the holiday season means extra visits with family and friends, creating fun memories, sharing traditions and enjoying the warm glow of family. With all the decorating and activities, it’s easy to let safety slip off your to-do list. But this is an excellent time to make sure powerful medicines don’t fall into the wrong hands.

Edwin Walker (left), Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging, participates in Politico's panel discussion on Aging in America.  

St. Louis Public Radio recently engaged in a discussion of how to prevent falls. Read about this panel discussion, or listen to the broadcast. The CDC's Ann Dellinger, Branch Chief, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control participated in the panel.

Kaiser Health News (August 31) Soul Purpose: Seniors with Strong Reasons to Live Often Live Stronger