High Health Status - Age 65+ in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania

Self-reported health status is a measure of how individuals perceive their health. It is a subjective measure of health-related quality of life and is not limited to specific health conditions or outcomes. Instead, it is informed by life experiences, the health of others in one’s life, support from family and friends and other factors affecting well-being. Health status is used to track the health of a population over time and is an independent predictor of mortality, which makes this measure a good predictor of both short- and long-term mortality as well as future use of health care, particularly among those age 65 and older.

According to America’s Health Rankings analysis, the prevalence of adults age 65 and older who report “very good” or “excellent” health is higher among:

• White older adults compared with Hispanic, Black and American Indian/Alaska Native older adults.
• Older adults with a college degree compared with those with less than a high school education; the prevalence increases with each increase in education level.
• Older adults with an annual household income of $75,000 or more compared with those with incomes less than $25,000; the prevalence increases with each increase in income level.
• Older adults without a disability compared with older adults who have difficulty with self-care.
• Older adults living in metropolitan areas compared with those in non-metropolitan areas.
• Straight older adults compared with LGBQ+ older adults.

People with higher levels of education are more likely to be healthier. While older adults cannot change whether or not they received a high school education during young adulthood, education remains one of the most important drivers of health. Health literacy skills, for example, are key predictors of an individual's well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has multiple plans to help individuals or organizations improve health literacy among older adults. 

Mental health is also essential to overall wellness. Studies have found that social and emotional support can increase mentally healthy days for older individuals — having supportive relationships is another strong predictor of an individual's overall health. Therefore, policies and interventions aimed at promoting social ties and reducing social isolation could help to advance population health. 

Other ways to support healthy aging include visiting the doctor for regular health screenings, staying active, eating healthy foods and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.

High self-reported health status is one of the overall measures Healthy People 2030 uses to monitor the health and well-being of the population on a comprehensive level.

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