Age Friendly Public Health Systems

An age friendly public health system, as defined by Trust for America's Health, is one that assures programs, policies, and interventions promote the health and well being of citizens as they age. Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) has recognized the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) as an Advanced Age Friendly Public Health System (AFPHS) for its leadership and dedication to the health and well-being of older adults. This recognition indicates that TDH is prioritizing healthy aging as a fundamental public health issue in its statewide programs and services. The AFPHS framework highlights the various roles public health plays in addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by an aging population across different sectors, including community and home-based services, workplaces, and education and research. Click here to learn more about the AFPHS Recognition Program.

The TDH collaborates with local and regional health departments throughout Tennessee to develop age-friendly action plans, ensuring that older adults receive support through public health programs and strategic initiatives at the community level. These action plans assist local and regional health departments in attaining recognition as an Age Friendly Public Health System.

OHAmap

Public health organizations play a crucial role in ensuring that the health and well-being of older adults are prioritized in community planning, primary prevention efforts, screening, and quality initiatives. This prioritization can be accomplished by taking a life-course approach including, but not limited to, the following topics:

  • Chronic disease prevention and management (heart disease, diabetes, dementia, hypertension, hyperlipidemia)
  • Injury prevention (traumatic brain injury prevention, fall prevention, gun safety)
  • Emergency preparedness and response
  • Immunization outreach and distribution
  • Mental health promotion and suicide prevention
  • Physical activity and nutrition
  • Older adult data

Resources for Public Health Departments

More to Come