Adolescent, Adult, and Older Adult Health Overview

Adolescents and Young Adults (14-24 years)

  • Proportion of Population (2019):
  • Adolescents: 12.8%
  • Young Adults: 6.7%
  • Age Groups Covered:
  • Adolescents: 10-19 years
  • Young Adults: 20-24 years
  • Includes high school (14-18) and college students (18-24)

Factors Impacting Adolescents and Young Adults

  • Living Arrangements: Variability affecting stability and health outcomes.
  • Employment Status: Job access influences economic resources and self-esteem.
  • Health Care Access: Availability and affordability of services is crucial.
  • Protective Factors:
  • Community Service: Engagement reduces risky behaviors.
  • School Connectedness: Involvement leads to better academic and health outcomes.

Mortality Among Adolescents and Young Adults

  • Trends: Death rates have declined over time.
  • Males have higher mortality rates than females in this group.
  • Leading Causes of Death:
  • Unintentional injuries
  • Cancer
  • Suicide
  • Environmental and Behavioral Threats: Greater risk comes from behaviors rather than diseases.

Priority Health Behaviors Among High School Students (14-18 years)

  • Behaviors Related to Unintentional Injury:
  • Seatbelt and helmet use.
  • Distracted driving (texting, alcohol).
  • Violence Contributing Behaviors:
  • Carrying weapons, fighting, dating violence, and bullying.
  • Substance Use: Tobacco, e-cigarettes, and alcohol.
  • Sexual Behaviors: Risks of unintended pregnancy and STDs.

Priority Health Behaviors Among College Students (18-24 years)

  • Unintentional Injury: Alcohol-related incidents.
  • Behaviors Contributing to Violence: Weapon carrying and sexual assault.
  • Substance Use: Drug, tobacco, and alcohol use.
  • Sexual Health Risks: Unintended pregnancies and STDs.

Adults (25-64 years)

  • Population Characteristics: Make up over half of the US population (2020 census).
  • Health Profile: Primarily affected by chronic disease.
  • Influencing Factors:
  • Income, food access, and education impact health outcomes.

Leading Causes of Death in Adults (2020)

  • Top Causes:
  • Heart Disease
  • Cancer (Malignant Neoplasms)
  • Chronic Respiratory Diseases
  • Covid-19 (highlighted significantly in recent years)

Priority Health Conditions & Behaviors Among US Adults

  • Chronic Diseases:
  • Major focus areas include lung and breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases.
  • Behavioral Risk Factors:
  • Smoking, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Protective Behaviors: Emphasizing screenings for early detection of chronic diseases.

Older Adults (65 years +)

  • Demographic Trends: Make up about 16% of the population; could reach 20% by 2030 due to aging baby boomers.
  • Social Concerns: Economic, social and health issues increasingly vital.

Factors Impacting Older Adults**

  • Demographics:
  • Marital status, living arrangements, and racial/ethnic composition are significant.
  • Economic status greatly affects quality of life and health outcomes.

Leading Causes of Death in Older Adults (2020)

  • Common Causes: Heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and chronic lower respiratory diseases.

Priority Health Conditions & Behaviors Among Older Adults

  • Chronic Conditions: Arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes.
  • Impairments: Includes sensory, physical, and memory issues.
  • Behavioral Risks: Smoking, inactivity, poor nutrition.
  • Protective Behaviors: Importance of vaccinations and screenings.

Services to Improve the Health of Older Adults

  • Healthcare and Living Arrangements:
  • Options between independent and assisted living.
  • Support Services: Caregivers, personal care services, and Medicare coverage crucial for addressing health needs and providing assistance.
  • Community Resources: Meal services, senior centers, and transportation assistance enhance quality of life.