This weekly blog series is a roundup of recent news items and developments that I found interesting and would like to share.
(Photo: Smart Power India)
The Good Practice Guide offers practical advice on how to create age friendly urban environments. The guide is based on a low budget, but seemingly effective, program from the Australian city of Victoria. Improved Livability for Older People in Small Towns
Nursing Homes Join Forces to Boost Care With Tech
This is an important policy brief on aging. It touches many important bases. White House Conference on Aging Healthy Aging Policy Brief
Here are some key features of the IBM Watson diagnostic program. It appears that Watson may be but one component of a much larger strategy to integrate information technology with the delivery of health services, including treatment and prevention services. Pharmaceutical and medical device companies have long sought to enter the service and health maintenance business and may at last have found a winning strategy. Seven Things to Know About IBM Watson
This is a group in the the South Bronx that may be an example of how to involve the community in developing local healthcare and wellness programs. Health People: Community Preventive Health Institute
This is an excellent article by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on the benefits of education for health. People who do not graduate from high school have very high rates of diabetes; those that graduate from high school have a high rate; those that have more than a high school education have a low rate. The study argues that investment in education is a cost effective way to improve health and prevent disease. Investments in Education Are Investments in Health: The Federal Perspective
This is an an excellent brief summary of the Indian healthcare system and the need to integrate information technology solutions. It was prepared by Accenture. Delivering eHealth in India: Analysis and Recommendations
Overmedication is a serious problem for all with multiple diseases, not just the elderly. Call to Cut Antipsychotic Prescriptions for Older Patients
This is some practical advice on how to reduce antipsychotic drug use for older patients and save healthcare dollars. This Nursing Home Calms Troubling Behavior Without Risky Drugs
This is a thoughtful report from the US Department of Health and Human Services on approaches to the management of patients of all ages with multiple chronic disease, but particularly the elderly. There are some use guidelines for all countries. Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Strategic Framework