Vision |
Seniors are respected and integrated into
community life.
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| Senior Population |
As of 2004, Hawaii County had 13.3% of its population in the 65+ age group. Hawaii County had a senior population slightly less than Honolulu and Kauai, but greater than the national average and greater than Maui County.
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| Senior Populatiuon Living Alone |
According to the Center on the Family, in 2000, Hawaii County had the highest proportion of seniors living alone (21.6%) compared to the other counties. However, the proportion of Hawaii County seniors living alone was lower than the national average.
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| Senior Population in Labor Force |
As of 2000, Hawaii County had the most seniors in the labor force (14.7%) compared to the other counties in Hawaii and the national average.
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| Hypertension ( High Blood Pressure) |
At the time of print, no data was available at the County level. At the State level, Hawaii had slightly more seniors who had been told they had hypertension, an increase from 51.2% in 2000 to 58.0% in 2002.
Since high blood pressure is the most important risk factor for stroke, it is also the most important area to focus intervention.
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Blood Cholesterol |
According to the Center on the Family, Hawaii State had 90.2% of its seniors screened for high cholesterol in 2000, but the proportion dropped to 79.6% in 2002.
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Implication:
There may be opportunities to increase cholesterol screening of seniors.
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| Stroke Death Rate |
While the national stroke death rate (per 100,000 population greater than 65 years old) decreased between 2000 and 2002, the Hawaii State death rate, simultaneously increased. In 2006, Hawaii Department of Health began analyzing its burden of cardiovascular disease to try to understand trends and disparities.
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| Recommended Strategies |
According to survey, North Hawaii seniors (N=82) who took the confidential on-line health assessment www.howsyourhealth.com are “most concerned” with (www.howsyourhealth, June 2008).
45% High blood pressure(hypertension)
30% Limited social support
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| Current Recommended and Evidence-Based Strategies |
Currently there are a variety of evidence-based and successful programs for youth development and youth activities in North Hawaii. In other areas of the Big Island, Hilo has an East Hawaii collaboration to reduce child abuse and a Turning Point for Families program and there is an island-wide effort through the Hawaii County Youth Builders.
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| Recommended Evidence-Based Strategies |
The Center for Disease Control Community Guide suggests several additional strategies to support healthy youth development.
Implication: Partnerships between schools and businesses to increase school-based entrepreneurial activities could have strong positive impact.
- Senior exercise programs., social support through Tutu's House.
- Senior Centers
- North Kohala Intergenerational Center
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| Seniors View to Improve Health |
At this time we do not have adequate data on seniors’ health. See Trends for Action 2002 - Healthcare Association of Hawaii. However, we do have limited data suggesting that social isolation is both a concern and a key opportunity for intervention because it is associated with poorer health outcomes.
Implication:
Free senior exercise programs in North Hawaii have been well received and should be continued, expanded and linked with primary care and other resources for seniors. There also appears to be an opportunity to develop assisted living housing for seniors in North Hawaii. |
