Older Americans Month May 26, 2006 CVMC's Lifeline Celebrates Older Americans Month, Offers Choices for Independence

America's aging population reached a turning point in 2006. One of the nation's largest generations, the baby boomers, started turning 60. According to Catawba Valley Medical Center's (CVMC) Lifeline program, as many as 78 million people constitute the baby boomer generation, and they stand to make an enormous contribution to the rich character and wisdom older adults offer. "Baby boomers are among the millions of mid-life and older adults who are continuing to redefine how we age," said Carol Beard, CVMC Lifeline coordinator. "We need to be ready for an aging population that is as multi-faceted as any in our history." This month the U.S. Administration on Aging and CVMC celebrate Older Americans Month. This year's theme, "Choices for Independence," reflects their commitment to help our nation prepare for a larger aging population and to bolster the efforts of baby boomers and older adults to achieve healthy aging. Independence for adults as they age relies on a balance of important elements: empowerment in consumer choice; healthy lifestyles that emphasize nutrition, physical activity, prevention and active participation in one's health care, and access to the tools necessary to support independent living. One such tool is Lifeline. Lifeline users were a lightweight, waterproof button. If they require assistance, they only have to press this button to signal their Lifeline Home Unit to dial the organization's 24/7 Response Center. There caring and fully-trained Personal Response Associates have all the medical and personal information to get the appropriate help quickly. "Helping people live with confidence is a mission we hold close to our hearts and one that all of us take seriously," continued Ms. Beard. "We are proud to support the active and independent lifestyle of older adults in our community." For information on Lifeline, please call Ms. Beard at 828-485-2696. Catawba Valley Medical Center is a not-for-profit, public healthcare system providing and promoting the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of the public in addition to serving as a center for health education, wellness services, preventative medicine and acute care. CVMC, recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet facility, was recently named a Hospital of Choice by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers.