AHRQ Strategic Plan for Health System Transformation To Optimize Health, Functional Status, and Well-Being Among Older Adults

The U.S. population is rapidly aging, and the health system is ill-prepared to meet the needs of older adults. Older adults and individuals with multiple chronic conditions frequently receive fragmented and sub-optimal care, leading to poor outcomes, including avoidable adverse events, hospitalizations, and institutionalization, as well as increased costs negatively impacting the sustainability of Medicare and state Medicaid programs.

By re-engineering healthcare delivery systems so that care transformation optimizes health outcomes, functional status, and well-being, much of the morbidity and premature mortality associated with aging can be delayed or slowed, and chronic conditions can be effectively managed, allowing people to live independently and contribute to their communities longer.

This Strategic Plan details five goals and related strategies to achieve these goals for health system transformation that optimizes the health, functional status, and well-being among older adults.