AHA Leading Initiatives to Provide Quality, Evidence-based Care for Older Adults
TL/DR –
The American Hospital Association (AHA) is focusing on improving healthcare for older adults, a population segment that is projected to reach 95 million by 2060. The association has collaborated with The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement since 2017, leading to the recognition of over 6,000 care sites as Age-Friendly Health Systems that have successfully improved patient and clinician satisfaction, reduced readmissions, and shortened hospital stays. To further its efforts, the AHA is leading a new virtual program this fall, offering free guidance to health systems on integrating the 4Ms Framework (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility) into daily practice and has launched the Age-Friendly Healthcare Impact Award to honor institutions transforming elder care through this framework.
Driving Quality Healthcare for Aging Americans Through AHA Partnerships
The American Hospital Association (AHA) is partnering with several organizations to promote safe, evidence-based healthcare for older adults, spanning multiple healthcare settings including ambulatory and long-term care, hospitals, health systems, and communities. With over 61 million Americans aged 65 or above—a figure projected to rise to approximately 95 million by 2060—the demand for high-quality care for older adults is increasingly critical.
Older adults face multiple challenges, including managing chronic diseases, navigating numerous medications, and grappling with uncertainties as they transition from independence to dependency. In response, the AHA, in collaboration with The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, launched the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative in 2017.
Over 6,000 care facilities, including hospitals, ambulatory care, long-term and post-acute care settings, have received recognition as Age-Friendly Health Systems. These facilities have demonstrated reduced readmissions, shorter lengths of stay, and increased patient and clinician satisfaction.
The AHA is preparing for its eighth AFHS Action Community this fall. This seven-month virtual program facilitates healthcare teams embedding the 4Ms Framework—What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility—into their daily practice. Participation is free, and interested healthcare providers are encouraged to learn more and register.
The AHA introduced the AHA Age-Friendly Healthcare Impact Award at the AHA Leadership Summit in July. Sponsored by The John A. Hartford Foundation, it honors hospitals and health systems transforming care for older adults through the 4Ms Framework. Applications are open until September 25.
The West Health Accelerator at AHA’s Health Research & Educational Trust furthers advanced care for older adults through its Adopting Digital Tools for Better Aging Care learning collaborative. This six-month program unites hospitals and health systems to adopt EHR-enabled tools, optimize clinical workflows, and implement evidence-based practices for consistent, high-quality care for older adults.
The AHA is committed to supporting older adults across the care continuum so they can age with dignity, receiving respectful, high-quality, and innovative care. This commitment extends to individuals at every stage of life in communities nationwide.
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