2012 ANNUAL REPORT

A New Direction in Aging and Health

While problems in the health care system persist, much has changed in the 30 years since the Hartford Foundation first identified the troubling trends facing society and its aging population. There is now board certification in geriatric medicine, and geriatrics is woven into the fabric of many academic medical institutions. The disciplines of nursing and social work are in many ways transformed. Over 90 percent of baccalaureate nursing programs have integrated gerontological content into their curriculum. There are more gero-expert faculty and geriatric courses in the field of social work. Of the 200 accredited schools of social work, all now have specialized geriatric content.

Models based on scientific evidence for providing better health care to older adults now exist. Recognition and treatment of late-life depression is integrated into many more primary care practices. Many health care systems have set up safer systems for patients with complex health care needs to make the transition from hospital to home. Hartford-funded programs are widely used in clinical practice. Many have had a major influence on health policy.

The education and training of health care professionals in the care of older adults has improved dramatically, and we have more evidence about how to provide the best care to this population.

“The impact of the Hartford Foundation is more than just a ripple effect, it’s like powerful waves sweeping over the country,” says Susan C. Reinhard, PhD, RN, Senior Vice President, AARP, and Director of the AARP Public Policy Institute, Washington, DC, who led a grant program focused on family caregivers of older adults (AARP).

The health care landscape changes continuously, and the Hartford Foundation evolves with the times. A new Foundation strategic planning process in 2011 identified new challenges and directions in aging and health. But before elaborating on the future, the accomplishments of the last 30 years are summarized in the following pages.