Aging and Functional Disability

For most older adults, being able to do the things they want to do at home and in the community is a significant component of healthy aging. This is true for older adults with and without functional impairments. This chapter highlights individual factors, programs, and policies that contribute to achieving goals of healthy aging for adults experiencing functional impairment. The primary goal is to present a range of elements that influence opportunities older adults have, to meet their individual healthy aging objectives and remain active members of their communities. The secondary goal is to encourage professional social workers to learn more about these elements by providing brief examples of interventions, including theoretical models, assessment tools, model programs, and policy initiatives.