Diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, lung disease. Chronic diseases like these can force seniors to give up their independence too soon. We distribute proven programs in-person and online that empower individuals to manage their own care and improve their quality of life.

Improving Quality of Life and Health Care Outcomes Through CDSME Programs from National Council on Aging on Vimeo.

Every day, millions of people with chronic diseases struggle to manage their symptoms. About 80% of older adults have at least one chronic disease, and 68% have at least two. Chronic diseases place a significant burden on individuals as well as health care systems.

The good news is that people with chronic diseases who learn how to manage their symptoms can improve their quality of life and reduce their health care costs.

A CDSME Video Companion Guide has also been developed to support and enhance understanding of specific terms and concepts to better prepare professionals for presenting the video to health care entities.

How NCOA Helps

NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging serves as a resource center for states and local communities offering Stanford University’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs with support from the U.S. Administration for Community Living’s Administration on Aging.

Self-management programs, offered in communities throughout the U.S. as well as online, can give people with chronic diseases the tools they need to better manage their symptoms and put life back in their life.

Explore materials related to chronic disease in our Resources Library.