Initiative set to improve older Oklahomans’ health

MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (AP) – An initiative to improve the health of older Oklahomans has been joined by the state Department of Human Services.

The agency will join Gov. Mary Fallin and the Oklahoma Department of Health at the "Healthy Aging Summit: Living Longer Better" on Monday in Midwest City. The event will bring together older adults and the families, friends, health care providers and service organizations that care for them.

The summit’s purpose is to set goals for significant improvements in health outcomes for older adults through 2018. The summit will include presentations on national, tribal and local initiatives to promote healthy aging.

A study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says older adults across the U.S. can expect to have about two more years of healthy life than in Oklahoma.