Episode 18:10 Israel Cross, PhD, MA, CDP, ECHM, on public health policy for older adults

Israel Cross, an officer in the United States Public Health Service, has devoted his career to improving the lives of older adults from a policy level. He discusses the most pressing challenges facing older adults, including financial security, caregiver support, access to technology, and the dangers of climate change..

About Israel

LCDR Israel Cross is a gerontologist and a dedicated United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officer with over fifteen years of experience. He is celebrated for his interdisciplinary approach to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. Cross's collaborative efforts with professionals from healthcare, health information technology, and community engagement have been instrumental in elevating the standards of care for the populations he serves. His work is deeply rooted in addressing health equity, with a focus on the intersection of older adult health, caregiving, and climate change.

As a passionate advocate for older adult health and caregiving, Cross is committed to ensuring equitable access to healthcare and improving the well-being of underserved communities. His expertise and dedication make him a valuable asset in advancing health equity initiatives and driving meaningful progress in addressing the complex challenges facing aging populations. He is a certified dementia practitioner and holds an aging-in-place and home modification certification from University of Southern California.

Key Takeaways

• The most pressing multigenerational challenges of aging are financial security, caregiver support, access to technology, and the dangers of climate change. Currently, there are not enough policies that support economic security in later life. Older adults often lack adequate retirement savings, posing a significant challenge for multiple generations.
• The Latin phrase "cogito ergo sum" means "I think, therefore I am." Thinking about yourself positively as you age can have a significant impact.
• There is a shift from social determinants of health to social drivers of health. The term "determinants" implies a sense of finality, stripping people of their agency to manage their own health care and well-being. The principle of “Nothing about us without us” emphasizes the importance of involving people in decisions that affect their lives.
• The critical intersection of climate change and aging relates to health equity. Older adults are most likely to be left behind during disasters. During Hurricane Katrina, over 70% of those who died were over 65. In the California wildfires in 2018, over 85% of those who died were over 80. In Hurricane Florence, over two-thirds of those who died were over 60. During the 2023 Hawaii fires, over 70% of those who died were over 60.