NIHAN

Nevada Interprofessional Healthy Aging Network

Strengthening geriatrics within primary care in Nevada’s aging communities, by developing a strong, high-quality healthcare workforce that harnesses patient and family engagement and improves the overall health of older adults.

Workforce Enhancement

Through Interprofessional Education (IPE) Training

Providing IPE training to enhance our healthcare workforce and to deliver integrated geriatrics care services for older adults within primary care settings.

Age-Friendly Health System

Applying the evidence-based 4Ms framework to healthcare practices, as a set, in the care of older adults and to improve Age-Friendly Health Systems.

Community Partnership

Collaborating with community-based organizations to promote an Age-Friendly Health System and a Dementia-Friendly Community.

HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

OLDER ADULTS & FAMILIES

AGE-FRIENDLY HEALTH SYSTEM

ABOUT NIHAN

The Nevada Interprofessional Healthy Aging Network (NIHAN) has been awarded a prestigious $3.75 million Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) grant (#U1QHP33069) by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This award is granted to improve health outcomes for older adults, by educating a healthcare workforce that maximizes older adult and family engagement, and by promoting Age-Friendly Health Systems and Dementia-Friendly Communities to primary care clinics and geriatric communities.

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Be the first to know about NIHAN's upcoming seminars, events, and training opportunities. Visit our "About Us" page, to read past NIHAN Quarterly Newsletters.

Healthy Aging Myths and Truths

MYTH

Older adults cannot learn new skills.

TRUTH

Developing skills and finding new hobbies is great for older adults' cognition (National Institute on Aging, 2022).

MYTH

Since your metabolism slows as you age, gaining weight is inevitable.

TRUTH

Although your metabolism slows with age, there are ways to maintain a healthy weight such as monitor your calories, stay active, and reduce stress (Rush University System for Health, 2022).

MYTH

Exercise is dangerous for older adults.

TRUTH

Being active can help with chronic conditions, keep older adults independent, and improve their mental health (National Institute on Aging, 2022).

MYTH

It is difficult to be social as you age.

TRUTH

There are many ways or older adults to meet new people and remain social: join a book club, get a gym membership, take a class, and volunteer (Rush University System for Health, 2022).

MYTH

Dementia is inevitable as you age.

TRUTH

Not all old adults get dementia; you can reduce your risk in many ways. Visit Cleveland Clinic's Healthy Brain Initiative site below to learn how (National Institute on Aging, 2022).

Healthy Brains

MYTH

You need less sleep as you age.

TRUTH

Your sleep needs do not change as you age. It is recommended that older adults still get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night (National Institute on Aging, 2020).